Written Answers Nos. 68-94
69. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if his attention has been drawn to the findings of an organisation (details supplied) which states that Ireland has managed to reduce its 2020 to 2030 carbon reduction commitments to a mere 0.4% through the exploitation of loopholes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5794/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Paris Agreement, which entered into force in November 2016, aims to limit global average temperature rise to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, with an ambition of 1.5 degrees Celsius. The Agreement is designed to meet this objective through Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) submitted by all parties to the agreement. In this regard, the European Union submitted an NDC committing to a reduction of at least 40% in EU-wide emissions by 2030 compared with 1990 levels, which will be met through reductions of 43% in the Emission Trading System (ETS) and 30% in the non-ETS sector compared with 2005 levels.
A proposal on the non-ETS targets for individual Member States, the Effort Sharing Regulation (ESR), was published by the European Commission in July 2016. Targets have been proposed for Member States based on GDP per capita, which have then been adjusted to reflect cost-effectiveness. In the case of Ireland a target of 39% has been proposed, which has been adjusted downwards to 30% to reflect cost-effectiveness.
The most recent projections published by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in March 2016 provide an updated assessment of Ireland's progress towards achieving its emissions reduction target set out under the current EU Effort Sharing Decision for the years 2013 to 2020. Ireland's 2020 target is to achieve a 20% reduction of non-ETS sector emissions on 2005 levels, with annual binding limits set for each year over the period 2013 to 2020. The Agency published projected emissions for 2020 which indicate that Ireland's emissions at that stage could be in the range of 6% to 11% below 2005 levels, with the likely outcome at the lower end of that range (i.e. 6%). Our reduced investment capacity over the last decade is a contributing factor in the shortfall against the 2020 target, but the primary reason for the shortfall is that the target was simply inappropriate, and very significantly above what it would have been cost-effective for Ireland to contribute to the overall EU 2020 ambition.
Returning to the Commission's 2030 ESR Proposal, it also allows for the mitigation potential of Land Use, Land Use Change and Forestry (LULUCF). Eligible measures which could be included in this regard are predicated on substantial investment by the relevant Member States, including Ireland. The proposal incentivises the promotion of measures to increase forest cover, enhance soil carbon pools and strengthen research relating to agriculture and land use. The Commission proposal also offers the potential for a one-off transfer of allowances from the ETS to the non-ETS sector. This also involves a cost to the eligible Member States in terms of foregone auctioning revenue. The Commission's proposal continues to be negotiated at EU level.
The Government is, of course, keenly aware of the extent of the challenge to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with Ireland's EU and international commitments and, in this regard, Ireland's National Policy Position on Climate Action and Low Carbon Development, published in April 2014, and Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015, provide the high-level policy direction and statutory authority for the adoption and implementation by Government of plans to enable the State to move to a low-carbon economy by 2050. This must be done in a way that is technically feasible, cost-effective and fair. Although, as stated, the challenges to be addressed are significant, the introduction of policies and measures planned as part of the development of Ireland's first National Mitigation Plan (NMP) will provide an important step in addressing these immediate challenges, while also helping to chart a path beyond 2020 and out to 2030. In recent days I have published a briefing document on the development of the NMP which will help prepare the ground for the statutory consultation to follow in mid-March. It highlights some key questions to be considered in terms of how best to position Ireland in taking this first step in achieving our national transition objectives by 2050.
70. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the outcome of any discussions he has had with EirGrid on major projects it proposes to undertake over the coming years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5531/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have met with EirGrid and have been briefed on the development of their grid development strategy, planned major projects and their work in relation to community engagement. Officials in my department are also in ongoing contact with EirGrid in relation to these matters.
As the designated Transmission System Operator, EirGrid’s role includes the operation, maintenance and development of the electricity transmission network in Ireland. As detailed in the 2012 Government Policy Statement on the Strategic Importance of Transmission and Other Energy Infrastructure, “The Government does not seek to direct EirGrid and ESB Networks or other energy infrastructure developers to particular sites or routes or technologies”. They carry out their duties independently and that is entirely appropriate.
On 26 January, EirGrid published "Ireland's Grid Development Strategy - Your Grid, Your Tomorrow" which is available on their website. This strategy is the final output of a consultative process into how Ireland's electricity grid should be developed in line with a growing economy. EirGrid first published a draft strategy in March 2015 which was the subject of public consultation which has informed the final published strategy.
71. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his views on the findings of the EPA-led joint research programme on the impacts of hydraulic fracturing on the environment and human health; and the implications these findings will have on the Prohibition of the Exploration and Extraction of Onshore Petroleum Bill 2016 proceeding to the next legislative Stage. [5549/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraBoth Minister Naughten and I have welcomed the publication of the report of the EPA led Joint Research Programme on the Impacts of Hydraulic Fracturing on the Environment and Human Health. I believe that the report’s findings justify the continuing prohibition on the licensing of hydraulic fracturing, which was put in place in 2011 by the then Ministers.
In that context, I have noted the matters of significant concern raised in the Report on the potential impacts of hydraulic fracturing in Ireland on ground water and air quality, as well as the identified gaps in legislative oversight surrounding the use of hydraulic fracturing.
It is my view that the publication of this report will usefully contribute to the debate regarding hydraulic fracturing in Ireland. The report of the EPA led Joint Research Programme provides the robust underpinning for decision making on this issue of public concern. The report has been referred to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment for its consideration. I hope this will assist at the Committee Stage debate of the proposed hydraulic fracturing legislation, which is currently being considered the Oireachtas.
72. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the number of persons in his Department working on the national broadband plan, including their qualifications and expertise areas; the number of members of his Department's legal team working on the plan; and the number of members of the team seconded to and from the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. [5736/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Broadband Plan (NBP) represents a very significant capital investment project for the State and 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.
A formal procurement process is in train to select a company who will roll-out a new high speed broadband network within the State Intervention Area.
The NBP is led at senior management level in my Department and is supported by a team of almost 40 people comprising a broad mix of expertise and experience to ensure the procurement process is effectively managed and provides a good solution for Ireland. The team comprises experts in the areas of procurement, project management, technical specialists, commercial and financial analysts as well as legal specialists and administrative staff.
The Team is supported by a number of additional external experts the areas of procurement, as well as legal, financial and technical expertise.
In addition there is external oversight in the form of a Steering Group, which oversees the strategy development and operation and a Procurement Board which oversees the procurement processes. Both of these groups are chaired by the Department and comprise independent expert advisers.
Members of the NBP team hold a variety of third level qualifications and have significant experience relevant to their areas of expertise. These areas include management, economic, technical, financial, legal and public administration.
74. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if all premises covered by the national broadband plan will be connected by 2020; if he is satisfied with the download speeds envisaged under the plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5799/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Broadband Plan (NBP) aims to deliver high speed broadband 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 a combination of commercial investment by the telecommunications sector and a State intervention in those areas where commercial investment has not been fully demonstrated.
A key principle of the NBP is to support and stimulate commercial investment through policy and regulatory measures. Commercial investment since the publication of the NBP has considerably exceeded expectations. To date, the commercial telecommunications sector has invested over €2.5bn in upgrading and modernising networks which support the provision of high speed broadband and mobile telecoms services.
There has been significant progress in relation to broadband roll-out so that today, approximately 1.4m or 61% of premises in Ireland can get high speed broadband of a minimum of 30 Megabits per second. The NBP has been a catalyst in encouraging investment by the telecoms sector, which is continuing to expand this footprint.
The High Speed Broadband Map, which is available at www.broadband.gov.ie shows the current 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,
- 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 30 megabits per second when the procurement process is completed and the network rolled out.
My Department is actively monitoring the commercial deployment plans in the BLUE areas to ensure that all households and businesses can get access to the services. My Department is also actively monitoring developments of commercial operators that might impact the Intervention Area. This is being done in accordance with procedures set out by my Department in December 2015.
A formal procurement process is in train to select a company or companies who will roll-out a new high speed broadband network within the State Intervention Area. My Department will shortly update the High Speed Broadband map to finalise the Intervention Area for the Procurement process, taking into account industry investments that have not materialised in Blue areas, together with new industry investments within the proposed State Intervention Area, along with concrete and credible commitments by industry for further new investments within the Intervention Area.
The procurement process is being intensively managed, to ensure an outcome that delivers a future-proofed network that serves homes and businesses across Ireland, for at least 25 years. Intensive dialogue with bidders is continuing and the three bidders have indicated that they are proposing a predominantly fibre-to-the-home solution. This provides for a future proofed solution for the 25 years of the contract and beyond. A fibre-to-the-home solution means that householders and businesses may get speeds not just of 30 Megabits per second but much higher, potentially up to 1000 Megabits per second.
The timeframe for the procurement continues to be dependent on a range of factors including the complexities that may be encountered by the procurement team and bidders, during the procurement process. During the Department's extensive stakeholder consultations in 2015, telecommunications service providers indicated a 3-5 year timeline to roll out a network of the scale envisaged under the NBP.
In the short-term I am working to ensure measures are put in place to assist in the roll-out of the NBP State Intervention network once a contract is awarded and to improve mobile phone and broadband access in Ireland.
In this regard, I and Minister Humphreys established a Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce in July 2016. The findings of this Taskforce recommends practical actions that can be taken to remove barriers to and improve mobile phone and broadband access in Ireland. The Taskforce report is available at the following link:
http://www.dccae.gov.ie/communications/en-ie/Pages/Publication/Report-of-the-Mobile-Phone-and-Broadband-Taskforce.aspx.
Minister Humphreys has established two regional action groups, working with Local Authorities, Local Enterprise Offices and other relevant agencies to unlock barriers to investment in mobile and broadband services. Since July, there has been significant progress made in discussions with the key stakeholders including local authority management representation, Government Departments and State agencies, as well as interaction with ComReg and telecoms operators.
I recently signed Regulations allowing ComReg to proceed with the allocation of spectrum in the 3.6GHz band in early 2017. This will provide an 86% increase in total spectrum available for mobile and fixed wireless services. I have also secured €8m for RTE which will allow it to free up the 700MHz spectrum band, to provide enhanced mobile services.
My Department continues to liaise closely with industry and relevant other Departments and agencies to assist in the commercial deployment of telecommunications networks.
These investments should assist in significantly improving the coverage and quality of broadband and mobile voice and data services throughout the country
I am satisfied that the combination of initiatives, and the procurement process to deliver a new high speed broadband network under the NBP, will put Ireland to the forefront internationally in terms of connectivity, and ensure that high speed broadband services are universally available.
76. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will consider media plurality and industrial relations issues when making his decision on a proposed acquisition by a company (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5789/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra78. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will take issues of media plurality and industrial relations into account when he is making his final decision on the sale of a company (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5810/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 76 and 78 together.
Following approval by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, notification of the proposed merger referenced in the question was received by me as Minister on 21 November 2016. I had 30 working days from the notification deadline of 24 November 2016 to conduct an initial, or Phase 1, assessment of the case on media plurality grounds.
This examination was guided by the relevant criteria laid out in the legislation and by the Guidelines on Media Mergers, which are available on my Department's website. The examination process laid out in the legislation and the Guidelines consider a number of important criteria or measures, including diversity of ownership in the relevant media sector and in the wider media market, editorial management, governance structures, and the financial standings of the parties to the proposed merger.
Following this examination I had three options under the legislation; 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.
On completion of this Phase 1 examination, I decided on 10 January 2017 to request the BAI to conduct a full media merger examination of the proposed transaction. The BAI will, following its examination of the proposed merger, provide me with a report detailing its recommendations on the matter within 80 working days from the date of my request. Furthermore, in accordance with the legislation, I intend to establish an advisory panel to provide an opinion to the BAI on the application of the relevant criteria in the legislation 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 part of the BAI's full media merger examination, and in accordance with the legislation, it has called for public submissions on the proposed merger. I would invite any person who an interest in the proposed merger to write to the BAI and express their views. The deadline for these submissions is 20 working days from the date of my request.
Once the BAI has made its recommendation to me and has provided me with its report, I have a further 20 working days within which I must make a final determination to allow the proposed acquisition to proceed; to allow the proposed acquisition to proceed with conditions; or to refuse to allow the proposed acquisition to proceed.
It would therefore not be appropriate for me to comment on this case while the examination is on-going.
77. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will ensure the Prohibition on the Exploration and Extraction of Onshore Petroleum Bill will pass Committee Stage during this term of Dáil Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5790/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraA Private Members' Bill to prohibit the use of Unconventional Gas Exploration and Extraction or ‘hydraulic fracking’ has been introduced by Deputy Tony McLoughlin. This Private Member’s Bill passed its second stage reading on 27 October 2016. At the Second Stage debate, both Minister Naughten and I supported the Bill on fracking. The Bill was referred to the Joint Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment by the Dáil. The passing of all legislation is a matter for the Oireachtas.
80. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the reason his Department is offering MSc scholarship opportunities in petroleum-related courses in view of the fact his Department's statement of strategy declares one of its objectives is to pursue and achieve transition to a low carbon, climate resilient and environmentally sustainable economy, underpinned by a secure and competitive energy supply, in the period to 2050 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5792/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Energy White Paper “Ireland's Transition to a Low Carbon Energy Future 2015-2030” sets out a vision and framework to guide Irish energy policy and the actions that Government intends to take in the energy sector from now up to 2030, aimed at transforming Ireland's fossil-fuel based energy sector into a clean, low carbon system by 2050. This ambitious vision for Ireland’s energy system envisages a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from that sector by 80-95% relative to 1990 levels by 2050. The White Paper identifies the long-term strategic importance of diversifying Ireland's energy generation portfolio and largely decarbonising the energy sector by 2050.
Ireland’s transition to a low carbon energy future will involve progressively moving to lower emissions fuels (e.g. moving initially from peat and coal to natural gas), and ultimately towards an even greater reliance on renewable energy. In that regard, the Government has introduced a range of policy measures and schemes to incentivise the use of renewable energy and deliver energy efficiency.
The White Paper recognises that oil and natural gas will remain significant elements of Ireland’s energy supply in the transition period and, taking this into account, the development of Ireland’s indigenous oil and gas resources has the potential to deliver significant and sustained benefits to Irish society and the economy, particularly in terms of enhanced security of supply, import substitution, fiscal return, national and local economic development and technology learning.
In that context, the Department is continuing a scheme it has administered for many years granting a limited number of scholarships - three scholarships were awarded in 2016 - to students undertaking taught Master of Science (MSc) Degrees in topics of relevance to the development of Ireland’s indigenous oil and gas resources. The scholarship scheme’s objective is to encourage a potential pool of qualified Irish graduates with specialist qualifications of direct applicability to the sector in Ireland. The 2017 scholarship scheme seeks applications from students who have been accepted on to a relevant MSc degree course in petroleum geoscience, petroleum engineering or environmental science starting in late 2017.
82. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the steps being taken to ensure the public sector will meet his Department's commitment per the annual transition statement of reducing energy demand by 33% by 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5818/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince the 2009 National Energy Efficiency Action Plan public sector bodies have an obligation to achieve 33% energy efficiency by 2020. Considerable progress has already been made. The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland's Annual Report on Public Sector Energy Efficiency performance shows that by end 2015 public sector bodies had achieved a 21% improvement in their energy efficiency. This progress is of strategic importance for reducing public sector spend on energy, reducing energy imports and reducing and harmful emissions. Energy saved in 2015 alone reduced energy spend by €154 million and cut emissions by 548,000 tonnes.
Achieving the full target will deliver further savings and emissions reductions. Much of the improvement in energy efficiency achieved to date has resulted from smarter use of energy and behavioural change measures. Making the further progress needed will significantly depend on ensuring the prioritisation of structured energy management and the delivery of a pipeline of larger scale energy efficiency projects in areas such as the built environment and transport.
To support further progress I am about to publish the first Public Sector Energy Efficiency Strategy, which was approved by Government in December. Public Sector bodies are now mandated to implement the strategy, to be published on my Department's website in the coming days. It positions us strongly to achieve the 33% target. Its key provisions to complement the existing suite of supports include:-
- identifying where most potential exists for further energy efficiency gains and outlining the technical guidance and financial supports available to help public sector bodies further understand their energy use, identify cost effective energy efficiency projects and develop business cases for a strong project pipeline;
- a new governance structure – to create accountability and allow strategic decision making on energy efficiency investments across the public sector;
- enhanced project development assistance with €3m being made available through my Department in 2017 for a pilot of renovation projects in the OPW central Government portfolio in partnership with the SEAI;
- providing clarity on the retention of savings achieved by public bodies through energy efficiency.
83. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when his Department anticipates initiating the national dialogue on climate change; the amount of funding that has been allocated in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5798/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme Government includes a commitment to establish a National Dialogue on Climate Change. This builds on the commitment in the Energy White Paper to establish a National Energy Forum to maximise and maintain consensus on the broad policy measures set out in the White Paper required to ensure the transition to a low-carbon energy future.
It is my intention that the National Dialogue on Climate Change will encompass the role envisaged for the National Energy Forum but with a wider focus, to include the examination of key infrastructural, land use, security of supply and economic issues that need to be addressed in our long-term transition to a low-carbon, climate resilient future.
It is important that the National Dialogue on Climate Change reflects the views of all stakeholders, including communities, non-government organisations, business, and wider Government Departments and Agencies. The Briefing Document on Ireland's First National Mitigation Plan which I published last week, and the formal consultation on a draft plan which will commence in mid-March, are integral parts of the Dialogue. I also intend to initiate a further consultation later this year on Ireland's National Adaptation Framework which again will form part of the Dialogue, in terms of addressing our national response in dealing with the impacts of climate change.
I will announce full details National Dialogue on Climate Change shortly. An initial allocation of €350,000 has been made in 2017 towards the Dialogue.
84. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the details of the most recent engagement with his counterparts in each of the 27 member states of the EU on the issue of the United Kingdom leaving the European Union; the location where the engagement took place; the counterparts with whom he engaged on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5739/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware one of the main avenues available for me to meet my European counterparts is through the EU Councils and Informal Councils, of which I have attended five since the Brexit vote. I ensure that I hold a number of discussions on the margins of these meetings with my European counterparts to stress the unique challenges faced by Ireland in the wake of the Brexit vote.
At the most recent Energy Council in December I held bilateral discussions with the representatives of Malta, Germany, Sweden, Netherlands, and Cyprus on Brexit and the potential impacts on Ireland. I also had a bilateral with Commissioner Canete on the same topic.
At the upcoming Energy and Environment Councils, which are scheduled to take place at the end of February, I shall continue this engagement.
Other meetings where I have discussed Brexit and its impact on Ireland include the North South Ministerial Council, meetings of the OECD, and United Nations meetings. I held discussions with Simon Hamilton, Minister for the Economy in the Northern Ireland Executive, on the margins of the most recent North South Ministerial Council. I have also met with Andrus Ansip, Vice President of the European Commission, in September in Government Buildings in Dublin.
This activity is reinforced by extensive engagement at diplomatic and official level. The Government is acutely aware of the potential risks and challenges for the Irish economy and will remain fully engaged on this aspect as the negotiations proceed. An important part of our preparations for the Brexit negotiations is ensuring that our particular concerns are heard and understood across Europe, and engagement with our EU partners and with the EU institutions is therefore critical.
Ireland will be part of the EU 27 team and looks forward to working with our fellow Member States in delivering the best possible result for Ireland and for the EU.
In line with the agreement at EU level, there have been and will be no negotiations with the UK until Article 50 has been triggered.
85. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Taoiseach the total number of meetings of the Cabinet Committee on Brexit since the UK referendum to leave the EU; the dates of all such meetings; the number of meetings planned in 2017; and when the next meeting will take place. [5525/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Cabinet Committee on Brexit has met 6 times to date - on 8 September, 19 October, 7 November, 24 November, 20 December and 17 January.
The Committee oversees the overall Government analysis and response, including the implications of Brexit for Ireland, preparation for the negotiations at EU level and engagement with the administrations in London and Belfast. Brexit is also discussed regularly at meetings of the Government.
Brexit has been a matter of regular and detailed consideration by Government for some time, both in advance of the UK EU Referendum and since.
The Cabinet Committee will continue to meet on a regular basis to deal with Brexit related issues and is scheduled to meet again later in February.
86. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet Committee on Economy, Trade and Jobs last met; and when it plans to meet next. [5693/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Cabinet Committee on the Economy, Trade and Jobs last met on Thursday 26 January 2017. The next Cabinet Committee will take place in the coming weeks.
87. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach when the next meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure, Environment and Climate Action will occur; and the persons who will attend. [5694/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure, Environment and Climate Action last met on 30 January 2017. It is due to meet again later this month. I chair the Cabinet Committee and the membership is comprised of: the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality; the Minister for Finance; the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government; the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform; the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation; the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment; the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine; the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport; the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs; and the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade.
88. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Taoiseach if he or any Minister of State in his Department uses a personal email account for work purposes; the security controls that are in place on the use of personal email accounts for Department-related business; and if his Department has a policy on this matter. [5297/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI, and the Ministers of State assigned to my Department, have secure corporate email accounts assigned to us. These email accounts are only accessible via my Department’s secure network and remotely using official encrypted laptops and mobile devices. While in general corporate email accounts are used for official purposes, private email accounts may, on occasion, be used for official purposes for operational reasons.
My Department has detailed ICT policies relating to the use of email and the internet which are provided to all staff. These policies also deal with software downloads, media device usage, remote access and the security responsibility of users. The existing policies do not explicitly ban the use of unofficial email accounts for official purposes, but they do stipulate that individuals using the Department's electronic media should handle their communications with the same care as with any other type of business communications.
These policies are currently being reviewed and consolidated and text dealing explicitly with the use of unofficial email accounts for official purposes will be included in the consolidated policy.
89. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Taoiseach the Acts or sections or other provisions of Acts, coming wholly or partly under the auspices of his Department, or for the commencement of which his Department is wholly or partly responsible, which are not in force and which require the future making of a commencement order; if, in each case, it is intended to make such an order; if so, when; and the reason for the failure to make such an order to date. [5298/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has no Acts or sections or provisions of Acts, coming wholly or partly under the auspices of my Department, or for the commencement of which my Department is wholly or partly responsible, which are not in force and which require the future making of a commencement order.
90. Deputy John Lahart asked the Taoiseach if he will set out Ireland's red line issues before Britain triggers Article 50 of the Lisbon treaty and begins negotiations to leave the EU. [5331/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra91. Deputy John Lahart asked the Taoiseach if the Government will commission a detailed assessment of the way in which Brexit will affect individual sectors of the economy to determine which industries may be adversely or positively affected. [5333/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra92. Deputy John Lahart asked the Taoiseach the co-ordinator of Ireland's role in the Brexit negotiations. [5341/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra93. Deputy John Lahart asked the Taoiseach his plans to appoint a Minister with Cabinet rank with special responsibility for Brexit; and his further plans to appoint an envoy with special responsibilities, and delegated staff, to deal with the Brexit situation. [5352/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra94. Deputy John Lahart asked the Taoiseach the plans he and the Government have to involve both Houses of the Oireachtas in the ongoing Brexit discussions, policy formation and contribution to policy formulation. [5353/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra96. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Taoiseach if he will set out Ireland's red-line issues with regard to the Brexit negotiations prior to Article 50 being triggered. [5861/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra97. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Taoiseach the name of the person who will be the lead representative for Ireland during the Brexit negotiations. [6127/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 90 to 94, inclusive, 96 and 97 together.
The Government has identified its priorities for the negotiation process that lies ahead as our economic and trading arrangements, the Northern Ireland Peace Process including border issues, the common travel area, and the future of the European Union.
The Government’s preparation is extensive. Important organisational changes have been implemented in Government Departments and Agencies, with additional resources provided in key areas. Preparation to date includes the contingency work done before the UK referendum, intensified analysis and scenario planning carried out across all key sectors since, and extensive stakeholder consultation and engagement including through the all-island Civic Dialogue process. Substantial work has been undertaken across Government to identify the key strategic, policy and operational risks. A framework of seven workgroup streams has been established to further deepen the Government's Brexit analysis across key themes and sectors, including in relation to the economy. Advice from all workgroups will input to Government consideration of Brexit negotiation strategy and broader policy actions.
The issue of Brexit and the challenges arising for Ireland are of such importance and scale that I do not believe it is appropriate or sufficient to allocate overall responsibility to a single Minister, or to have it dealt with as part of one Department's responsibilities.
The issues involved concern all Ministers, Departments and Agencies and require a consistent and comprehensive whole-of-Government response. I am ensuring that a whole-of-Government response to Brexit is being developed, including through a Brexit Cabinet Committee which I established following the referendum result, which I chair and which will involve all Ministers as required. Decisions relating to EU/UK negotiations on Brexit will be taken at European Council meetings which I attend as Head of Government.
I have also restructured my Department to ensure that Brexit is treated as a crucial cross-cutting issue, including my creating an amalgamated International, EU and Northern Ireland Division, under a Second Secretary General. The work of this Division includes supporting the Cabinet Committee on Brexit and the Cabinet Committee on European Affairs.
Work on Brexit is also supported by the Minister and Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade who now have a greater role in EU matters overall, with a newly created EU Division and the existing Division dealing with Anglo Irish affairs both having important roles to play.
Across Government, relevant Departments, agencies and overseas missions are being strengthened to deal with Brexit.
I will continue to engage with members of the House on Brexit related issues through a wide range of methods including:
- weekly responses to Parliamentary Questions and to Leaders Questions;
- briefings for Party Leaders;
- making statements to the House before and after European Councils; and
- making statements to the House as required.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade will be giving a detailed briefing on Brexit for all Oireachtas members on 22 February in the AV Room in the Oireachtas. The briefing will be open to all Members and will be led by the Minister but with active participation by senior officials in order to provide as much information as possible to members. This is part of the Government's efforts to be more proactive around the communications on Brexit and to keep the Oireachtas informed and engaged.
All political parties have been invited to the second Plenary session of the All-Island Civic Dialogue in Dublin Castle on Friday, 17 February. This will build on the sectoral consultation process and provide a further opportunity for the Government to hear the views of those most directly affected and political representatives.
