Written Answers Nos. 579-596
579. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to address concerns regarding the unilateral action by Bord na Móna company, AES, to cut services to customers by 50%. [2247/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis is an operational matter for Bord na Móna and not one in which I, as Minister, have any role or function. However, I will raise the matter with Bord na Móna and ask the company to respond directly to the Deputy.
580. Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when the minerals development Bill 2015 will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2253/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraDrafting of the Minerals Development Bill is substantially complete, subject to such final legal or technical amendments as may be agreed with the Attorney General. Government policy since November 2013 is to present the general scheme or draft heads of a Bill to the relevant Joint Oireachtas Committee in accordance with Standing Order 123A for pre-legislative consideration.
On the introduction of this pre-legislative scrutiny process it was envisaged that this would occur at the early stage of preparation of a Bill. However, I have asked the Joint Oireachtas Committee to consider the Minerals Development Bill for pre-legislative scrutiny in advance of its submission to Government for approval to publish. This complies with the spirit of the pre-legislative scrutiny arrangements and will afford the Committee members an opportunity to provide input before the Bill is finalised. Publication of the Bill will follow Government approval.
581. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Peadar Tóibín den Aire Cumarsáide, Fuinnimh agus Acmhainní Nádúrtha cén costas a bhain le hainm Bhord Gáis a athrú ó Bhord Gáis go Gas Networks Ireland, ag cur san áireamh na costais a bhain le fógraíocht, comhairleoireacht agus caidreamh poiblí, agus aon chostais eile a bhain leis an athrú ainm agus leis an athbhrandáil. [2444/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraIs ceist oibríochtúil don chomhlacht é an costas a bhaineann leis an ainm a athrú ó Bord Gáis Éireann go Gas Networks Ireland agus níl aon ról nó feidhm agamsa mar Aire ann. Luafaidh mé é le príomhchuideachta Gas Networks Ireland, Ervia, agus iarrfaidh mé ar Ervia an t-eolas a lorgaíodh a thabhairt go díreach don Teachta.
582. Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the amount spent by his Department on special advisers for each of the past four years; the way this compares to the four years from 2007 to 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2502/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
583. Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the amount spent by his Department on ministerial drivers and associated travel expenses for each of the past four years; the way this compares to similar expenditure for the four years from 2007 to 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2518/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy is outlined in the tables.
2007 - 2010
|
Year |
Total Spent |
|
2007 |
Nil |
|
2008 |
€57,379* |
|
2009 |
€39,806* |
|
2010 |
Nil ** |
|
Total |
€97,185 |
*Minister of State Drivers only
** In 2010 the Minister of State who was assigned to this Department was also assigned to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the associated costs were paid by that Department.
Up to 2011 all Government Ministers were provided with a State car that was driven by a member of An Garda Síochána from a pool of Gardaí, two of whom were assigned to the Minister at the that time. The cost of this service was funded from the Vote of an Garda Síochána.
The Government decided on 15 March 2011, that with the exception of the Taoiseach, Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality, who retained their State car and Garda Drivers, the travel arrangements that were in place for Ministers of State would apply to all Ministers with regard to their official travel.
Under these new arrangements, Ministers could appoint two civilian drivers to drive the Minister’s car and claim mileage in accordance with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform guidelines.
2011 - 2014
|
Year |
Total Spent |
|
2011 |
€107,112* |
|
2012 |
€173,729 |
|
2013 |
€177,597 |
|
2014 |
€163,093 |
|
Total |
€621.531 |
*Minister Rabbitte took office in March 2011 and drivers were therefore not appointed until after this date
Costs in the preceding tables consist of salaries, employers PRSI, travel and subsistence and expenses. Costs for 2009 and 2014 also include redundancy and severance payments in relation to individual staff.
584. Deputy John Halligan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide an update on the comprehensive implementation strategy for the fibre build-out to locations in every county in the State identified as having no existing or planned enabling fibre network; if the project is on target; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2568/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra585. Deputy John Halligan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the progress of delivering high-speed broadband to the 1,000 rural communities identified as target areas for fibre based connections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2569/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 584 and 585 together.
The National Broadband Plan aims to ensure that every citizen and business, regardless of location, has access to a high quality, high speed broadband service. This will be achieved through a combination of commercial investments and a State led intervention in areas where commercial services will not be provided.
The commercial telecommunications sector is currently investing approximately €2.5 billion in network upgrades. Approximately 1.6 million of the 2.3 million premises in Ireland are expected to have access to commercial high speed broadband services over the next two years. These very significant investments represent a step-change in the quality of broadband services available.
On the 24 November last, a public consultation on a national high speed coverage map 2016 was launched. This consultation will end on the 12th February, 2015. The map can be accessed at www.broadband.gov.ie. The areas on the map marked Blue will all have access to high speed broadband services of at least 30 Mbps from the commercial sector by end of 2016. The areas marked Amber will require the intervention of the State and include almost all of the target villages identified in April 2014. At least one operator has since extended its roll out programmes and committed to providing high speed broadband in a small number of these communities.
It is anticipated that speeds of at least 30 Mbps will be delivered through the Government's intervention and the network will be designed to cater for future increased demand from consumers and business.
In tandem with the mapping consultation, intensive design and planning work is underway in my Department to produce a detailed intervention strategy. The strategy will address a range of issues in relation to the intervention including the optimum procurement model, ownership model for the infrastructure, intervention cost and likely market impact. My Department is finalising the appointment of external advisors to provide legal, economic, technical and financial advice on the various aspects of the Plan over the next two years. The next steps in this process will see a further public consultation on a detailed intervention strategy in mid-2015. The Intervention strategy will be notified to the European Commission for State Aid clearance.
Following the public consultation, towards the end of this year a detailed procurement process will be undertaken in order to select a preferred bidder or bidders. The Department will design a tender in a way that maximises efficiencies and keeps the cost of the network build as low as possible. It is expected that the physical build of this network will commence from 2016.
This complex and ambitious project is a key priority for Government. It aims to conclusively address current connectivity challenges in Ireland.
586. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide a breakdown of the way the total amount raised by the television licence in 2014 was spent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2623/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraTelevision licence revenues are distributed in accordance with Section 123 of the Broadcasting Act 2009, principally to both RTÉ and TG4 in order to facilitate the pursuit of their public service objectives, which are also set out in the 2009 Act. An Post pays the Department all TV licence revenues collected from sales and the Department of Social Protection pays an agreed sum in respect of 'free' TV licences issued by that Department. This sum is currently set at €52 million per annum. From these gross receipts, the Department pays An Post commission in respect of the TV licence activities An Post undertakes in its role as the Minister’s collection agent. In addition, 7% of the total revenue net of An Post’s commission is paid to the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland for the operation of the Broadcasting Funding Scheme, which provides funding in support of high quality programmes on Irish culture, heritage and experience, and programmes to improve adult literacy. Revenue from this fund can be applied for by independent producers and broadcasters for specific projects of a public service nature. TG4 also receives an amount of the TV licence revenues and this is currently set at €9.245 million per annum. All remaining revenues are paid to RTÉ.
The following table shows the position for 2014. It should be noted that these figures are preliminary and will be subject to minor changes as a result of a reconciliation exercise that is undertaken at the beginning of each year to take account of the manner in which the An Post contract is applied.
|
- |
2014 - €M |
|
Total receipts |
213.3 |
|
An Post |
11.05 |
|
Broadcasting Fund |
14.2 |
|
Tg4 |
9.25 |
|
RTÉ |
178.8 |
587. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if areas (details supplied) in County Clare will be included in the national broadband scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2678/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Broadband Plan aims to ensure that every citizen and business, regardless of location, has access to a high quality, high speed broadband service. This will be achieved through a combination of commercial investments and a State led intervention in areas where commercial services will not be provided. The commercial telecommunications sector is currently investing approximately €2.5 billion in network upgrades. Approximately 1.6 million of the 2.3 million premises in Ireland are expected to have access to commercial high speed broadband services over the next two years. These very significant investments represent a step-change in the quality of broadband services available.
On the 24 November last, a public consultation on a national high speed coverage map 2016 was launched. The map can be accessed at www.broadband.gov.ie. The areas on the map marked Blue will all have access to high speed broadband services of at least 30 Mbps from the commercial sector by end of 2016. The areas marked Amber will require the intervention of the State.
The areas of Quin and Newmarket on Fergus, County Clare falls within a Blue area of the map and will therefore have access to high speed broadband services from the commercial sector by the end of 2016. Mooghaun North County Clare is in an Amber area and therefore will be provided with high speed broadband services as part of the State led intervention.
The map allows all members of the public, be they business or residential, to see whether their premises/home will have access to commercial high speed broadband services by end 2016 or whether they will be included in the Government's proposed intervention. It also provides detailed information on over 50,000 townlands in every county in Ireland, including County Clare. It is anticipated that speeds of at least 30Mbps will be also delivered through the Government's intervention and the network will be designed to cater for future increased demand from consumers and business.
The next steps in this process will see a further public consultation on a detailed intervention strategy in mid-2015. This is a requirement under EU state aid rules.
Following the public consultation, towards the end of this year a detailed procurement process will be undertaken in order to select preferred bidder or bidders. The Department will design a tender in a way that maximises efficiencies and keeps the cost to taxpayers as low as possible. It is expected that the physical build of this network will commence from 2016.
This complex and ambitious project is a key priority for Government. It aims to conclusively address current connectivity challenges in Ireland.
588. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if public consultation will take place to provide information and an opportunity for feedback on the proposals under the national broadband plan; and the estimated timeframe of the implementation of the measures. [2730/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Broadband Plan (NBP) aims to ensure that every citizen and business, regardless of location, has access to a high quality, high speed broadband service. This will be achieved through a combination of commercial investments and a State led intervention in areas where commercial services will not be provided. The proposed State intervention under the National Broadband Plan aims to conclusively address Ireland's connectivity challenges, delivering high quality broadband to those parts of rural Ireland that would not otherwise be served by the commercial sector, and ensuring that any network that is built is capable of scaling up to meet both current and future demand. This is a complex intervention that will determine the quality, choice and cost of services in rural areas not just in the next five years, but also for decades to come. Over 700,000 premises are currently in the proposed intervention area and these premises cover 100,000 km of road network.
Detailed public consultation is a key feature of the proposed intervention strategy under the National Broadband Plan. In June 2014, my Department launched a Call for Inputs in relation to technical and other aspects of the proposed strategy. This in turn provided critical information that informed the development of the national high speed broadband map which I published in November.
The publication of the national high-speed broadband map represented a major milestone on the project. The detailed map (which can be viewed on both a national and county level) is publicly available and there is an ongoing facility for stakeholders and members of the public to comment or make submissions. The BLUE areas on the map are based on information provided by commercial network operators. They show where commercial operators have committed to providing high speed services by end 2016. Members of the public can review their area or house on the map and provide feedback, particularly if they have information to suggest they will not have commercial high speed broadband by 2016 for whatever reason particular to their home or business.
In tandem with the publication of the map I also published a detailed consultation paper on the mapping process and this remains open to industry and the public to comment on until the 12th February. Submissions made in respect of this paper will feed in to the on-going work on developing a comprehensive intervention strategy which is scheduled to be completed this summer.
Once approved by Government, the intervention strategy will also be published and will be the subject of further public consultation prior to being finalised. I hope to be then able to move to the formal procurement stage towards the end of this year. The selection criteria that will be used to select the preferred bidder/s will include an assessment of the efficiency and speed of delivery. I am keen to see the implementation begin as quickly as possible and completed at the earliest opportunity. I anticipate that the first homes and businesses will be connected in 2016 and connections will continue thereafter, with the intention of having the final homes and businesses connected within a 5 year period.
Given the scale and importance of the intervention, extensive public consultation is necessary and appropriate. Members of the public and stakeholders can contribute to the latest consultation which is available on the Department's mapping site www.broadband.gov.ie.
589. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if high speed broadband roll-out will be expedited in respect of a location (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2781/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Broadband Plan aims to ensure that every citizen and business, regardless of location, has access to a high quality, high speed broadband service. This will be achieved through a combination of commercial investments and a State led intervention in areas where commercial services will not be provided. The commercial telecommunications sector is currently investing approximately €2.5 billion in network upgrades. Approximately 1.6 million of the 2.3 million premises in Ireland are expected to have access to commercial high speed broadband services over the next two years. These very significant investments represent a step change in the quality of broadband services available.
On the 24 November last, a public consultation on a national high speed coverage map 2016 was launched. The map can be accessed at www.broadband.gov.ie. The areas on the map marked Blue will all have access to high speed broadband services of at least 30 Mbps from the commercial sector by end of 2016. The areas marked Amber will require the intervention of the State and includes Tuosist, County Kerry.
The map allows all members of the public, be they business or residential, to see whether their premises/home will have access to commercial high speed broadband services by end 2016 or whether they will be included in the Government's proposed intervention. It also provides detailed information on over 50,000 townlands in every county in Ireland, including County Kerry.
It is anticipated that speeds of at least 30Mbps will be also delivered through the Government's intervention and the network will be designed to cater for future increased demand from consumers and business.
The next steps in this process will see a further public consultation on a detailed intervention strategy in mid-2015. This is a requirement under EU state aid rules.
Following the public consultation, towards the end of this year a detailed procurement process will be undertaken in order to select preferred bidder or bidders. The Department will design a tender in a way that maximises efficiencies and keeps the cost of the network build as low as possible. It is expected that the physical build of this network will commence from 2016 with services being available incrementally as the network is rolled out.
This complex and ambitious project is a key priority for Government. It aims to conclusively address current connectivity challenges in Ireland.
590. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on recent changes made by An Post to move post office branches into supermarkets; his further views on the detrimental social effect this has on small communities; if there is a public tender system in place for these post branches; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2796/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraMatters relating to the location of post offices, are an operational matter for the Board and management of An Post and one in which I have no statutory function. I have referred the matter to the company for direct reply to the Deputy.
591. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the 233% rise in the costs of the public service obligation levy on electricity bills since 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2844/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Public Service Obligation (PSO) levy has been in place since 2001 and is the overall support mechanism for generation constructed for security of supply purposes, including peat generation, and for the development of renewable electricity. It is designed to compensate electricity suppliers for the additional costs they incur by purchasing electricity generated by these producers. The PSO levy is vital to enable Ireland to meet its 2020 40% target for electricity generated from renewable sources by 2020, which in turn is important for the achievement of Ireland's 16% EU 2020 target for renewable energy.
The Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) determines the PSO levy which is a charge on all electricity customers without exception. The legal basis for the PSO levy and its method of calculation are set out in Regulations made under the Electricity Regulation Act 1999 (S.I. 217 of 2002). The annual PSO levy amount for 2014/2015 is €335.4 million. This equates to €64.37 per annum for residential customers, €221.66 per annum for small to medium sized business customers and €34.20/kVA for medium and large customers.
The biggest driver for the levy rise for this year is the lower predicted wholesale market electricity price, which is estimated to be around 10% lower than last year. This results in lower predicted market income for the PSO plants and, therefore, a higher levy is required to cover their allowed costs. The lower wholesale electricity price is currently being driven by lower international gas prices in evidence since Mid-2013. This pushes up the proposed PSO levy. However, if these lower gas and wholesale prices are sustained, it will reduce the wholesale cost of electricity that suppliers pay. In turn, suppliers should be in a position to reduce their retail prices and potentially offset the PSO levy increase. I note increased competition in the retail electricity sector recently which should help offset some of this increase. The CER is tasked with retail market monitoring and executes this role vigorously to ensure competition leads to the fairest prices for customers.
592. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he or his Department has concerns regarding an IAG monopoly if the sale of Aer Lingus goes ahead; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2215/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra618. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to ensure that the Aer Lingus slots at Heathrow Airport are retained in any scenario where the company is taken over; if he will use the State's shareholding to ensure the Heathrow slots are retained for the benefit of Cork, Shannon and Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2818/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 592 and 618 together.
Following the announcements on 18 December and more recently on 9 January that IAG had made approaches to Aer Lingus about a possible offer for the company, the Irish Takeover Panel has deemed that Aer Lingus is now in an 'offer period'. The Takeover Panel Rules in relation to communications apply to all parties during an offer period, including the Government as a shareholder, and all parties must apply the highest standards of care to any statements made on the matter.
The State has a significant but, nonetheless, a minority shareholding in Aer Lingus – with just over 25% of the shares. In 2012, the Government included this shareholding among the assets to be sold under the State Asset Disposal programme, but agreed that the stake would only be sold when market conditions were favourable and if acceptable terms and an acceptable price could be secured.
Currently, no formal offer has been made to Aer Lingus' shareholders. If an offer is made it will, of course, be given very careful examination before the Government takes any decision in relation to its shareholding. In late 2012, following a third hostile takeover bid for Aer Lingus, the Government indicated that it would not be prepared to sell the shareholding in circumstances which could significantly impact on competition and connectivity in the Irish market. Such considerations would also be foremost in our minds if a further offer is made for the company.
593. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he or his Department has concerns regarding the viability of Cork Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2216/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra594. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the actions he and his Department are taking to ensure that Cork Airport remains competitive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2217/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra595. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he or his Department is aware of future redundancies in Cork Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2218/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra596. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he or his Department is aware of any new chartered flight plans for Cork Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2219/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 593 to 596, inclusive, together.
As the Deputy is aware, the DAA is the body charged with statutory responsibility to manage, operate and develop Dublin and Cork Airports. In these circumstances, responsibility for any new chartered flight plans for Cork Airport, any future redundancies, the competitiveness and viability of that Airport are all matters for DAA and Cork Airport management, and are not matters in which I have a direct role.
That said, I am very conscious of the importance of Cork Airport for business and tourism in the Cork region. I am also very aware of, and concerned about, the continuing decline in passenger numbers at the airport. It was because of this decline that the Cork Airport Development Council (CADC) was established under an initiative of my predecessor, with the intention of bringing key local stakeholders together to foster a common understanding of issues of concern, identify potential opportunities for growth and to address the operating performance of the airport.
Furthermore, following the restructuring of the State airports under the State Airports (Shannon Group) Act 2014, Cork Airport was provided with a new management structure aimed at putting the airport on a sound footing to manage and develop its business on a competitive, commercially driven basis. That structure is now bedded down and the airport, the DAA and the CADC are focussing their efforts on identifying new route markets and developing new services.
I believe that there are opportunities, particularly in the tourism sector, to grow incoming passenger numbers in the Cork region. I am aware that DAA has attractive incentive programmes available that encourage the introduction of new routes and services. In addition, I understand from Tourism Ireland that there are opportunities under its cooperative marketing initiative to encourage the introduction of new services. Ultimately, however, creating new services and growing inbound tourism depends on the availability of competitive access and ensuring that potential visitors have a reason to visit. Cork Airport, the DAA and the CADC, along with the regional stakeholders, should be pursuing every opportunity to highlight the tourism product that is available in its catchment area.
I am confident that the DAA and Cork Airport management, working with the stakeholders in the region can together consolidate its product, identify new opportunities and return growth to the airport.
