Written Answers Nos. 1254-1273
1254. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the way in which the total allowable catch for Loughros More commercial salmon fishing is calculated by Inland Fisheries Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36084/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe total allowable catch for Loughros More commercial salmon (Owenea/Owentocker) fishing is calculated on the basis set out below.
The status for the Rivers Owenea and Owentocker are analysed by the Standing Scientific Committee for Salmon (SSCS) annually based on the best available information for these rivers using angler logbook returns, catchment wide electrofishing, commercial fishing catch etc. The SSCS determine the conservation limit (CL) and surplus afforded to both salmon rivers, following which Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) management make a recommendation on the future catch options based on the best information available. These recommendations are published and following a 30 day public consultation the future catch options associated with each individual river/estuary for the following fishing season is set.
The surplus or deficit is determined based on the most recent 5 years of data. The Rivers Owenea and Owentocker CL is now fixed at 1,690 salmon. For the 2017 season both rivers are open for the harvesting of salmon with a combined surplus of 320. This surplus was calculated by taking the average recorded salmon rod catch and the commercial salmon catch over the past 5 years of data.
Following consultation by IFI management with the Fishery District Committee, which includes representatives from the commercial fishery and salmon anglers, the surplus was split on a 50:50 basis between angling and commercial salmon fishing with the commercial portion allocated to Loughros More commercial salmon fishery.
1255. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the sources of funding, including contributions in kind, for all aspects of the ocean energy programme and the offshore renewable energy development plan, up to the projected end date of these programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36429/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 2014 Offshore Renewable Energy Development Plan (OREDP) sets out the Government’s policy in regard to the ocean energy area. The plan identifies the sustainable economic opportunity for Ireland in the period to 2030 of realising the potential of our indigenous offshore wind, wave and tidal energy resources.
A Steering Group, chaired by my Department, has been established to oversee the implementation of the Plan. This Steering Group which includes representation from all relevant Government Departments and Agencies, is responsible for the implementation of the Plan across three work-streams: Job Creation; Infrastructure; and Environment. Progress is on-going on implementation of policy actions and enablers identified in the Plan under the aegis of the Steering Group (ORESG).
All funding for the ocean energy programme and the administration of the OREDP is provided by my Department to the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), who administer the programme on behalf of my Department.
1256. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he has been asked to provide consent for oil drilling to begin by a company (details supplied) in the southern Porcupine Basin off the south-west coast; and if so, his plans to give that consent. [36501/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra1320. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he has been asked to provide consent for oil drilling to begin by a company (details supplied) in the southern Porcupine Basin off the south-west coast; and if he plans to give that consent. [36658/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1256 and 1320 together.
Providence Resources P.l.c submitted an application to the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment to undertake the drilling of an exploration well within Block 53/6-A on the Druid/Drombeg prospect in the Southern Porcupine Basin pursuant to Frontier Exploration Licence 2/14. Following consideration of the application, I granted consent to the application on 11 July 2017 to undertake the drilling of the Druid/Drombeg well.
1257. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the number of digital trading vouchers provided by LEOs on an annual basis over the period 2014 to 2016 and to date in 2017. [36712/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra1258. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the amount expended on the digital trading vouchers scheme provided by LEOs on an annual basis over the period 2014 to 2016; and the budget allocation in 2017. [36713/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1257 and 1258 together.
My Department’s Trading Online Voucher Scheme, administered by the national network of 31 Local Enterprise Offices, offers a financial incentive of up to €2,500 along with training, mentoring and networking support, to help small and micro enterprises to trade online.
The number of vouchers provided by LEO's from 2014 to date and the amount expended from 2014 to 2016 are as follows:
|
Year |
No. of Vouchers Approved by LEO's |
Amount Expended by the Department |
|
2014 |
593 |
€ 665,196 |
|
2015 |
1,184 |
€1,871,967 |
|
2016 |
1,154 |
€1,890,513 |
|
2017 |
587 |
- |
I have allocated a budget of €3m to the Trading Online Voucher Scheme in 2017.
1259. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if Ireland will support the findings and recommendations of the Aarhus Convention compliance committee (details supplied); if the State will resist attempts by the UK, the EU, other parties to the convention and the nuclear lobby to undermine and weaken these findings of non-compliance which may occur at the September 2017 meeting of the parties for the Aarhus Convention; if not, the basis for the State's decision; the person who will represent the State at the upcoming Aarhus meeting of the parties in Budva, Montenegro, from 11 to 14 September 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34903/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra1285. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment further to the Aarhus Convention, if the State will support the findings and recommendations of the Aarhus Convention compliance committee which found that countries (details supplied) were in breach of the public participation requirements of the convention in respect of the transboundary consultations provided for in the decision to approve the development consent for the nuclear power project in the UK; his plans to resist attempts by the UK, the EU, other parties to the convention and the nuclear lobby to undermine and weaken these findings of non-compliance which may occur at the September 2017 meeting of the parties for the Aarhus Convention; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35415/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra1286. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the person who will represent the State at the upcoming Aarhus meeting of the parties in Budva, Montenegro, from 11 to 14 September 2017; his views on the importance of the meeting in view of an ESRI report (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35416/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1259, 1285 and 1286 together.
I note the findings and recommendations adopted by the Aarhus Convention Compliance Committee on 19 June 2017, with regard to communications ACCC/C/2013/91 and ACCC/C/2013/92, concerning compliance by the United Kingdom and Germany with their obligations under the Aarhus Convention in relation to public participation in the transboundary environmental impact assessment procedure for two nuclear reactors at Hinkley Point in the United Kingdom. The findings and recommendations were concluded in accordance with defined procedures and international law under the Aarhus Convention and, as part of that process, parties concerned are entitled to submit comments on the draft findings and to challenge issues of fact. Ireland is not a party to these proceedings and does not have a role in affirming or disputing the findings of the Aarhus Convention Compliance Committee.
Officials from my Department will attend the next Meeting of the Parties of the Aarhus Convention in September.
1260. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the number of agency workers working at Bord Na Móna for the past five years by month, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34916/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraBord na Móna is a commercial State company operating under the Turf Development Acts 1946 to 1998. The matter raised by the Deputy is operational in nature and not one in which I, as Minister, have any function.
1261. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the timeframe for publishing the national mitigation strategy under the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34938/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Mitigation Plan was published on Wednesday 19 July 2017 and can be found on my Department's website at http://dccae.gov.ie.
1262. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if broadband service will be available to all houses in the Bellinteer, Navan, County Meath, area following new exchange services in the area. [34955/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra1274. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when a person (details supplied) can expect to receive a broadband upgrade in view of the fact that the current levels of broadband speed at this address are unsatisfactory; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35055/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra1275. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if the maps for fibre roll-out which include the dark blue, light blue and amber colour codes have been created by computer algorithms only; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35073/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra1281. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if broadband will be provided for 75 persons in Sandycove, Kinsale, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35278/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1262, 1274, 1275 and 1281 together.
The Government's National Broadband Plan will provide high speed broadband access (minimum 30 megabits per second) to all premises in Ireland, regardless of location. The NBP has been a catalyst in encouraging investment by the telecoms sector so that to date approximately 1.4m or 61% of the 2.3m premises in Ireland can get high speed broadband of a minimum of 30 Megabits per second and this footprint is expanding.
In April, eir signed a agreement with me committing them to follow through on their commercial plans to provide new high speed broadband infrastructure to 300,000 premises in rural areas. eir has committed to doing this work over a 90 week period with an average of 500 premises passed per day. A copy of the Commitment Agreement is available on my Department's website www.dccae.gov.ie. The decision by eir to invest in infrastructure to deploy high speed broadband services to an additional 300,000 premises in rural Ireland was taken by eir on commercial grounds. Neither I nor the Department have a statutory authority to direct eir in this regard.
Quarterly updates on progress of the eir 300k rollout will be published on my Departments website. The Quarter 2 figures have been verified by my Department and the eir rollout is in line with the Commitment Agreement.
In April I published an updated High Speed Broadband Map which is available at www.broadband.gov.ie. This map finalises the State Intervention Area for the procurement process and is an important milestone in the procurement process. The Map shows the extent of the State Intervention area and also the areas targeted for commercial services.
- The BLUE areas represent those areas where commercial telecommunications providers are either currently delivering or have indicated plans to deliver high speed broadband services,
- The AMBER areas on the High Speed Broadband Map represent the areas that will require State Intervention and are the subject of the current procurement process.
The Map, which is searchable by address or eircode, has been developed by my Department using extensive information obtained from commercial operators. A computer algorithm was not used to create the High Speed Broadband Map.
Information on whether specific premises are in a BLUE or AMBER area can be obtained by accessing the High Speed Broadband Map and entering the premises eircode at www.broadband.gov.ie. The map will be updated to show quarterly progress of the eir rollout.
The position in relation to the areas referred to by the Deputies is set out below.
The map shows that the townland of Ballinter Co Meath comprise 59 premises. 49% of these premises (or 29) fall within eir’s plans to deliver rural high speed broadband between now and the end of 2018 (LIGHT BLUE on map) area while the remaining 51% (or 30) premises fall within the State Intervention under the NBP.
The map shows that 100% of the townland of Kilmurry (Ed Innfield) Co Kildare fall within eir's plans to deliver rural high speed broadband between now and the end of 2018 (Light BLUE on map).
The map shows that 87% of the townland of Ardkilly Cork (or 59 premises) including the area known locally as Sandycove falls within eir’s plans to deliver rural high speed broadband between now and the end of 2018 (Light BLUE on map) while the remaining 13% (or 9) of the premises within this townland falls within the State Intervention under the NBP. In addition 100% of the townland of Ballynabooly Cork comprising 17 premises falls with the AMBER area and will be part of the State intervention under the NBP.
A full set of county statistics are available at www.broadband.gov.ie.
Information on eir's planned rural deployment is available from eir at http://fibrerollout.ie/eircode-lookup/.
I encourage members of the general public who are in a BLUE area but who cannot access a high speed broadband service to contact my Department at broadband@dccae.gov.ie. quoting their eircode and query details.
My Department is in a formal procurement process to select a company or companies who will roll-out a new high speed broadband network within the State Intervention Area. The State Intervention network will be a wholesale network and retail service providers will be able to use the network to provide enhanced broadband services to their customers.
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. The three bidders have indicated that they are proposing a predominantly fibre-to-the-home solution. 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.
With the finalisation of the map and following extensive dialogue with bidders, the procurement is progressing to the next stage. On 20 June 2017 my Department wrote to the three bidders in the NBP procurement process inviting them to submit their “Detailed Solutions”. The 'Detailed Solutions' stage is the last stage of the procurement process before Final Tenders.
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. 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.
The rate of demand for data services has increased exponentially in the last four years and this presents a continuing challenge for telecommunication operators, regulators and policy makers both in Ireland and internationally. Recognising this challenge, I specifically included in the Programme for Government a commitment to a Mobile Phone and Broadband Task force. In July 2016, I established the Task Force to identify immediate solutions to broadband and mobile phone coverage deficits and investigate how better services could be provided to consumers, prior to the full build and roll-out of the network planned under the National Broadband Plan State intervention. The report of the Task Force was published in December and is available on my Department's website.
In producing this report, the Task Force worked with Departments, local authorities, ComReg, State agencies, the telecoms industry and other key stakeholders. The report contains 40 actions that will alleviate some of the telecommunications deficits across Ireland and the implementation programme on mobile phone and broadband access identifies 19 of these actions as areas where immediate and direct action by Departments and State agencies can ensure accelerated benefits to consumers.
In order to maintain momentum created by the Task Force, I established an Implementation Group to drive and monitor the implementation of the actions, bringing together all key stakeholders identified in the Task Force report with responsibility for delivery. This group will be formally reporting every 90 days on progress made on all actions. I published the first such quarterly progress report on 13th June 2017, which is available on my Department's website at http://www.dccae.gov.ie/documents/Taskforce%20Q1%20Progress%20Report.pdf and which shows that considerable progress has been made, particularly in relation to the implementation of actions identified for Q1 2017.
The work of the Task Force will also assist local authorities in preparing for the roll-out of the new NBP network once contracts are in place.
In addition, following regulations which I signed last year, ComReg recently announced the results of its auction for the 3.6GHz radio spectrum band, which means an 86% increase in spectrum capacity to meet the growing demand for mobile and wireless broadband services across rural and urban areas. The Regulator has awarded 15 year licences for the rights of use in this band which will provide a degree of stability and create future investment certainty. Spectrum was also awarded in lots covering 9 urban and rural regions across the country.
In my Department's Estimates for 2017, I have secured an €8 million provision for RTE to allow it to free up the 700 MHz spectrum band. ComReg in turn will make plans to allocate this spectrum to provide for significantly enhanced mobile coverage. The 700 MHz band is particularly suited to rural environments where the signal can travel long distances.
These initiatives should assist in enhancing the quality of mobile phone and data services across Ireland and particularly in rural Ireland.
1263. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the level and type of lobbying that the waste industry has carried out in the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34968/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Regulation of Lobbying Act 2015 provides that the Standards in Public Office Commission, an independent body, is the Registrar of Lobbying. The Act is designed to provide information to the public about who is lobbying whom about what and provides for establishing and maintaining a register of persons who carry on lobbying activities and for a code of conduct relating to carrying on lobbying activities. The Registrar has pointed out that lobbying is an essential part of the democratic process, which enables or facilitates citizens and organisations to make their views on public policy and public services known to politicians and public servants. The Standards in Public Office Commission have established an easily searchable and free to use online register of lobbying at www.lobbying.ie.
1264. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will consult the public over increases to the television licence fee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35015/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra1277. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to raise the television licence fee; the status of discussions at present; if he has met with RTE specifically on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35089/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1264 and 1277 together.
I am not considering any increase to the current TV Licence fee and I have advised RTE of my position in the course of overall discussions on funding for the broadcaster.
As the Deputy will be aware, I have obtained Government approval to draft a number of legislative amendments to the Broadcasting Act, 2009, including amendments to allow for the tendering of TV Licence fee collection, and the proposed amendments are currently being considered by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Communications, Climate Action & Environment under Pre-Legislative Scrutiny.
In tandem with this, I recently asked the Office of Government Procurement to issue a Request for Information to see what services the market may be able to offer in respect of TV Licence fee collection. The result of this will help inform any tender process once the legislative amendments are in place to provide for a procurement process.
In the meantime, there will be no change to the existing TV licence fee arrangements and An Post continues to work as my issuing agent in accordance with Section 145 of the Act.
Question No. 1265 answered with Question No. 1247.
1266. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the amount that has been paid to renewable energy operators to curtail or dump energy; the corresponding amount of energy that was curtailed over the same period in each of the past five years, in tabular form; his views on the level of moneys being paid; if his attention has been drawn to plans to use this energy in a more efficient way; his plans for legislative changes in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35025/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra1269. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if his attention has been drawn to the amount and value of the renewable energy that will be curtailed or spilled over the next number of years that is not brought onto the energy grid in view of the increase in the sources of renewable energy; if his Department has compiled research on this matter; if his attention has been further drawn to research in this area; the likely costs arising from the ongoing curtailing and spilling of energy; his views on whether the level of curtailment and spilling of energy is contributing to increased energy bills; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35029/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1266 and 1269 together.
Under the Electricity Regulation (Amendment) (Single Electricity Market) Act 2007, regulation of the Single Electricity Market (SEM), including its detailed rules as set out in the Trading and Settlement Code, is the responsibility of the SEM Committee. The SEM Committee consists of the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER), the Utility Regulator Northern Ireland (URegNI) and an independent member, with each entity having one vote.
The operation and administration of the Single Electricity Market is managed by the Single Electricity Market Operator (SEMO). The SEMO is a joint venture between the transmission system operator for Ireland, EirGrid plc., and the system operator for Northern Ireland Limited. The SEMO is licensed and regulated by the CER in Ireland and its counterpart in Northern Ireland, the URegNI.
I have no function in the day-to-day operational matters of the CER, of the SEM Operator or of the SEM Committee.
The transmission system operators (TSOs) on the island are required to report to the CER and URegNI on why renewable energy was dispatched-down and the measures being taken to prevent inappropriate curtailment. EirGrid’s Annual Wind Constraint and Curtailment Report also includes data relating to research done as part of the work streams. Details of curtailed (dispatched-down) energy in the SEM over the past 6 years are set out in Appendix B of the latest report (available at http://www.eirgridgroup.com/).
The following table details payments made to renewable electricity generators from 2011 to 2015. Figures for 2016 are not yet available.
|
Calendar Year |
Time Weighted Average System Marginal price ( SMP) (€/MWh) |
Annual Curtailed/Constrained Volume (MWh) |
Estimated energy payments to Variable Renewable Generation curtailed/constrained (€) |
|
2011 |
61.77 |
105,917 |
6,542,493 |
|
2012 |
63.17 |
80,908 |
5,110,958 |
|
2013 |
65.67 |
118,067 |
7,753,460 |
|
2014 |
56.66 |
165,477 |
9,375,927 |
|
2015 |
50.71 |
275,162 |
13,953,465 |
The SEM Committee decided in SEM-13-010 www.semcommittee.com that curtailment payments will not arise in certain situations from 1 January 2018 onwards.
In tandem, Eirgrid’s DS3 Programme aims to deliver an increase in the level of wind that the system can handle, and reduce the level of curtailment incurred. In regard to curtailment and its contribution to energy bills, while there is a cost associated with constraining off or down some renewable generators, the aggregate impact on consumer bills of increased renewables is a positive one.
1267. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the amount that has been collected from homeowners and businesses since the introduction of the PSO energy levy; his views on the burden this is placing on families and businesses; his plans to reduce the levy in conjunction with the CER; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35026/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe total amount and details of the PSO levy for each levy year are calculated and published annually by the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER). This material is publicly available at www.cer.ie. The following table shows the annual amounts for the PSO levy for each year since 2003.
The Public Service Obligation (PSO) Levy has been in place since 2001. The PSO levy facilitates a set of support schemes designed to facilitate the achievement of national electricity policy objectives for renewables and security of supply by using indigenous fuel sources. The PSO has supported the connection of more than 3,000 MW of renewables to the electricity grid. It will continue to support the development of renewable energy to meet the 40% renewable electricity target by 2020. The Renewable Electricity Feed-in Tariff (REFIT) schemes are the principal means of supporting renewable electricity generators for electricity exported to the grid. An update report published by the Council for European Energy Regulators found that Ireland still has one of the lowest levels of monetary support per unit of gross electricity produced. The report is available at -http://www.ceer.eu/portal/page/portal/EER_HOME/EER_PUBLICATIONS/CEER_PAPERS/Electricity/2017/C16-SDE-56-03%20Status%20Review%20RES%20Support%20Schemes.pdf.
The PSO Levy is a charge on all electricity customers without exception and is determined by the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER). The legal basis for the PSO levy and its method of calculation by the CER are set out in Regulations made under the Electricity Regulation Act 1999 (S.I. 217 of 2002). I am acutely aware of the financial pressure faced by households and businesses. I would encourage everyone to avail of the energy efficiency grants available through SEAI to reduce their energy bills. Details are available here: http://seai.ie/Grants/.
I would also encourage all consumers to shop around and contact their existing supplier to ensure that they get the best price. Two CER approved websites, www.bonkers.ie and www.switcher.ie, are very helpful in aiding consumers to choose the products that best suit their needs.
|
Year |
Amount |
|
2003 |
€45.5m |
|
2004 |
€74.5m |
|
2005 |
€103.3m |
|
2006 |
€44.2m |
|
2007 |
€5.1m |
|
2008 (1 January -30 September) |
€1.9m |
|
2009 (1 October 2008- September 2009) |
€-14.0m |
|
2009/2010 |
€341.6m |
|
2010/2011 |
€157.2m |
|
2011/2012 |
€92.1m |
|
2012/2013 |
€131.2m |
|
2013/2014 |
€210.9m |
|
2014/2015 |
€335.4m |
|
2015/2016 |
€325.3m |
|
2016/2017 |
€392.4m |
1268. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the discussions he has had with the energy providers and CER to utilise more renewable energy on the grid; the steps he is taking to help reduce energy costs for homeowners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35027/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraEirGrid is the designated Transmission System Operator and its role includes the operation, maintenance and development of the electricity transmission network in Ireland. In response to national and European renewables targets, EirGrid began a multi-year programme, “Delivering a Secure, Sustainable Electricity System” (DS3). DS3 is designed to ensure that we can securely operate the power system with increasing amounts of variable non-synchronous renewable generation over the coming years.
The overarching energy objective of successive Governments has been to ensure secure and sustainable supplies of competitively priced energy to all consumers. The deregulated energy market results in choices for consumers and businesses in terms of suppliers, products and prices. I have no statutory function in the regulation of the electricity or gas market. This is a matter for the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER), the independent statutory regulator.
I would encourage consumers to either switch supplier or contact their current supplier to ensure they have the best possible deal. The CER approves two comparison websites, www.bonkers.ie and www.switcher.ie, to assist customers who wish to switch or compare tariffs.
Energy efficiency supports represent a significant opportunity for consumers to reduce their energy costs. The National Energy Efficiency Action Plan (NEEAP) provides the policy framework for energy efficiency in Ireland. Energy efficiency supports are available via the SEAI, to assist both business and domestic energy consumers, with significant funding allocated to them.
In 2017 I have allocated increased funding to the various schemes promoting energy efficiency. Overall, over €100m will be spent on supporting sustainable energy projects in 2017, saving over 116,000 tonnes in carbon emissions every year, reducing overall dependence on imported fossil fuels, and supporting around 3,000 jobs.
1270. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the timeframe for the next national cyber security strategy; the period that the next strategy will cover; his plans to publish a review of the current strategy and its effectiveness; the improvements or modifications that are planned arising from the existing national cyber security strategy 2015 to 2017; the detail of the cyber security awareness activities carried out as per the current strategy document; the number of businesses, organisations and public sector bodies that have partnered with the cyber security awareness activities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35030/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra1271. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if additional resources, training or supports have been provided to public bodies, including local authorities, arising from the high profile cyber security breaches against such organisations in 2017; his views on the level of preparedness that exists with the public sector, including the health and justice areas, to deal with such attacks; if he is satisfied that the legislation is strong enough in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35031/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra1272. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the steps he has taken since taking up office to improve national cyber security awareness; the level of engagement he has with consumer, community and citizen advocacy groups on the matter; if he is satisfied with the level of preparedness that exists within crucial private sector organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35032/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra1273. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his legislative priorities in the area of cyber security and awareness; if he has engaged with his European ministerial colleagues on these matters; his views on the increased proliferation of cyber security attacks; his plans for a pan European response to these issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35033/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1270 to 1273, inclusive, together.
The National Cyber Strategy set out the priorities for the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) for the period 2015-2017, as the protection of Government ICT Infrastructure while building capacity in other areas, including, particularly, the protection of critical national infrastructure. While the 2016 EU Network and Information Security (NIS) Directive was largely anticipated in the Strategy, the finalised Directive contains additional provisions which will have significant implications for my Department also.
The NCSC is presently engaged in a series of activities supporting Departments and agencies in the protection of their networks and infrastructure. These measures include monitoring threats, developing appropriate responses, and informing constituents of these on an ongoing basis. The NIS Directive requires Member States to take measures to protect critical national infrastructure and ensure the security of Digital Service Providers. As such, the legislation that will be used to transpose this Directive will set out the means that will be used to improve the protection of critical national infrastructure, and the NCSC is already well advanced in identifying the actual infrastructure involved and developing these measures in a practical way.
The dynamic nature of this issue, and the risks posed to citizens and the State, are clearly significant. The NCSC is presently undergoing expansion, both in terms of staffing numbers and funding. While the precise resourcing and staffing of the NCSC are security sensitive issues and are not published, it can be said that the NCSC has just finished a recruitment process at two separate grades, with a number of additional staff either in clearance or already in place.
The provision of public awareness campaigns and material for businesses and individuals will be a central component of the next National Cyber Security Strategy, and work has already commenced on a number of elements of a campaign. It is hoped that the programme for Small and Medium Enterprises will launch early next year.
