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Thursday, 25 Sep 2014

Written Answers Nos. 268-279

Irish Water Administration

Ceisteanna (268)

Martin Heydon

Ceist:

268. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the steps his Department will take or the action that has already been taken with Irish Water to address the sending of letters to incorrect addresses and wrong individuals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36378/14]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Throughout September, Irish Water has been sending out customer application packs and letters to over two million householders to enable customers to confirm their details and to ensure that a correct and up-to-date database of customers exists. As part of this process, Irish Water has sent letters to owners of multiple properties asking them to confirm the details of properties they own. On 4 September, Irish Water became aware that incorrect names have appeared on correspondence issued to 6,329 of these individuals. Irish Water acted immediately to resolve this issue and all of the property owners affected were advised accordingly. Irish Water also immediately informed the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner. Irish Water has advised my Department that the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner was satisfied with how Irish Water dealt with the issue. Irish Water has also apologised for any confusion and concern that this might have caused affected customers.

The compilation of its customer database is an operational matter for Irish Water and neither I nor my Department have any role in the matter. Irish Water has established a dedicated team to deal with representations and queries from public representatives. They may be contacted via email to oireachtasmembers@water.ie or by telephone on 1890 278 278.

Water Charges Administration

Ceisteanna (269)

John Halligan

Ceist:

269. Deputy John Halligan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will, in the context of water charges, consider making an additional allowance available to families who care for a family member on a full-time basis but do not, for various reasons, meet the criteria for a formal carer's allowance payment; if he will acknowledge that there are many such families struggling to maintain a family life for their children while caring for an elderly or infirm relative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36432/14]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

With effect from 1 January 2014, Irish Water is responsible for public water services. The Water Services (No. 2) Act 2013 provides that Irish Water can collect charges from its customers in receipt of water services provided by it. The Act also provides that responsibility for the independent economic regulation of the water sector is assigned to the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) and the CER has been given statutory responsibility for protecting the interests of customers.

The proposed approach to charging was outlined by Irish Water in a water charges plan which it has submitted to the CER in line with the provisions of the Act. The CER recently held a public consultation on this plan which covered a range of issues relating to water charges and allowances. The CER is currently reviewing submissions received on the consultation and a determination will be made by the CER later this month. Full details of the CER public consultation are available on www.cer.ie.

In making its decision on the approval or otherwise of the water charges plan, the CER must take account of the decisions made by the Government on the funding model for Irish Water and a direction made under Section 42 of the Water Services (No. 2) Act in July 2014. This policy direction addressed a number of matters relating to domestic water charges including the provision of a free allowance of 30,000 litres of water supplied and waste water treated per annum for a primary residence on a public supply and a free allowance to cover the normal usage of water services by every child in their primary residence based on the same qualifying conditions as the child benefit allowance. The policy direction also requires that special provision be made for customers of Irish Water who have specific medical conditions which require increased water consumption, involving capping of charges at the relevant assessed charge. The direction also indicates that the medical conditions to be covered will be set out following consultation with the Minister for Health. I hope to conclude the necessary consultation shortly and announce arrangements in advance of 1 October 2014.

In addition to the above, the Government has agreed to put in place further affordability measures to assist pensioners, persons with disabilities, and carers who receive the Household Benefits Package. The conditions and administrative approach to this additional measure are be ing developed by the Department of Social Protection. There are no plans to provide additional allowances or affordability measures, other than those announced in the Government decision.

Water Supply Contamination

Ceisteanna (270)

John Halligan

Ceist:

270. Deputy John Halligan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the percentage of lead piping within residential properties situated in Waterford city and county; if it will be part of the metering contract to replace any existing lead piping, particularly where the property is owned by the local authority; where it is acknowledged by the local authority that lead piping is in existence within a property and the solution put forward by it to the resident is to flush the cold water tap prior to use, filling the kitchen sink and discarding flushing of 20 to 30 litres, on average, of unused water, perhaps as often as three to four times per day, if he will be offering an additional usage allowance for these families (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36435/14]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Water Services (No. 2) Act 2013 provides that Irish Water can collect charges from its customers in receipt of water services provided by it. The Act also provides that responsibility for the independent economic regulation of the water sector is assigned to the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) and the water charges plan to be prepared by Irish Water is subject to the approval of the CER.

Under the European Communities (Drinking Water) Regulations 2014, a copy of which is available in the Oireachtas library, suppliers of drinking water are required to ensure that the water supplied complies with the chemical and microbiological parameters set out in the Regulations. The maximum allowable value for lead is 10 microgrammes per litre, which came into effect at the end of 2013. At this concentration, there is a risk of exceeding the limits wherever there is lead piping and in particular where the water has been sitting in the pipe overnight. Irish Water has informed my Department that of its estimated 58,000 kilometres of distribution system, there is a very small proportion of lead piping, consisting of approximately 190 short lengths across 14 local authorities. Irish Water is working on the replacement of these pipes as quickly as possible.

However, there are a significant number of lead public service pipes between the water mains and the customer stopcock or water meter. Irish Water is identifying the location of such lead service connections during the meter installation programme. The numbers currently being identified are about 5% of houses, but this is expected to be higher in town centre areas. Irish Water also estimates that there may be a further 30,000 to 40,000 houses with shared lead backyard service connections. Irish Water has informed my Department that it intends to invest in public lead pipe replacement schemes, primarily communications pipes, with a view to eliminating lead mains, including shared backyard service connections over the next ten years. Irish Water is also reviewing its water treatment processes to ensure that they can mitigate the risk in the short term. Given the age of the housing stock in Waterford city and some areas of the county and the presence of back yard services, the percentage of houses with lead plumbing could be higher than the estimated national average. A number of schemes were carried out to replace these pipes in recent years in Waterford City by the City Council and Irish Water will continue this programme.

The Water Services Act 2007 provides that the owner of a premises is responsible for the maintenance and renewal of the internal water distribution system and shall ensure that it is kept in good order and repair, so as to prevent a risk to human health or the environment and that the water meets prescribed quality standards. Responsibility for replacing lead pipes from the main stopcock to the house and within the house rests with the homeowner. As a precaution, Irish Water recommends persons in premises that have lead piping, to flush the supply at the kitchen tap first thing in the morning, before using for drinking.

The Water Services (No. 2) Act 2013 requires the CER to perform its functions in a manner that best serves the interests of the customers of Irish Water. This is similar to the CER’s statutory role in respect of the gas and electricity sectors. I fully expect that the CER will consider compliance with statutory standards by Irish Water in the discharge of its functions. The proposed approach to charging was outlined by Irish Water in a water charges plan which it submitted to the CER in line with the provisions of the Act.

The CER recently held a public consultation on this plan which covered a range of issues relating to water charges and allowances. The CER is currently reviewing submissions received on the consultation and a determination will be made by the CER later this month. Full details of the CER public consultation are available on www.cer.ie.

Electricity Transmission Network

Ceisteanna (271, 274)

Pat Deering

Ceist:

271. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when the McGuinness commission will report; if EirGrid's planning application for Grid Link will be delayed or is it considered still possible to meet the original timeframe; if a corridor for the proposed line has been selected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36215/14]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Martin Heydon

Ceist:

274. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the work of the expert group reviewing the Grid Link project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36339/14]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 271 and 274 together.

The Independent Expert Panel (the Panel) was asked by the Government to oversee the integrity of a process to be undertaken by EirGrid to report on the Grid West and Grid Link projects. That process is underway and the Panel expects to be in a position to provide an opinion to the Minister on the Grid West project in January 2015. An opinion on the Grid Link project is expected to be provided by the Panel to the Minister towards the end of July 2015.

The Grid Link project is part of EirGrid's “Grid25” plan to develop and upgrade the electricity transmission network to meet Ireland’s future electricity transmission needs, from security, sustainability and competitiveness perspectives. Various overhead line route corridor options have been identified for the project. Work is ongoing to identify options for underground cable routes.

EirGrid does not anticipate that it will be in a position to submit a planning application for the Grid Link project to An Bord Pleanála until 2016.

Broadband Service Speeds

Ceisteanna (272)

Martin Heydon

Ceist:

272. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the roll-out of improved broadband services in an area (details supplied) in County Kildare; when he expects the mapping process to be concluded and published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36335/14]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Government's Statement of Priorities for the period 2014 to 2016 reaffirms our commitment to delivering a State-led broadband intervention in rural areas. Through the National Broadband Plan (NBP) the Government aims to ensure that high speed broadband is available to all citizens and businesses. This is being achieved through measures designed to accelerate commercial investment and the development of a State-led intervention for non-commercial areas.

Under EU State Aid Guidelines Member States cannot intervene where commercial investors have plans to roll out services. A comprehensive mapping exercise is underway in my Department to identify those areas that require a State intervention. An initial list of areas has already been identified and includes 18 areas including Kilmeade in County Kildare. I am aware also that there are extensive plans for the commercial rollout of high speed services in Kildare.

As part of the mapping process, an initial stakeholder consultation on certain technical aspects of the proposed Plan was launched in June with a deadline of 15th September. 31 submissions were received as part of this process and non-commercially sensitive versions of these responses will be published over the coming weeks.

I expect to publish the maps for public consultation later this year. These will include details of the areas requiring State intervention. It is important to note that these maps will be dynamic and will be subject to change if new commercial investments are announced in the future.

A further public consultation on a proposed comprehensive intervention strategy will be launched in mid-2015.

EU State Aid clearance will be required for the proposed State intervention. My Department will be working closely with the European Commission on this important aspect of the programme.

Finally, a detailed procurement process will have to be undertaken in order to select a potential preferred bidder(s) prior to commencing the roll out of high speed broadband services.

This complex and ambitious project is a key priority for Government and for my Department. It aims to conclusively address current connectivity challenges in a sustainable and meaningful way. Our goal is to ensure that quality broadband services are available to all citizens regardless of where they are located.

Green Paper on Energy Publication

Ceisteanna (273)

Martin Heydon

Ceist:

273. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the review of the Green Paper on energy policy; the consultation process of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36337/14]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Green Paper on Energy Policy in Ireland was published in May. The publication commenced a period of public consultation under which written contributions were sought by the end of July.

1,241 submissions were received. My Department has conducted an initial analysis of the valuable contributions made by interested parties, and the key issues raised in relation to each of the areas set out have been identified. Further engagement with stakeholders is ongoing and will continue over the coming months, firstly through seminars to be hosted by officials from my Department on all of the priorities set out in the Green Paper, to ensure that all of the issues identified in the submissions are fully understood. My Department is focused on ensuring that the assumptions on which the final policy paper will be written are tested and accurate, so as to produce a dynamic and responsive evidence based framework which will facilitate us in steering an appropriate course as we seek to address sustainability, security and competitiveness challenges and opportunities.

Further engagement will be arranged in order to obtain views from as wide a spectrum as possible, including from consumers and local communities in addition to other key stakeholders. There is an absolute necessity for the final policy paper to set a balanced, robust and enabling framework for Ireland’s Energy transition.

At an event hosted by my Department on 24 September to launch the next phase of the policy development process, I announced that I will chair a Steering Group which will advise on the finalisation of the policy. John FitzGerald, Research Professor at the Economic and Social Research Institute, Dr. Brian Motherway, Chief Executive of the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, and Ms. Helen Donoghue, formerly of DG Energy at the European Commission, have accepted my invitation to participate on a Steering Group, together with officials from my Department.

Drafting of the policy paper will begin after the planned seminars are completed at the end of this year. The text of the policy paper will be progressed during the first half of 2015 with a view to publication of the final policy paper by September 2015. The new energy policy framework will be timely in that it will be guided by Ireland’s input to the EU’s 2030 Framework for Climate and Energy policies and the preparations for the UN’s COP21 (the 21st Conference of the Parties within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) in Paris in December next year.

Question No. 274 answered with Question No. 271.

Broadband Service Provision

Ceisteanna (275)

Martin Heydon

Ceist:

275. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the reason the national broadband service provided by 3 Ireland was discontinued; the provisions his Department is making for those living in rural Ireland who had relied on this service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36366/14]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The provision of telecommunications services, including broadband services, is a matter in the first instance for private sector service providers operating in a liberalised market, regulated by the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg). Developments in the broadband market over recent years mean that there is now a choice of commercial operators offering broadband services over a diverse range of technology platforms throughout much of rural Ireland, including the area previously covered by the National Broadband Scheme. Details of commercial services available in each county can be found on a number of websites, including the websites of individual operators.

The State can only intervene to ensure access to broadband services in areas where the competitive market has failed to deliver such services, as in the case of the National Broadband Scheme (NBS). Following a competitive tendering process, my Department entered into a contract in late 2008 with Hutchison 3G Ireland Ltd. (“3”) for the delivery of the NBS. The Scheme offered a basic and affordable broadband service to fixed residences and businesses located within certain designated rural areas where the extent of broadband coverage by commercial operators, at the time the Scheme was launched in 2008, was deemed to be inadequate. EU State Aid approval was granted for a scheme of limited duration and, following a 68 month operational period, the Scheme expired on 25th August 2014.

“3” have confirmed that, following the expiry of the Scheme, they will continue to provide coverage throughout NBS areas on a commercial basis offering consumers the same choice of Broadband plans and tariffs as those offered to consumers outside of the NBS areas. Furthermore, they have also informed my Department of their plans to extend 4G coverage across all of the NBS Coverage Areas within the next 3 years. Digiweb, who provided the NBS satellite service on behalf of Three, will continue to offer satellite broadband on a commercial basis. I can therefore assure the Deputy that there is no discontinuation of services in former NBS areas.

The Government’s Statement of Priorities for the period 2014 to 2016 reaffirms our commitment to delivering a State-led broadband intervention in rural areas. Through the National Broadband Plan (NBP) the Government aims to ensure that high speed broadband is available to all citizens and businesses in Ireland. This is being achieved through measures designed to accelerate commercial investment and the development of a State-led intervention for non-commercial areas.

Under EU State Aid Guidelines Member States cannot intervene where commercial investors have plans to roll out services. A comprehensive mapping exercise is underway in my Department to identify those areas that require a State intervention.

As part of the mapping process, an initial stakeholder consultation on certain technical aspects of the proposed Plan was launched in June with a deadline of 15th September. 31 submissions were received as part of this process and non-commercially sensitive versions of these responses will be published over the coming weeks.

I expect to publish the maps for public consultation later this year. These will include details of the areas requiring State intervention. It is important to note that these maps will be dynamic and will be subject to change if new commercial investments are announced in the future.

EU State Aid clearance will be required for the proposed State intervention. My Department will be working closely with the European Commission on this important aspect of the programme.

Finally, a detailed procurement process will have to be undertaken in order to select a potential preferred bidder(s) prior to commencing the roll out of high speed broadband services.

This complex and ambitious project is a key priority for Government and for my Department. It aims to conclusively address current connectivity challenges in a sustainable and meaningful way. Our goal is to ensure that quality broadband services are available to all citizens regardless of where they are located.

Driver Licence Renewals

Ceisteanna (276)

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

276. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps he will take with the Road Safety Authority and the National Driver Licence Service to ensure that drivers whose licences are due for renewal are duly informed in a timely fashion of the fact that they are due for renewal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36262/14]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Road Safety Authority has responsibility for the operation of the National Driver Licensing Service.  

The RSA informs me that letters are issued on a monthly basis to those whose licences are due for renewal.  However, given that the expiry date of a licence is clearly visible on a driver licence, drivers must bear some level of responsibility to check when their licence is due for renewal and to apply for a new licence in a timely fashion.

Taxi Regulations

Ceisteanna (277)

Joe Costello

Ceist:

277. Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of enforcement officers who have been appointed to control the taxi industry; the number of taxi drivers who have been stopped and had their credentials checked; the number and category of irregularities identified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36161/14]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) sector is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act, 2013.

Enforcement is undertaken by both the NTA's Enforcement Officers and by An Garda Síochána whose members are authorised persons for the purposes of the regulations governing SPSV services.

I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.

National Car Test

Ceisteanna (278)

Jim Daly

Ceist:

278. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the company who operate the national car test is now asking customers to absolve the company of any responsibility, in writing, for damage caused to a vehicle while testing; his views that this is a satisfactory situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36182/14]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 (S.I. No 477 of 2006) the Road Safety Authority has responsibility for the delivery of the National Car Test. The RSA has overall responsibility for the operation, oversight, development, quality assurance and delivery of vehicle testing arrangements. The testing function is currently carried out by Applus+ under a contractual arrangement with the RSA.   

As the subject matter of this question is a matter for the RSA I have requested that the RSA respond directly to the Deputy's question. If you have not received a response within ten days please contact my office.

Public Transport

Ceisteanna (279)

Jim Daly

Ceist:

279. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of public service vehicles, including buses, directly operated or contracted by the State that are not fitted with safety belts; his views on this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36183/14]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The information the Deputy is seeking is not available.

Ireland's Entry into Service regulations requires all buses to have Type Approval, which includes the specified standards for safety belts, where they are required, before they are used on the road.

Buses designed to operate in an urban environment, operating at reduced speeds (maximum 65km/h in Ireland if carrying standees) and with passengers in many instances, only having a short journey time, are not required to be fitted with safety belts. Due to the number of people these vehicles can carry, often for short distances, and at reduced speeds for safety reasons their design takes these factors into account while also considering the efficient and swift movement of passengers getting on and off the vehicle.

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