Written Answers Nos. 1690-1716
1691. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment further to correspondence (details supplied) when a final reply will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25566/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile I cannot comment on an individual Renewable Energy Feed-In Tariff (REFIT) application, I can confirm that it is normal practice that a REFIT applicant would liaise directly with officials in my Department to receive updates on the status of any application, and I have asked my officials to follow up with the REFIT applicant referred to by the Deputy.
1694. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when the Government intends to ratify the Paris climate change agreement; if the matter will be debated in Dáil Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25720/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 12 December 2015, an ambitious new legally binding, global agreement on climate change was agreed in Paris. The Paris Agreement puts in place the necessary framework for all countries to take ambitious action as well as providing for a transparency system to ensure that all countries can have confidence in each other’s efforts. The Agreement sets out a long-term goal to put the world on track to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees centigrade above pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees.
The Agreement aims to tackle 95% of global emissions through 188 Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs). Ireland will contribute to the Paris Agreement via the INDC tabled by the EU on behalf of Member States which commits to 40% reduction in EU-wide emissions by 2030 compared to 1990. The specific details of the contribution to be made by each Member State to this overall ambition remains to be finalised, and Ireland is currently examining proposals made by the European Commission in this regard.
Ireland is a strong supporter of the Paris Agreement and indicated its continuing commitment by signing the Agreement, along with other EU Member States, at the signing ceremony in New York on 22 April 2016. Under Article 29.5.2 of the Irish Constitution, the approval of Dáil Éireann is required for Ireland to ratify the Paris Agreement and the on-going analysis of the proposed effort sharing to be agreed for 2030 will be critical to informing this debate. Within this context, Ireland is treating the ratification process as a key priority.
1695. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if his attention has been drawn to the proposal by the European Commission, upon the abolition of roaming charges across the European Union in 2017, to allow for free roaming only for a consecutive period of 30 days and for no more than 90 days in a year; his views on whether, given citizens have the free right of movement, this should not be impeded by unnecessary costs such as roaming charges; his further views on whether the implementation of these conditions would amount to the indirect retention of roaming charges; if he will raise this issue with his counterparts from other EU Member States; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25829/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2015, the European Council and Parliament adopted Regulation 2015/2120, which requires retail roaming surcharges to be abolished in the European Union from June 2017, subject to fair usage. The concept of fair usage was introduced to prevent so-called “permanent roaming”, i.e. living in one EU Member State and permanently using a mobile phone and data service from another.
Ireland played an active part in negotiating the Regulation and fully supports the implementation of the principle of “Roam like at Home”.
Under the Regulation the European Commission was tasked with reviewing the wholesale roaming markets and making appropriate proposals to enable the abolition of retail roaming surcharges. The European Commission published its draft proposals on what fair usage means earlier this month, which included capping usage at 30 consecutive days and 90 days total per year. However, these proposals have now been withdrawn by the Commission, and we await further proposals.
Ireland is in favour of an economically sustainable solution which abolishes roaming charges for EU citizens travelling from one Member State to another. Officials in my Department are actively engaged in pursuing a favourable outcome at EU level and we await the forthcoming proposals with interest.
1696. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the State agencies, if any, which are using Eircode when communicating with households via An Post; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25861/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra1697. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the efforts his Department and agencies under its remit have made to use Eircode when communicating with households via An Post; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25867/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1696 and 1697 together.
My Department, when communicating with households via An Post includes the Eircodes on the Departments publications, application forms, headed paper, e-mail signatures, complementary slips and on the website. In all correspondence with the Department, staff request and use Eircodes. The Department continues to identify opportunities to realise the benefits integrating Eircodes will bring within the various areas of the Department and agencies under our aegis.
An Post have integrated Eircodes within its main administrative systems focussing on processes that generate mail (e.g. invoicing, purchasing, payroll, customer databases etc.). New administrative systems will incorporate Eircodes as they are being developed. In the postal operations area, Eircodes have been fully integrated with An Post mails sortation systems.
Other agencies under the remit of the Department use and include Eircodes within all their main administration systems, offical correspondence, websites, email signatures and social media platforms. These agencies include the Digital Hub Development Agency (DHDA), Bord Na Móna, Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI), Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, Electric Ireland, Commission for Energy Regulation (CER), TG4 and the National Oil Reserves Agency (NORA).
1698. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if the proposed purchase of a company (details supplied) has been referred to the Competition Authority for review; if not, his plans to refer the proposal; the reason for any such decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25967/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment I have no role in overseeing or directing any function of the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC). The CCPC is an independent body under the aegis of the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation.
While I am aware that the proposed purchase of Celtic Media by Independent News & Media is currently being considered by the CCPC, I have no role in relation to the proposed transaction until the CCPC has made its determination in this case. Should the proposed purchase receive clearance from the CCPC, it must then be notified to me as Minister.
Upon receipt of notification from the parties, a phase 1 examination of the merger is carried out by my Department. This examination is guided by the relevant criteria laid out in the legislation and by the Guidelines on Media Mergers, both of which are available on my Department's website. Following this examination, I have three options under the legislation, which are to allow the merger to proceed, to allow the merger to proceed with conditions or to ask the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) to conduct a more in-depth, or phase 2, examination of the proposed merger.
If the latter is the case, then the BAI will provide me with a report detailing its recommendations on the matter. It is also possible for me, as Minister, to establish an advisory panel to provide an opinion to the BAI on the application of the relevant criteria to the media merger in question. Following receipt of the BAI's report and recommendations, I must then make a decision either to allow the merger to proceed, to allow it to proceed with conditions or to refuse to grant my consent.
As this case is currently being assessed by the CCPC, it would not be appropriate for me to provide further comment at this time until that process is completed.
1699. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the steps he has taken with the Department of Social Protection and the Department of Finance to ensure that repayments from the Revenue Commissioners and the Department of Social Protection enable funds to be transferred to An Post accounts. [26050/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe mechanisms for disbursing repayments from the Department of Social Protection and the Revenue Commissioners are a matter for those organisations.
A Final Report of the Post Office Network Business Development Group was published in January this year. The Report clearly sets out the challenges that An Post and Postmasters face as they ensure that the network remains relevant in the context of an inexorable shift in consumer preferences, including the trend towards digital transactions. Implementation of the reports recommendations, including the introduction of a basic payment account, is the responsibility of the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.
1700. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the list of all vacancies that existed on 26 February 2016 and all positions that have arisen since, including the date they became vacant, for State Boards or governing bodies under his control; the names of those appointed since the Government was formed; if the position was advertised and a short-list provided to him by the Public Appointments Service; if the appointments were approved by the Cabinet; the positions under his control which are not subject to the PAS system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26079/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn the 26 February 2016, 15 vacancies existed on State Boards under the aegis of my Department as follows:
|
Body |
Number of vacancies |
Position |
|
TG4 |
1 |
Ex-officio member (Director General) |
|
Digital Hub Development Agency (DHDA) |
8 |
Ministerial nominees |
|
ESB |
1 |
Ministerial nominee |
|
National Oil Reserves Agency (NORA) |
1 |
Ministerial nominee |
|
Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) |
1 |
(CEO ex-officio) |
|
Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) |
2 |
(one Ministerial nominee and one on the nomination of the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht) |
|
BAI Compliance Committee |
1 |
Ministerial nominee |
Since the 26 February, the following vacancies have arisen:
|
Body |
Number of vacancies |
Position |
Date vacancy occurred |
|
Broadcasting Authority of Ireland |
1 |
Member (Ministerial nominee) |
22/07/2016 |
|
TG4 |
1 |
Member (Ministerial nominee) |
09/05/2016 |
|
An Post |
1 |
Member (Ministerial nominee) |
07/03/2016 |
|
EirGrid |
1 |
Member (Ministerial nominee) |
28/05/2016 |
|
Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) |
3 |
Member (Ministerial nominee) |
3 x 01/05/2016 |
|
ESB |
1 |
Member (Ministerial nominee) |
02/05/2016 |
|
RTÉ |
1 |
Member (on the nomination of the JOC) |
03/03/2016 |
|
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) |
1 |
Director |
01/05/2016 |
|
BAI Contract Awards Committee |
1 |
Member (Ministerial nominee) |
02/09/2016 |
Since the formation of the Government the following appointments have been made to State boards under the aegis of my Department:
|
Body |
Name of appointee |
Position |
Date of appointment |
|
RTÉ |
Ms Dee Forbes |
Director General |
04/07/2016 |
|
Mr Michael Conlon |
Member (Ministerial nominee) |
03/06/2016 |
|
|
Ms Ann Markey |
Member (Ministerial nominee) |
03/06/2016 |
|
|
Digital Hub Development Agency |
Mr Brian Keogh |
Member (Ministerial nominee) |
03/06/2016 |
|
Bord na Móna |
Mr Paschal Maher |
Elected Employee Member |
14/05/2016 |
|
ESB |
Ms Noreen Wright |
Member (Ministerial nominee) |
28/06/2016 Reappointment |
|
Mr Aidan Donnelly |
Chairperson |
29/07/2016 Reappointment |
|
|
Irish National Petroleum Corporation Ltd |
Mr Pat Meehan |
Member (Ministerial nominee) |
29/07/2016 Reappointment |
|
Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) |
Mr Jim Gannon |
CEO Ex Officio |
23/05/2016 |
I can confirm that all of the above appointments and reappointments were made in accordance with the Guidelines on Appointments to State Boards which were published by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in November 2014. In the case of DHDA, the positions were advertised and a short list provided to me. The appointments to RTÉ, SEAI and Bord na Móna, were ex-officio and elected employee representatives and therefore not subject to the PAS process.
The Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and the Gaeltacht Affairs and I are currently finalising the appointments to the Board of Inland Fisheries Ireland and I have asked my officials to send the details of those appointments to the Deputy once they have been made.
1701. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the estimated annual costs to the Exchequer to implement the changes needed across all Departments to ensure that Ireland hits its carbon emissions targets up to 2021; the moneys being allocated to this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26110/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFor each year between 2013 and 2020, Ireland has a greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction target under the 2009 Effort Sharing Decision (ESD) No. 406/2009/EC. For the year 2020 itself, the target set for Ireland is that emissions should be 20 per cent below their value in 2005. This is jointly the most demanding 2020 reduction target allocated under the ESD and one shared only by Denmark and Luxembourg. The 2013 target is based on the average of emissions for the years 2008-2010. The target for each of the years 2014 through 2019 is on a straight-line trajectory between the targets for 2013 and 2020, and surpluses in one year can be used to cover deficits in any subsequent year.
The extent of the challenge to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, in line with our EU and international commitments, is well understood by the Government, as reflected in the National Policy Position on Climate Action and Low Carbon Development, published in April 2014, and now underpinned by the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015 which was enacted in December 2015. The National Policy Position provides a high-level policy direction for the adoption and implementation by Government of plans to enable the State to move to a low-carbon economy by 2050. Statutory authority for the plans is set out in the Act.
Cognisant of the need to safeguard our economic recovery, there will, and must be, a strong economic dimension to the work that Ireland is carrying out to transition to a low carbon, environmentally sustainable economy, as Ireland’s finances continue to stabilise and recover. The National Policy Position clearly identifies competitiveness as a pillar of the fundamental national objective on transition to a low-carbon economy by 2050 and, within this context, sets out a number of key issues for consideration in the on-going evolution of national climate policy, including cost-effectiveness and the need to take advantage of environmentally sustainable economic opportunities both within and outside the State.
The Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act statutorily underpins these and other key economic considerations, to be taken into account in the development of the mitigation and adaptation plans to be adopted by the Government for the purpose of progressing the national transition agenda. We must, therefore, look for economic opportunities in the low carbon transition process with policies to be adopted ideally being a spur to sustainable economic growth.
In accordance with Section 4 of the Act, and in line with responsibilities delegated to me as Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, I intend to submit a draft National Mitigation Plan for public consultation by the end of this year, followed by a final plan to be submitted to Government for approval by June 2017. Work is well underway on the development of the National Mitigation Plan, the primary objective of which will be to track implementation of measures already underway and identify additional measures in the longer term to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and progress the overall national low carbon transition agenda to 2050. The first iteration of the National Mitigation Plan will place particular focus on putting the necessary measures in place to address the challenge to 2020, but also in terms of planning ahead to ensure that appropriate policies and measures will be in place beyond that.
A key element of the development process of the National Mitigation Plan is the identification of the most cost-effective measures with the optimal mitigation potential, which safeguard Ireland’s competitiveness and ideally support sustainable economic growth. Work is currently on-going on this complex task by all relevant Departments and will culminate in a master list of potential measures being produced from which the most appropriate measures will be selected for inclusion in the National Mitigation Plan; as the process is yet to be finalised, detailed costings are currently unavailable for the period concerned.
The ultimate objective of successive National Mitigation Plans is to incrementally achieve this low carbon transition vision by 2050. In that context, the National Mitigation Plan will have regard to Ireland’s obligations under the current 2009 Effort Sharing Decision and any likely future EU and international obligations that may arise, including new targets to be agreed under the 2030 climate and energy package.
1702. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if his Department is making an examination on placing waste collection and disposal back in the remit of the local authorities; the estimated cost of such a move; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26111/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe obligations on local authorities in relation to collecting household waste are set out in the Waste Management Act 1996, as amended and, in summary, provide that:
- Each local authority shall collect, or arrange for the collection of, household waste within its functional area.
- The obligation to collect or arrange for the collection of household waste shall not apply if:
- an adequate waste collection service is available in the local authority's functional area,
- the estimated costs of the collection of the waste would, in the opinion of the local authority, be unreasonably high, or
- the local authority is satisfied that adequate arrangements for the disposal of the waste concerned can reasonably be made by the holder of the waste.
There are no proposals to change these arrangements at this time.
By way of background, altering the structure of household waste collection market was the subject of a public consultation exercise in 2011. A comprehensive Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA) from 2012 also considered options regarding the organisation of the household waste collection market.
The RIA recognised that there were some advantages to the ‘franchise bidding’ approach (also known as competition for the market) which scored marginally higher than strengthening the regulatory regime and keeping the existing ‘side by side’ competitive market structure (competition in the market). However, given the critical nature of the waste collection service, the risks associated with moving to ‘franchise bidding’ were judged to deem this option ultimately less desirable. Noting that there was a possibility that a switch from ‘side by side’ competition to ‘franchise bidding’ could incur costs that actually made household waste collection less efficient, the RIA ultimately made the recommendation to strengthen the regulation of the market, especially in light of the risks associated with competition for the market.
Progress has been made in significantly strengthening the regulatory regime including putting in place robust controls to ensure that only “fit and proper” individuals and companies are allowed to hold such permits and requiring all household waste collectors to put in place Customer Charters, clearly setting out information for customers in relation to issues such as charging structures.
The then Competition Authority were tasked, under A Resource Opportunity – Waste Management Policy in Ireland, with carrying out a formal review of the operation of the household waste collection market during 2016. However, this review was deferred, pending the scheduled introduction of pay-by-weight charging, so as to provide sufficient time for the new charging system to take effect before undertaking such a review.
1703. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the projects his Department is prioritising in Budget 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26112/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy department is responsible for a diverse brief, covering Communications, Climate Action, Energy, Environment and Natural Resources. The main priority areas for my Department are detailed in the Programme for Government and in the Department's current Statement of Strategy and in 2017 include : the National Broadband Plan, a State led investment designed to ensure that high speed broadband is available to all citizens and businesses; the introduction of a Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme to support heat from renewable sources; and continued investment in energy efficiency through the Better Energy programme. Other spending programmes under the remit of my Department which are outlined under Vote 29 in the Revised Estimates for Public Services 2016 will also be continued.
The 2017 allocations for my Department will be agreed in the context of the Estimates of Expenditure and will be made public on Budget Day.
1704. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he is satisfied that all householders with a television set are paying the licence fee; if not, the steps he is taking to ensure that the fee is being collected to the maximum potential; the amount of money foregone to the Exchequer from non-payment; and the cost of pursuing non-payment. [26234/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe requirement to have a TV licence and pay the accompanying fee is dependent on possession of a television set, as provided in section 140 of the Broadcasting Act 2009.
In estimating the national evasion rate, my Department takes into account a range of factors including the overall number of occupied houses and liable businesses, the levels of vacant units and the estimated television penetration rate, that is to say the estimated number of homes possessing a television set. Based on currently available information, my Department estimates that the level of evasion is 13.75%. It is estimated that this level of evasion equates to a loss of approximately €40m per annum to public service broadcasting.
An Post administers the collection of the TV licence fee on my behalf. In terms of increasing compliance with the TV licensing requirements, An Post makes every effort to bring evaders into the licensed pool and a considerable amount of time and resources are spent in dealing specifically with this issue. An Post concentrates its initial efforts on getting people to buy the licence when due and by following up with a series of reminder notices and inspector visits. Bringing people to court is a last resort and only carried out where all other means have failed. It is not possible to separate out the cost of tackling non-compliance from the overall cost of the service provided by An Post.
I am very much aware, however, of the challenges that face the existing TV Licence system, including the current, unacceptable levels of evasion. While the rate has fallen from 15.3% at the end of 2013 to the current rate of 13.75% it is still very high.
In that context, my Department has been working with An Post and RTÉ on an on-going basis so that all steps are being taken to ensure the system is working as effectively as possible. Measures such as marketing campaigns, more evening and weekend inspections and appointment of additional temporary Inspectors are just some of the initiatives that have been utilized to enhance sales and improve compliance rates.
My Department is also currently examining a number of additional actions that might be taken, including legislative measures, with the aim of further strengthening the system.
1707. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will publish the analysis of the consultation on minimum thermal efficiency standards in rental properties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26338/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraIndependent research conducted by the Economic and Social Research Institute has shown that people who rent their homes are more than twice as likely to live in a home that is an E, F or G on the Building Energy Rating (BER) scale than a homeowner. This research has also found that households living in relatively energy inefficient properties spend €160-€419 per annum more on energy than households in a home rated with a BER of B.
This is due to split incentives. This is a common situation whereby a landlord is responsible for meeting the cost of energy efficiency improvement work, but only receives a benefit when the work increases the rental or re-sale value of the property. The tenant, who is typically responsible for paying the energy bills and would thus benefit from lower energy costs, is unlikely to invest in the work without certainty that they will remain in the property long enough that the savings will out-weigh the investment. These diverging incentives mean that energy efficiency investment is much lower in the rented sector than among homeowners.
In the absence of intervention to correct this, an increasing proportion of renters will be likely to live in homes with poor energy efficiency. This has implications for the achievement of our climate goals and indeed, for energy poverty levels if incomes fall and/or energy costs rise. Therefore, the Government Strategy to Combat Energy Poverty concluded that the implementation of minimum energy efficiency standards for rented properties should be examined.
Research work on this topic, commissioned by my Department along with the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government, supported by SEAI, has been completed. Both Departments are now engaged in analysing the research work with a view to publishing a consultation paper, along with the research work, by the end of 2016.
It is recognised that there is a need to balance improving the energy efficiency of rented properties against the supply and price of properties for rent. Any such minimum standards will need to be thoroughly consulted on, tested and developed, with implementation sufficiently phased to allow landlords the opportunity to make provision for compliance.
The publication of this research work will be the start of a process that will bring together stakeholder groups in a structured engagement process with the aim of leading to agreement and providing regulatory certainty for the rented sector.
1708. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if the State engages in the procurement of carbon credits from private forestries; if so, the reason for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26359/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Kyoto Protocol, countries must meet their emission reduction targets primarily through national measures. However, the Protocol also offers an additional means to meet targets by way of a number of market-based mechanisms, including the purchase of carbon credits. The rules relating to the use of carbon credits to assist with meeting emissions reduction targets differ under the Kyoto Protocol and the EU 2020 Effort Sharing Decision (ESD), with the latter applying more restrictive limitations.
Under the Carbon Fund Act 2007, a Carbon Fund was established to fund the purchase of carbon credits. I am responsible for the management and control of the Carbon Fund but, under the Act, the management of the Carbon Fund has been delegated to the National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA). As a result the NTMA are the purchasing agent for the State. Funding for the purchase of carbon units is provided from the Central Fund to the Carbon Fund.
Some 1.2m units purchased by Ireland are known as ‘tCERs’ or temporary Certified Emissions Reductions, and they relate to emissions removals generated from land based projects such as afforestation and reforestation projects. Under the Kyoto Protocol’s Clean Development Mechanism, such units allow Parties with Quantified Emission Limitation or Reduction Objectives, such as Ireland, to offset their emissions by supporting projects in those countries which did not take on such targets. Ireland participates in a World Bank fund known as the BioCarbon Fund where the World Bank manages such projects on behalf of the participants from initiation through to the delivery of tCERs. The tCERs are considered to be potentially non-permanent because the emissions removals achieved by these projects are at risk of being re-emitted into the atmosphere at a future date. This could be as a result of human induced changes to land management practices, such as reversal of afforestation practices or active deforestation, or could result from fire or disease. It is not possible at present to provide a breakdown of whether the units purchased relate to forestry projects which are operated by public or private sector organisations in the countries involved (these include Brazil, China, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Chile, Colombia, India, and Moldova).
The extent of the challenge to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, in line with our EU and international commitments, is well understood by the Government, as reflected in the National Policy Position on Climate Action and Low Carbon Development, published in April 2014, and now underpinned by the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015, which was enacted in December 2015. The National Policy Position provides a high-level policy direction for the adoption and implementation by Government of plans to enable the State to move to a low-carbon economy by 2050. Statutory authority for the plans is set out in the Act.
In accordance with Section 4 of the Act, the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment must submit a National Mitigation Plan to Government for approval by June 2017 at the latest. Work is well underway on the development of the National Mitigation Plan, the primary objective of which will be to track implementation of measures already underway and identify additional measures in the longer term to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and progress the overall national low carbon transition agenda to 2050.
1709. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the number of projects approved per county under the better energy communities scheme in each of the years 2014 to 2016 to date, in tabular form; the total funds drawn down in each year; the total budget allocation in each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26432/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) administers the Better Energy Communities Scheme on behalf of my Department. The scheme aims to support and encourage community based partnerships to improve the energy efficiency of homes, businesses and community facilities in a local area. To date the scheme has supported the upgrade of more than 12,000 homes and several hundred shared community facilities, including sports clubs, community centres and childcare facilities.
Earlier this year I announced that under this year's scheme, almost €20 million in grant support has been awarded. This will provide for energy efficiency upgrades to more than 2,600 homes and almost 300 community and commercial facilities. The total investment in energy efficiency, including funding from local communities themselves, is almost €48 million, which will support an estimated 700 direct and indirect jobs right across the country.
I enclose with this reply lists with a description, location and grant amount awarded to every Better Energy Communities project over 2014 - 2016. However, as the Deputy will note some of these projects cross county and Local Authority areas. In addition, all applications to the scheme include a number of sub-projects, which may be located in an individual county or may involve a countrywide network of facilities. It is also worth noting that during the lifetime of a communities project there can be scope changes as individual sub-projects are added or removed or there are changes to reflect altered technology specifications. Therefore, while SEAI tightly manage and track individual projects in terms of grant offered, project delivered and grant drawn down, the individual spend per county is not tracked.
The table below details the number of projects funded, the budget allocation and the amount of funding spent in respect of each of the three years in question.
Better Energy Communities
|
Year |
2014* |
2015 |
2016 |
|
Number of Projects Funded |
99 |
33 |
37 |
|
Funding Drawn Down |
€25.7m |
€15.2m |
€19.05 (estimated) |
*It should be noted that the 2014 scheme included projects incorporating an area-based approach to tackling energy poverty.
1710. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the estimated cost of increasing grant aid for every measure available under the better energy homes scheme divided between each individual energy efficiency measure to households in 2017 based on current participation levels and by percentage increases (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26433/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Better Energy Homes scheme is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) on behalf of my Department. The scheme provides a financial incentive to private homeowners who wish to improve the energy performance of their homes. Grants are provided towards the cost of a range of measures including attic insulation, wall insulation, heating systems upgrades, solar thermal panels and accompanying Building Energy Rating (BER).
The effect of a percentage increase in grant levels cannot be predicted with certainty and the best that can be done is to apply percentage increase to activity level in previous years. However, such a mathematical exercise can be misleading as it cannot assess the elasticity of demand or impact as between measures of changing support levels, potentially miscalculating the impact on individual measures and overall cost to the Exchequer.
The table below shows, for illustrative purposes, the possible cost to the Exchequer if grant rates were increased by the percentages detailed in the Question, based on the demand levels experienced across 2015. That year is used for illustrative purposes as it is the last full year of the scheme's operation and so should negate any seasonal effect in grant payments.
A total of €14.3m in grant payments were made under the Better Energy Homes scheme in 2015. This involved upgrades to 12,339 homes. The split between individual measures is outlined in the table below (excluding the €50 grant awarded for undertaking a BER). It should also be noted that the exact grant a householder receives for a measure varies based on their house type and whether they are eligible to receive a bonus top-up payment for undertaking multiple energy efficiency measures.
|
- |
Total completed |
Actual spend 2015 (€) |
Average spend per measure (€) |
Possible spend (€*) with 2015 participation rate per measure if grant amount per measure (average spent in 2015)were increased by: |
||||||
|
2.5% |
5% |
7.5% |
10% |
12.5% |
15% |
20% |
||||
|
Roof Insulation |
4,751 |
1,337,149 |
281 |
1,368,407 |
1,401,783 |
1,435,158 |
1,468,534 |
1,501,910 |
1,535,286 |
1,602,037 |
|
Cavity Insulation |
3,995 |
1,185,489 |
297 |
1,216,178 |
1,245,841 |
1,275,504 |
1,305,167 |
1,334,829 |
1,364,492 |
1,423,818 |
|
Dry-Lining Insulation |
601 |
1,095,901 |
1823 |
1,123,014 |
1,150,404 |
1,177,795 |
1,205,185 |
1,232,576 |
1,259,966 |
1,314,748 |
|
External Insulation |
1,255 |
4,334,997 |
3454 |
4,443,139 |
4,551,509 |
4,659,878 |
4,768,247 |
4,876,616 |
4,984,986 |
5,201,724 |
|
H.E Gas Boiler with Heating Control Upgrade |
3,634 |
2,569,440 |
707 |
2,633,469 |
2,697,700 |
2,761,931 |
2,826,161 |
2,890,393 |
2,954,624 |
3,083,086 |
|
H.E Oil Boiler with Heating Control Upgrade |
1,155 |
851,770 |
737 |
872,516 |
893,797 |
915,078 |
936,359 |
957,639 |
978,920 |
1,021,482 |
|
Heating Controls Upgrade Only |
706 |
436,898 |
619 |
447,939 |
458,865 |
469,790 |
480,715 |
491,641 |
502,566 |
524,417 |
|
Solar Heating |
1,646 |
1,936,300 |
1176 |
1,984,088 |
2,032,481 |
2,080,873 |
2,129,266 |
2,177,658 |
2,226,050 |
2,322,835 |
|
Total |
17,743 |
13,747,944 |
N/A |
14,089061 |
14,432,380 |
14,776,007 |
15,119,634 |
15,463,262 |
15,806,890 |
16,494,147 |
1711. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the total amount of Department funding allocated to the better energy homes scheme, better energy communities scheme and better energy warmer homes scheme in 2016,; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26434/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) operates a number of energy efficiency schemes under the Better Energy Programme on behalf of my Department. The Better Energy Homes Scheme makes a range of grants available to home-owners who wish to improve the energy efficiency of their homes, the Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme offers free energy efficiency upgrades to those in energy poverty and the Better Energy Communities Scheme funds community activity on energy efficiency.
To date, the Better Energy Programme has supported energy efficiency upgrades in more than 325,000 homes throughout Ireland. SEAI estimate that the programme will support approximately 2,300 jobs in 2016. It is anticipated that up to 25,000 homes will receive grant support under the Better Energy Programme in 2016.
The table below details the numbers of homes that have received grant support so far in 2016, the amount of funding spent to date and the estimated final outturn for each programme (capital and current) in 2016.
|
|
Number of homes completed to 31 August 2016 |
Funding spent up to 31 August 2016 |
Total Anticipated Outturn - 2016 |
|
Better Energy Homes
|
10,666 |
€11,151,533 |
€17.18m |
|
Better Energy Warmer Homes (including Warmth & Wellbeing sub-strand) |
5,175 |
€12,230,000 |
€20.69m |
|
Better Energy Communities |
N/A (works underway at the moment, anticipate 2,640 homes completed by end of year) |
€3,915,131 (it should be noted that the bulk of funds under this scheme are drawn down in Q4) |
€19.05m |
|
Total
|
|
|
€56.92m |
1712. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will provide a breakdown in €/MWh of the current cost of renewable energy support in each such renewable area, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26435/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Renewable Electricity Feed-in Tariff (REFIT) schemes are the principal means of supporting renewable electricity generators for energy exported to the grid. The REFIT support schemes are underpinned by detailed economic analysis to ensure long-term certainty for investors and overall value for money for consumers. The REFIT schemes assure a minimum price for each unit of electricity exported to the grid over a 15 year period and cover a range of different renewable energy technologies, including wind energy, biomass and hydro-generation.
REFIT forms a key part of the Public Service Obligation (PSO). The PSO levy is charged to all electricity customers in Ireland to support national policy objectives related to renewable energy, indigenous fuels (peat) and security of energy supply. The PSO levy is determined each year by the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER). Ireland’s REFIT schemes have proved effective in attracting investment into the renewable energy sector. In addition, the REFIT schemes have been found to be a very cost effective tool to support renewables development, as indicated by a report published by the Council of European Energy Regulators in 2015.
Each year my Department publishes a list of renewable energy technologies to be supported and the associated tariff for each. The 2015-2016 list is outlined in the following table.
|
Tariff per MW (€) |
2015/2016 |
|
REFIT 1 |
|
|
Large Wind (above 5MW) |
69.72 |
|
Small wind (equal to or less than 5MW |
72.167 |
|
Hydro |
88.068 |
|
Biomass Landfill Gas |
85.622 |
|
Other Biomass |
88.068 |
|
REFIT 2 |
|
|
Large Wind (above 5MW) |
69.72 |
|
Small Wind (equal to or less than 5MW |
72.167 |
|
Hydro |
88.068 |
|
Biomass Landfill Gas |
85.622 |
|
REFIT 3 |
|
|
Biomass Combustion |
89.314 |
|
Biomass Combustion – Energy Crops |
99.822 |
|
Large Biomass CHP (above 1,500 kW) |
126.091 |
|
Small Biomass CHP (equal to or less than 1,500 kW) |
147.106 |
|
Large Anaerobic Digestion (AD) Non CHP (above 500kW) |
105.076 |
|
Small AD Non CHP (equal to or less than 500kW) |
115.583 |
|
Large AD CHP (above 500kW) |
136.598 |
|
Small AD CHP (equal to or less than 500kW) |
157.613 |
My Department is developing a new support scheme for renewable electricity and an initial consultation took place last year. In-depth economic analysis is now underway to inform the cost of any new scheme. Maintaining overall value for money for consumers, while reflecting the actual investment costs for renewable energy technologies is a key part of this work. Once the detailed economic analysis is complete, there will be a further public consultation on the design of the new scheme. The scheme is expected to become available in 2017, subject to Government approval and State Aid clearance from the European Commission.
1713. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will outline Ireland’s obligations under EU 2030 energy targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26436/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Paris Agreement was the major outcome of the 21st Conference of Parties held by under United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) from 30 November to 12 December 2015. The Agreement was negotiated by representatives of 195 countries and aims to hold the increase in global average temperature to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. It aims to increase the ability to adapt to the adverse impacts of climate change and foster climate resilience and low greenhouse gas emissions development.
The agreement is built on the premise of all parties submitting and carrying out Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) outlining the measures they will carry out to reduce their negative impacts on the environment. The European Union, as a single entity, has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 40% by 2030 compared with 1990 levels.
The specific responsibilities of individual Member States contributing to this overall EU target have yet to be agreed. The Commission published draft proposals in this regard on 20 July last and analysis is on-going to assess the full implications of these for Ireland. Deliberations are also on-going within the wider EU context. The outcome of these deliberations will ultimately determine Ireland’s contribution, which needs to reflect a level of ambition that is technically feasible, cost-effective and fair, to the overall EU 2030 effort.
1714. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the eligibility criteria for the disabled parking permit will be reviewed to allow persons without the use of their arms be included; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25531/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Disabled Parking Permit (also known as European Parking Card or Disabled Parking Badge) is available to people living in Ireland with a permanent disability, medical condition, severe mobility difficulties and to people who are registered blind. The permit is available to people as drivers or passengers. The primary legislation for the purposes of the EU parking permit defines a disabled person as a person with a permanent condition or disability that severely restricts their ability to walk.
The disabled parking scheme is operated on behalf of my Department by the Disabled Drivers Association of Ireland (DDAI) and the Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA), which are the two bodies empowered to issue disabled parking permits. As Minister, I have responsibility for the regulations under which the scheme operates.
My Department conducted a comprehensive review of the Disabled Parking Scheme in 2010. The review recommended revising the eligibility criteria for the disabled parking permit to focus on limitations on mobility rather than on diagnosis of particular medical condition or illness. This was in line with the original intention of the scheme.
I have no plans to review eligibility criteria at this time. However, should the key stakeholders, in particular the DDAI and/or the IWA, present a case for a further review of the scheme - or indeed specific aspects of it, I would be willing to give consideration to it.
1715. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if An Garda Síochána will provide accident statistics at a location (details supplied) in County Kerry for the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25606/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe subject matter of this particular question, i.e. road accident statistics, is the responsibility of the Road Safety Authority, and I have referred the question to them for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a reply has not been received within ten working days.
1716. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the timeframe for reintroducing the community involvement scheme, CIS, for Louth County Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26067/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities' own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the local authority.
There has been a longstanding provision for local authorities to seek community involvement in the improvement and maintenance work on suitable local roads and to facilitate this, local authorities are permitted to allocate a portion of their State grant funding to eligible schemes.
A separate Community Involvement Scheme (CIS) pilot scheme did operate for two years in 2013 and 2014. Following its completion CIS reverted to the position where local authorities may set aside 7.5% of their RI and RM grants for CIS schemes if they so wish. Applications under the scheme are made directly to the local authority and managed by it.
