Written Answers Nos. 10 - 19
10. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his strategy for wind power; the extent to which he wishes to see it developed onshore; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4743/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder Directive 2009/28/EC, Ireland was assigned a legally binding target of 16% by 2020 for the percentage of all energy consumption that must be met from renewable sources. Ireland intends to meet the overall target through 40% renewable electricity, 10% renewable transport, which is a minimum binding target, and 12% renewable heating, which together amount to 16% overall.
In terms of the 40% renewable electricity to be achieved by 2020, the ability to meet this is largely determined by the grid connection offers to renewable generators. The grid connection process is vested in the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER). CER published a Gate 3 direction in December 2008, which was specifically designed with the intention of providing for sufficient renewable energy grid connection offers to achieve 40% renewable electricity by 2020. In addition, the CER published a decision on the connection of small, low carbon renewable generators outside the Gate process (CER 09/99). This mechanism specifically provides for the ability of small anaerobic digesters, biomass CHP plants, wave and tidal devices and other non-wind renewable low carbon generators to connect to the grid outside of the Gate process by 2020.
The Gate 3 grid connection direction includes a list of specific renewable generating projects to receive grid connections. The vast bulk of these are onshore wind developments. Hence, onshore wind will make up the bulk of the delivery of the 40% renewable electricity target. The Government decided in 2012 that an offshore wind feed-in-tariff (REFIT) would not be offered at this time. REFIT is available as a support from onshore wind projects. Accordingly, in meeting our legal obligation to deliver the 2020 renewables target, the policy focus and incentive relates to onshore wind. The REFIT support for onshore wind is significantly less than what would be required for offshore wind. It is borne by electricity consumers through the Public Service Obligation.
In the First Progress Report on the National Renewable Energy Action Plan (NREAP), available on my Department’s website, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) modelling indicated that 3,521 MW of wind would be needed on the electricity grid by 2020 in order to achieve our 40% renewable electricity target. This is approximately a doubling on current levels of wind generation. In addition, the NREAP progress report modelling also forecasts other technologies contributing to our 40% target - 274 MW of biomass technologies by 2020 as well as 75 MW of wave and tidal technology. It is evident, however, that wind generated electricity is expected to play a pivotal role and this will be overwhelmingly onshore wind.
As the Deputy will be aware, UK Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, Ed Davey, and I signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in energy last week. This MoU is a signal of intent. It gives us an opportunity to fully consider how Irish renewable energy resources, onshore and offshore, might be developed to the mutual benefit of Ireland and the UK. The MoU commits us to a programme of work and a possible formal Inter-Governmental agreement with the UK if it is considered mutually beneficial to enter such an agreement.
11. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his priorities for 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4760/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department deals with a very wide and complex policy agenda encompassing the areas of Energy, Communications, Broadcasting, Postal and Natural Resources. In addition the Department oversees important programmes funded from the Vote, and administers the Corporate Governance function in respect of some 15 commercial and non-commercial agencies and 3 regulators. These entities have a total employment of some 20,450 and in their own right discharge functions which are critical to the ongoing economic and social development of the country.
In addition, in the first half of 2013 as part of Ireland’s EU Presidency, the Department will have responsibility for a very heavy EU agenda in the areas of Energy and Communications. As the Deputy will appreciate there are numerous work programmes under the aegis of my Department and Agencies flowing from the broad responsibilities set out above. In this regard key priorities for me in 2013 are, in brief, as follows:
Energy
- Delivering Energy Efficiency Strategies, Programmes and Funding Mechanisms for business, public sector and domestic housing.
- Ensuring progressive delivery on Ireland’s legally binding EU renewable electricity, heat and transport targets and supporting the economic development of onshore and offshore renewable energy resources for the domestic and export markets.
- Ensuring security of energy supply through encouraging cost effective timely investment in energy infrastructure.
- Promoting the competitiveness of energy costs for business and the consumer through actions to address controllable costs, bearing in mind that Ireland has little control over the factors contributing to energy costs given our reliance on imported fossil fuels.
- Implementation of the Energy State Assets Divestment Programme in line with Government policy and in cooperation with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform and NewERA.
Communications
- Implementation of the National Broadband Plan published in August 2012.
- Publication of a National Digital Strategy.
- Continued roll out of 100 Mbs scheme to all 2nd level schools (to be completed by 2014).
- Ensuring the appropriate regulatory frameworks are in place to enable ComReg to properly promote and incentivise continued investment in infrastructure and the provision of competitive products and services.
- Publication of a National Digital Strategy in early 2013 aimed at setting out a compelling case for increased digital adoption right across society, with particular emphasis on small businesses, education and citizens.
Broadcasting
- Completion, consideration and actioning as appropriate of the study on introduction of Public Sector Broadcasting charge.
- Consideration of, and policy response, to Broadcasting Authority of Ireland’s (BAI) review of Public Funding for Public Service Broadcasters.
Postal
- In cooperation with An Post, maintenance of national network of post offices and postal services, and of a financially viable position for the Company.
- Launch of tender and completion of procurement for introduction of National Postcode system.
Natural Resources
- Promotion and regulatory oversight of off-shore and on-shore mineral and petroleum exploration and extraction.
- Progression of EPA study into hydraulic fracturing.
- Publication and enactment of the Minerals Development Bill.
- Implementation of 2013 Atlantic Regional Seismic Survey.
Other
- Effective management of the Department’s Voted Estimates to ensure no overruns in expenditure in 2013.
- Implementation of and input into the public sector reform programme.
- Efficient and effective discharge of all matters within the Department’s competence, notably in the areas of Energy and Communications, arising from Ireland’s EU Presidency and more generally inputting into EU policy, taking full account of Irish interests.
12. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to introduce new regulations for social media; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4734/13]
Amharc ar fhreagra48. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on whether self-regulation is effective with regard to the Internet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4753/13]
Amharc ar fhreagra49. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the steps to be taken to regulate the use of social media; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4679/13]
Amharc ar fhreagra117. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to regulate the social media; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4892/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 12, 48, 49 and 117 together.
As the Deputy will be aware, Social Media are online platforms that allow people create, share and exchange information, and to comment amongst themselves in virtual communities and networks. To date, these media have not been subject to a formal regulatory regime akin to that used to ‘regulate’ traditional radio and television broadcast media, either in Ireland or in other jurisdictions. There is a range of reasons for this, not least the rapidly evolving nature of the technologies involved, the sensitivities around regulating media and the multi-jurisdictional nature of the Internet.
It is important to acknowledge the economic and social benefits that the widespread use of social media have brought to people, communities and to business. However, some of the issues that have arisen as a consequence of this bear consideration. These challenges include dealing with harassment and bullying online, as well as issues around defamation, data protection and even copyright. There has been a very considerable amount of discussion on these matters in the recent past at EU and Council of Europe level, in which my Department has been involved. Indeed this matter is also the subject of a fundamental debate at EU and national level at present, a fact reflected by the recent decision of the Joint Oireachtas Committee to examine the issue.
As Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, I have policy responsibility for providing a supportive legislative and regulatory environment to facilitate the development of high quality communications infrastructure and services. However, I should highlight that I do not have sole responsibility for addressing as to how that infrastructure is used. Responsibility, in the context of abuse over the Internet in particular, also sits with the Minister for Justice and Equality, and the executive agency of his Department, the Office for Internet Safety.
It is clear that there are no simple answers to the challenges posed by the development and abuse of social media, not least because of the international basis of the services and because any possible policy responses fall across a range of Government Departments. In recognition of this complexity my Department maintains open and regular contact with all Departments and State Agencies with responsibilities in this area. My Department also monitors international developments with a view to ensuring that domestic policy within its remit reflects best practice and that the regulatory framework is amended as necessary. In that regard, I look forward to the deliberations of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications, and I also look forward to meeting the Committee on this subject.
13. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he is satisfied with the availability of broadband nationwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4756/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraConsiderable progress has been made in recent years in both the coverage and speeds of national broadband infrastructure, with a multiplicity of commercial operators, providing services over a diverse range of technology platforms. The Government has also undertaken a number of initiatives to bring broadband to those parts of the country where commercial operators have been unable to offer services. The combination of private investment and State interventions means that Ireland has met the EU Commission’s Digital Agenda for Europe target of having a basic broadband service available to all areas by 2013.
The Government, through the National Broadband Plan, which I published on 30 August last year, has recognised that the key imperative now is to ensure high speed broadband availability to all. The Plan commits to high speed broadband availability across the country 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. Ireland is now therefore moving to a new phase of public and private sector investment in broadband in Ireland which will see significantly improved speeds delivered across the country.
As a consequence of the recent multi-band spectrum auction conducted by ComReg, new high speed 4G telecoms services will be rolled out by mobile operators and will significantly increase the speeds available across wireless platforms. In addition, the commercial sector is already investing in high speed fixed line services, particularly in urban and semi-urban areas. The National Broadband Plan commits the Government to investing in areas where high speed services are not commercially viable and will not be provided by the market. This will ensure that citizens or businesses, wherever they are located, have a broadband connection which meets their needs to interact effectively with society and business.
14. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the target broadband speed for semi-urban areas not covered by the National Broadband Strategy; the way these speeds compare to other countries of a similar population; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4681/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Broadband Plan which I published on 30 August last will radically change the broadband landscape in Ireland. The Plan covers all areas, including semi-urban areas of the country. It commits to high speed broadband availability across the country, well in advance of the EU’s target date of 2020. Specifically, it commits to:
- 70 Mbps to 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, and
- A minimum of 30 Mbps for every remaining home and business in the country.
It is not possible for me to say how these targets will compare to the speeds that will prevail in other countries. It is the case, in Europe and elsewhere, that all countries are seeking solutions to the challenge of rolling out high speed services. It is Ireland’s intention to achieve the EU target of 30 Mbps to all, well ahead of the target date of 2020. In any event, when making comparisons of speeds with other countries, care needs to be taken to compare like with like. In Ireland we have a highly dispersed low density population which is in contrast to some other countries, for example in Scandinavia, which have a low population density but whose population is not as highly dispersed.
During the preparation of Ireland’s 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 commercial sector is already making these investments in high speed services, particularly in urban and semi-urban areas. The Government is also committed in the Plan to investing in areas where high speed services are not commercially viable and will not be provided by the market.
My Department is making preparations to commence a formal national mapping exercise to identify where the market is expected to succeed and fail in the delivery of high speed broadband over the coming years. This will inform the level of Government interaction that may be required and the areas that need to be targeted for a State-led investment. Through the implementation of the National Broadband Plan, we are committed to increasing the availability of next generation speeds significantly, with a view to ensuring that all citizens and business can participate fully in a digitally enabled society.
15. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the measures he is putting in place to develop the biofuels sector here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4751/13]
Amharc ar fhreagra17. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the extent to which he sees biofuels playing a role in renewable energy strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4762/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 15 and 17 together.
The Biofuel Obligation Scheme was introduced in July 2010 as the primary means to meet the target of at least 10% renewable energy in transport by 2020, which was mandated by the 2009 Renewable Energy Directive. It is estimated that at least 8.4% of the energy in transport in Ireland in 2020 will come from the use of biofuels with the remainder achieved by the increased deployment of electric vehicles. The Biofuel Obligation Scheme works by obligating large road transport fuel suppliers to bring a certain amount of biofuels to the market. The scheme was introduced with an obligation on fuel suppliers to include at least 4% by volume biofuels in their overall disposal of road transport fuels. In order to maintain progress towards achieving the 2020 targets, I increased the obligation to 6% by volume with effect from 1 January 2013.
Recently, the European Commission circulated a proposal to amend sections of the Renewable Energy Directive. This proposal is currently being progressed and is one of the major agenda items for the Irish presidency of the EU. One of the amendments proposed is that no more than 5% of the energy in the transport sector should come from biofuels produced from certain crops. My Department is currently examining the proposal and its implications for meeting the target of 10% renewable energy by 2020. However, there are no implications for the current obligation rate of 6% as the overall energy content delivered by the obligation will not breach the proposed 5%. The obligation rate of 6% will remain the same until the end of 2014. Decisions on further increases after 2014 will be taken after any amendments to the Renewable Energy Directive have been finalised.
The Biofuel Obligation has successfully delivered increased amounts of biofuel in Ireland resulting in 145 million litres being placed on the Irish market in 2011. Of this, approximately 18.5 million litres was produced indigenously from waste material such as used cooking oil. Though figures for 2012 are not yet available, I understand that the amount of indigenous biofuel on the market increased last year. The recent increase in the obligation rate along with future increases will see the biofuel market grow to an estimated 500 million litres by 2020. This will continue to create opportunities for indigenous industry to produce biofuels here in Ireland.
16. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will outline the terms of the negotiations that have taken place between him and his British counterpart on the development of a Memorandum of Understanding on trade in renewable energy; if said memorandum is close to being finalised; the main aims of the memorandum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4601/13]
Amharc ar fhreagra27. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the Exchequer funds that will be provided for the construction of wind turbines following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between his Department and the British Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4677/13]
Amharc ar fhreagra43. Deputy Joe Higgins asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the agreement with the UK to export wind energy from Ireland. [4763/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 16, 27 and 43 together.
On 24 January 2013, UK Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, Ed Davey, and I signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Dublin on energy cooperation. A copy of the MoU is available on my Department’s website. The MoU we signed affirms the two States’ commitment to maintaining a strong partnership on energy issues, to achieving closer integration of electricity markets and to maximising the sustainable use of renewable energy resources. Ireland has the potential to generate far more wind energy than we could consume domestically. This MoU gives us an opportunity to fully consider how Irish renewable energy resources, onshore and offshore, might be developed to the mutual benefit of Ireland and the UK.
The Renewable Directive provides a number of mechanisms that can be used by Member States for the trade of renewable energy, including joint projects and statistical transfer. Joint projects are where specified projects located in one country may be counted towards the renewable energy target of another. Statistical transfer is where the excess relating to an overachievement of the target by one country may be sold to another country that has fallen short of its target. The mechanisms require an Inter-Governmental agreement to be put in place. Up to now, while electricity could be exported between jurisdictions, the renewable value in terms of target compliance remained in the country where the renewable energy was produced. The Directive, for the first time, introduced the concept of the trade in the renewable value of electricity.
The opportunity to export green power presents an opportunity for employment growth and export earnings as well as increased investment for Ireland. There are and will be no Government funds allocated for the construction of wind turbines whether output is for internal or external consumption. In particular, Irish consumers cannot be required to finance electricity that is destined for export. The price that the UK is willing to pay for the renewable power will need to be sufficient to cover any support mechanism needed by project developers and to finance the new transmission infrastructure required.
It is important to note that the MoU is an important signal of intent and an interim step. There is no formal Inter-Governmental agreement under the Directive in place yet. There are many complex engineering, market, regulatory and policy issues that need to be teased out, discussed and considered prior to making an Inter-Governmental agreement that provides a formal basis for energy trading. The cost benefit analysis must support that the trading proposition makes sense. Nevertheless it is clear that there are significant potential economic and employment benefits arising for both jurisdictions. Both countries have accordingly agreed on an urgent programme of work over the next year to determine the final contents of any formal Inter-Governmental agreement.
18. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has been briefed by CER on their latest statistics on the level of gas disconnections taking place across the country; his views on whether a reinvigorated fuel poverty strategy may be necessary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4596/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have no statutory function in the setting of gas 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 rise in utility disconnection numbers in recent years has coincided with the economic recession which has caused customer arrears and debt levels to rise. The CER regularly briefs me on electricity and gas disconnection reports. I can advise that the Regulator has recently briefed me on the level of gas disconnections.
The figures for gas disconnections show that BGE gas disconnections have approximately doubled from 2011 to 2012, while Flogas and Airtricity also show increases in gas disconnections. It is the view of the CER that the issue of vacant premises, where customers leave premises empty and a utilities debt unpaid, is also contributing to an overstatement of customer disconnections. However, it is accepted that it is difficult to quantify the precise numbers.
In response to the significant increases in disconnections since 2010, a number of measures have been put in place by the CER to address the issue and assist customers that are in financial hardship and facing disconnections. In line with the CER’s Code of Practice on disconnection, gas suppliers must facilitate payment options/plans for domestic customers experiencing genuine hardship and, where appropriate, engage with a money advisor acting on behalf of the customer such as the Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) or a recognised charity. This must include offering the customer a prepayment meter if this is possible.
Over the past few years the CER has been working with stakeholders to promote the installation of prepayment or Pay-As-You-Go (PAYG) meters in order to assist customers through their financial difficulties. For example, CER is facilitating a new process within St Vincent de Paul (VdeP) which will see its members encourage households at risk of disconnection to opt for a PAYG meter, to manage debt and assist budgeting, instead of the VdeP paying the overdue amount in the first instance. This is expected to be rolled out from next month. The CER also intends to engage with the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government to establish if there is scope to build in PAYG installations to social housing administration processes. Following a recent review, the CER has decided to extend to 31 December 2013 the obligation on suppliers to pay 50% of the costs of disconnections/reconnection of domestic customers.
The key message for consumers in genuine difficulty is to make contact with their supplier and agree a plan before the unpaid bills begin to accumulate thus obviate the risk of disconnection.
Implementation of the measures set out in the Government’s Affordable Energy Strategy is pivotal 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 address energy poverty. The Strategy is not required to be reinvigorated as it is a comprehensive plan that addresses all the major areas identified to help mitigate energy poverty.
There are forty-eight actions identified in the strategy to be implemented over the life-time 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.
Furthermore, 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. The Better Energy Warmer Homes scheme has been allocated Exchequer funding of €20 million for 2013, which is expected to result in upgrades to over 10,000 homes.
19. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the progress that has been made with the warmer homes strategy; if any changes have been made to the eligibility criteria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4745/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Affordable Energy Strategy was developed by the Inter-Departmental/Agency Group on Affordable Energy (IDGAE) and published in November 2011 as part of the Department’s commitment in the Programme for Government to help mitigate energy poverty. The Strategy is key to protecting the most vulnerable in our society who may be at risk to energy poverty and provides a framework for building upon the many measures already in place
There are forty-eight actions identified in the strategy that are being implemented over the lifetime of the report (3 years), including five priority measures: 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, the introduction of an area based approach and reforming the eligibility criteria for energy efficiency schemes.
Work is being progressed by the IDGAE on the implementation of all the actions contained in the strategy. Reform of the eligibility criteria to address households in extreme energy poverty (those who spend over 20% of their disposable income on energy services) was undertaken in 2012. Prior to this, applicants were considered eligible for retrofit measures if they met defined criteria such as eligibility for the National Fuel Scheme. The IDGAE worked with key stakeholders to establish new eligibility criteria to target those most in need. International research demonstrates that the elderly and pre-school children are most at risk. Taking this on board the criteria were revised to include; Fuel Allowance recipients; Job Seeker Allowance recipients (for over six months and with children under 7 years of age) and; recipients of Family Income Support.
An area-based approach was introduced in 2012 and Exchequer funding of €3 million was ring fenced for this purpose. The Fuel Allowance was reviewed by the Department of Social Protection as part of the Comprehensive Review of Expenditure in 2011 and in the context of the preparations for Budget 2013. Work is on-going to collect additional data as part of the process to re-define categories of energy poverty and future policy initiatives will benefit from an improved understanding of energy poverty prevalence.
The Better Energy Warmer Homes programme is a pivotal element of the Affordable Energy Strategy. The energy efficiency measures are targeted at low income families and will make a lasting impact on households experiencing energy poverty. Exchequer funding of over €101 million has been allocated to the programme since 2000, which 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. In 2012 the programme delivered over 12,175 energy saving measures to homes in energy poverty. Despite the current economic challenges, the Government is committed to continuing to deliver energy efficiency measures to vulnerable households. The Better Energy Warmer Homes scheme has been allocated Exchequer funding of €20 million for 2013, which is expected to result in upgrades in over 10,000 homes.
