Written Answers Nos. 348-362
348. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht when an SAC appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) will take place; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20381/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand that the appellant in question is one of a number for this site who have already opted for a Stage 2 formal hearing of their case before the Designated Areas Appeals Advisory Board. However, there are another three objections on this site still being processed through Stage 1 of the appeals process. I expect these stage 1 appeals to be finalised shortly and the Board will then be in a position to commence the formal appeals process in relation to all Stage 2 appeals.
349. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta cé mhéid folúntas atá sa Bhrainse Logainmneacha faoi láthair; cén grád iad; agus an bhfuil sé i gceist aige na folúntais a líonadh. [20396/13]
Amharc ar fhreagra350. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta cad é an loighic atá taobh thiar den chinneadh Coiste Logainmneacha seachas Coimisiún Logainmneacha a bheith ann amach anseo; cathain a ainmneofar an coiste; agus cad iad go díreach dualgais an choiste seo. [20397/13]
Amharc ar fhreagra351. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta cad é costas reatha an Bhrainse Logainmneacha agus an Choimisiúin Logainmneacha le haghaidh gach bliain le 5 bliana anuas; agus cad iad na costais thuartha don bhliain seo, 2013. [20398/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraTógfaidh mé ceisteanna 349, 350 agus 351 le chéile.
Tháinig deireadh le téarma oifige an Choimisiúin Logainmneacha ar an 11 Deireadh Fómhair 2012. Faoi réir chinneadh an Rialtais i dtaca le Plean an Rialtais um Athchóiriú na Seirbhíse Poiblí, socraíodh go dtiocfadh coiste saineolaithe, a d’fheidhmeodh ar bhonn pro bono , in áit an Choimisiúin Logainmneacha, agus go ndéanfaí an obair go príomha ar líne. Beidh idir seachtar agus deichniúr le ceapadh mar bhaill den Choiste Logainmneacha, i gcomparáid leis an seachtar ball déag a bhí ar an gCoimisiún roimhe seo. Tá sé ar intinn agam baill an Choiste Logainmneacha a cheapadh go luath.
Ach an oiread leis an gCoimisiún Logainmneacha, is é an príomhdhualgas a bheidh ar an gCoiste Logainmneacha scrúdú a dhéanamh ar logainmneacha na hÉireann mar a shainítear iad sin in alt 31 d’Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla, 2003 chun leaganacha Gaeilge na logainmneacha sin a dhearbhú faoi réir alt 32 den Alt.
Íocadh na táillí seo a leanas (gan costais taistil agus chothaithe san áireamh) le baill an Choimisiúin Logainmneacha ón mbliain 2008 i leith:
|
Bliain |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
|
Iomlán na dtáillí |
€16,520 |
€8,820 |
€24,780 |
€22,260 |
€8,680 |
Is foireann de chuid na Roinne Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta iad foireann an Bhrainse Logainmneacha agus áirítear a gcostas siúd mar chuid d’ollchostais foirne na Roinne.
Mar atá curtha in iúl agam don Teach cheana mar fhreagra ar cheisteanna 159 agus 160 ar 18 Aibreán 2013, tar éis don Phríomhoifigeach Logainmneacha scor óna phost ar na mallaibh, ceapadh Príomhoifigeach Cúnta i mo Roinn chun déileáil le réimse gníomhaíochtaí ó thaobh na Gaeilge de, lena n-áirítear na feidhmeanna a bhíodh ag an bPríomhoifigeach Logainmneacha. Faoi láthair, tá beirt Ardoifigeach Logainmneacha agus Oifigeach Logainmneacha amháin fostaithe sa Roinn agus iad ag plé le clár oibre ar leith. Níl aon phlean ann an líon oifigeach seo a laghdú amach anseo. Mar a thuigfidh an Teachta, tá mo Roinn ag feidhmiú faoi réir an choisc ar earcaíocht san earnáil phoiblí.
352. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will identify some of the measures being taken to promote cost reductions for small and medium enterprises, particularly on energy costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19762/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraResponsibility for the regulation of the retail electricity and gas markets is a matter for the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER), which is an independent statutory body. Prices in the electricity and gas retail markets are fully deregulated. Business customers can therefore avail of competitive offerings from suppliers. Prices set by the suppliers are commercial and operational matters for them. I have no statutory function in the setting of electricity or gas prices.
Electricity and gas costs in Ireland are influenced by various drivers, including global gas and oil prices, the costs of capital, exchange rate fluctuations, the small size of the Irish market, geographical location and low population density. Global gas and oil prices are by far the most significant factor in the case of Ireland. Prices have risen sharply since the start of 2011 driven by events in the Middle East, North Africa and Japan and demand from China and India. Ireland is at the mercy of international fossil fuel prices which dictate the retail price of electricity.
At a national level, the competitive energy market in place helps put downward pressure on prices. In addition, we must focus on all possible additional actions to mitigate costs for business and domestic customers, including rigorous regulatory scrutiny of the network costs component of retail prices.
I am committed to working with enterprise and with the energy sector to ensure that the costs of energy are as competitive as possible. In this context, promotion of energy efficiency measures is an area within our control where action can be taken to reduce energy costs.
Energy efficiency represents an opportunity for businesses to reduce their energy costs and improve their competitiveness. There are energy efficiency measures in place for SMEs. The Energy Efficiency Fund, which I announced in February, will assist energy efficiency projects in the public and commercial sectors, including SMEs. Another support is the SME programme administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), under the Better Energy in Business programme. It helps 2,000 businesses improve their energy efficiency and competitiveness.
Promotion of indigenous sustainable sources of energy will help offset the impact of volatile fossil fuel prices. The Government has a target of 40% of electricity being generated from renewable sources envisaged by 2020. Good progress has been made in meeting this target and its realisation will introduce more certainty in the energy fuel mix as well as boosting security of supply.
The latest analysis of Eurostat data on electricity and gas prices is presented in SEAI’s published report on electricity and gas prices for the period January to June 2012 and is publicly available.
353. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if there has been any further progress on the broadcasting charge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20435/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government commits to examining the role and collection of the TV licence fee in light of existing and projected convergence of technologies and to transforming the TV licence into a household based Public Broadcasting Charge to be applied to all eligible households and applicable businesses, regardless of the device used to access content or services. In line with this commitment, my Department is involved in the ongoing analysis and policy development work that is necessary in advance of the implementation of any changes that may be required.
The overall aim of Public Service Broadcasting is to provide services and content which cater for all interests in society, while ensuring that the varied elements of Irish culture and its intrinsic values are protected. Whatever the system of funding, the rationale for providing funding will continue to apply and any changes that may be implemented must continue to provide a secure funding base for public service broadcasting and content.
As the Deputy will appreciate, the replacement of the existing funding system based on the collection of television licence fees with one based on the imposition of device-independent charge on eligible households and businesses is a complex process and the logistics involved require thorough attention. Issues such as identifying the most appropriate collection method, exemptions and enforcement mechanics require detailed consideration and all have a bearing on the timeframe for implementation.
I should emphasise that the proposed charge would replace the existing TV licence system. Furthermore, it is my expectation that the current exemptions in relation to pensioners and those entitled to the Household Benefit Package will continue to apply.
As I have previously indicated to the House, my Department has been carrying out a Value for Money Policy Review on the proposed policy. This Report has been submitted to me very recently and I will give due consideration to the Report and its recommendations in the coming weeks. On this basis, I expect to be in a position, subject to Government approval, to initiate work in the Autumn on the legislative and other work necessary to implement the household based Public Broadcasting Charge.
354. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will report on the informal meeting of EU Energy Ministers in Ireland this month; the issues discussed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20512/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, Energy Ministers met in Dublin over two days last week to discuss various topics relevant to the way forward for European energy policy.
The deliberations commenced with a joint discussion with Environment Ministers to help identify key priority issues which will be needed to ensure a coherent post 2020 energy and climate policy framework facilitating a transition to a competitive low-carbon economy.
This joint discussion was timely and Ministers recognise the need for greater certainty on targets in mutually supporting the achievement of cost effective and cost efficient climate and energy policies. There is potential for maximising synergies while addressing the possible trade-offs between competitiveness, security of supply and sustainability.
Commissioner Oettinger attended the Informal Meeting. He highlighted how any new framework should take into account current economic difficulties whilst remaining ambitious on the long-term low carbon objective.
The Council of Energy Ministers also discussed the effects of unconventional oil and gas on energy supply, competitiveness and prices. In relation to the work currently underway by the European Commission on unconventional hydrocarbon extraction, the Irish Presidency requested that the Commission would reflect on the debate among Ministers in Dublin, particularly on the global competitiveness and security of supply aspects, and to take those views into consideration in their work on the matter, having regard to legitimate environmental and safety considerations.
The two days of discussions were informed by the goal of full implementation of the internal energy market. Ministers agreed that this is not an end in itself, but rather, it must bring tangible benefits to all energy consumers.
On the issue of the links between smart technology, innovation and energy policy, I concluded that the ultimate objective in rolling out standardised smart meters and smart grids across Europe must be value and benefit driven, with a specific consumer focus. In so doing, we must recognise the energy needs, circumstances and IT capabilities of all categories of consumers. Data protection concerns should also be considered and addressed. The need for public awareness campaigns on the potential advantages was acknowledged and the benefits must be clear to all individual energy customers and management of energy consumption. Product and price analysis must be simple and straightforward. Suppliers will also have a responsibility to build consumer trust given the huge volume on data in question.
The financing of energy efficiency measures was also discussed. Realising the energy efficiency potential of buildings is central to the EU's energy efficiency policy. Nearly 40% of final energy is consumed in homes, offices and shops. The challenge that faces Energy Ministers is to find the necessary finance to underpin the energy retrofit renovation that is required as part of our 2020 energy and climate goals. This is particularly important given the potential for jobs and growth that a sustained campaign of energy efficiency in buildings would realise.
At a thought provoking final session which considered the integration of variable renewable energy sources, in particular wind and solar energy, the Ministers agreed that the proper development of energy policy must adequately recognise the numerous challenges, including cost considerations, in the incremental transition to a low carbon economy.
I concluded the two day session by stating that in relation to all the energy matters considered by the Ministers, our level of ambition must be underpinned by a rigorous analysis of the costs and benefits associated with the different possible approaches to new and existing policies, especially in exploiting new opportunities. National energy circumstances are also important, as we strive to reduce our dependence on imported fossil fuels.
I look forward to continuing discussions on identifying a robust 2030 framework which will facilitate long term European competitiveness and security of supply. Europe must maintain its leadership position in the transition to a low carbon future, particularly with regard to energy efficient and clean technology, products and services.
I should also highlight that the Council of Ministers agreed that I would write to President Van Rompuy to update him on our deliberations which the Ministers wish to see inputted to the forthcoming Council of Europe meeting in May.
355. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of salmon that came through the fish counter on the Feale in County Kerry during the first three months of 2013 on a monthly basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19884/13]
Amharc ar fhreagra356. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources on the basis that net men on the Cashen caught 1,509 Salmon in 2012, the number of salmon they caught in each of the months of June, July and August, that is, the breakdown of the 1,509 figure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19885/13]
Amharc ar fhreagra357. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the 49 commercial nets in the Cashen has to be reduced, the primary legislation that would need to be amended or if the decision to allow 49 nets is addressed through statutory instrument annually and signed by the Minister of the day; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19886/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 355 to 357, inclusive, together.
The River Feale counter is located approximately 5 kilometres downstream of Listowel Town in the townland of Scartleigh at the Kerry County Council water abstraction plant.
The counter is a one channel counter operated on a crump which was installed to assist fish over the large weir. I am advised the counter works very well on this site. However fish have been seen travelling over the weir outside of the fish pass in high water conditions so it is not a complete count but it counts the majority of the fish.
Table A below represents the number of fish that have traversed the counter for January, February and March of 2013. These figures are available from Inland Fisheries Ireland through the Limerick office.
Table B below represents the breakdown of 1,509 for the commercial catch for June, July and August 2012.
As the Deputy will be aware the final 10kms of the course of the River Feale is known as the Cashen River and there are 49 public commercial draft net licences and 2 private commercial draft net licences on the River. The number of licences available for draft net operations is set out in the Control of Fishing for Salmon Order currently S.I. 75 of 2013. This Order authorises the issue of commercial fishing licences by Inland Fisheries Ireland and sets out the criteria under which those licences may be issued and prescribes the maximum number of commercial licences that may be issued.
The mechanism for controlling the take of salmon by the commercial fishery is not by licence number but by quota. Each year commercial fishermen apply for commercial licences and are assessed against criteria as set out in the Control of Fishing for Salmon Order which gives priority to established fishermen with a recent history of fishing in the fishery. All applications are put before the Board of Inland Fisheries Ireland for approval.
It is important to note that the Total Allowable Catch (quota set) determines the number of fish that can be harvested regardless of the number of licences in operation. The Total Allowable Catch is the surplus available above the conservation limit for the river that can be harvested. This allows for the sustainable exploitation of the river whilst conserving the required number of spawning fish for the system.
The surplus available for 2013 for the River Feale is 1,992 fish. This quota is divided between the commercial fishermen and recreational anglers by the River Basin District Director following consultation with the Fisheries District Committee. The quota is identified by the National Standing Committee for Salmon following assessment of all the relevant scientific data for the river in question including catch figures for the previous 5 years and any other relevant data. This is set out in the Wild Salmon and Sea Trout Scheme Regulations S.I. 556 2012 which sets the quota for the Feale including the Galey and Brick rivers at 1,992 for exploitation by commercial and rod and line licensed fishermen in 2013.
Table A - Fish Counter
|
2013 Month |
Feale Counter Figure (Up Only) |
|
January |
17 |
|
February |
32 |
|
March |
86 |
|
Total to date |
135 |
Table B- Commercial Catch
|
2012 Month |
Commercial Catch |
|
June |
221 |
|
July |
1040 |
|
August |
248 |
358. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the Secretary General of his Department, for the purpose of transparency and accountability, will publish his diary on the Department's website on a monthly basis. [19960/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that arrangements will be put in place shortly to publish the diary of the Secretary General of my Department on the website of the Department.
359. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will identify all broadband blackspots in counties Longford and Westmeath. [20004/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe State can only intervene in the broadband market to ensure access to broadband services in areas where the competitive market has failed to deliver such services. The National Broadband Scheme and the Rural Broadband Scheme (NBS & RBS) are examples of such market interventions to provide basic broadband services in areas of the country not served on a commercial basis.
Between a combination of this public financing and the significant private sector investment that continues to be made by the various commercial operators, all parts of the country now have access to at least a basic level of broadband service.
With such services now widely available across Ireland, the focus is on accelerating the roll out of high speed broadband 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.
360. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has entered any negotiations with Eircom regarding a commercial agreement for the provision of high speed broadband for citizens and businesses in rural areas. [20005/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
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. Since the publication of the Plan, investments by the commercial sector operators, including eircom, are underway in both fixed line and mobile high speed broadband 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. In an important milestone towards delivery of this commitment in the Plan, my Department will appoint, in the next few days, a team of experts to assist it in the design, planning and procurement of the State-led investment. Intensive technical, financial and legal preparations including stakeholder engagement will be ongoing throughout 2013.
I do not expect the procurement phase of the project to commence until 2014. Accordingly, no negotiations have been undertaken with any service provider with regard to a commercial agreement for the provision of high speed broadband services for citizens and businesses in rural areas. This procurement process will be conducted in accordance with EU procurement rules and EU State Aid guidelines.
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 businesses can participate fully in a digitally enabled society.
361. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the way the proposed public broadcasting household charge will be levied on users in the case of a rental property; if it is expected that the owner or tenant of a rental property will be the liable person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20134/13]
Amharc ar fhreagra365. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide clarification regarding the broadcasting fee (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20337/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 361 and 365 together.
The Programme for Government commits to examining the role and collection of the TV licence fee in light of existing and projected convergence of technologies and to transforming the TV licence into a household based Public Broadcasting Charge to be applied to all eligible households and applicable businesses, regardless of the device used to access content or services. In line with this commitment, my Department is involved in the ongoing analysis and policy development work that is necessary in advance of the implementation of any changes that may be required.
The replacement of the existing funding system based on the collection of television licence fees with one based on the imposition of device-independent charge on eligible households and businesses is a complex process and the logistics involved require thorough attention. Issues such as identifying the most appropriate collection method, exemptions and enforcement mechanics require detailed consideration and all have a bearing on the timeframe for implementation.
As I have previously indicated, my Department has been carrying out a Value for Money Policy Review on the proposed policy and this Report has recently been submitted to me. While I understand that there has been a degree of speculation in the press about this matter, decisions in respect of the level of the fee and liability for the proposed charge will only be taken when I have had the opportunity to give due consideration to the Report and its recommendations. That said, the commitment in the Programme for Government refers to a liability on ‘households’ rather than property owners.
I should emphasise here that the proposed charge would replace the existing TV licence system. Furthermore, it is my expectation that the current exemptions in relation to pensioners and those entitled to the Household Benefit Package will continue to apply.
362. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources in view of his recent announcement that his Department will embark on a new procurement process for a national post code system the reason the first tender process was never concluded; the reason a new procurement process is required; the amount of money spent on the post code tender related process to date, including the tenders to appoint consultants to manage the post code tender procurement process; if any company or organisation will be excluded from being considered as part of the tender process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20154/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe procurement process to select a postcode management licence holder to implement a National Postcode System which began in 2011 with the publication of a Pre-Qualification Questionnaire on www.etenders.gov.ie is still ongoing. The reference to a tender in Parliamentary Question number 746 of 16 April 2013 was, in fact, a reference to the concluding stage of this procurement. It was not a reference to a new procurement process. The total cost to date of the procurement process for postcodes is estimated at €700K, including consultancy costs.
