Written Answers Nos. 150 - 160
150. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the steps taken to date to progress the north midlands wetland park project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14584/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, at the request of North Midlands Peatlands Park Committee (NMPPC), I facilitated a meeting with elected representatives and members of the NMPPC on 9 October 2012. At that meeting, I explained that in principle my Department would welcome any initiative to rehabilitate cutaway bog in a way that enhances its biodiversity and its attractiveness to visitors. I also explained that, as Bord na Móna has stewardship of the bogs in question, their management, present use for commercial peat production and future rehabilitation are, in the first instance, matters for that organisation.
Given that my Department is broadly supportive of initiatives of this nature, and in order to be assistance in relation to the proposed project, I wrote to Bord na Móna following the meeting with the NMPPC. My Department remains willing to engage with Bord na Móna in relation to the matter if it is considered that such engagement would be helpful.
151. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht his views on a submission (details supplied) regarding designation of lands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14606/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the EU Birds Directive, Ireland must designate Special Protection Areas (SPAs) for the conservation of certain endangered species of bird, including the Hen Harrier. Six SPAs were proposed for the conservation of hen harrier in November 2007. Two of these sites include lands located in the area referred to by the Deputy.
The process to designate these sites provided an opportunity for land-owners to appeal the inclusion of their land within the SPA. All such appeals have now been dealt with and the final boundary for each site has been confirmed through separate Statutory Instruments.
As an alternative to the agri-environmental schemes operated by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, the National Parks & Wildlife Service Farm Plan Scheme has been operated by my Department and made available to landowners in Hen Harrier SPAs. Under the scheme, farmers voluntarily undertake to abide by certain farming practices, which enhance the habitat for the species, over a period of five years. In return, they receive annual payments from my Department. Due to budgetary constraints, the scheme is now closed to new applicants but contractual commitments with participating farmers are being honoured.
152. Deputy Mary Mitchell O'Connor asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland grants that were approved in the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14400/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Better Energy Programme is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). Over the past three years the Programme has disbursed Exchequer funding in respect of the Better Energy Homes, Better Energy Warmer Homes, Better Energy Workplaces and Better Energy Communities Schemes.
The Better Energy: Homes scheme provides support to homeowners towards the installation of attic and wall insulation, and heating system upgrades including solar thermal with the works being undertaken by privately appointed contractors.
The Better Energy: Warmer Homes scheme delivers a range of energy efficiency measures to households that are vulnerable to energy poverty. The scheme is delivered through a combination of SEAI appointed Community Based Organisations (CBOs), augmented by a panel of private contractors in order to ensure national coverage and via an area based approach. Measures available include; draught proofing, attic insulation, lagging jackets for hot water tanks, low energy light bulbs and cavity wall insulation and are free of charge to the customer.
Better Energy: Workplaces supports sustainable energy upgrades to existing buildings, services, facilities and processes, in the public, commercial, industrial and community sectors. The scheme was operational in 2011 and 2012 and is now closed.
Better Energy: Communities commenced in August 2012 and supports sustainable energy upgrades to existing buildings, services, facilities and processes, in the community sector. The Communities scheme is aimed at achieving ongoing and lasting energy savings.
Below is a table outlining the expenditure and associated numbers of grants under the Better Energy Programme, over the past 3 years (2010 – 2012).
SEAI Retrofit Grants (2010 - 2012)
|
Better Energy Programmes |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
Cumulative Total |
|
Better Energy Warmer Homes Number of Grants Paid/Homes Upgraded |
24,291 |
20,388 |
12,175 |
56,854 |
|
Greener Homes Number of Grants Paid/Homes Upgraded |
4,883 |
3,664 |
0.00 |
8,547 |
|
Better Energy Homes Number of Grants Paid/Homes Upgraded |
45,946 |
49,229 |
26,423 |
121,598 |
|
Better Energy Workplaces & predecessor programmes Number of Grants Paid/Projects |
61 |
85 |
103 |
249 |
|
Better Energy Communities Number of Grants Paid/Projects |
0.00 |
0.00 |
18 |
18 |
|
Better Energy Area Number of Grants Paid/Homes Upgraded |
0 |
0 |
1933 |
1,933 |
153. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the extent to which wild trout and salmon stocks are encouraged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14596/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraInland Fisheries Ireland, (IFI) is the statutory agency responsible for the conservation, protection and development of the inland fisheries resource and recreational sea angling. It has also a remit to promote the inland fisheries and sea angling resource.
I am advised by IFI that a comprehensive and wide-ranging array of measures is implemented aimed at the conservation, protection and development of wild salmon and trout stocks. The principal measures implemented by IFI include:
- Education programmes
- Development and enforcement of regulations, bye-laws and primary legislation:
- Aimed at the protection of stocks from illegal fishing
- Aimed at the protection of stocks from environmental pollution
- Promotion of catch and release angling
- Applied research to support management, conservation and enhancement of salmonoid stocks:
- Including genetic identification of stocks to native catchments
- Standing Scientific Committee annual advice on the status of salmon stocks by catchment
- Supporting the restoration of salmonoid habitat
- Monitoring of fish stock levels and the quality of their environment
- Promotion of sustainable angling nationally and internationally
- Development of national policies for brown trout and salmon
- Protecting wild salmonoids from the threat of invasive species
- Provision of advice to State Agencies and stakeholders in relation to sustainable ‘fish friendly’ development.
In the time available and within the constraints of replying to this question it is not possible to expand with full details as regards the implementation of these and other measures.
However IFI advises that they are happy to prepare a full written account for the Deputy setting out the detail of these measures, which will issue to him as soon as possible. Alternatively, if the Deputy would prefer, IFI would be happy to organise a briefing session in relation to their activities on the enhancement of wild salmon and trout stocks.
154. Deputy Michael Conaghan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his Department has conducted a cost-benefit analysis in relation to wind energy, and in particular has any research been carried out into the economic benefits of wind energy to the local communities in which wind-farming takes place. [14437/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraRenewable electricity is supported through REFIT (Renewable Energy Feed-in-Tariff). Various renewable energy technologies are supported through REFIT, including onshore wind, hydro, landfill gas, biomass CHP, anaerobic digestion and biomass combustion and co-firing. The lowest REFIT reference rates are offered in respect of onshore wind.
The objective of the five part All-Island Grid Study, published in 2008, was to assess the technical feasibility and the relative costs and benefits associated with various scenarios for increased shares of electricity sourced from renewable energy in the all island power system. As part of this study, the incorporation of large amounts of wind energy onto the grid was analysed. It was following this study that it was decided to pursue 40% renewable electricity in Ireland by 2020. Electricity makes up just under one-third of all energy consumed in Ireland, the rest of energy being consumed in the heating and transport sectors. The study concluded that, based on assumptions set out in the Report, wind energy represented a cost effective source for electricity generation.
More generally, Ireland has been assigned a legally binding renewable energy target under Directive 2009/28/EC (the Renewable Energy Directive of 16% target to be achieved by 2020 across the transport, heating and electricity sectors. As already indicated 40% renewable generation of electricity is an important element of the overall 15% target. Articles 6-12 of the Renewable Energy Directive provide that where a Member State falls short of its target, it will have to purchase renewable energy credits (known as “statistical transfer”) from other Member States that have exceeded their target, at an as yet, unknown price. Accordingly, in this scenario, costs associated with renewable energy development will still be incurred, without the benefits of development.
In terms of the local communities in which wind-farming takes place, the economic benefits can potentially include construction, maintenance and component manufacturing employment. This latter opportunity has already been identified by the Industrial Development Authority of Ireland and Enterprise Ireland in their clean technology growth strategies. There is also a potential flow of income to local economies in terms of rates, rent to land owners and local community funds.
155. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the progress made within his Department on phasing out the use of LoCall 1890 numbers that can be extremely expensive when dialled from mobile phones and introducing 076 number, which generally included in tariff bundles provided by most mobile network operators and are charged at the same rate as national calls, in view of the fact that the number of mobile phones exceed the number of landlines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14480/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department uses both 1890 lo-call number and national number for members of the public.
The use of a lo-call number affords considerable savings to people who do not have access to free national call services. In accordance with best practice there is an accompanying note on the Department’s website and in press notices or other literature advising that the rates charged for the use of the 1890 number may vary between service providers particularly mobile providers.
The Department is currently considering the possibility of adding the 076 contact number capability. The key factors in this consideration are how widespread the inclusion of these numbers is in tariff bundles on offer many of which carry free national calls.
Those who have an entitlement to free national calls can of course ring the main Department number for free.
156. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has considered the use of, or implemented, integrated voice response systems in his Department's phone systems or in the phone systems of agencies within his remit; if the staff and salary cost savings which might arise have been assessed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14496/13]
Amharc ar fhreagra157. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his Department has given any consideration to the use of telephony switchboard services that are shared with another Govlernment Department or another public body in order to reduce costs and increase call handling capacity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14511/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 156 and 157 together.
The telephony/switchboard service in my Department is currently under contract with the National Council for the Blind of Ireland (NCBI). I understand that NCBI provides services to other public bodies in this regard.
The contract provides valuable employment for two people with a registered disability as well as an excellent training platform for relief vision-impaired telephonists who cover from time to time as part of the contractual terms. The contract, the cost of which has already been reduced by agreement with NCBI, also provides a good degree of flexibility to meet the needs of the Department.
As with other contractual arrangements the current contract will be reviewed as part of normal procurement scheduling and the issues raised by the Deputy will as a matter of course be considered in conjunction with all relevant factors such as efficiency and value for money.
As regards the Departments telephone system, innovations such as individual message box and VOIP have been introduced within the technical limits of the existing system. Technical innovations are also considered as key from the customer service viewpoint. The objective is to save time and costs for both callers and staff.
The development of phone systems in Agencies under the Department’s remit is a day to day operational matter for the agencies themselves.
158. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he received a copy of the Being Young and Irish – Take Charge of Change report from the Office of the President, Áras an Uachtaráin as part of President Higgins series of seminars with young persons here which took place in Dublin, Galway, Monaghan and Cork in 2012; if he has noted the Take Charge of Change declaration made by the participants; the steps he has taken arising out of the report’s findings in order to achieve young person’s vision for Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14526/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraBeing Young and Irish was an initiative launched by President Higgins, the consultation process of which took place between May 25 and September 29, 2012. Young people aged 17-26 from across the country were invited to share their views on the future of Ireland. Arising from the consultation process, a report entitled ‘Take Charge of Change’ was produced.
I have received a copy of the Report. The main issues raised were employment, enterprise, social security, the economy, political reform, education, equality, health, community and civil society. An examination of the Report does not suggest any findings or recommendations which impact directly on my Department’s area of responsibility. Nevertheless, the Deputy can be assured that my Department will cooperate fully, where a relevant function arises in relation to any proposals in the Report which are being considered for implementation.
More generally, in relation to education, community and civil society enterprise, I would point the Deputy to a number of existing programmes under the aegis of my Department, which are relevant to progress in these areas. Examples from the Energy, Communications and Broadcasting areas would include the Better Energy: Communities programme, the Schools’ Broadband programme, the Sound and Vision fund operated by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, and the regeneration mandate of the Digital Hub in inner city Dublin.
159. Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources in view of the cultural importance of the music industry here and its potential to create employment, if he will consider amending legislation to set a requirement for a minimum percentage of Irish music to be broadcast on radio stations, similar to the scheme in operation in France; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14544/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe policy approach in regard to the imposition of programming obligations on broadcasters is set out in the Broadcasting Act 2009, which also sets out the objects of our national public service broadcasters. In pursuit of these objects RTÉ and TG4 are charged, inter alia, with ensuring that programmes reflect the varied elements, which make up the culture of the people of Ireland and “have special regard for the elements which distinguish that culture and in particular the Irish language”. RTÉ and TG4 publish detailed commitments on an annual basis setting out how they intend to meet their public service obligations and objects as set out in the Act. The extent to which the commitments entered into by our two public service broadcasters have been met is reviewed annually by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI).
Radio and television services, additional to those provided by the national public service broadcasters are matters for the BAI, which is an independent statutory body. Matters in relation to Irish music content on commercial radio are the subject of contractual negotiations between the BAI and commercial radio operators. In submitting their initial licensing applications to the BAI, such broadcasters put forward commitments in regard to how they will deal with a range of broadcast issues including public service commitments and, where appropriate, more specific commitments, for instance, in regard to the playing of Irish music. If they are successful, these commitments form part of the terms and conditions of their actual licence.
This policy approach is seen as appropriate in that it deals with the differing requirements of commercial and public service broadcasting. In relation to commercial broadcasters, it is seen as an effective means of leveraging public service type commitments that takes full account of the specific broadcaster’s business proposal. As for public service broadcasters, it provides an iterative approach that is sufficiently flexible to ensure that the changing needs of Irish society continue to be addressed.
In relation to the issue of quotas, I understand that during the mid-nineties, the Regulator attempted to introduce a policy whereby 30% of music played by commercial radio stations would be by Irish artists. The measure was deemed to be in breach of EU regulations on the grounds that it would discriminate against other European artists and would, therefore, be contrary to European law.
Such a measure could only be supported if linked to a readily identifiable cultural criterion (Irish language, for example), as is the case in France and which would result in a much narrower application than the Deputy may have in mind.
While I fully support the promotion of Irish music in our broadcasting services, the policy approach taken to this issue must be consistent with EU and Irish regulatory structures. It is also important that it takes account of the right of broadcasters to determine the type of programming they wish to broadcast, subject, of course, to meeting relevant licensing and legislative obligations.
As I have previously suggested in meetings I have had with Irish music representatives, it is my view that the best approach to be followed on this issue is one of direct engagement with the radio sector with a view to establishing a mutually acceptable treatment of Irish music. To my mind, this is likely to produce a far more successful and sustainable position in regard to the broadcasting of Irish music, rather than seeking the imposition of artificial quotas such as those being suggested by the Deputy.
160. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to any research in the field of alternative energy sources associated with Thorium; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14569/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is aware that thorium is an alternative to uranium as a fuel for nuclear fission. I understand that there are large scale thorium resources available worldwide but that it will be some time before nuclear power stations fuelled by thorium become commercially available.
The use of nuclear fission for the generation of electricity in Ireland is prohibited by Section 18(6) of the Electricity Regulation Act 1999. The Government has no plans to change this position.
