Gerry Adams
Ceist:416. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will report on the new procedures the Government have introduced for appointments to State boards. [3569/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraAppointments to State Boards
Ceisteanna (416)
Freagraí scríofa
The following table sets out all appointments to State boards under the aegis of my Department since my appointment as Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.
It also indicates where those appointments were made in accordance with new procedures whereby my Department seeks expressions of interest from the public by advertising on my Department's website and, also, whereby proposed appointees to the position of Chairperson are required to make themselves available to appear before the relevant Oireachtas committee.
|
State board |
Board members appointed since March 2011 |
Chairs appointed since March 2011 |
Date of appointment |
Appointed following public announcement and invitation of expressions of interest? |
Chair required to appear before Oireachtas Committee? |
|
Arts Council |
Éimear O'Connor Ciarán Walsh Mark O'Regan John Fanning |
N/A |
13/09/2011 13/09/2011 13/09/2011 07/10/2011 |
Yes |
N/A |
|
Heritage Council |
Ciara Breathnach Kieran O’Conor Ted Creedon Catherine Heaney Fidelma Mullane Michael Parsons |
N/A |
All appointments made on 25/01/2012 |
Yes |
N/A |
|
National Concert Hall |
Kieran Tobin (Chair) Dearbhla Collins John McGrane Laurie Cearr Gina Menzies Bruce Arnold Margaret Ryan Ray Bates Alma Hynes Artemis Kent Deborah Kelleher Peter McEvoy Pat Heneghan Rachel Holstead Patricia Slavin |
Kieran Tobin |
Chair appointed on 30/08/2011 All other appointments made on 11/07/2011 |
Yes |
Yes |
|
National Gallery |
Fred Krehbiel |
N/A |
08/06/2011 |
No – the appointment was underway prior to the introduction of the new arrangements. |
N/A |
|
Crawford Art Gallery |
John R. Bowen (Chair) Sheila Maguire Noel O'Keefe Úna Feely Jim Corr Tim Brosnan Tim Lucey |
John R. Bowen |
All appointments made in December 2011 |
No – all of the appointments were reappointments. |
N/A |
|
Chester Beatty Library |
Patricia Donlon Declan Downey |
N/A |
P Donlon appointed in November 2011 D Downey appointed in May 2012 |
Yes |
N/A |
|
National Archives Advisory Council |
Paul Rousse Mary McAuliffe |
N/A |
Both appointments made on 03/02/2012 |
No – the appointments were underway prior to the introduction of the new arrangements. |
N/A |
|
Irish Manuscripts Commission |
James McGuire (Chair) Nicholas Canny David Dickson David Edwards Chris Flynn Greta Jones James Kelly Michael Kennedy Máire Mac Conghail John McCafferty Aileen McClintock Deirdre McMahon Donal Moore Thomas O'Connor Dáibhí Ó Cróinín Ruan O'Donnell Mary O'Dowd Jane Ohlmeyer Fiona Ross |
James McGuire |
All appointments made in November 2011 |
No – all of the appointments were reappointments. |
N/A |
|
Údarás na Gaeltachta |
Anna Ní Ghallachair* (Chair) Dairíona Nic Con Iomaire* Pádraig Ó hAinifín* Fiachra Ó Céilleachair* Eunan Mac Cuinneagáin Micheál Ó Scanaill Séamus Cosaí Mac Gearailt Seán Ó Cuireán Seosamh Ó Laoi Ian Mac Aindriú Cathal Seoighe |
Anna Ní Ghallachair |
All appointments made on 20/11/12 |
Four* of the appointees were nominated by local authorities under the terms of the relevant legislation. The nomination of another local authority has yet to be ratified. Expressions of interest were sought for the remaining seven positions. |
Yes |
For completeness, the table below sets out appointments to the boards of Foras na Gaeilge and the Ulster-Scots Agency, which comprise An Foras Teanga, a North South Implementation Body. Appointments to the boards of such bodies are made by the North South Ministerial Council, arising from nominations on a 50:50 basis from each jurisdiction.
|
State board |
Board members appointed since March 2011 |
Chairs appointed since March 2011 |
Date of appointment |
Appointed following public announcement and invitation of expressions of interest? |
Chair required to appear before Oireachtas Committee? |
|
Foras na Gaeilge |
Liam Ó Maolmhichíl (Chair) Eoghan Mac Cormaic (Vice-Chair) Pól Callaghan Colm Cavanagh Áine Ní Chiaráin Bríd Ní Chonghoile Liam Kennedy Seosamh Mac Donnchadha Tomás Mac Eochagáin Marcus Mac Ruairí Seán Mícheal Ó Dómhnaill Dónal Ó hAiniféin Therese Ruane Tomás Sharkey Cáitríona Ní Shúilleabháin Éamonn Ó Gríbín |
Liam Ó Maolmhichíl |
Éamonn Ó Gríbín appointed on 20/04/2012 All other appointments made on 13/12/2011 |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Ulster Scots Agency |
Tom Scott (Chair) Tony Crooks (Vice-Chair) Ida Fisher William Leatham Val O’Kelly Hilary Singleton Sharon Treacy-Dunne Trevor Wilson |
Tom Scott |
All appointments made on 13/12/2011 |
N/A |
N/A |
Inland Fisheries Issues
Ceisteanna (417)
Willie O'Dea
Ceist:417. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the River Maigue will be open for salmon fishing in 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2577/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I have been advised by Inland fisheries Ireland that the River Maigue’s conservation limit (CL) currently stands at 4,634 salmon and currently it is achieving only 17% of its CL. Consequently it will closed for the 2013 season. The river has been closed to Salmon fishing under the Salmon and Sea Trout Regulations since 2006. The existing fish counter was upgraded in 2012 in order to obtain data for the scientific analysis and modelling. This will provide important information where a fishing effort is unattainable due to the rivers current closed status.
Mobile Telephony
Ceisteanna (418)
Jack Wall
Ceist:418. Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views regarding ComReg (details supplied); if his attention has been drawn to such problems and the actions to be taken to overcome same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2469/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am aware of the press article referred to by the Deputy.
This is an issue that will arise right across the EU as 4G services are rolled out and I can confirm that a group has been established by my Department to examine the degree to which this issue may arise in Ireland when the roll-out of 4G services commences later in 2013.
This group comprises officials from my Department, as well as representatives from ComReg, the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, RTÉ and the mobile industry and its focus will be on assessing the potential for any interference in regard to households that use “free to air” television and to identify any possible remedial measures that may be required.
ComReg has already confirmed its view that any disruption that may arise to TV signals would be capable of being addressed by filters which are available.
It is my intention that an agreed joint strategy, as necessary, that fully addresses the issue should be put in place in advance of 4G roll-out.
Inland Fisheries Issues
Ceisteanna (419)
Patrick O'Donovan
Ceist:419. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide in monthly tabular form, the number of salmon that came through the fish counter in Scartleigh dam on the river Feale from 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2523/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am advised by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) that the fish counter referred to is a one channel counter operated on a crump which was installed to assist fish over the large weir at that location. The counter was fully operational for all of 2012 except for a three week period in June when an emergency repair which was carried out. For the previous 5 years, in the same period of June an average of 490 fish were counted through the counter.
The following table sets out the count data for 2012:
|
Month |
Up Count |
Down Count |
|
January |
26 |
0 |
|
February |
59 |
3 |
|
March |
198 |
26 |
|
April |
235 |
100 |
|
May |
367 |
2 |
|
June |
171 |
0 |
|
July |
1,059 |
15 |
|
August |
504 |
2 |
|
September |
638 |
2 |
|
October |
425 |
2 |
|
November |
55 |
0 |
|
December |
51 |
0 |
|
Total |
3,788 |
152 |
Gas and Electricity Disconnections
Ceisteanna (420)
Terence Flanagan
Ceist:420. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the recent representations he has received regarding the impact on consumers of high oil prices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2585/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
From time to time I receive representations in relation to the prices of oil products and their impact on consumers.
I have no statutory function in the setting of oil prices. The Irish oil industry is fully privatised, liberalised and deregulated and there is free entry to the market.
The taxation of oil products is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Finance.
The upward trend in global oil prices arises primarily from the increases in the international commodity prices over which Ireland has no control. For example, the spot price of a barrel of Brent Crude Oil has risen from a low of US$90 in June 2012 to US$111 in January 2013. This has inevitably resulted in an increase in retail oil prices.
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. 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.
In addition, €100 million has been spent, from my own Department’s Vote, 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.
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 93,000 homes refurbished to date, 2013 will see approximately 10,000 low-income households benefit from energy efficiency upgrades. I have allocated approximately €20 million to the Warmer Homes Scheme in 2013.
More generally, the Government’s Strategy for Affordable Energy in Ireland was launched by me in November 2011. 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 electricity generation by 2020. The Government has introduced a grant scheme for electric vehicles to provide an incentive to encourage their uptake.
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 6.38% 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.
Gas and Electricity Disconnections
Ceisteanna (421)
Terence Flanagan
Ceist:421. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the steps he is taking to reduce domestic energy bills; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2589/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I have no statutory function in the setting of gas or electricity prices, whether in the regulated or non-regulated parts of these markets. Responsibility for the regulation of the retail electricity market is a matter for the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER), which is an independent statutory body. Since 4 April 2011 prices in the electricity retail market have been fully deregulated and business and domestic customers can as a result avail of competitive offerings from a number of electricity supply companies. Price setting by electricity suppliers is a commercial and operational matter for the companies operating in the retail market.
With regard to the regulation of gas prices the position is that up until 1 October 2011 the CER regulated Bord Gáis Energy tariffs for its residential and smaller business customers but price regulation for the latter group ended at that point. The CER still regulates the Bord Gáis Energy tariffs for its residential customers. I have no function in the matter. The timing for complete deregulation of the residential segment of the gas market, as has taken place in the electricity market, is an issue under active review by the CER.
In making its decision, the CER takes account of the need to protect consumers from unnecessary price increases by ensuring that only reasonable legitimate costs are recovered by BGE. Full deregulation leading to further competition will keep downward pressure on prices for consumers. In particular, Ireland is a price taker for gas.
The Government is most concerned at the impact of higher energy prices on residential and commercial consumers. It is the case however, that Ireland in the main, is at the mercy of international fossil fuel prices which dictate the retail price of electricity and gas, which is the key factor in the retail price of both electricity and gas. My focus is on those elements of energy costs over which policy can exercise some control.
The long term policy responses for Ireland to combat vulnerability to high and volatile gas prices continue to be increasing the use of renewables, better energy efficiencies and reducing the reliance on gas in the fuel mix.
Implementation of the measures set out in the Government’s Affordable Energy Strategy is also key to protecting the interests of vulnerable customers. The Affordable Energy Strategy was published in November 2011 and developed by the Inter-Departmental/Agency Group on Affordable Energy (IDGAE) as part of the Department’s commitment in the Programme for Government to help mitigate energy poverty.
There are forty-eight actions identified in the strategy to be implemented over the lifetime of the report (3 years). Five priority measures are identified including: a commitment to review the National Fuel Scheme in the context of examining the feasibility of aligning income supports with the energy efficiency and income of the home; the phased introduction of minimal thermal efficiency standards for rental accommodation; ensuring greater access to energy efficiency measures; reforming the eligibility criteria for energy efficiency schemes; and the introduction of an area based approach.
The Affordable Energy Strategy provides a framework for building upon the many measures already in place to protect households at risk from the effects of energy poverty, which include the thermal efficiency based measures delivered through the Better Energy Warmer Homes programme. Exchequer funding of over €101 million has been allocated to the programme since 2000 and has successfully delivered energy efficiency measures to 92,563 homes through a combination of community based organisations, private contractors and via an area-based approach. The Government will continue to support the delivery of energy efficiency measures to vulnerable households in 2013. Better Energy Warmer Homes has been allocated €20 million for this purpose.
There are also a number of avenues open to consumers to try to mitigate rising electricity prices, and measures are also in place to assist them. Accordingly, consumers can and should shop around to get the best possible price and service deal from suppliers, and switch supplier if necessary bearing in mind that all suppliers can and do offer competitive prices and products. Consumers can also take steps to improve the efficiency of their electricity usage which delivers demonstrable savings including availing of Government funded measures as already referred to above. The CER is also working with energy suppliers to ensure that vulnerable customers are protected through, inter alia, the installation of Pay As You Go meters.
Ministerial Staff
Ceisteanna (422)
Billy Kelleher
Ceist:422. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of immediate or extended family members employed by his Department; the names and remuneration in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2895/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I do not employ any family members. The restrictions under the terms of the Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour on civil servants engaging in political activity do not apply to non-Civil Service Ministerial Private Office Staff and they can engage in political activity or join political parties if they wish. These are not matters for which staff are accountable to me under their contracts of employment.
Telecommunications Services Provision
Ceisteanna (423)
Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:423. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will be submitting any proposals to the proposed review of the pan-European telecommunications sector this year under Commissioner Neelie Kroes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2950/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I understand that Commissioner Kroes recently indicated that the European Commission would outline plans later this year for a suite of measures to foster competitiveness and innovation for a digital Europe. Ireland looks forward to more detail on these proposals from the Commission.
In the interim, I look forward to progressing many of the key areas for the Digital Agenda for Europe during Ireland’s Presidency of the EU Council and, in that context, we have prioritised work on dossiers relating to the Connecting Europe Facility, electronic identification and trust services, cyber security, the re-use of public sector information and web accessibility.
Broadband Services Speeds
Ceisteanna (424, 425)
James Bannon
Ceist:424. Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to redraw the map of broadband coverage in County Longford in view of the fact that there are errors in the current mapping coverage for the county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2957/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraJames Bannon
Ceist:425. Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when he will be in a position to guarantee a minimum download of broadband speeds of 2 MBPS in counties Longford and Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2958/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 424 and 425 together.
Broadband connectivity, as an enabling infrastructure for economic and social development, is a critical element of future sustainable economic growth and a priority for Government. In terms of telecommunications policy, my Department plays a key role in providing a supportive legislative and regulatory environment within which competition can flourish and private sector investment can take place.
The provision of electronic communications services is, in the first instance, a matter for private sector service providers operating in Ireland’s fully liberalised telecommunications market, regulated by the independent regulator, the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg). Broadband services are provided by a number of private service providers over various platforms including wired, fixed wireless and mobile technologies.
The Government can intervene in the case of clear market failure. It has, in the past, undertaken, following EU State aid clearance, a number of initiatives to bring broadband to those parts of the country where operators have been unable to offer services on a commercial basis. State investment in the Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) and the National Broadband Scheme (NBS) are examples of such interventions. In Counties Longford and Westmeath, broadband services under the NBS are available in 11 and 26 Electoral Divisions respectively.
With basic broadband services widely available across Ireland, the focus is now on accelerating the roll out of high speed services. The Government’s National Broadband Plan, which I published in August last, aims to radically change the broadband landscape in Ireland by ensuring that high speed services of at least 30Mbps 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 commits to high speed broadband availability across the country – specifically:
- 70Mbps – 100Mbps will be available from the commercial market operators to more than half of the population by 2015;
- At least 40Mbps, 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 30Mbps 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 70Mbps to 100Mbps 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 commitments in the National Broadband Plan 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, including Counties Longford and Westmeath. 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 may 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, to ensure that all parts of Ireland, including Counties Longford and Westmeath, will have at least 30Mbps connectivity.
Offshore Exploration
Ceisteanna (426, 427, 428)
Seán Kyne
Ceist:426. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the financial amount which accrued to the State in 2012 from the royalties associated with the exploration and development of natural energy sources such as oil and gas in Irish territorial waters. [3044/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraSeán Kyne
Ceist:427. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the way the royalties which accrue to the State from the operation of energy exploration licences are calculated; when this system was established; and his plans to review same. [3045/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraSeán Kyne
Ceist:428. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the financial amounts, in monetary amount and also as a percentage of the overall revenue generated from the exploration fields, that accrued to the State in each year of the past 20 years from royalties earned from the licences granted to develop offshore energy sources in Irish territorial waters. [3046/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Question Nos. 426 to 428, inclusive, together.
There have been only four commercial petroleum discoveries since exploration began offshore Ireland in the early 1970s. The producing Kinsale, Ballycotton and Seven Heads (Kinsale area) gas fields off the coast of Cork and the Corrib gas field off the coast of Mayo. The three Kinsale area gas fields are nearing depletion and currently supply approximately 5% of Ireland’s gas requirements. The Corrib gas field is under development and first gas is not anticipated before end 2014. There have been no commercial discoveries of oil to date.
In terms of the direct financial contribution to the State from petroleum production, profits from the three Kinsale area gas fields are taxed at a rate of 25%. In addition, royalties from the Kinsale and Ballycotton 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 and will not apply to future production from the Corrib gas field as Ireland, following the lead of countries such as the UK and Norway, 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 over the past 20 years amounted to just over €136 million. Full details are set out in the table.
Royalty Payments for the period 1st January 1993 to 31 December 2012
|
Year |
Royalty Rate (% fair market value at well head) |
Amount |
|
1993 |
12.5% |
8,427,933 |
|
1994 |
12.5% |
9,228,211 |
|
1995 |
12.5% |
9,857,932 |
|
1996 |
12.5% |
9,917,763 |
|
1997 |
12.5% |
8,995,462 |
|
1998 |
12.5% |
6,702,681 |
|
1999 |
12.5% |
4,462,859 |
|
2000 |
12.5% |
8,824,311 |
|
2001 |
12.5% |
8,179,950 |
|
2002 |
12.5% |
7,306,393 |
|
2003 |
12.5% |
5,071,493 |
|
2004 |
12.5% |
4,899,606 |
|
2005 |
12.5% |
5,080,241 |
|
2006 |
12.5% |
12,230,641 |
|
2007 |
12.5% |
6,247,633 |
|
2008 |
12.5% |
8,153,045 |
|
2009 |
12.5% |
2,114,020 |
|
2010 |
12.5% |
2,571,624 |
|
2011 |
12.5% |
3,904,321 |
|
2012 |
12.5% |
3,955,353 |
|
Total |
136,131,472 |
Broadband Services Speeds
Ceisteanna (429)
Ann Phelan
Ceist:429. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of schools in the constituency of Carlow Kilkenny, that are in receipt of high speed broadband; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3141/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
All post-primary schools will have a 100Mbps broadband connection installed by the end of 2014, through a project jointly funded by my Department and the Department of Education and Skills (DES).
In 2009, under the initial pilot phase of this project, a total of 78 post-primary schools, were provided with 100Mbps broadband. Of these, 2 schools were located in the Counties of Carlow and Kilkenny.
The national rollout will be completed on an incremental basis and 202 schools were identified for connection across 14 counties in 2012. I will shortly announce details of some further 200 schools to be connected during 2013 with the remaining post-primary schools to be provided with 100Mbps broadband connectivity by end 2014.
In addition, the DES continues to operate its School Broadband programme for all primary and post-primary schools including all schools in Counties Carlow and Kilkenny.
Appointments to State Boards
Ceisteanna (430)
Gerry Adams
Ceist:430. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will report on the new procedures the Government have introduced for appointments to State boards. [3571/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I wish to advise the Deputy that for the past two years I have, on the Department’s website, invited Expressions of Interest from persons wishing to be considered for appointment to vacancies on State Boards under the aegis of my Department. In both years, this information has been used to inform decisions for appointments to State Boards.
I will shortly be advertising on the website for persons interested in such appointments during 2013.
Control of Dogs
Ceisteanna (431)
Nicky McFadden
Ceist:431. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if, in view of recent serious dog attacks on sheep, the introduction of compulsory micro-chipping for all dogs will be considered for traceability purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2284/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I refer to the reply to Question No. 681 of 16 January 2013 which sets out the position in this matter.
Commercial Rates Issues
Ceisteanna (432)
James Bannon
Ceist:432. Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will exempt community childcare facilities from commercial rates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2959/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Local authorities are under a statutory obligation to levy rates on any property used for commercial purposes in accordance with the details entered in the valuation lists prepared by the independent Commissioner of Valuation under the Valuation Act 2001. With regard to the application of rates to childcare facilities, where childcare provision is within a community facility, operating in non-profit capacity, commercial rates do not generally apply.
The levying and collection of rates are matters for each individual local authority. The annual rate on valuation (ARV), which is applied to the valuation of each property, determined by the Valuation Office, to obtain the amount payable in rates, is decided by the elected members of each local authority in the annual budget and its determination is a reserved function.
I recognise that these are difficult economic times for many businesses and I am continuing to keep all matters relating to rates under regular consideration in my Department.
Household Charge Exemptions
Ceisteanna (433)
Brendan Griffin
Ceist:433. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if a property that has never been lived in and does not have a kitchen fitted will be exempted from the non private principal private residence property tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2272/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Local Government (Charges) Act 2009 broadened the revenue base of local authorities by introducing the Non-Principal Private Residence Charge. The Charge is set at €200 and liability for it falls, in the main, on owners of rental, holiday and vacant properties. It is a matter for an owner to determine if he or she has a liability and, if so, to declare that liability and pay the Charge.
Under the Act, it is a function of a local authority to collect the Non-Principal Private Residence Charge. Application of the legislation in particular circumstances is a matter for the relevant local authority. Guidelines have also been issued to local authorities in relation to the provisions of the Local Government (Charges) Act 2009, which address matters including suitability for occupation. The fact that a property has never been lived in does not necessarily mean that a property is not liable. However, a property which is not suitable for occupation as a dwelling should not be regarded as residential property for the purposes of the Act. A determination of the habitability of a property is a matter for the relevant local authority. I urge all liable persons who have not paid the Charge to contact their local authority as a matter of urgency.
Leader Programmes Funding
Ceisteanna (434)
Kevin Humphreys
Ceist:434. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide an itemised list of all grants and funding provided to community centres and related groups from his Department including under the Leader programme in 2011 and 2012 respectively with addresses of the recipients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2293/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The information requested is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.