Written Answers Nos. 883-895
883. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the amount of funding he provided directly to Donegal County Council in 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1392/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has a wide and diverse business agenda, including protecting the environment, providing necessary housing supports and fostering community and rural development in partnership with local government and other local development bodies. In order to deliver on this broad business agenda, my Department allocates significant resources to a wide range of organisations, including local authorities. The total funding provided by my Department directly to Donegal County Council in 2015 was €39,168,728.53.
884. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he has plans for the construction of social houses in the Lanesboro area of County Longford. [1461/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe provision of social housing services is a matter for each local authority as the housing authority for its area. Local authorities must identify their area’s social housing need and respond as required.
I have set ambitious targets under the Social Housing Strategy for all local authorities and, based on proposals they have made, I have to date announced almost half a billion euros of investment covering all 31 local authorities to deliver almost 3,000 new social housing units. This has included funding approval for the delivery of 16 new units at Lanesboro by Longford County Council at an estimated cost of €2.5 million.
Full details of these and other new social housing project approvals are available on my Department’s website at the following links: http://www.environ.ie/en/DevelopmentHousing/Housing/News/MainBody,41340,en.htm
http://www.environ.ie/en/DevelopmentHousing/Housing/News/MainBody,42225,en.htm.
885. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government why an application (details supplied) under the dormant accounts scheme was refused; when will the scheme be re-opened; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1485/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the current Dormant Accounts Plan, Pobal are administering the Social Enterprise Measure on behalf of my Department.
The aim of the Social Enterprise Measure is to increase the impact of social enterprises by enhancing their capacity to deliver services and generate traded income through the provision of small capital grants. Funding is being provided to support the development of social enterprises that have the capacity to deliver local, sustainable jobs and which contribute to community gain in disadvantaged areas for economically and socially disadvantaged persons.
This was a very competitive measure and each application was assessed by Pobal against the criteria set out in the published guidelines and was scored accordingly. Unfortunately on this occasion the organisation referred to by the Deputy in the details supplied was not successful as it did not achieve a sufficiently high score to enable it to be considered for funding on this occasion.
A Dormant Accounts Action Plan for 2016 is currently under consideration. I anticipate that this plan will be completed by early February.
886. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the level of statutory responsibility each local authority has for removing fallen leaves and ensuring that footpaths and walkways remain clear of fallen leaves; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1544/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have no function in relation to the removal of fallen leaves from footpaths and walkways. However, I understand that local authorities target some of their street-cleaning services to sweep leaves from streets, residential roads and paths during the autumn period.
887. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the status of flooding issues (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46432/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra889. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the status of flooding in rural areas and the removal of gravel from rivers (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1072/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 887 and 889 together.
There is no prohibition, within the Fisheries Acts, on landowners taking material, including gravel, from rivers. However there are conditions attached to such activity and penalties for their contravention which are set out respectively in sections sections 131 and 173 of the Fisheries Act of 1959. I am advised that, on request from a landowner, Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) will discuss their requirements and/or concerns to assist in seeking to ensure there is no inadvertent contravention of the relevant statutory requirements by any landowner. In this regard a landowner should contact the local IFI Office. I am also advised that there are locations where the requirements of EU Habitats Directive, in respect of certain species and their habitat, would apply and IFI would also be happy to offer guidance on this issue.
It is imperative for the landowner to ensure that all the appropriate statutory provisions can be met before contemplating the commencement of any works and IFI can advise and assist in this regard for the benefit of the landowner.
In addition to statutory requirements, it would be important that consideration be given by landowners to the potential impact of any proposed works on adjoining lands and property.
888. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the status of future oil-refining requirements here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46709/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Whitegate refinery was privatised as a result of its sale by the State in 2001. Under the terms of the sale, the owners are obliged to continue to operate the refinery for a minimum of fifteen years, a commitment which remains in place until July 2016. That commitment is not affected by the planned sale.
The owners of the refinery, Phillips 66, advised my Department in October that they were putting the Whitegate refinery up for sale and indicated their intention to market it for sale as an operational refinery. A refinery sale would be a commercial matter between Phillips 66 and a potential purchaser. As this process is underway Whitegate will continue to be operated on a business as usual basis. I updated Government on the matter last month.
The Government views the continued operation of the Whitegate refinery on a commercial basis as highly desirable from an energy security and economic perspective. Security of supply remains a fundamental tenet of our energy policy and our overarching strategic energy security objectives are set out in the White Paper “Ireland’s Transition to a Low Carbon Energy Future” published on 16 December last.
890. Deputy Colm Keaveney asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the names of the persons he has nominated to serve in positions carrying remuneration, other than out of pocket expenses, on commissions, industrial, assurance, semi-State or other similar concerns; the amounts received annually in respect of each appointment; the name of the concern to which the appointment was made during the years 2011 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46660/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere have been 175 appointments to State Boards under the aegis of my Department in the period 9 March 2011 to date. Of these appointments, 25 were from among individuals who submitted expressions of interest following an advertisement on my Department's website. A further 9 appointees applied under the revised arrangements set out in the Guidelines on Appointments to State Boards which were published in November 2014.
Appointments to Boards also include nominations provided for by statute, Committees of the Oireachtas, worker directors and ex-officio positions. While the precise number varies from body to body, it can amount to a significant proportion of a Board in certain instances. Some 48% of the 175 appointments made were either ex-officio appointments, reappointments, the appointment of worker directors chosen by election, or appointments made on foot of nominations made by an Oireachtas Committee.
In addition to State Board appointments, Mr. Bobby Kerr was appointed to Chair the Post Office Network Business Development Group and received remuneration totalling €27,603 in 2015.
Two people were nominated to participate on the Steering Group set up by my Department to oversee the State-led Intervention required to achieve the objectives of the National Broadband Plan (NBP). The participants are qualified telecoms experts from the UK and France and were appointed through a tender process to serve on the Steering Committee. The Steering Committee contains a total of 11 members, most of whom are public servants. Only the members appointed through a tendering process have been remunerated for their participation. The persons and remuneration details are outlined below.
|
National Broadband Plan Steering Group |
2014 |
2015 |
|
Mr. Jean-Jacques Thiébault |
€2,191.11 |
€13,002.90 |
|
Professor Jim Norton |
€1,609.15 |
€6,749.74 |
The following table lists all appointments to State Boards under the aegis of this Department since 9 March 2011:
Appointments made since 9 March 2011 to date
|
Body |
Appointee |
|
Mr Donal Connell CEO ex officio |
|
|
Mr James Wrynn |
|
|
Mr Paul Henry |
|
|
Mr Noel Adamson (worker director) |
|
|
Mr Patrick Compton (worker director) |
|
|
Mr Thomas Devlin (worker director) |
|
|
Mr William Mooney (worker director) |
|
|
Ms Martina O’Connell (worker director) |
|
|
Mr William Scally |
|
|
Ms Lorraine Tormey (elected Postmaster member) |
|
|
Mr Christoph Mueller Chairperson |
|
|
Mr Tom O’Brien |
|
|
Ms Jennifer Loftus |
|
|
An Post |
Mr Ed Murray |
|
Mr Noel Curran ex Officio |
|
|
Ms Moya Doherty Chairperson |
|
|
Mr Frank Hannigan |
|
|
Ms Deborah Kelleher |
|
|
Mr P.J. Matthews |
|
|
Ms Anne O’Leary |
|
|
Mr Fergus Armstrong |
|
|
Mr Aengus MacGrianna - RTÉ Staff Representative |
|
|
Mr Padraig O’Ceidigh*** – (JOC) |
|
|
Mr Shane Naughton*** – (JOC) |
|
|
Ms Fionnuala Sheehan ***– (JOC) |
|
|
RTE |
Ms Margaret Ward*** - (JOC) |
|
Mr Séamus Martin |
|
|
Dr Pauric Travers Chairperson |
|
|
Mr Alan McDonnell |
|
|
Ms Claire Duignan |
|
|
Ms Grace Smith |
|
|
Professor Maeve McDonagh***– (JOC) |
|
|
Dr Rosemary Day*** – (JOC) |
|
|
Mr Denis Wolinski*** – (JOC) |
|
|
Broadcasting Authority of Ireland |
Mr Seán Ó Mórdha*** - (JOC) |
|
Ms Denise Cronin |
|
|
Mr. John Horgan - Chairperson |
|
|
Mr Gabriel D’Arcy (Director ex officio) |
|
|
Mr John V Farrelly |
|
|
Mr Denis Leonard |
|
|
Mr Gerard O’Donoghue |
|
|
Ms Elaine Treacy |
|
|
Mr Barry Walsh |
|
|
Mr Paschal Maher Elected employee member |
|
|
Mr Philip Casey Elected employee member |
|
|
Mr Kevin Healy Elected employee member |
|
|
Mr Seamus Maguire Elected employee member |
|
|
Mr Colm O’Gogain Elected employee member |
|
|
Bord na Móna |
Mr Mike Quinn (Managing Director ex officio) |
|
Mr Finbarr Kennelly |
|
|
Mr Michael McNicholas CEO (ex officio) |
|
|
Ms Mari Hurley |
|
|
Mr Joe O’Flynn |
|
|
Ms Rose Hynes Chairperson |
|
|
Ms Jacqueline Hall |
|
|
Mr Laurence Crowley |
|
|
Ervia |
Mr Sean Hogan |
|
Mr James Martin |
|
|
Ms Celine Fitzgerald |
|
|
Mr Peter Cross |
|
|
Dr Gary Healy |
|
|
Ms Regina Moran |
|
|
Mr Liam O’Halloran |
|
|
Ms Bride Rosney |
|
|
Ms Doireann Barry (Staff Rep) |
|
|
Mr Fintan Slye CEO (ex officio) |
|
|
Mr John O’Connor Chairperson |
|
|
Dr Joan Smyth |
|
|
Richard Sterling |
|
|
Mr Gerry Walsh (PAS) |
|
|
EirGrid |
Mr Michael Hand (PAS) |
|
Ms Noreen Wright |
|
|
Mr Seamus Mallon |
|
|
Ms Anne Butler |
|
|
Mr Lochlann Quinn Chairperson |
|
|
Mr Pat O’Doherty CEO ex Officio |
|
|
Ms Noreen O’Kelly |
|
|
Mr Dave Byrne (Elected employee member) |
|
|
Mr Sean Kelly (Elected employee member) |
|
|
Mr Tony Merriman (Elected employee member) |
|
|
Mr Peter O’Sullivan (Elected employee member) |
|
|
Ms Ellvena Graham (Chairperson) (PAS) |
|
|
ESB |
Mr Andrew Hastings (PAS) |
|
Mr Sean Fitzgerald |
|
|
Mr Vincent Caffrey |
|
|
Ms Aoife MacEvilly DCENR Rep |
|
|
Mr Aidan Donnelly Chairperson |
|
|
Mr Pat Meehan CEO ex Officio |
|
|
Irish National Petroleum Corporation (INPC) |
Ms Una Dixon DCENR Rep |
|
Ms Aoife MacEvilly DCENR Rep |
|
|
Mr Aidan Donnelly Chairperson |
|
|
Mr Pat Meehan CEO ex Officio |
|
|
Mr Oliver Whelan |
|
|
Mr Terry Nolan |
|
|
National Oil Reserves Agency (NORA) |
Mr Hugh O’Donnell |
|
Ms Julie O’Neill Chairperson |
|
|
Dr Brian Motherway - CEO ex Officio |
|
|
Mr Michael Conlon |
|
|
Dr. Edgar Morgenroth |
|
|
Ms. Anne Farrell |
|
|
Mr. Declan Waugh |
|
|
Ms. Michelle Green |
|
|
Mr. Brian Carroll (DCENR rep) |
|
|
Mr Brendan Halligan - previous Chairperson |
|
|
Ms Anne Connolly |
|
|
Mr Pat Gilroy |
|
|
Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) |
Mr Michael McGarry |
|
Dr. Peter Brennan (PAS) |
|
|
Dr. Lisa Ryan (PAS) |
|
|
Mr Michael Wall (PAS) |
|
|
Mr Paddy Phelan (PAS) |
|
|
Mr. Micheál Seoighe (JOC) |
|
|
Ms. Mairad Ní Cheoinín (JOC) |
|
|
Mr. Joe Connolly |
|
|
Mr. Des Geraghty |
|
|
Ms. Andra Ní alaithe |
|
|
Ms Mairead Nic Suibhne |
|
|
Ms. Michelle Ní Chróinín |
|
|
Siún Ní Raghallaigh - Chairperson |
|
|
Ms Bríd Falconer*** (JOC) |
|
|
Mr Francis C Reidy*** (JOC) |
|
|
TG4 |
Mr Diarmuid Ó Ruiséal (staff rep) |
|
Mr. Paul Holden Chairperson |
|
|
Mr. Seamus Ratigan |
|
|
Ms Alice Davis |
|
|
Mr Philip Maguire (DCC Member) |
|
|
Mr Owen Keegan (DCC Member) |
|
|
Ms Edel Flynn CEO ex officio |
|
|
Mr. Brendan McDonagh |
|
|
Ms Katherine Licken |
|
|
Digital Hub Development Agency (DHDA) |
Mr Leonard Donnelly Chairperson |
|
Ms Claire Duignan |
|
|
Mr Gerry Macken CEO ex officio (secondee from DCC) |
|
|
Mr. Ronan O’Reilly Chairperson |
|
|
Ms. Anne Butler |
|
|
Mr. Robin Simpson |
|
|
Dr. Enda Howley |
|
|
Dr. Denis Keliher |
|
|
Ms. Marion Coy |
|
|
Mr. Justin Gleeson |
|
|
Ms Sandra Ryan |
|
|
Mr. Padraic Jordan |
|
|
Mr. Oliver Hickey |
|
|
*Ordnance Survey Ireland OSI |
Mr Noel Ward |
|
Mr Michael Neary |
|
|
The Mining Board |
Mr Michael MacGrath S.C. Chairperson |
|
Mr Fintan Gorman** Chairperson (on nomination of DECLG) |
|
|
Mr Peter John Nally |
|
|
Mr Martin McEnroe |
|
|
Mr Niall Greene |
|
|
Dr Frances Lucy*** (JOC) |
|
|
Dr Ciaran Byrne |
|
|
Inland Fisheries Ireland |
Mr Sean Coady (staff nomination) |
* Board of OSI appointed by Minister of State
** Appointed by the Minister of State on the nomination of the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government
***(JOC) appointment
The following are the categories and rates of fees for Board Members:
Category and Rates of Fees for Board Members of Bodies Under the Aegis of DCENR where applicable
|
Commercial Bodies |
|||
|
Body |
Classification |
Category |
Rates of fees w.e.f 01.05.2009 |
|
An Post |
Commercial |
Category 1 |
Chair: €31,500 Director: €15,750 |
|
Ervia |
Commercial |
Category 1 |
Chair: €31,500 Director: €15,750 |
|
Bord na Móna |
Commercial |
Category 2 |
Chair: €21,600 Director: €12,600 |
|
EirGrid |
Commercial |
Category 2 |
Chair: €21,600 Director: €12,600 |
|
Electricity Supply Board |
Commercial |
Category 1 |
Chair: €31,500 Director: €15,750 |
|
Raidió Teilifís Éireann |
Commercial |
Category 1 |
Chair: €31,500 Director: €15,750 |
|
Teilifís na Gaeilge |
Commercial |
Category 2 |
Chair: €21,600 Director: €12,600 |
|
Non-Commercial Bodies/Regulators |
|||
|
Body |
Classification |
Category |
Rates of fees w.e.f 01.01.2010 |
|
Broadcasting Authority of Ireland |
Regulatory |
Category 4 |
Chair: €8,978 Director: €5,985 |
|
Digital Hub Development Agency |
Non-Commercial |
Category 3 |
Chair: €11,970 Director: €7,695 |
|
Inland Fisheries Ireland |
Non-Commercial |
Category 3 |
Chair: €11,970 Director: €7,695 Board fees being paid to members from July 2012 |
|
The Mining Board |
Non-Commercial |
Fees per day/sitting |
*€545.42 fee per day for public and private sittings. €200.93 fee per full day for any necessary attendance (other than sittings) in discharge of the Board’s business. |
|
National Oil Reserves Agency |
Non-Commercial |
Category 4 |
Chair: €8,978 Director: €5,985 |
|
Ordnance Survey Ireland |
Non-Commercial |
Category 3 |
Chair: €11,970 Director: €7,695 |
|
Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland |
Non-Commercial |
Category 3 |
Chair: €11,970 Director: €7,695 |
|
Irish National Petroleum Corporation |
Non-Commercial |
Technical Board |
Chair: €1,200 Director: €900 |
The One Person One Salary policy introduced by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform provides that serving public sector employees are not eligible to receive remuneration in relation to their membership of boards of State Bodies. Non-public sector board members may choose to voluntarily waive their fees as a matter of personal choice. Both of these policy initiatives of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform have been brought to the attention of the bodies under the aegis of the Department. Consequently, the remuneration details in the table above refer to fees that may be payable and are not indicative of fees actually being received by board members. The payment of board members’ expenses is an operational matter for each State Body.
* The Mining Board Fees were reduced w.e.f. 1 July 2013
891. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of annual subscriptions to external membership bodies and groups his Department has, including the cost and details. [46774/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraDuring the past year my Department paid subscriptions to a total of 14 bodies and groups, the details of which are set out in the following Table:
|
Body |
Details |
Amount - € |
|
Institute of International & European Affairs |
Corporate Membership |
8,500 |
|
European Movement Ireland |
Annual Subscription |
1,300 |
|
The Statistical and Social Enquiry Society of Ireland |
Annual Subscription |
200 |
|
EuroGeo Surveys |
Annual Subscription |
10,036 |
|
International Energy Forum |
Financial contribution to support the programme of work activities |
21,812 |
|
Natural Environmental Research Council |
Subscription to the UK Groundwater Forum |
4,576 |
|
ProGeo |
ProGeo Institutional Membership including subscription to the GeoHeritage Journal |
229 |
|
International Lead and Zinc Study Group |
Annual contribution |
10,254 |
|
Energy Charter Secretariat |
Annual contribution |
34,791 |
|
Department of Foreign Affairs |
Ireland's contribution to the OECD Programme - International Energy Agency |
100,236 |
|
Instit National Des Sciences De l'Univers |
Contribution to the European Consortium for Ocean Research Drilling under the International Ocean Discovery Programme |
100,000 |
|
International Union of Geological Services |
Annual contribution |
7,716 |
|
International Renewable Energy Agency |
Membership Contribution |
14,084 |
|
Irish Mining and Quarrying Society |
Annual Subscription |
250 |
|
Total |
313,984 |
892. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of annual subscriptions to newspapers or magazines his Department has including the cost and details. [46775/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraDuring the course of 2015 my Department paid subscriptions to a total of 10 publishers at a total cost of €51,435, the details of which are set out in the following Table:
|
Number |
Name |
Details |
Cost - € |
|
1 |
101 News |
Newspaper Subscriptions |
8,556 |
|
2 |
Aspermont Media Ltd |
Mining Journal Subscription |
909 |
|
3 |
ELSEVIER |
Geological Survey Government Edition Fee |
25,095 |
|
4 |
Financial Times Ltd |
Financial Times Newspaper |
5,450 |
|
5 |
IRN Publishing |
IRN Publishing Online Subscription |
719 |
|
6 |
Justis Publishing Ltd |
The Good Law Guide Annual Subscription |
5,741 |
|
7 |
Renews Ltd |
Online Subscription |
798 |
|
8 |
Society of Economic Geologists Inc |
Economic Geology Bulletin (Two Year subscription) |
1,250 |
|
9 |
The Northern Miner |
Annual Subscription to Magazine |
289 |
|
10 |
Upstream |
Subscription to International Oil and Gas Newsletter |
2,628 |
|
51,435 |
893. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the annual cost to his Department of advertisements placed on its behalf in newspapers, magazines, television, radio and social media. [46776/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe total sum spent from my Department's advertising budget in relation to the categories of advertising expenditure raised by the Deputy amounted to €53,387 in 2015.
894. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will respond to issues outlined in a communication received from a group (details supplied) in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46780/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) that a funding allocation was made, under the Salmon Conservation Fund, towards a project addressing engineering issues relating to a counter for the River Glyde.
An engineered bypass channel on the White River at Connor’s Mill has been identified as the preferred option at that location, and a similar funding allocation was also made in respect of procurement of engineering consultancy services for this. It is hoped to progress both projects in 2016.
In relation to the River Dee, I am advised by IFI that the river is currently regarded as meeting 24% of its conservation limit. The verified and confirmed data for the Dee for 2015 is not yet available. I have asked IFI to provide the information to the Deputy as soon as it is available. The fish counts for the period 2011 to 2014 are set out in the following table:
|
Number |
Count |
|
2011 |
834 |
|
2012 |
1210 |
|
2013 |
929 |
|
2014 |
338 |
The option of installing a new boom to assist in amelioration of debris-related clogging issues at the fish counter site on the River Dee will be investigated by IFI in 2016.
In relation to fish tagging on the River Dee, I am advised that IFI has sought to scientifically investigate issues around the efficiency of the River Dee fish counter over recent years. A feasibility study was undertaken in 2012. Since then, river levels for the seasonal window for this work have not been appropriate in order to facilitate a scientific pit tagging measure. IFI will undertake this exercise as soon as possible, subject to seasonal and environmental constraints.
895. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when the report by Mr. Bobby Kerr into the future of the post office structure will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46882/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe remit of the Post Office Network Business Development Group (the 'Group') was to examine the potential from existing and new Government and commercial business that could be transacted through the Post Office Network. The Group presented an initial report to me in May 2015, which outlined that the future of the Post Office Network would be best secured by seeking out opportunities in the following areas: financial services, including basic banking for the unbanked; Government services; social capital and enterprise and white labelling of financial and other products.
The Group's Final Report has recently been furnished to me by the Chair, Bobby Kerr. I intend to bring it to Government in the next few weeks, ahead of publishing it soon thereafter.
