Written Answers Nos. 982-1001
982. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Communications; Energy and Natural Resources if the targets contained in the recently published national broadband plan for 30MB broadband speed across rural Ireland involves fibre connectivity as opposed to mobile broadband; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38422/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra983. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Communications; Energy and Natural Resources the way he will assess where there has been market failure in the provision of high speed broadband in rural Ireland; if this process has already begun; if any specific areas in County Louth have been identified where the market has failed to provide adequate high speed broadband; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38423/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra984. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Communications; Energy and Natural Resources if the towns of County Louth will be included in the 50% of the population to which he is aiming to deliver 70 - 100MB broadband speeds by 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38424/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra985. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Communications; Energy and Natural Resources the percentage of the population of County Louth that currently have access to broadband speeds in excess of 70MB and the way this compare to the average across the State. [38425/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 982 to 985, inclusive, together.
The Government’s National Broadband Plan, which I published in August, aims to radically change the broadband landscape in Ireland by ensuring that high speed services of at least 30 Mbps are available to all of our citizens and businesses, well in advance of the EU’s target date of 2020, and that significantly higher speeds are available to as many homes and businesses as possible.
The National Broadband Plan for Ireland commits to high speed broadband availability across the country – specifically:
70 Mbps – 100 Mbps will be available from the commercial market operators to more than half of the population by 2015;
At least 40 Mbps, and in many cases faster speeds, to at least a further 20% (and potentially as much as 35%) of the population during the lifetime of the Government; and
A minimum of 30 Mbps for every remaining home and business in the country, also during the lifetime of the Government.
During the preparation of the National Broadband Plan, the commercial market operators indicated that they expect to provide 70 Mbps to 100 Mbps services to 50% of the population by 2015. The areas to be provided with those services will be determined by the commercial market operators.
One of the first steps in delivering on the 30 Mbps and 40 Mbps commitments will be the completion of a formal national mapping exercise to determine the exact position in relation to commercial service providers’ existing and planned broadband services throughout the country. Preparatory work has commenced within my Department to expedite this mapping exercise.
County level statistics on the percentage of the population which currently has access to broadband speeds in excess of 70 Mbps are not available in my Department. The mapping exercise will identify the areas of the country where there is market failure in the provision of high speed broadband services. It will also identify where the market is expected to succeed and fail in the delivery of high speed broadband over the coming years. Until that process is complete, the precise areas of the country which will require State intervention will not be known. I would reiterate however, that the Government remains committed to the delivery of the speeds referred to above.
In compliance with EU competition law and State aid rules, the National Broadband Plan does not dictate the technological solution which will be used in the forthcoming public procurement process. The outcome of the mapping exercise will inform the design of the procurement process and the responses received from the commercial market will determine the technological solution to be used.
986. Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for Communications; Energy and Natural Resources his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding television licences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38459/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe regulations underpinning the current TV Licensing regime are set out in Part 9 of the Broadcasting Act 2009. The possible introduction of different categories of licence, under Section 144 of the 2009 Act, was considered by my Department in an exercise conducted last year. An evaluation of the feasibility and cost benefits of such a step was carried out in conjunction with a consultation process, which sought the views of stakeholders who had previously been in contact with the Department in relation to this issue.
On foot of this review, the Department decided not to pursue the introduction of different categories of licence at this stage but rather to deal with the issues arising in the context of an ongoing wider review of the current model of television licence fee. This review, which includes a comprehensive examination of both the effectiveness and efficiency of the current model, is being undertaken on foot of the commitment in the Programme for Government to introduce a household based Public Broadcasting Charge. This review, which will also include a period of consultation, will examine the role and collection of the current TV Licence fee, in light of existing and projected convergence of broadcasting technologies, and will include an analysis of the most effective models in terms of efficiency and capability to fund our public service broadcasting service. It is my expectation that the review will also deal with issues relating to equity of applicability, including the approach to be taken to situations as described in the correspondence received by the Deputy.
The ultimate objective will be to transform the current TV licence into a Public Service Broadcasting Charge to be applied to all households and applicable businesses, regardless of the device they use to access content.
987. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Communications; Energy and Natural Resources the amount of money spent on an annual basis on education and training of staff in 2011 and to date in 2012; the number of staff that availed of each course; if he will provide a list of the courses staff undertook and the cost of each course per person. [38481/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn support of the Department’s business objectives, funding for staff development is budgeted for across three main areas – training course activity, relevant third level education and membership of professional bodies which include in their membership significant elements of function related professional development training.
In addition essential Health and Safety related training is also provided.
The Department has included staff development in its ongoing value for money initiative across all services provision and the Staff Development Unit undertook, in 2009, reviews of both training policy and procurement. In this regard costs have been reduced over recent years without compromising quality or diminishing training opportunity. The Department has developed internal expertise to facilitate a number of in-house training courses which has displaced the need to hire private consultants for this function, In addition, we operate in partnership with larger Departments to avail of economies of scale in terms of training places on commonly themed training.
In 2011 expenditure on these activities was €102,442.43. To date in 2012 expenditure is €45,774.35 and further commitments to staff development will increase this, within the allocated budget, by year end. This compares to some €154,000 in 2010 and some €265,000 in 2009.
The details sought by the Deputy, as regards course and attendance and the cost per head, is in the table.
2011
|
- |
Description |
Amount |
Attendee |
Cost Per Person |
|
Training - Membership Fees |
Agresso Membership |
€250.00 |
1 |
€250.00 |
|
ACCA Membership Fees 2011 |
€467.36 |
2 |
€233.68 |
|
|
ACCA Fees 2012 |
€234.53 |
1 |
€234.53 |
|
|
Trinity College Membership Fees Library Access |
€900.00 |
1 |
€900.00 |
|
|
Institute of Geologists Membership |
€1,020.00 |
6 |
€170.00 |
|
|
IAU Membership |
€612.89 |
4 |
€153.22 |
|
|
Engineers Ireland |
€285.00 |
1 |
€285.00 |
|
|
€3,769.78 |
||||
|
Training Course/Conference Fees |
Financial Training |
€1,284.22 |
1 |
€1,284.22 |
|
Forum on Public Procurement in Ireland |
€90.75 |
2 |
€45.38 |
|
|
Irish Payroll Association |
€375.00 |
1 |
€375.00 |
|
|
MBS in Strategic Procurement |
€7,350.00 |
1 |
€7,350.00 |
|
|
Public Procurement Legal Cases |
€90.75 |
2 |
€45.38 |
|
|
LLB (Bachelor of Laws) |
€2,155.00 |
1 |
€2,155.00 |
|
|
MBA Y1 |
€1,585.96 |
1 |
€1,585.96 |
|
|
Judicial Review |
€245.00 |
1 |
€245.00 |
|
|
Membership Fee (legal) |
€55.00 |
1 |
€55.00 |
|
|
Productive Solutions |
€795.00 |
4 |
€198.75 |
|
|
Productive Solutions |
€450.00 |
1 |
€450.00 |
|
|
First Aid Training |
€1,062.00 |
3 |
€354.00 |
|
|
Evac Training |
€1,048.80 |
8 |
€131.10 |
|
|
Evac Training |
€1,615.00 |
4 |
€403.75 |
|
|
Implementing ISO/IEC |
€1,195.00 |
1 |
€1,195.00 |
|
|
French language level 3-4 |
€400.00 |
1 |
€400.00 |
|
|
Beginners Irish |
€140.00 |
1 |
€140.00 |
|
|
French language level 3-4 |
€400.00 |
1 |
€400.00 |
|
|
French language level 3-4 |
€400.00 |
1 |
€400.00 |
|
|
Train The Trainer |
€850.00 |
2 |
€425.00 |
|
|
MSc Public Mgt |
€3,320.00 |
1 |
€3,320.00 |
|
|
Geological Training |
€500.75 |
1 |
€500.75 |
|
|
IMQS/IPI Planning Seminar |
€85.00 |
1 |
€85.00 |
|
|
Health and Safety Training |
€250.00 |
1 |
€250.00 |
|
|
Pension Admin Training |
€810.00 |
1 |
€810.00 |
|
|
Future of State Assets Seminar |
€235.95 |
1 |
€235.95 |
|
|
EU Electricity Seminar |
€707.85 |
3 |
€235.95 |
|
|
Customised Excel Training |
€395.00 |
1 |
€395.00 |
|
|
Intro to Argis Apr/Jun |
€835.00 |
1 |
€835.00 |
|
|
Intro to Argis Apr/Jun |
€835.00 |
1 |
€835.00 |
|
|
Argis16/17 June 2011 |
€835.00 |
1 |
€835.00 |
|
|
Software Training |
€400.00 |
2 |
€200.00 |
|
|
Executive Coaching |
€500.00 |
1 |
€500.00 |
|
|
A-Z in Irish Gov & Public Admin |
€3,000.00 |
22 |
€136.36 |
|
|
Copyright |
€900.00 |
1 |
€900.00 |
|
|
A-Z of Irish Government |
€1,975.00 |
4 |
€493.75 |
|
|
Cert in Civil Service Studies |
€950.00 |
1 |
€950.00 |
|
|
Access Training |
€795.00 |
1 |
€795.00 |
|
|
Cert in Civil Service Studies |
€950.00 |
1 |
€950.00 |
|
|
Internal Audit Training |
€550.00 |
1 |
€550.00 |
|
|
Business Process Improvement |
€920.00 |
1 |
€920.00 |
|
|
Front House Receptionist Training |
€850.00 |
4 |
€212.50 |
|
|
BCM Disaster Recovery |
€495.00 |
1 |
€495.00 |
|
|
HR Training |
€175.50 |
1 |
€175.50 |
|
|
HR Admin Training. |
€4,797.65 |
6 |
€799.61 |
|
|
Comp in Energy an Regulated Mkts |
€85.00 |
1 |
€85.00 |
|
|
Business Process Improvement |
€920.00 |
1 |
€920.00 |
|
|
Ground Source Heating & Cooling |
€200.00 |
1 |
€200.00 |
|
|
ArcGIS Part 1 |
€835.00 |
1 |
€835.00 |
|
|
Irish Language |
€170.00 |
1 |
€170.00 |
|
|
Ground Source Heating & Cooling |
€800.00 |
4 |
€200.00 |
|
|
Communications Seminar |
€471.90 |
1 |
€471.90 |
|
|
Holistic View of Generator Revenue |
€15.00 |
1 |
€15.00 |
|
|
Competition in Energy an Reg Markets |
€85.00 |
1 |
€85.00 |
|
|
Legal Training |
€145.00 |
1 |
€145.00 |
|
|
Regulatory Governance |
€400.00 |
1 |
€400.00 |
|
|
Webmaster Designer Diploma |
€1,595.00 |
1 |
€1,595.00 |
|
|
Intermediate ArcGis |
€1,300.00 |
1 |
€1,300.00 |
|
|
Legal Training |
€528.00 |
1 |
€528.00 |
|
|
€55,205.08 |
||||
|
Refund of Course Fees |
MA in Public Management |
€1,500.00 |
1 |
€1,500.00 |
|
Diploma in Business Studies |
€894.00 |
1 |
€894.00 |
|
|
MA in Public Management |
€3,500.00 |
1 |
€3,500.00 |
|
|
Bachelor of Arts in Public Management |
€1,036.00 |
1 |
€1,036.00 |
|
|
MA in Public Management |
€3,564.00 |
1 |
€3,564.00 |
|
|
Diploma in Business Studies |
€1,393.00 |
1 |
€1,393.00 |
|
|
Diploma in EU Studies |
€597.00 |
1 |
€597.00 |
|
|
Masters in Public Management |
€5,000.00 |
1 |
€5,000.00 |
|
|
BA in Business Studies |
€1,043.00 |
1 |
€1,043.00 |
|
|
BA in Business Studies |
€1,043.00 |
1 |
€1,043.00 |
|
|
MA in European Law |
€3,170.99 |
1 |
€3,170.99 |
|
|
Diploma in European Law |
€1,349.69 |
1 |
€1,349.69 |
|
|
BA (Hons) Business Management |
€1,970.50 |
1 |
€1,970.50 |
|
|
BA (Hons) Business Mgt Project |
€844.50 |
1 |
€844.50 |
|
|
Masters in Business Administration |
€3,700.60 |
1 |
€3,700.60 |
|
|
PHD in Physics |
€3,800.00 |
1 |
€3,800.00 |
|
|
Master of Arts In Public Management |
€3,500.00 |
1 |
€3,500.00 |
|
|
Master of Arts In Public Management |
€750.00 |
1 |
€750.00 |
|
|
Bachelor of Arts in Public Management |
€1,500.00 |
1 |
€1,500.00 |
|
|
Bachelor of Arts in Public Management |
€459.00 |
1 |
€459.00 |
|
|
€40,615.28 |
2012
|
- |
- |
Amount |
Attendee |
Cost Per Person |
|
Membership Fees |
Membership of SEG |
€121.16 |
1 |
€121.16 |
|
Membership Fee Energy Institute |
€164.50 |
1 |
€164.50 |
|
|
Annual Subscription for Trinity College Library Access |
€900.00 |
|||
|
Membership for the Irish Centre for European Law |
€395.00 |
|||
|
Membership Fees - Institute of Geologists |
€1,032.00 |
5 |
€206.40 |
|
|
Affiliate Subscription - Chartered Institute of Personnel Development |
€408.40 |
2 |
€204.20 |
|
|
Membership Fees - Engineers Ireland |
€665.00 |
2 |
€332.50 |
|
|
€3,686.06 |
||||
|
Training Course/Conference Fees |
Introduction to IBM SPSS & Statistics |
€840.00 |
1 |
€840.00 |
|
Communications Training |
€750.00 |
1 |
€750.00 |
|
|
HR training |
€265.00 |
1 |
€265.00 |
|
|
Certificate in Regulatory Affairs |
€3,547.59 |
1 |
€3,547.59 |
|
|
Understanding the EU Public Procurement Rules |
€1,300.00 |
2 |
€650.00 |
|
|
Understanding the EU Public Procurement Rules |
€650.00 |
1 |
€650.00 |
|
|
Audit Committees - Role & Evaluation |
€195.00 |
1 |
€195.00 |
|
|
Legal Training |
€846.00 |
1 |
€846.00 |
|
|
Public Procurement Conference |
€121.50 |
1 |
€121.50 |
|
|
DVB Conference (Broadcasting) |
€950.75 |
1 |
€950.75 |
|
|
Introduction to IBM SPSS & Statistics |
€672.00 |
1 |
€672.00 |
|
|
Employment Law Seminar |
€220.00 |
1 |
€220.00 |
|
|
EU Litigation Update Conference |
€58.50 |
1 |
€58.50 |
|
|
Managing the Recession - The Evolving Role of In-House Lawyer |
€20.00 |
1 |
€20.00 |
|
|
French Tuition |
€280.75 |
1 |
€280.75 |
|
|
Intensive French Training |
€853.56 |
1 |
€853.56 |
|
|
RIA Training Conference |
€20.00 |
1 |
€20.00 |
|
|
EIA Practise Seminar |
€180.00 |
1 |
€180.00 |
|
|
Reporting to PERC Standard (exploration) |
€100.00 |
1 |
€100.00 |
|
|
Groundwater (Geology) Training |
€200.00 |
1 |
€200.00 |
|
|
IAEG Conference ( Geology) |
€150.00 |
1 |
€150.00 |
|
|
Software Training Benefit Programme |
€600.00 |
1 |
€600.00 |
|
|
Communications & Assertiveness Skills Course |
€475.00 |
1 |
€475.00 |
|
|
Executive Coaching |
€500.00 |
1 |
€500.00 |
|
|
Internal Mediation Resolving Workplace Disputes |
€550.00 |
1 |
€550.00 |
|
|
Freedom of Information Decision Makers Course |
€1,800.00 |
10 |
€180.00 |
|
|
Business Process Improvement Training |
€920.00 |
1 |
€920.00 |
|
|
Certificate in Social Media |
€560.00 |
1 |
€560.00 |
|
|
Corporate Governance Training |
€1,450.00 |
14 |
€103.57 |
|
|
A New Era for Data Protection in Ireland |
€239.85 |
1 |
€239.85 |
|
|
Public Management |
€105.00 |
1 |
€105.00 |
|
|
CSLC Language Training - French |
€0.00 |
2 |
€0.00 |
|
|
TPU - Planning for Retirement |
€0.00 |
4 |
€0.00 |
|
|
Agresso Financial Reporting - In House |
€0.00 |
5 |
€0.00 |
|
|
Defibrillator Training |
€0.00 |
21 |
€0.00 |
|
|
Level Two Management Training |
€0.00 |
2 |
€0.00 |
|
|
Clerical Officer Development Programme |
€0.00 |
4 |
€0.00 |
|
|
Introduction to Public Procurement |
€0.00 |
3 |
€0.00 |
|
|
€19,420.50 |
||||
|
Refund of Course Fees |
Refund of Fees - Computing & Maths |
€1,275.84 |
1 |
€1,275.84 |
|
Refund of Fees - Bridging Course |
€245.00 |
1 |
€245.00 |
|
|
Refund of Fees - BA in Business Studies |
€672.00 |
1 |
€672.00 |
|
|
Refund of Fees - BA in Business Management |
€420.00 |
1 |
€420.00 |
|
|
Refund of Fees - PHD Experimental Physics |
€2,300.00 |
1 |
€2,300.00 |
|
|
Refund of Fees BA in Business Management |
€980.00 |
1 |
€980.00 |
|
|
Refund of Fees - Bachelor of Arts |
€1,974.00 |
1 |
€1,974.00 |
|
|
Refund of Fees - Computing & Maths |
€580.26 |
1 |
€580.26 |
|
|
Refund of Fees - Doctorate In Governance |
€3,000.00 |
1 |
€3,000.00 |
|
|
Refund of Fees - BA of Business Studies |
€1,568.00 |
1 |
€1,568.00 |
|
|
Refund of Fees - Doctorate In Governance |
€7,000.00 |
1 |
€7,000.00 |
|
|
Refund of Fees - Bachelor of Law |
€2,155.00 |
1 |
€2,155.00 |
|
|
€22,170.10 |
988. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Communications; Energy and Natural Resources the loss recorded at RTE in 2011; and the impact of the circa €50 million additional pension liability incurred by RTE during 2011. [38525/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraRTÉ is an independent national public service broadcaster whose remit and obligations are set out in Section 114 of the Broadcasting Act 2009.
Section 98 provides that the company shall be independent in the pursuance of these objects, subject to the requirements of the Act and as such, I, as Minister, have no function in the management of RTÉ’s day to day affairs including in relation to pension matters. These are purely matters for RTÉ management.
That said, I have engaged with the Director-General of RTÉ on a number of issues during the course of the year and I have made my view clear that a continuing deficit position is not tenable. I believe that RTÉ management fully concur with this and are taking the remedial action necessary to address the situation. I have been assured that RTÉ is taking all the necessary steps in its intention to return to a breakeven position by the end of 2013.
In relation to the specific information sought by the Deputy, I can confirm that, according to the 2011 RTÉ Annual Report and Accounts, RTÉ recorded a net deficit after tax of €16.8million in 2011.
991. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Communications; Energy and Natural Resources the number, if any, of applicants now remaining in the rural broadband scheme; the current status of these applicants; the measures that will be taken on behalf of these applicants and the date of same; and if he will outline the costs and disbursement of the scheme to date. [38655/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Rural Broadband Scheme (RBS) was launched last year in recognition of the fact that despite the widespread availability of broadband throughout Ireland, there still remained individual premises that were unable to receive broadband provision. This Scheme is aimed at making a basic broadband service available to un-served premises in rural non-NBS areas.
The Application Phase of the RBS closed on 29 July 2011. The Department received 5,000 applications and of these, approximately 3,700 qualified under the terms of the scheme.
The details of applicants were passed to participating companies and the companies responded to DCENR indicating where they may be able to offer services. A total of 29 companies are now participating in this part of the Scheme and a total of 2011 applicants have given their consent to receive written offers of service from the participating companies.
The following table gives an overall picture of the number of applications now in the Scheme and the distribution of those applications at county level.
Table
|
Carlow |
21 |
Cavan |
45 |
Clare |
115 |
Cork |
146 |
|
Donegal |
151 |
Dublin |
46 |
Galway |
96 |
Kerry |
67 |
|
Kildare |
87 |
Kilkenny |
40 |
Laois |
70 |
Leitrim |
56 |
|
Limerick |
37 |
Longford |
81 |
Louth |
37 |
Mayo |
49 |
|
Meath |
97 |
Monaghan |
119 |
Offaly |
135 |
Roscommon |
57 |
|
Sligo |
42 |
Tipperary |
186 |
Waterford |
33 |
Westmeath |
102 |
|
Wexford |
67 |
Wicklow |
29 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
The companies involved have sought to provide services to applicants over the period. The Department is now in the process of gathering data from the companies concerned and the outcome of the Scheme will be known shortly when all of this data has been returned. This is expected to be around the end of this month.
As the internet service companies participating in the scheme have offered services to applicants without the need for subsidy, there has been no disbursement of public money for the provision of services arising to date on the scheme.
992. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Communications; Energy and Natural Resources if he will put in place a waiver system for hardship cases who will not be able to afford the cost of switching over to Saorview; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38685/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am very much aware of the challenges digital switchover brings, in particular for households that are reliant on the existing free to air analogue TV network. The necessary assistance and support for everyone but in particular for those households who need to make the switch to digital is being provided through a substantial national information campaign. In addition there is a Community Outreach Programme aimed at providing local assistance to meet the needs of the most vulnerable in society. As I have stated in reply to previous questions, I do not propose to introduce grant schemes for this purpose.
In addition to the information campaign and Outreach Programme, on September 10th I launched National Digital Switchover Week. Organised by my Department in partnership with The Wheel and Irish Rural Link, the week which runs from 17th-23rd September, will see 26 local Digital Outreach Champions across the country organise events aimed at encouraging local communities to get informed, make the switch to digital TV and not leave it until the last minute. Many retailers throughout the country will also be offering special deals as part of the National Digital Switchover Week.
As there are only 36 days to go before the 24 October deadline, I would urge all Deputies to engage with the Outreach Programme and Digital Switchover Week at a local level in order to urge constituents to move to digital now and not to wait until the last minute.
993. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Communications; Energy and Natural Resources his plans to address the impact of rising costs of oil, petrol, gas and diesel on households and businesses which are struggling to meet their household bills throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38724/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have no statutory function in the setting of energy prices, whether in the regulated or non-regulated market. Responsibility for the regulation of the gas market is a matter for the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) which is an independent statutory body. The Irish oil industry is fully privatised, liberalised and deregulated and there is free entry to the market.
The upward trend in global oil and gas prices arises primarily from the increases in the international prices for these commodities over which Ireland has no control. For example, the spot price of a barrel of Brent Crude Oil has risen from a low of $90 in June 2012 to $116 yesterday. This represents an increase of 29% in less than three months. This has inevitably resulted in an increase in retail oil prices. International gas prices have also risen leading to the increase in regulated gas prices as sanctioned by the Commission for Energy Regulation.
Against this background my focus and that of the Government is on interventions that can assist in mitigating to some degree, increases in energy prices. At a general policy level this involves measures to improve energy efficiency and increase the penetration of renewable energy resources in the areas of electricity and transport.
I am very aware that many households are experiencing financial hardship due to the current economic difficulties. As such the Government is taking a range of actions to address the challenge of affordable energy for vulnerable households.
In specific terms over the last ten years €2 billion has been distributed in energy supports under the National Fuel Scheme and the Household Benefits Package administered by the Department of Social Protection while €80 million has been spent on energy efficiency improvements in vulnerable homes. Permanent improvements to the thermal efficiency of houses are the most cost-effective means of addressing energy poverty. In this regard, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) administers on behalf of my Department, the Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme, which is free-of-charge to eligible applicants. With over 85,000 homes refurbished to date, 2012 will see a further 17,000 low-income households benefit from energy efficiency upgrades. I have allocated just over €17 million to the Warmer Homes Scheme this year.
More generally, the Government’s Strategy for Affordable Energy in Ireland was launched by me last November. The Strategy sets out our plans for enhancing the affordability of energy for low-income households. The strategy includes 48 actions that will be implemented over the life of the Strategy.
The Inter-Departmental Group on Affordable Energy has established subgroups to work on particular dimensions of the Strategy. These include the implementation of revised eligibility criteria for the Warmer Homes scheme and a pilot programme to assess the feasibility of an area-based approach to delivery of the Scheme.
In the area of transport the development of electric vehicles offers potential for Ireland, not just in terms of energy efficiency but also because of the ability to use cheaper grid sourced electricity, an increasing amount of which will be sourced from renewable resources as we progressively deliver on our ambitious target of 40% renewable generation by 2020. The Government has introduced a grant scheme for electric vehicles.
In addition, the Biofuel Obligation Scheme incentivises and enables the sustainable growth of an Irish biofuels market affording opportunities for indigenous biofuel producers and allowing for the displacement of traditional oil products in the transport sector.
The Statutory Biofuel Obligation Scheme was introduced in July 2010 and currently requires that the amount of biofuel brought to the market is not less than 4.166% of the relevant disposal of petroleum road transport fuels. The scheme ensured that 144.5 million litres of biofuel were brought to the Irish market in 2011.
The Better Energy programme provides Exchequer supported incentives for energy efficiency and renewable energy upgrades, as well as bringing on board energy suppliers as partners to directly offer upgrade services to consumers.
Delivery on these commitments will progressively reduce our dependence on imported fossil fuels, while supporting energy competitiveness and security.
995. Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Communications; Energy and Natural Resources if he will outline, in tabular form, both the number and the percentage of women and men on State boards under the aegis of his Department in each of the past ten years; if he will provide the most up-to-date figures available regarding the number and percentage of women and men on State boards under the aegis of his Department in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38853/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that there are 16 bodies under the aegis of my Department that have boards. Details of the current breakdown between men and women serving on these boards are set out in tabular form.
The Deputy will also appreciate that in making appointments to boards I must have regard to the provisions of the governing legislation as regards members’ qualifications and other related matters.
The Government adopted a significant innovation in 2011 to widen access by all persons to be considered for appointment to Boards by providing that expressions of interest be sought publicly from all those that might be interested in serving on such Boards.
I wish to advise the Deputy that on the 3rd of June 2011 I invited Expressions of Interest from persons wishing to be considered for appointment to vacancies on State Boards under the aegis of my Department, which were expected to occur up to the end of 2011. On 9th February 2012 I invited further Expressions of Interest from persons wishing to serve on any of the Boards under the aegis of my Department.
Notwithstanding this significant innovation, the level of expressions of interest from women has been less than half that of men. Of the 31 applications made in 2011 on foot of the invitation to submit expressions of interest, 10 were from women and 21 from men. In 2012 the total number of applicants was 37 of which 8 were from women and 29 from men.
I indicated at the outset the approach to making appointments and the Deputy will appreciate that appointments to State Boards are made in accordance with the relevant governing statute and the Minister is not obliged to make appointments from tendered expressions of interest but has the discretion to do so if he or she considers it appropriate.
Information in respect of the numbers and percentages of women and men on these boards in the past 10 years is available in their respective Annual Reports. The Reports are available in the library of the Houses of the Oireachtas or by contacting the Boards directly.
|
Body |
No. of Men |
No. of Women |
% Men |
% Women |
|
An Post |
13 |
2 |
87% |
13% |
|
Bord Gáis Éireann |
7 |
2 |
78% |
22% |
|
Bord na Móna |
10 |
2 |
83% |
17% |
|
Broadcasting Authority of Ireland |
5 |
5 |
50% |
50% |
|
Digital Hub Development Authority |
7 |
2 |
78% |
22% |
|
EirGrid |
4 |
7 |
36% |
64% |
|
ESB |
9 |
2 |
82% |
18% |
|
Foyle, Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission (Loughs Agency) |
10 |
2 |
83% |
17% |
|
Inland Fisheries Ireland |
8 |
2 |
80% |
20% |
|
Irish National Petroleum Corporation Ltd |
4 |
1 |
80% |
20% |
|
National Oil Reserves Agency |
6 |
1 |
86% |
14% |
|
Ordnance Survey Ireland |
7 |
3 |
70% |
30% |
|
RTÉ |
7 |
5 |
58% |
42% |
|
TG4 |
5 |
6 |
45% |
55% |
|
Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland |
7 |
3 |
70% |
30% |
In addition, the Mining Board, an appellate body is chaired by a Senior Counsel. The two ordinary members are required by legislation to be property arbitrators and as there are only two such persons in the state both are Ordinary Members of the Board by virtue of their employment.
This board meets formally only when a case is referred to it and no such cases have been referred to the board for a number of years.
996. Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Communications; Energy and Natural Resources the steps he is taking to ensure that State boards have at least 40% of each gender, as provided for in the programme for Government; the percentage at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39149/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will no doubt appreciate it is also a key concern of mine to ensure high quality representation on Boards irrespective of gender. I can assure the Deputy that I am committed to seeking to attain the 40% target for both genders on Boards.
The Deputy will also appreciate that in making appointments to boards I must have regard to the provisions of the governing legislation as regards members’ qualifications and other related matters.
The Government adopted a significant innovation in 2011 to widen access by all persons to be considered for appointment to Boards by providing that expressions of interest be sought publicly from all those that might be interested in serving on such Boards.
I wish to advise the Deputy that on the 3rd of June 2011 I invited Expressions of Interest from persons wishing to be considered for appointment to vacancies on State Boards under the aegis of my Department, which were expected to occur up to the end of 2011. On 9th February 2012 I invited further expressions of interest from persons wishing to serve on any of the Boards under the aegis of my Department.
Notwithstanding this significant innovation, the level of expressions of interest from women has been less than half that of men. Of the 31 applications made in 2011 on foot of the invitation to submit expressions of interest, 10 were from women and 21 from men. In 2012 the total number of applicants was 37 of which 8 were from women and 29 from men.
The Table shows the percentage breakdown of men and women serving on boards having regard to the sectors covered by my Department.
|
Sector |
No. of Men |
No. of Women |
% Men |
% Women |
|
Broadcasting |
17 |
16 |
52% |
48% |
|
Communications |
22 |
5 |
81% |
19% |
|
Energy |
49 |
19 |
72% |
28% |
|
Natural Resources |
27 |
7 |
79% |
21% |
997. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications; Energy and Natural Resources his views on the recent European Parliament report entitled Impacts of Shale Gas and Shale Oil Extraction on the Environment and on Human Health; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39165/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm for the Deputy that I am aware of the Report in question which was published by the European Parliament a little over a year ago. I am also aware of the three most recent Reports, Unconventional Gas: Potential Energy Market Impacts in the EU; Climate Impact of Potential Shale Gas Production in the EU and the Report on Unconventional Gas in Europe which were published by the European Commission earlier this month.
From an Irish perspective, in October of last year, the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources requested the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to conduct research and advise on the environmental implications of hydraulic fracturing as a means of extracting natural gas from underground reserves.
In May 2012, the EPA published its preliminary research into the environmental aspects of shale gas extraction in the form of a small desk based study, which was carried out by the University of Aberdeen.
The study provides an introduction to the environmental aspects of fracking including a review of regulatory approaches used in other countries and areas for further investigation and research such as geological principles of relevance in fracking and shale gas extraction, potential environmental impacts and establishing best environmental practice.
The EPA proposes to commission further, more extensive research on hydraulic fracturing later this year and a working group involving representatives from my Department and the EPA has been established to develop the scope for this study. The research will examine the environmental considerations relating to the use of hydraulic fracturing generally, taking account of all relevant studies.
The outcome of the further research to be commissioned by the EPA, together with other relevant studies, will assist in a robust scientific based assessment of any future application proposing the use of this technology.
998. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications; Energy and Natural Resources if he will report on national digital switch over week and on all other necessary preparations in relation to the switching off of the analogue TV network on 24 October, 2012; if the estimated 200,000 people still using the analogue network will have alternative arrangements in place after that date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39166/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraFirst of all, I would like to point out that TV viewers who use the analogue TV network will need to make the change to digital in advance of 10 a.m., Wednesday 24 October when this network will be closed down. TV viewers who currently use pay TV are unaffected. The replacement digital “free to air” TV network, SAORVIEW, has been nationally available since May 2011. Alternatively, TV viewers can choose to upgrade to a pay TV service such as cable or satellite.
SAORVIEW currently provides access to “free to air” TV to almost 98% of the population and will fulfil the full extent of its coverage obligations by 24 October 2012. Thirteen smaller sites will go live between September 24 and October 1. As a result, SAORVIEW will provide in excess of 98% coverage. SAORVIEW will be providing information at a local level to residents in these areas in relation to SAORVIEW coverage.
For the remaining 2% of the population, RTÉ launched SAORSAT in March 2012. SAORSAT is a “free to air” satellite system providing access to RTÉ channels and TG4. Since March 2012, therefore, everyone in Ireland can make the switch to digital.
I am very much aware of the challenges digital switchover brings for those households that are reliant on the existing “free to air” analogue TV network. In this regard, to compliment the national information and awareness campaign and the Outreach programme, on Monday 10th September I announced details of National Digital Switchover Week which is taking place from 17th – 23rd September, 2012.
Organised by my Department in partnership with The Wheel and Irish Rural Link, the week will see 26 local Digital Outreach Champions across the country organise events in their communities to encourage those who have not yet switched to digital TV to do so during National Digital Switchover Week. A list of events is available on www.goingdigital.ie.
The information and awareness campaign rolled out in October 2011 will continue until the end of 2012. The campaign provides information on what is happening, the timelines and the different choices available to upgrade to digital. This comprehensive campaign includes advertising on TV, local and national radio; an analogue marker (red x 24 October) to act as a constant reminder to everyone using the analogue service to switch to digital; research; a dedicated website – www.goingdigital.ie and national telephone helpline; and an information booklet which was delivered to every household in the country.
Ongoing local awareness initiatives led by the Digital Outreach Champions as part of the Department’s Outreach Programme has made a concerted effort over the past 6 months, in particular, to remind people not to get left behind and make the switch.
Furthermore, I and officials in my Department are continuing to work closely with RTÉ, TG4, TV3, RTÉNL, ComReg and the BAI and our colleagues in Northern Ireland to ensure a smooth transition to digital broadcasting in the country.
As there are only 36 days to go before the 24 October deadline, I would urge all Deputies to engage with the Outreach Programme and Digital Switchover Week at a local level in order to urge constituents to move to digital now and not to wait until the last minute.
999. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Communications; Energy and Natural Resources the individual gas or oil extraction projects currently being undertaken in Irish territories; the licence arrangements in place for these projects; and the total projected return to the State from these projects via dividends, licence payments or other fees. [39199/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere have been four commercial natural gas discoveries since exploration began offshore Ireland in the early 1970s, namely the Kinsale, Ballycotton and Seven Heads (Kinsale area) producing gas fields off the coast of Cork and the Corrib gas field off the coast of Mayo. There have been no commercial discoveries of oil to date.
The Kinsale area gas fields are now nearing depletion and currently provide approximately 5% of Ireland’s annual gas requirements. The Corrib gas field is under development and first gas is not anticipated before late 2014. All four gas fields are held under petroleum leases issued by my Department.
In terms of the direct financial contribution to the State, profits from the three Kinsale area gas fields are taxed at a rate of 25%. In addition royalties from the Kinsale and Ballycotton gas fields are payable to the State at a rate of 12.5% of the fair market value of the gas at the well head. The combination of tax, royalties and rental fees currently provides for a State take of 40% of net income from these two fields.
Royalties are not payable on production from the Seven Heads Gas field or from future production from the Corrib gas field as Ireland moved away from a royalty based payments system to a tax based system in 1987. Profits from the Corrib gas field will be taxed at 25% when the field goes into production.
While the amount paid in tax is a matter between the companies concerned and the Revenue Commissioners, I can advise that the amount received in royalties from the Kinsale and Ballycotton gas fields since production commenced is €193.8 million.
The rate of tax that will apply to any future commercial discoveries made under an exploration licence granted since January 2007 will be between 25% and 40% depending on the profitability of the field.
1000. Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Communications; Energy and Natural Resources the grants available, if any, towards the installation of solar panels on local authority housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39230/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have no function in relation to grants for local authority housing which is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government.
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) operates the Better Energy Homes Programme, which is available to homeowners of private dwellings built before 2006. The Better Energy Homes solar grant for domestic water heating amounts to €800 for every eligible home where the installation meets the performance requirements set out in the Better Energy Homes Code of Practice and the homeowner’s Solar Buyers Guide. Full details are available at: www.seai.ie.
1001. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Communications; Energy and Natural Resources the number of semi-State companies of which he is the shareholder, that have corporate boxes in sports stadia or other venues; the original cost of same; the amount annually; if the semi-State company charges or intends charging for the use of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39305/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that my Department does not own any corporate boxes. There are 18 bodies under the aegis of my Department and together with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform I am a shareholder in a number of the companies. The matter of whether any of these companies have corporate boxes at sports stadia or other venues is a matter for each company.
