Written Answers Nos. 840-857
840. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine , further to Parliamentary Question No. 77 of 19 July 2016, the further consultation he has had with the European Commissioner or with other member states in relation to the need to abolish EU tariffs on the import of fertiliser; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27465/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraDifficulties on agricultural markets continue to be experienced by farmers across the EU. The Commission and Member States have responded with packages of support measures, most recently at the end of July 2016 when, among other measures, a €500 million fund was agreed, with a particular emphasis on the dairy sector. The package includes a €350 million conditional adjustment aid measure to be implemented by Member States - from which Ireland will receive €11.1m - and a €150 million EU-wide measure to support voluntary reduction in milk production. Welcome as these measures are, I believe we must continue to deploy any and all available options that might help to mitigate the effects of the market difficulties. Such options include measures that will help to reduce production costs for farmers.
As I indicated previously, according to Eurostat, fertiliser is the third most important expenditure item on EU farms, accounting for €19.2bn in 2014. I believe that appropriate action in this area could be of significant benefit to farmers at this very difficult time, and in addition to the many other measures that have been considered in recent months, I have asked the Commission to consider a temporary suspension of import tariffs on fertilisers. Commissioner Hogan has raised the issue with Commissioner for Economic and Financial Affairs, Taxation and Customs, Pierre Moscovici, and Internal Market Commissioner Elzbieta Bienkowska, and has been following up with those colleagues in an effort to secure their agreement to possible changes.
I am continuing to pursue the matter with the Commission in consultation with my Member State counterparts.
841. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the outcome of recent discussions at the EU Council of Ministers on the need to support the dairy sector due to present difficulties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27466/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am acutely aware of the difficulties facing Irish dairy farmers this year which is why I have been intensively engaged with the EU Agriculture Commissioner other EU Agriculture Ministers in finding solutions. Dairy markets at Irish, EU and international level, have been experiencing difficulties for nearly two years, due to a combination of increased global supply, the effects of the Russian ban on the import of EU products and reduced global demand. The Commission responded to these difficulties through the deployment of support measures provided for under the CAP and in the form of two wider packages of measures, in September 2015 and March 2016.
The Commission presented a further package of measures at the Agri-Fish Council on 18 July. The main component is a fund of €500 million, which comprises two elements:
The first is a €150 million EU-wide measure to compensate farmers for reducing their milk output in the final quarter of 2016 compared to the same period in 2015 (at a rate of 14c/kg). The detailed rules regarding this measure were agreed at EU level on August 25th and the Commission provided the legal provisions to give effect to this measure earlier this month. The Scheme is currently being implemented in Ireland and some 4,400 milk producers have applied, indicating that they propose to reduce milk production by 72m litres in the Oct – Dec 2016 period compared to the same period last year.
The second element of the EU July 2016 package is a €350 million fund that will be allocated to Member States in the form of national envelopes, which Member States can use in accordance with their domestic circumstances. Whilst eligibility criteria will apply, Member States are afforded a large degree of flexibility in terms of the measures they might adopt. Ireland’s allocation from the fund will be €11.09 million. Member States will be required to notify the Commission by 1 November 2016 of the measures to be adopted. Final decisions on how Ireland will utilise this latter aid element have not yet been reached and the matter is subject to on going consideration in consultation with the EU and National stakeholders.
It should be clearly noted that the above represent two distinct and separate policy responses at EU level. Availing of one element of the package at national level is not conditional on participation in the other measure.
In addition to the above measures I along with Minister of State Andrew Doyle have been proactive in promoting Irish dairy products around the world in an effort to further diversify our global markets. Both Minister Doyle and I have just returned from a four-country trade mission to China, Korea, Vietnam and Singapore where promotion of Irish dairy products in these growing markets was a key priority.
842. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the discussions at the recent EU Council of Ministers on the need to have additional food products exempted from the Russian ban on exports from the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27467/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe issue of the Russian ban on agri-food exports from the European Union is one that is regularly discussed at Agriculture Council of Ministers, although it was not addressed at the recent Informal Council, which took place in Bratislava from 11-13 September.
There are essentially two bans in place. The Russian Federation imposed a temporary ban on importation of pigs, pork and reproductive material certified from the EU after 26 January 2014 in response to the discovery of two cases of African Swine Fever in wild boar in Lithuania. Efforts to make progress in lifting this ban are continuing.
A more general ban on the importation of agri-food products was imposed by the Russian Federation in August 2014 on countries (including the EU) which had adopted sanctions against Russia in the context of the situation in Ukraine. Although partially lifted (since 1 June 2016) in respect of imports of beef, poultry and vegetables intended for use in baby food manufacturing, the overall ban remains in place, and on 29 June 2016, the Russian authorities announced a further extension, to 31 December 2017.
In the context of the ongoing difficulties on EU agricultural markets, all Member States, including Ireland, have consistently urged the European Commission to intensify its contacts with the Russian authorities with a view to lifting these bans, particularly with a view to restoring the trade in live pigs, pork fat, lard and offal. Commissioner Hogan again indicated at the Agri-Fish Council on 18 July that the Commission has been working hard on this issue, but has not been able to make the hoped-for progress to date. While efforts to secure real engagement from the Russian authorities will continue, the broader task of securing alternative market outlets for EU food products will also be progressed.
843. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding an advance payment of 70% of the basic payment scheme; if this will issue by mid-October 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27468/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe advance payment of 70% under the Basic Payment Scheme will commence in mid October 2016. Under EU Regulations this is the earliest date on which payments may issue.
844. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the cost of introducing a minimum wage of €12, €13, €14 or €15 an hour for all employees under the aegis of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27775/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested is being compiled and will be forwarded directly to Deputy concerned as soon as it is available.
The deferred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
845. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the cost of introducing a minimum weekly gross wage of €480, €500, €520, €560 or €600 for all full-time employees under the aegis of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27784/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested is being compiled and will be forwarded directly to the Deputy concerned as soon as it is available.
The deferred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
846. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the number of premises forecasted to be covered by the national broadband plan and by commercial high-speed broadband services, by county, in tabular form, inclusive of the further 170,000 premises which are currently marked BLUE on the high-speed broadband map and which are unlikely to get access to services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26444/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Broadband Plan (NBP) aims to deliver high speed services to every city, town, village and individual premises in Ireland. The Programme for Government commits to the delivery of the NBP as a matter of priority. This is being achieved through private investment by commercial telecommunications companies and through a State intervention in areas where commercial investment is not forthcoming. The formal procurement process for the State Intervention commenced in December 2015.
The High Speed Broadband Map, which is available at www.broadband.gov.ie shows the extent of the State Intervention area.
The areas marked BLUE represent those areas where commercial providers are either currently delivering or have previously indicated plans to deliver high speed broadband services. My Department continues to monitor the commercial deployment plans in the BLUE area to ensure that those services are delivered and will, if necessary, include additional premises in the formal procurement process where it is evident that services will not be provided by the commercial sector.
The areas marked AMBER on the High Speed Broadband Map represent the target areas for the State Intervention, which are the subject of the current procurement process. Premises within this area will get services of at least 30Mbps when the procurement process is completed and the network rolled out.
The map provides information on a county by county basis with a breakdown of coverage across the townlands in every county. Individuals can check whether their premises is in a BLUE or an AMBER area by scrolling through the map online or entering their Eircode.
The county breakdown for the National Broadband Plan Intervention is set out in the table, with the percentage of premises to be covered by the Intervention and through commercial investment also listed.
|
County Name |
Number of Premises Covered by National Broadband Plan Intervention |
% Premises within the NBP Intervention Area |
Number of Premised covered/planned by commercial operators |
% Premises within Commercial Operator’s Area |
|
Carlow |
10,555 |
39% |
16,851 |
61% |
|
Cavan |
24,197 |
57% |
18,175 |
43% |
|
Clare |
34,501 |
51% |
33,657 |
49% |
|
Cork |
85,972 |
32% |
181,782 |
68% |
|
Donegal |
52,004 |
52% |
48,514 |
48% |
|
Dublin |
8,295 |
1% |
572,053 |
99% |
|
Galway |
62,540 |
47% |
71,275 |
53% |
|
Kerry |
51,180 |
57% |
38,824 |
43% |
|
Kildare |
20,536 |
23% |
67,791 |
77% |
|
Kilkenny |
22,455 |
47% |
25,317 |
53% |
|
Laois |
16,201 |
42% |
22,560 |
58% |
|
Leitrim |
13,326 |
60% |
8,990 |
40% |
|
Limerick |
33,963 |
35% |
63,698 |
65% |
|
Longford |
11,691 |
52% |
10,891 |
48% |
|
Louth |
15,129 |
25% |
45,015 |
75% |
|
Mayo |
50,831 |
60% |
33,336 |
40% |
|
Meath |
31,171 |
38% |
51,384 |
62% |
|
Monaghan |
19,551 |
58% |
13,914 |
42% |
|
Offaly |
17,130 |
47% |
19,587 |
53% |
|
Roscommon |
24,856 |
64% |
14,269 |
36% |
|
Sligo |
18,605 |
47% |
21,281 |
53% |
|
Tipperary |
41,207 |
49% |
43,368 |
51% |
|
Waterford |
17,897 |
29% |
43,098 |
71% |
|
Westmeath |
17,814 |
40% |
26,563 |
60% |
|
Wexford |
39,308 |
49% |
40,202 |
51% |
|
Wicklow |
16,574 |
26% |
46,250 |
74% |
|
Totals: |
757,489 |
32% |
1,578,645 |
68% |
Over 750,000 premises are the focus for the procurement process, which formally commenced in December 2015 with the publication of the Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (‘PQQ’) and Project Information Memorandum. On 5 July, I announced that my Department has identified that up to 170,000 premises which are currently marked BLUE on the High Speed Broadband Map are unlikely to get access to services. Further analysis is being conducted by my Department to identify these premises with a view to including them in the formal procurement process. This mapping work will conclude in the next few months and the map will be updated to reflect the changes arising.
847. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the progress in meeting the overall renewables targets by 2020 under the renewable energy directive, 2009/28/EC, including the progress on meeting the targets for the contribution of renewables and biofuels to gross electricity consumption, transport energy and heat since this Government came to office. [26445/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 2009 EU Renewable Energy Directive 2009/28/EC set Ireland a legally binding target of meeting 16% of our energy requirements from renewable sources by 2020. The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland estimates that we had reached 9.1% of the overall 16% target at the end of 2015. While good steady progress has been made, the 16% target remains challenging and will require the additional deployment of renewable energy in the electricity, heating and transport sectors between now and 2020. In order to achieve the overall binding 16% total energy target, the Government has adopted a range of policy support measures designed to meet these aims.
In the electricity sector, the primary support mechanisms introduced for renewable electricity are the Alternative Energy Requirement schemes and the Renewable Energy Feed-In-Tariff (REFIT) schemes. These schemes have proved successful at incentivising the development of the renewable electricity generation capacity necessary to meet our 40% renewable electricity target, and figures show that in 2015 some 25.3% of electricity demand was met by renewable sources.
In the heating sector, my Department is working on the introduction of a new Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) to support the deployment of renewable energy in the sector. The primary aim of the RHI is to build on the progress already made in heating and to help reach our 12% target by 2020. In 2015 it is estimated that 6.8% of heat was derived from renewable sources.
In the transport sector, Ireland aims to meet our renewable target mainly through the increased use of sustainable biofuels, with electric vehicles also making a small contribution. In 2015, figures indicate 5.7% of our energy needs in the transport sector were met from renewable sources.
The White Paper on Energy Policy sets out a vision for transforming Ireland's fossil-fuel based energy sector into a clean, low carbon system by 2050. The Programme for Government also sets out important objectives in the energy sector that build on this vision. The clear focus of my Department is on implementing the range of actions necessary to meet our energy and climate change targets.
848. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to reopen the hardship scheme in view of recorded salmon and eel stock levels; his further plans to investigate avenues of support to help young salmon and eel fishermen affected by the closures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26538/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Salmon Hardship Scheme was introduced following a Government decision in 2006 to permanently cease, for conservation reasons, the commercial salmon mixed stock fishery. Under the scheme, hardship payments, averaging over €22,000, were paid to fishermen active in the commercial salmon fishery who availed of the opportunity to cease fishing and undertook not to seek a licence in the future.
In excess of €25 million was allocated to the scheme to facilitate payments to fishermen, with a further €5 million provided for community development projects. The scheme closed for applications on 31 December 2007 and ceased in 2008. I understand that all funds were expended and there are currently no plans to revisit such a scheme.
Ireland’s Eel Management Plan (EMP) under EU Regulation 1100/2007, which included a closure of commercial fishing for an initial three year period, was approved by the European Commission in 2009. In accordance with the EU Regulation, all Member States' EMPs are required to be reviewed every three years. Ireland's EMP and its conservation measures were reviewed in 2012 and again in 2015. In both instances, the review involved an examination of the latest scientific data and the conservation measures, the results of which were provided to stakeholders in a comprehensive public consultation process.
Based on management advice from Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) and having considered all aspects of the 2015 review reports, the existing conservation measures in Ireland’s EMP remain in place up to mid-2018 at which time a further review is required. IFI have been provided funding for a new collaborative research initiative involving IFI scientists and a number of former eel fishermen to further develop national knowledge of the species and its medium to longer term potential for recovery. This scientific fishery was commenced this year and is expected to continue for three years to increase data and knowledge ahead of further review of eel management measures in 2018.
The latest advice from the International Council for the Exploration of the Seas (ICES) for 2016 (published October 2015) is that “the status of eel remains critical and that all anthropogenic mortality (e.g. recreational and commercial fishing, hydropower, pumping stations, and pollution) affecting production and escapement of silver eels should be reduced to – or kept as close to – zero as possible.” There is no change in the International scientific perception of the status of the stock as being critically endangered.
849. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will provide information on the formation of a task force or oversight committee to monitor mobile phone coverage in rural Ireland; when this will come into operation; the persons and bodies that will provide the membership of this task force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26590/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government commits to the establishment of a Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce to consider immediate measures to address telecommunications deficits in rural Ireland. The Taskforce, which I co-chair with my colleague, Minister Humphreys, was established in July. The Taskforce has established four sub-groups to examine various aspects of mobile phone and broadband coverage and there have been at least six meetings since July. The Taskforce is making good progress in identifying practical actions that can be taken in the short-term to improve mobile phone and broadband access in Ireland. The Taskforce will work with Government Departments, Local Authorities, the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg), State Agencies, the telecoms industry and other key stakeholders. The membership of the group includes the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment; the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural, and Gaeltacht Affairs; the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government; the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport; the Office of Public Works; NewERA; Transport Infrastructure Ireland;
Teagasc; Trinity College CTVR (Telecommunications Research Centre); The County and City Management Association (CCMA); Irish Rural Link; the Irish Country Women's Association; businesses based in rural Ireland; the National Competition and Consumer Protection Commission; and an Independent Planning Adviser.
ComReg is participating on the Taskforce as an observer in order to provide advice and guidance in its capacity as the independent regulator of the telecommunications market.
The work of the Taskforce will also assist Local Authorities in preparing for the rollout of the new NBP network once contract(s) are in place. I expect that Minister Humphreys and I will bring proposals to Government by the end of 2016, on foot of the Taskforce's report.
850. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his views on correspondence regarding broadband speeds in an area (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26701/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra851. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if e-fibre will be installed in an area (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26730/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 850 and 851 together.
The National Broadband Plan (NBP) aims to deliver high speed services to every city, town, village and individual premises in Ireland. Delivery of high speed broadband is a strategic priority under the Programme for a Partnership Government. This is being achieved through private investment by commercial telecommunications companies and through a State intervention in areas where commercial investment is not forthcoming.
The High Speed Broadband Map, which is available at www.broadband.gov.ie shows the extent of the State Intervention area.
The areas marked BLUE represent those areas where commercial telecommunications providers are either currently delivering or have previously indicated plans to deliver high speed broadband services. My Department does however continue to monitor the commercial deployment plans in the BLUE area to ensure that those services are delivered and will, if necessary, include additional premises in the formal procurement process where it is evident that services will not be provided by the commercial sector.
The areas marked AMBER on the High Speed Broadband Map represent the target areas for the State Intervention, which are the subject of the current procurement process. It is intended that premises within this area will have access to services of at least 30Mbps when the procurement process is completed and the network rolled out.
The map provides information on a county by county basis with a breakdown of coverage across the townlands in every county including County Kerry.
The maps shows that the majority of Castleisland Co Kerry, falls within the BLUE area where commercial providers are either currently delivering or previously indicated that they have plans to deliver high speed broadband services. However there are also areas of Castleisland that are within the AMBER area. The Townland of Moher, Co Kerry falls completely within the AMBER area.
While I cannot compel any operator to provide services to a particular premises, my Department continues to actively monitor the deployment plans in the BLUE area and direct feedback from consumers is important. In this regard, if customers in Castleisland cannot access high speed broadband services, I would encourage them to contact my Department directly at broadband@dcenr.gov.ie, quoting their address and Eircode, and giving details of providers they have contacted with a view to obtaining services.
The Intervention Strategy available at http://www.dcenr.gov.ie/communications/en-ie/Pages/Publication/Ireland's-Broadband-Intervention-Strategy-update.aspx sets out a detailed service specification including a requirement that the State-funded network must be capable of delivering high-quality, high speed broadband of at least 30Mbps download and 6Mbps upload, available 99.95% of the time. It must also be capable of catering for higher performance in the future so as to keep pace with consumer demand. Together with other detailed technical specifications, these will ensure that a reliable fast service is available to consumers. I am satisfied that the speeds are sufficiently high to meet consumer demand, and that any network build will have to be capable of scaling up to meet future demand. The 30Mbps target will be minimum speed rather than a ceiling for consumers.
Over 750,000 premises are the focus for the procurement process, which formally commenced in December 2015 with the publication of the Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (‘PQQ’) and Project Information Memorandum. On 5 July, I announced that my Department has also identified that up to an additional 170,000 premises which are currently marked BLUE on the High Speed Broadband Map are unlikely to get access to services. My Department is conducting further analysis to identify these additional premises with a view to including them in the formal procurement process. This work will conclude in the coming months and will be reflected in a further update to the High Speed Broadband Map.
The Department commenced the Invitation to Participate in Dialogue (ITPD) phase of the procurement process in July and is engaged in the formal dialogue process with the three qualifying bidders. Following the conclusion of the Dialogue Phase and an invitation to bidders to submit detailed draft proposals, the Department will issue final tender documentation to bidders. When final tenders have been submitted a winning bidder(s) will be selected for the contract which will comprise one or two lots as set out in the NBP Intervention Strategy.
The timing of each stage of the procurement is dependent on a number of factors including the number of qualified bidders and the complexities that may be encountered during the procurement process. It must be noted that bidders will need adequate time to prepare detailed proposals and their final formal bids and get the relevant shareholder and funding approvals at these stages of the process.
In preparation for the procurement stage of the process my Department investigated how different technical solutions could be used to deliver high speed broadband. In line with EU State Aid rules, the process must be "technology neutral" and it is not therefore possible to specify what technology should be used to build the network. As part of the procurement process bidders will be asked to propose solutions which meet the NBP service requirements. It is recognised however, that a significant fibre build will be required, regardless of what technology is used to provide services to individual premises. Once the successful bidder or bidders is chosen the technology(ies) to be deployed will become clear.
As part of the Department's extensive stakeholder consultations in 2015, telecommunications service providers indicated that it could take 3-5 years to rollout a network of the scale envisaged under the NBP. It is however open to bidder(s) to suggest more aggressive timescales as part of their bids. As part of the competitive process, the Department will engage with winning bidder(s) on the best rollout strategy, in order to target areas of particularly poor service, business needs and/or high demand. This will need to be balanced with the most efficient network rollout plan. A prioritisation programme will be put in place in this regard, in consultation with the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. A detailed rollout plan for the network will be published once contract(s) are in place.
The Programme for Government also commits to measures to assist in the rollout of the network once a contract is awarded. In this regard, Minister Humphreys is leading on the establishment of two regional action groups, working with Local Authorities, Local Enterprise Offices and other relevant agencies to help accelerate the broadband network build in rural Ireland, once a contract(s) has been awarded.
In the meantime, my Department continues to liaise closely with industry and relevant other Departments and agencies to assist in the commercial deployment of telecommunications networks. The commercial telecommunications sector has invested over €2bn in upgrading and modernising networks which support the provision of high speed broadband and mobile telecoms services. These investments will further improve the coverage and quality of broadband and mobile voice and data services throughout the country.
In line with commitments in the Programme for Government I established a Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce with Minister Humphreys in July 2016. The Taskforce will recommend practical actions that can be taken in the short-term to improve mobile phone and broadband access in Ireland, working with Government Departments, Local Authorities, ComReg, State Agencies, the telecoms industry and other key stakeholders. The work of the taskforce will also assist Local Authorities in preparing for the rollout of the new NBP network once contract(s) are in place. I expect that Minister Humphreys and I will bring proposals to Government by the end of 2016, on foot of the Taskforce's report.
852. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the annual capital cost over a five-year period of extending natural gas supply to all towns nationally with a population of over 5,000 persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26762/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy is not available to my Department.
The development and expansion of the natural gas network is in the first instance a commercial and operational matter for Gas Networks Ireland (GNI), which is mandated under Section 8 of the Gas Act 1976, as amended, to develop and maintain a national system for the supply of natural gas that is both economical and efficient.
GNI's published "Connections Policy", which was most recently revised in 2015 and approved by the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER), sets out its policy for new connections to the transmission and distribution gas networks. Under this policy, GNI conducts studies to assess towns for connections to the gas network. In order for any town to be so connected certain economic criteria need to be satisfied, not solely population numbers. These criteria provide that the construction and operating costs of connecting a town, or group of towns, to the network must be recovered through the consumption of gas and the associated network charges. Uneconomic gas pipeline projects would unfairly increase energy costs for all gas consumers. In this regard, the 2015 Energy White Paper underlined that new infrastructure proposals will continue to be assessed through robust analysis.
The Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) is statutorily responsible for assessing and approving the GNI Connections Policy, and it concluded its last such approval process in October 2015 following the usual public consultation.
I have no role in relation to gas connections policy.
I would also point out that any proposals for extensions of energy infrastructure must have regard to Ireland's policy for transition to a low-carbon economy by 2050, as stated in the Energy White Paper, 2015.
853. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the total travel expenses reimbursement costs incurred by his Department per annum from 2011 to 2016 to date, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26856/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following table.
|
Year |
Amount €000 |
|
2011 |
407 |
|
2012 |
438 |
|
2013 |
415 |
|
2014 |
445 |
|
2015 |
469 |
|
2016 ( as at 16th Sept.) |
325 |
|
Total |
2499 |
All travel and subsistence payments are made in accordance with the relevant Department of Public Expenditure and Reform requirements.
The figures do not include any payments in respect of the new environment functions in the Department as the Department only assumed responsibility for these payments on 16 September 2016.
854. Deputy Frank O'Rourke asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if his Department has a specific data protection officer in place; if that position is exclusive or if the position holder has other duties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26873/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department has a designated Data Protection Officer at Principal Officer level. The officer also has responsibilities in a number of other areas of the Department including Human Resources, Communications and Information Technology.
855. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the situation with regard to feed-in tariffs for renewable sources of energy; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the small-scale solar and wind industry here has ground to a halt due to the lack of a feed-in tariff for domestic scale investments; if he will direct the Commission for Energy Regulation to provide for small-scale producers a clear system whereby they will know that they are going to get a return for their investment; if he will ensure that his Department delivers on providing a REFIT rate for the solar energy industry within the next few months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26886/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Energy White Paper and the Programme for Government contain commitments to facilitate the development of solar energy projects, recognising that solar photo voltaic (PV) also has the potential to provide a community dividend, thereby enhancing citizen participation in Ireland's energy future. My Department is working on the development of a new renewable electricity support scheme (RESS) and while no decision has been taken on the precise renewable technologies to be supported, the cost and technical viability of solar photovoltaic (PV) - both roof-top and utility-scale - is being examined as part of the assessment process. Micro-generation technologies including small-scale wind is also being examined as part of the development process. The work on micro-generation will be informed by an analysis which has been completed by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) of the potential of technologies in the field of small-scale wind, solar, micro-CHP and small-scale hydro.
It is important that any new scheme strikes the right balance between the interest of the Irish consumer and would-be investor. While the introduction of any new scheme - including the overall costs and technologies to be supported – will ultimately be subject to Government approval and State aid clearance from the European Commission, it is expected that a new support scheme will become available in 2017. There will however be an additional public consultation phase on the design of the new scheme, the details of which will be advertised on the Department’s website www.dccae.gov.ie.
The existing Renewable Energy Feed-in Tariff (REFIT) schemes are now closed to new applications. These schemes have proved successful at incentivising the development of the renewable electricity generation capacity necessary to meet our 40% renewable electricity target, and figures calculated by the SEAI show that in 2015 some 25.3% of electricity demand was met by renewable sources. Although the existing REFIT schemes are closed for new applications, there are still renewable projects under construction that are expected to materialise in the coming years, and which will contribute to the 2020 target.
While I have no statutory function in the matter, I am aware that from February 2009 Electric Ireland offered a feed-in tariff on a commercial basis to domestic micro-generators but which was subsequently closed to new entrants from the end of 2014. More recently, Electric Ireland extended the tariff to their existing customers from the end of 2015 until the end of 2016. To date, no other electricity supplier has chosen to provide such a tariff, to either domestic or commercial customers, although they have been invited to do so by the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER).
Finally, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland currently provides supports for the use of solar thermal heating technology to both large industry and SMEs. Households can also avail of grant support for investment in renewable energy installations, including solar thermal, under the Better Energy Homes Scheme.
856. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to amend the Fisheries (Consolidation) Act 1959 to provide for wild oyster dredge fishermen to appoint a nominee to fish their licence in their absence in cases of hardship; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26984/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised that there is currently no provision in the Fisheries (Consolidation) Act 1959 or other Irish fisheries legislation to allow for a nominee to fish on a wild oyster dredge licence.
Given the conservation imperative and the need to prosecute the stock responsibly and rationally, the number of licences issued annually in each district is limited to ensure that fishing activity is not intensified. The number of annual licence applications exceeds the number of available licences in all districts and there are “waiting lists”.
In that regard, the issue of licences, by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI), is carried out in an objective and equitable manner, subject to established criteria which are published annually. Principal among these criteria is prioritising applicants based on track record within the fishery. In cases of genuine hardship, such as illness, an annual applicant should contact their local IFI Office and consideration can be given to preserving an established track record due to short-term inability to use a licence in these circumstances.
A comprehensive review of the 1959 Act, which is itself a consolidation of legislation dating back to the 1800’s and of all subsequent legislation, is underway in my Department. This review is dealing with a significant array of multidimensional and long standing issues and the primary focus is on ensuring the enactment of modernised, fit for purpose, legislation, which will underpin conservation, protection, development and stakeholders' interests.
This is a complex and time-consuming undertaking and it is considered more appropriate to effect required changes comprehensively in the context of consolidating the legislative base for the entire sector rather than attempt to deal with issues in isolation. Draft heads for a new Bill are expected to be finalised in the first half of 2017.
857. Deputy Josepha Madigan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the position regarding broadband in an area (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27002/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Broadband Plan (NBP) aims to deliver high speed services to every city, town, village and individual premises in Ireland. The Programme for Government commits to the delivery of the NBP as a matter of priority. This is being achieved through private investment by commercial telecommunications companies and through a State intervention in areas where commercial investment is not forthcoming. The formal procurement process for the State Intervention commenced in December 2015.
The High Speed Broadband Map, which is available at www.broadband.gov.ie shows the extent of the State Intervention area.
The areas marked BLUE represent those areas where commercial providers are either currently delivering or have previously indicated plans to deliver high speed broadband services. The Department continues to monitor the commercial deployment plans in the BLUE area to ensure that those services are delivered.
The areas marked AMBER on the High Speed Broadband Map represent the target areas for the State Intervention. Premises within this area will get services of at least 30mbps when the procurement process is completed and the network rolled out.
The map provides information on a county by county basis with a breakdown of coverage across the townlands in every county including Dublin. Based on information provided by commercial operators and represented on our broadband map, 89% of the townland of Ticknock, including Ticknock Road, falls within the AMBER area and will be covered by the State Intervention. The remaining 11% of townland of Ticknock falls within the BLUE area and will be covered by commercial operators.
Individuals can check whether their premises is in a BLUE or an AMBER area by scrolling through the map online or entering their Eircode. The Department also has a dedicated mailbox and anyone with a query in relation to the Map should email the Department, quoting their Eircode, to broadband@dcenr.gov.ie.
Over 750,000 premises are the focus for the procurement process, which formally commenced in December 2015 with the publication of the Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (‘PQQ’) and Project Information Memorandum. On 5 July, I announced that my Department has also identified that up to an additional 170,000 premises which are currently market BLUE on the High Speed Broadband Map are unlikely to get access to services. My Department is conducting further analysis to identify these additional premises with a view to including them in the formal procurement process. This work will conclude in the coming months and will be reflected in a further update to the High Speed Broadband Map.
The Department commenced the Invitation to Participate in Dialogue (ITPD) phase of the procurement process in July and is engaged in the formal dialogue process with the three qualifying bidders. Following the conclusion of the Dialogue Phase and an invitation to bidders to submit detailed draft proposals, the Department will issue final tender documentation to bidders. When final tenders have been submitted a winning bidder(s) will be selected for the contract which will comprise one or two lots as set out in the NBP Intervention Strategy.
The timing of each stage of the procurement is dependent on a number of factors including the number of qualified bidders and the complexities that may be encountered during the procurement process. It must be noted that bidders will need adequate time to prepare detailed proposals and their final formal bids and get the relevant shareholder and funding approvals at these stages of the process.
In preparation for the procurement stage of the process my Department investigated how different technical solutions could be used to deliver high speed broadband. In line with EU State Aid rules, the process must be "technology neutral" and it is not therefore possible to specify what technology should be used to build the network. As part of the procurement process bidders will be asked to propose solutions which meet the NBP service requirements. It is recognised however, that a significant fibre build will be required, regardless of what technology is used to provide services to individual premises. Once the successful bidder or bidders is chosen the technology(ies) to be deployed will become clear.
As part of the Department's extensive stakeholder consultations in 2015, telecommunications service providers indicated that it could take 3-5 years to rollout a network of the scale envisaged under the NBP. It is however open to bidder(s) to suggest more aggressive timescales as part of their bids. As part of the competitive process, the Department will engage with winning bidder(s) on the best rollout strategy, in order to target areas of particularly poor service, business needs and/or high demand. This will need to be balanced with the most efficient network rollout plan. A prioritisation programme will be put in place in this regard, in consultation with the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. A detailed rollout plan for the network will be published once contract(s) are in place.
The Programme for Government also commits to measures to assist in the rollout of the network once a contract is awarded. In this regard, Minister Humphreys is leading on the establishment of two regional action groups, working with Local Authorities, Local Enterprise Offices and other relevant agencies to help accelerate the broadband network build in rural Ireland, once a contract(s) has been awarded.
In the meantime, my Department continues to liaise closely with industry and relevant other Departments and agencies to assist in the commercial deployment of telecommunications networks. The commercial telecommunications sector has invested over €2bn in upgrading and modernising networks which support the provision of high speed broadband and mobile telecoms services. These investments will further improve the coverage and quality of broadband and mobile voice and data services throughout the country.
In line with commitments in the Programme for Government I established a Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce with my colleague Minister Humphreys in July 2016. The Taskforce will recommend practical actions that can be taken in the short-term to improve mobile phone and broadband access in Ireland, working with Government Departments, Local Authorities, ComReg, State Agencies, the telecoms industry and other key stakeholders. The work of the taskforce will also assist Local Authorities in preparing for the rollout of the new NBP network once contract(s) are in place. I expect that Minister Humphreys and I will bring proposals to Government by the end of 2016, on foot of the Taskforce's report.
