Written Answers Nos. 958-980
958. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to extend the TAMS scheme to include the funding of underpasses in cases in which persons have land banks on both sides of local, national and regional roads in view of the excessive costs of same, the safety of both motorists and farmers and the return of finances under the TAMS scheme to the Exchequer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46881/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe TAMS II Scheme has been very successful to date in terms of uptake with the number of approvals that have issued to date exceeding 11,500. All of these approvals represent committed expenditure under the TAMS II measure of the Rural Development Programme 2014 - 2020. Until such time as these approvals are acted upon or expire the budget for TAMS must include provision for the potential expenditure involved.
Of the applications approved just under 2,500 payment claims have been received to date, representing 21% of approvals. Payment claims submitted have been paid in over 75% of cases and these continue to be paid on an on going basis. However, until such time as the works applied for and approved have been completed and payment claims submitted, payments cannot issue. All participants who have completed approved works are urged to submit their payment claims immediately to facilitate early payment.
Approvals and payments continue to issue on an on going basis for the comprehensive list of investments already included in the suite of seven existing TAMS measures. There are no proposals at present to amend the list of investments available under TAMS to include underpasses.
959. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans for a more enhanced tuberculosis compensation plan to reflect current market realities in view of the fact that the compensation plan has not been revised in many years. [46883/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe primary compensation scheme for farmers whose herds are affected by TB is the On-Farm Market Valuation Scheme. Under these arrangements, compensation is payable for cattle removed as reactors. This compensation is based on the market value of the animal i.e. the price that might reasonably have been obtained for it, from a purchaser on the open market if the animal had not been affected by TB. My Department also administers supplementary grant schemes - Depopulation, Hardship and Income Supplement - to compensate farmers for indirect losses arising from a TB breakdown. I understand that Ireland is the only country in the EU where farmers receive compensation for indirect losses associated with a TB breakdown.
In 2016, my Department following consultation with the Farming Bodies revised the eligibility criteria and rates payable under the Depopulation, Hardship and Income Supplement schemes. These changes resulted in substantial increases to the total amount of compensation paid to farmers under these “supplementary” grant schemes. For the Compensation On-Farm Market Valuation Scheme, financial limits were also raised to €3,000 for a bovine, to €4,000 for a Stock Bull, and to €5,000 for a Pedigree Stock Bull.
The Department issues weekly market prices to be used by all valuers carrying out valuations under the Compensation Scheme. These prices are collected from a representative selection of marts from around the country. I am satisfied that the summary prices produced on this weekly basis provides a fair reflection to both the farmer and to the Department (State) of the market value for bovine animals.
Officials from my Department are scheduled to meet the representative bodies in the coming weeks to discuss any concerns with the current compensation scheme.
960. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has determined the location the national food innovation hub should be located; the process in identifying a location for the facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47054/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraA decision has been made to locate the National Food Innovation Hub at the Teagasc Moorepark Campus, Fermoy. The Food Hub aims to create a supportive environment for research and innovation at Moorepark involving food companies and research organisations with a focus on food, health and nutrition.
It integrates three components at Moorepark: the existing Teagasc food research capability; a state of the art ‘pilot plant’ facility operated by Teagasc subsidiary (Moorepark Technology Ltd.); and the building of 12 new custom designed laboratory and office units so that occupying companies can have an on-campus presence to collaborate with Teagasc researchers and use MTL’s pilot plant facilities.
It is envisaged that this unique cluster will stimulate intensive collaboration between food companies and Teagasc researchers to create a platform for innovation, economic growth and job creation.
961. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47089/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised that the practice of pair trawling in inshore waters and estuaries, including Kenmare Bay, around Ireland is confined to fishing for sprat. The Irish Wildlife Trust also identifies sprat as the target species for this activity.
Sprat is a short-lived species and an important prey fish for many marine species thus vital to the ocean food chain as well as an important source of income for inshore fishermen.
The central objective of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) is to ensure that fishing and aquaculture activities are environmentally sustainable in the long term through the conservation and sustainable exploitation of marine biological resources and the management of fisheries and fleets exploiting such resources. Ireland is committed to ensuring the conservation of the seabirds and marine life around our coast through the Birds and Habitats Directive, among other instruments.
Sprat in Irish waters is not a species subject to fishing quotas or Total Allowable Catches established under EU regulation. Scientifically, relatively little is known about the sprat species. The International Council of the Exploration of the Seas (ICES) considers sprat to be a data limited stock which means that more detailed data is required in order to form a full understanding of the state of the stock.
Available scientific information is that sprat in Ireland spawn from January to June with a fishery normally taking place from October to Christmas. This is a fortuitous situation, allowing some degree of reproductive output as the fishery takes place after the fish have been able to spawn. The Marine Institute advise that there is no evidence that spawning sprat are or ever have been targeted in Irish fisheries nor is there evidence that sprat actually spawn inshore. That of course is not to deny that they are easily targeted inshore when they occur there.
In order to address the lack of accurate information in respect of the sprat stocks in the waters around Ireland, a three year research project, partially funded by industry, commenced in October 2014 and is now in its final stage, under the auspices of the Marine Institute in cooperation with the Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology.
This project aims to develop an accurate and detailed understanding of the stock structure of sprat around Ireland. It will determine whether the sprat in Irish coastal waters is one stock or several separate stocks and it aims to increase our understanding of their role in the broader marine ecosystem. This data will in turn contribute to the ICES assessment of the vulnerability or otherwise of sprat in the waters around Ireland.
In addition to this research project, the Marine Institute is committed to working closely with Industry to obtain increased observer coverage in the sprat fisheries. Six such observer trips (five off Donegal and one off the South West Coast) have taken place in the past four weeks with more proposed in November. The purpose of the observer scheme is twofold:
- To obtain biological information on the resource itself and on any other fishery bycatch, ie herring, juvenile mackerel, etc.
- To obtain information on any bycatch this fishery might have of protected, endangered and threatened species, under the European maritime and fisheries fund (EMFF) marine biodiversity scheme such as marine mammals, seabirds and listed fish species.
It is expected that these projects/observer schemes will allow for more intensive data collection and enhanced scientific knowledge on the sprat stock thus supporting any future management actions considered necessary including the issue of pair trawling.
The monitoring and control of fishing vessels within Ireland’s Exclusive Fisheries Zone are matters for the Irish control authorities. Under the Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act, 2006, all operational issues of this nature concerning sea fisheries control are, as a matter of law, exclusively for the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority and the Naval Service. As Minister I am precluded from getting involved in operational matters including in relation to law enforcement.
962. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when the advanced mobile location scheme will be launched; if it will require a further financial contribution by senior alert scheme recipients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45797/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing the successful completion of a pilot scheme to evaluate its operation in Ireland, I launched Advanced Mobile Location (AML) on 19 October together with the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Deputy Michael Ring. When an emergency call is made to 112 or 999 using an Android mobile phone, a text message with the location information of the caller is sent automatically to the Emergency Call Answering Service. AML provides a far greater degree of accuracy for the caller’s location than was previously available and is expected to assist Emergency Services around the country in locating callers.
As is the case with all calls to 112/999, there is no charge to the caller, including Senior Alert Service recipients, for making a 112/999 call from a phone that is AML technology-enabled.
963. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if his attention has been drawn to the aftercare costs, some in excess of €35 million, facing some local authorities for closed landfills; and if these costs were recouped in full from the waste operators that used these landfills. [46285/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra964. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if local authorities subsidised waste operators for the aftercare costs incurred by the authorities due to closed landfills; and if they applied the polluter pays principle and other relevant national and EU legislation when calculating full cost recovery. [46286/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 963 and 964 together.
Waste management planning, including with regard to infrastructure provision, is the responsibility of local authorities under Part II of the Waste Management Act, 1996 (as amended). Under section 60(3) of that Act, I am precluded from exercising any power or control in relation to the performance, in specific cases, by a local authority of their statutory functions under the Act. Accordingly, I have no role in setting gate fees at landfills operated by a local authority.
The licensing of a landfill is a matter for the Environmental Protection Agency. Section 53(A) of the Waste Management Act, 1996 (as amended) requires that the price charged for disposal of waste in a landfill must not be less than the total costs necessary for the three purposes set out in Section 53(A)(4). These are:
1. the costs incurred by the operator in the acquisition or development, or both (as the case may be), of the facility,
2. the costs of operating the facility during the relevant period (including the costs of making any financial provision under section 53), and
3. the estimated costs, during a period of not less than 30 years or such greater period as may be prescribed, of the closure, restoration, remediation or aftercare of the facility.
It is a strategic objective of the Agency to ensure that sites with significant closure and aftercare costs, or with the potential for high liabilities arising from incidents, make financial provision to cover these liabilities. To that end, the Agency secures financial provision for liabilities at licensed facilities, including waste facilities, using a range of financial instruments including secured funds, bonds, parental company guarantees and insurance policies.
Under section 60(3) of that Act, I am precluded from exercising any power or control in relation to the performance, in specific cases, by the Agency of their statutory functions under the Act.
965. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the reason that a company (details supplied) sends data to a company for processing only every quarter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45716/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraCapita Business Support Services Ireland, trading as Eircode, was awarded a 10 year contract in December 2013 to develop, implement, maintain and promote the National Postcode System "Eircode". The GeoDirectory database is developed jointly by An Post and Ordnance Survey Ireland. An Post collects information on new and existing buildings, as well as changes to existing addresses and Ordnance Survey Ireland provides the geo-locations for the buildings.
An Post GeoDirectory, a subsidiary company of An Post and Ordnance Survey Ireland, issue a new release of the GeoDirectory database on a quarterly basis to Eircode in accordance with their licence agreement.
966. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45751/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is developing a new Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) which will be designed to assist Ireland in meeting its renewable energy contribution to EU-wide targets out to 2030. The design of the new scheme has included an extensive independent economic appraisal. This appraisal compared the cost of supporting a range of commercial renewable technologies, at various scales including micro-generation, to ensure that the new scheme delivers value for money for energy users whilst also delivering on the energy pillars of sustainability and security of supply. The assessment also included analysis of the optimum financial support mechanisms for renewable technologies, in line with the 2014 EU State Aid Guidelines. The new RESS will provide pathways for delivering on the 2015 Energy White Paper commitment to ensure communities and citizens are at the centre of the future energy transition in Ireland. Communities are effectively being designed into the fabric of the new scheme and a comprehensive assessment of polices and support measures to increase community ownership from renewable electricity projects has been undertaken. The most effective policies to increase community ownership and participation in renewable electricity projects have been assessed and examined within an Irish context.
Micro generation, which typically involves an element of self-consumption and the selling of excess electricity to the grid, was also appraised as part of the RESS economic assessment. The analysis identified a number of challenges that may need to be addressed before a support scheme for micro generation can be developed. These include amongst others, a reform of network charges, an assessment of the distributional impact of such a policy decision on the PSO (cost burden sharing), and development of a fair tariff for exported electricity taking the benefits of self-consumption into account. This approach is in line with experience from other EU member states who have attempted to introduce supports for micro generation.
I am committed to further exploring opportunities for supporting micro generation, as I believe that micro-generation will have an important role in Ireland’s transition to a carbon free economy, in assisting Ireland meet its renewable electricity targets, and increasing social acceptance of and promoting renewable energy projects right across the country. My Department and SEAI hosted a workshop on micro generation earlier last month and will develop a policy position on how best to support micro generation and micro generators in Ireland.
A public consultation on the design principles of the proposed new RESS was launched on 4 September and submissions are invited from the public. All submissions will be considered and following on from this final public consultation, a design proposal will be brought to Government for approval. Full details of the consultation are available on my Department’s website at: www.dccae.gov.ie.
Following on from this, the proposed scheme will need to secure Government approval and State Aid clearance from the European Commission. Subject to this, it is expected that the new scheme will become operational in Q1 2019.
967. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the amount that is paid per kilowatt per hour for solar power; if there is a tariff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45825/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraCurrent financial supports for renewable electricity projects in Ireland are provided via the Renewable Electricity Feed-In-Tariff (REFIT) schemes, which support renewable electricity generated and exported into the national grid. Renewable technologies supported under the REFIT schemes include Onshore Wind, Hydro, Biomass Landfill Gas, Biomass Combustion, Biomass CHP and Anaerobic Digestion CHP. At present, Solar Photovoltaic (Solar PV), for electricity generation, is not supported under any of these REFIT schemes and at present there is no tariff for Solar PV generation. This is largely down to the historic higher costs associated with Solar PV in comparison to other renewable electricity technologies. The Government recognises that Solar Photovoltaic (Solar PV) has the potential to contribute to meeting Ireland’s renewable energy and climate change objectives and could also provide a community dividend, thereby enhancing citizen participation in Ireland's energy future. My Department is, therefore, developing a new Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) which will be designed to assist Ireland in meeting its renewable energy contributions out to 2030.
The design of this new scheme included an extensive economic appraisal. This appraisal compared the cost of supporting Solar PV (both rooftop and ground mounted), Onshore and Offshore Wind and a range of other commercial renewable technologies, at various scales, to ensure that the new scheme delivers value for money for energy users whilst also delivering on the energy pillars of sustainability and security of supply. The assessment also included analysis of the optimum financial support mechanisms for renewable technologies, in line with the 2014 EU State Aid Guidelines.
A public consultation on the design principles of the proposed new RESS was launched on 4 September and submissions are invited from the public. All submissions will be considered and following on from this final consultation, a design proposal will be brought to Government for approval. Full details of the consultation are available on my Department’s website at: www.dccae.gov.ie.
Finally, while I have no statutory function in the matter, I am aware that since February 2009 Electric Ireland had offered a feed-in tariff on a commercial basis to domestic micro generators, although they subsequently decided to close the scheme 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 and published details of the scheme on their website: https://www.electricireland.ie/residential/helpful-links/terms-conditions/micro-generation-scheme. 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 Regulation of Utilities (CRU).
968. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the planned roll-out of fibre broadband in County Monaghan will stop 200 m short of the Border meaning that households and businesses within that area will not have access to high speed broadband; if he will request a company (details supplied) to ensure that the provision of fibre broadband is extended in order that all households and businesses based within 200 m of the Border have access to high speed broadband; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45850/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraDecisions by private telecommunication operators, relating to the roll-out and siting of infrastructure to provide high speed broadband services throughout Ireland, including County Monaghan, are undertaken on a commercial basis by competing service providers operating in a liberalised market. I have no statutory role or function to intervene in the commercial decisions of private operators. However, facilitating commercial investment is a critical element of the Government's National Broadband Plan (NBP) and to date industry has invested over €2.5bn on broadband and communications services. As of September 2017 approximately 1.5m or 65% of the 2.3m premises in Ireland can get high speed broadband and this footprint in expanding.
The NBP outlines Government commitment to deliver access to high speed broadband (minimum download 30 megabits per second) to all homes and businesses, regardless of location, across the country.
In April of this year, I published an updated High Speed Broadband Map which is available at www.broadband.gov.ie. The map shows the areas targeted by commercial operators to provide high speed broadband services and the areas that will be included in the State Intervention Area under the NBP.
The Map is searchable by eircode and is colour coded:-
- AMBER for areas to be covered by the State led Intervention under the NBP;
- BLUE for areas where commercial operators are delivering or have indicated plans to deliver high speed broadband services; and
- Light BLUE areas on the Map represent eir's commercial rural deployment plans to roll-out high speed broadband to 300,000 premises by the end of 2018 as part of an Agreement signed with me in April.
The map shows that there are c33,000 premises In Co Monaghan, of which c16,000 premises will benefit from the State led Intervention under the NBP. The remaining c17,000 premises are located in the commercial BLUE area and will be served by commercial operators. This figure includes the c4,600 premises that fall within eir’s plans to deliver rural high speed broadband between now and end 2018 (Light BLUE on map). Information on eir's planned rural deployment is available at http://fibrerollout.ie/eircode-lookup/.
With regard to the areas covered by the State led Intervention under the NBP, my Department is engaged in an on-going procurement process to select a company or companies who will roll-out a new high speed broadband network to remote and rural areas not served by commercial operators. A significant milestone in that procurement process was reached in September with the submission of "Detailed Solutions" by two bidders. This is the last stage of the procurement process before receipt of final tenders.
To improve both mobile and broadband services in rural Ireland in advance of the roll-out of the high speed broadband network to be built in the State intervention area, I established, in July 2016, a Taskforce to identify solutions which can be implemented in the short, medium and long term to alleviate mobile phone and broadband coverage deficits, to identify priority areas for roll-out and investigate how better services could be provided to consumers. These solutions will enhance the existing services prior to the full build and roll-out of the network planned under the NBP State led intervention.
Under this Taskforce, engagement between telecommunications operators and local authorities through the Broadband Officers is continuing to strengthen. These Broadband Officers are acting as single points of contact in local authorities for their communities. The appointment of these officers is already reaping rewards in terms of ensuring a much greater degree of consistency in engagements with operators and clearing obstacles to developing infrastructure. There is a link to a list of these local Broadband Officers on my Department's website.
969. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the external company undertaking an audit of his departmental website; the cost of the audit; the timeframe for its completion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45855/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra975. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the last time his Department's website was revamped or remodelled; the cost of same; if he or his Department officials have been consulted regarding creating one stand alone online Government portal website; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46004/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra976. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the investment in his Department’s website since 2011 including total associated costs incurred; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46021/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 969, 975 and 976 together.
My Department's website, www.dccae.gov.ie was comprehensively updated in 2015 at a cost of €31,900. This investment ensures we are providing up-to-date information in a clear, concise and accessible way in accordance with best practice. It also ensures we effectively present the Department’s content whilst addressing the needs of all of its customers, stakeholders and citizens.
Following the establishment of the new Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment in May 2016, a website redesign was required to incorporate the new functions transferred from the former Department of Environment, Community and Local Government at a cost of €6,795.
I can confirm that there is currently no audit underway on my Department's website.
My Department has been made aware of plans to create a Government portal website but to date no detailed discussions have taken place.
970. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when fibre optic high speed broadband will be provided in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45944/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government's National Broadband Plan (NBP) will ensure 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 1.5m or 65% of the 2.3m premises in Ireland can get access to high speed broadband and this footprint is expanding. In April, I signed a Commitment Agreement with eir in relation to its plans to provide broadband to an additional 300,000 premises in rural areas on a commercial basis. My Department will be monitoring this roll-out to ensure that eir meets its obligations under the Agreement. A copy of the Agreement is available on my Department's website www.dccae.gov.ie. Whilst the full programme of work is due to be completed by the end of 2018, more precise information on the timeframe for roll-out is available from eir’s website on http://www.fibrerollout.ie.
I also published an updated High Speed Broadband Map in April which is available at www.broadband.gov.ie. The updated Map shows the following categories of areas for delivery of broadband:
- 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; and
- LIGHT BLUE premises are part of eir’s planned high speed broadband roll-out.
The map shows that there are approximately 140 premises in the townland of Ticknevin. 27 (19%) of premises in Ticknevin fall within the AMBER area and will be covered by the State led Intervention. 113 (81%) premises fall within the LIGHT BLUE area and will be covered by eir's planned rural deployment.
Individuals can themselves check whether their premises is in a LIGHT BLUE or AMBER area by accessing the High Speed Broadband Map and entering their eircode at www.broadband.gov.ie.
My Department is engaged in an ongoing procurement process to select a company or companies who will roll-out the new high speed broadband network for the State led intervention. A significant milestone in that process was reached in September with the submission of "Detailed Solutions" by two bidders, This is the last stage before receipt of final tenders and progression to the appointment of a preferred bidder(s).
To improve both mobile and broadband services in rural Ireland in advance of the roll-out of the high speed broadband network to be built in the State intervention area I established, in July 2016, a Taskforce to identify solutions which can be implemented in the short, medium and long term to alleviate mobile phone and broadband coverage deficits, to identify priority areas for roll-out and investigate how better services could be provided to consumers. These solutions will enhance the existing services prior to the full build and roll-out of the network planned under the NBP State-led intervention.
Under this Taskforce, engagement between telecommunications operators and local authorities through the Broadband Officers is continuing to strengthen. These Broadband Officers are acting as single points of contact in local authorities for their communities. The appointment of these officers is already reaping rewards in terms of ensuring a much greater degree of consistency in engagements with operators and clearing obstacles to developing infrastructure. There is a link to a list of these local Broadband Officers on my Department's website.
971. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the estimated cost to the State of the upgrades to the electricity grid and transmission infrastructure necessary to facilitate large-scale expansion of data centres owned by foreign multinationals over the next decade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45954/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation in conjunction with other relevant Ministers is leading a cross-government effort to develop a national policy statement on the strategic importance of data centres as part of Ireland’s Enterprise Strategy, with a first draft expected later this year. This strategic policy approach will include proposed amendments to the Strategic Infrastructure Act and take account of wider energy policy developments. I am strongly of the view that the development of data centres must be plan-led. I believe the policy statement will lay out a clear and balanced approach to the development of the sector, one that will take account of a variety of elements including regional development, costs and benefits and the impact on Ireland’s electricity grid. EirGrid, the state’s electricity transmission system operator, makes considerable efforts to ensure that the electricity system can cope with the increasing demands placed on it by the increase in the number of data centres in the last decade, as well as planning to meet future demands, as reflected in their Tomorrow's Energy Scenarios 2017 publication.
Whilst data centre development requires significant enhancement of the electricity grid, it is not expected that there will be a cost to the State for transmission system upgrades which may be required to facilitate this forecasted demand growth over the next decade. Infrastructure requirements are paid for through a combination of direct customer connection charges levied in advance of connection and monthly usage of system charges, both of which are regulated by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU).
In accordance with CRU approved connection charging policy, demand customers connecting to the transmission system pay 50% of the cost of chargeable connection assets in advance of connection. The balance of connection costs are recovered via monthly usage of system charges referred to as Transmission Use of System (TUoS) charges. TUoS charges are designed to recover the cost of developing, maintaining and operating the transmission system in Ireland. The TUoS Statement of Charges is updated annually, via a public consultation process which is overseen by CRU.
972. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he is satisfied that the business plan of Bord na Móna to diversify does not suggest practices that may restrict, limit or reduce competition in the solid fuel market; if concerns have been raised by the European Commission further to expansion plans of Bord na Móna; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45963/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraBord na Móna is a commercial State company operating under the Turf Development Acts 1946 to 1998. As such, I have no direct function in the formulation of Bord na Mona's business plan for diversification as this is an operational matter for Bord na Móna. I am not aware of any current or proposed practices that may distort competition in the solid fuel market, nor am I aware of any communication from the European Commission in relation to expansion plans on the part of Bord na Móna.
973. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the estimated cost of the provision of a defibrillator in each public building owned by his Department and agency under the aegis of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45976/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department currently has 4 defibrillators deployed in its offices.
The cost of purchase and installation of these devices was €4,800, and routine maintenance (i.e. replacement batteries) amounted to €1,200 in 2016.
Training for staff in the use of defibrillators is generally included as part of first aid training and the associated costs cannot be disaggregated.
The information sought in relation to the agencies under the aegis of my Department is an operational matter for each organisation. The relevant bodies will be requested to reply directly to the Deputy in the matter.
974. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the meetings of the strategic communications unit he or his Department officials attended; the date and location of each such meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45987/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI met with Mr. Concannon and a colleague from the Strategic Communications Unit on 5 October 2017. The meeting was also attended by the Secretary General of my Department, the Assistant Secretary over the Corporate area, and one of my Special Advisers.
Mr. Concannon, at the request of the Secretary General, also addressed a monthly meeting of Senior Managers in the Department on 23 October on the role of the Strategic Communications Unit.
Questions Nos. 975 and 976 answered with Question No. 969.
977. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the number of Department staff in his press office; the reporting relationship in operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46038/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are three officials in the Department's Press Office who report to the Department's Head of Human Resources.
978. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the protocol for attendance by staff both civil servants and political non-civil servants to continuing professional development programmes and courses; the number of staff both civil servants and political non-civil servants in his Department that participated in such programmes on an annual basis in each of the years 2011 to 2016 and to date in 2017; the costs incurred by his Department for persons that participated in these courses; the providers of all such courses; the subject areas of all courses and programmes provided, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46055/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is committed to providing learning and development opportunities for all staff and managers in line with the Department's Human Resource Strategy 2015-2017 and the recently launched People Strategy for the Civil Service 2017-2020. In accordance with the Department's learning and development policies and procedures, attendance at a formal development course requires a written application for approval in respect of attendance and funding for the programme or course. This includes an outline of the targeted learning outcomes, an explanation of how the learning will be applied and a summary of the benefits envisaged for the business of the Department/civil service and the individual employee. The approval process includes the employee’s manager and the Department's learning and development unit. In total 76 civil servants in my Department participated in continuing professional development programmes and courses from 2012 to date. The details for 2011, which are currently unavailable, will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
The information requested is set out in the following tables:
2012 – 2013
|
Institute |
Subject |
Cost |
|
Institute of Public Administration |
Bachelor of Business (Hons) Accounting |
€ 2,086 |
|
Institute of Public Administration & UCD |
Doctorate in Governance |
€ 9,706 |
|
Institute of Public Administration & UCD |
Doctorate in Governance |
€ 7,000 |
|
Open University |
BSC (Hons) Computing IT & Mathematics |
€ 796 |
|
Open University |
MA in Business Administration |
€ 4,204 |
|
Open University |
BSC (Hons) Environmental Science |
€ 1,133 |
|
University College Dublin |
MSc Forensic Computing & Cybercrime Investigation |
€ 2,359 |
|
University College Dublin |
PHD in Physics |
€ 3,800 |
|
Total |
€31,084 |
2013 – 2014
|
Institute |
Subject |
Cost |
|
Association of Chartered Certified Accountants |
Law and Taxation |
€ 2,311 |
|
Dublin City University |
Diploma in Emergency Management |
€ 6,500 |
|
Dublin Institute of Technology |
BA in Law |
€ 2,000 |
|
Fitzwilliam Institute |
Diploma in Public Relations |
€ 696 |
|
Institute of Public Administration |
BA in Public Management |
€ 2,820 |
|
Institute of Public Administration |
MA in Public Management |
€ 5,000 |
|
Institute of Public Administration |
Certificate in Civil Service & State Agencies Studies |
€ 950 |
|
Institute of Public Administration & UCD |
Doctorate in Governance |
€ 10,000 |
|
Open University |
BSC (Hons) Computing IT & Mathematics |
€ 4,300 |
|
Open University |
Environmental Science |
€ 832 |
|
University College Dublin |
MSc Forensic Computing & Cybercrime Investigation |
€ 3,370 |
|
Total |
€ 38,779 |
2014 – 2015
|
Institute |
Subject |
Cost |
|
Association of Chartered Certified Accountants |
Financial Reporting & Financial Management |
€ 1,840 |
|
Dublin City University |
Diploma in Emergency Management |
€ 6,502 |
|
Dublin City University |
MSc in Human Resource Strategies |
€ 6,550 |
|
Dublin Institute of Technology |
BA in Law |
€ 1,645 |
|
Institute of Public Administration |
BA in Public Administration |
€ 2,820 |
|
Institute of Public Administration |
MA in Public Management |
€ 5,000 |
|
Institute of Public Administration |
MA in Public Management |
€ 5,000 |
|
Institute of Public Administration |
MA in Public Management |
€ 1,750 |
|
Institute of Public Administration |
Certificate in Business Studies |
€ 2,980 |
|
Institute of Public Administration & UCD |
Doctorate in Governance |
€10,000 |
|
National University of Ireland |
Affects and Impact of Climate Change |
€ 1,790 |
|
Open University |
BSC (Hons) Computing IT & Mathematics |
€ 4,300 |
|
|
Total |
€50,177 |
2015 – 2016
|
Institute |
Subject |
Cost |
|
Association of Chartered Certified Accountants |
Financial Reporting & Financial Management |
€ 2,130 |
|
Dublin City University |
MSc in Human Resource Strategies |
€ 6,000 |
|
Dublin Institute of Technology |
BA in Law |
€ 1,645 |
|
Griffith College |
Diploma in Business |
€ 1,790 |
|
Griffith College |
CompTIA A+ |
€ 1,500 |
|
Institute of Public Administration |
BA in Public Administration |
€ 2,820 |
|
Institute of Public Administration |
Diploma in Business Studies |
€ 2,980 |
|
Institute of Public Administration |
Bachelor in Business Studies |
€ 2,980 |
|
Institute of Public Administration |
Certificate in Finance |
€ 2,200 |
|
Institute of Public Administration |
MSc in Policy Analysis |
€ 7,900 |
|
Institute of Public Administration |
MA in Financial Management |
€ 5,000 |
|
Institute of Public Administration |
Diploma in Public Management |
€ 2,820 |
|
Institute of Public Administration |
MA in Leadership & Strategy |
€ 5,000 |
|
Institute of Public Administration |
Certificate in Mediation |
€ 2,200 |
|
Institute of Public Administration |
Foundation Certificate in Human Resource Management |
€ 2,550 |
|
Institute of Public Administration |
Diploma in Official Statistics for Policy Evaluation |
€ 1,450 |
|
Law Society of Ireland |
Diploma in Law |
€ 4,400 |
|
Open University |
BSC (Hons) Computing IT & Mathematics |
€ 2,530 |
|
Open University |
BSC (Undergraduate) Understanding the Continents |
€ 1,122 |
|
Positive Success Group |
Diploma in Executive & Life Coaching |
€ 2,650 |
|
|
Total |
€61,667 |
2016 – 2017
|
Institute |
Subject |
Cost |
|
Institute of Public Administration |
Administrative Law |
€ 900 |
|
Trinity College Dublin |
BSc (Hons) Information Systems |
€ 5,907 |
|
Professional Accountancy Training |
Professional Accounting |
€ 1,250 |
|
Institute of Public Administration |
BA (Hons) Business Studies |
€ 2,980 |
|
Institute of Public Administration |
Postgraduate Diploma in Public Management |
€ 5,000 |
|
Institute of Public Administration |
MA Public Management |
€ 5,000 |
|
Institute of Public Administration |
Certificate in Civil Service and State Agency Studies |
€ 950 |
|
National College of Ireland |
BA (Hons) in HRM Strategy and Practice |
€ 4,000 |
|
Institute of Public Administration |
Postgraduate Diploma in Public Management |
€ 5,000 |
|
Institute of Public Administration |
Certificate in Human Resources |
€ 2,650 |
|
Institute of Public Administration |
Certifcate in Human Resources |
€ 2,650 |
|
Institute of Public Administration |
Certificate in Project Management |
€ 1,800 |
|
Griffith College |
Introduction to the Irish Legal System |
€ 400 |
|
Institute of Public Administration |
Certificate in Civil Service and State Agency Studies |
€ 950 |
|
Institute of Public Administration |
BA (Hons) Public Management |
€ 2,820 |
|
Institute of Project Management |
Certified Project Management Diploma |
€ 2,595 |
|
Institute of Public Administration |
Certified in Public Management |
€ 2,980 |
|
Carlow I.T |
Higher Diploma in Business Management |
€ 2,500 |
|
University College Dublin |
Behavioural Economics Module |
€ 1,688 |
|
Griffith College |
LLB in Law |
€ 7,586 |
|
Institute of Public Administration |
Postgraduate Diploma in Public Management |
€ 5,000 |
|
Honourable Society of King's Inns |
Diploma in Legal Studies |
€ 4,975 |
|
Institute of Public Administration |
Professional Certificate in Governance |
€ 2,250 |
|
Barnsley |
BA (Hons) Visual Communications |
€ 1,637 |
|
Cavan Institute |
Bookkeeping (Manual & Computerised) |
€ 220 |
|
Dublin City University |
Executive MBA |
€ 12,750 |
|
Griffith College |
ICM Cert Desktop Publishing |
€ 700 |
|
Account Technicians Ireland |
Accountant Technicians |
€ 1,100 |
|
National University of Ireland Maynooth |
PhD in adult and Community Education |
€ 3,900 |
|
Open University |
Evaluating Contemporary Science |
€ 945 |
|
|
Total |
€ 93,083 |
979. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the public relations companies or agencies the services of which his Department used for information campaigns since 1 January 2017; and the costs incurred to date in 2017. [46072/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Departmental remit includes complex policy areas, oversight of State regulation and service provision across key strategic services such as energy and public broadcasting, and regulation of sectors such as mining and hydrocarbon exploration. Given the technical complexity, economic significance and community interest in these areas, there is a requirement to disseminate information and to address specific issues as they arise. The Department therefore necessarily incurs some expenditure on public relations from time to time. In procuring these services, my Department always seeks to ensure value for money and keeping of expenditure to the minimum necessary.
The information which the Deputy requested is outlined in tabular format below:
|
Company |
2017 to date |
Purpose of Consultancy |
|
Morrow Communications Ltd |
€30,615 |
Provision of services in relation to outreach in rural communities with respect to low flying geophysical survey and soil geochemical survey. |
|
Focus Advertising |
€15,855 |
Provision of services in relation to Household Waste Awareness Campaign |
|
Cawley NEA/TBWA |
€11,298.68 |
Provision of services in relation to the Trading Online Voucher Scheme |
|
PHD Media (Ireland) Ltd |
€43,285.42 |
Provision of services in relation to the Trading Online Voucher Scheme |
|
Mediavest Ltd |
€44,744.77 |
Provision of services in relation to the Trading Online Voucher Scheme |
|
Mandy Johnson Communications |
€7,200 |
Provision of services in relation to Household Waste Awareness Campaign |
|
TOTAL |
€152,998.87 |
980. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the steps he has taken to ensure that grant-aided organisations are spending their moneys appropriately in view of the revelations regarding a charity (details supplied) in 2016; if his attention has been drawn to concerns in relation to organisations funded by his Department; if so, the action he has taken; if his Department has issued new procedures regarding the use of credit cards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46089/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department complies with the provisions of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform Circular 13/2014 - Management of and Accountability for Grants from Exchequer Funds. This Circular sets out the public financial rules to be followed in the management of grant funding and requires that there should be transparency and accountability in the management of public money, in line with the principles of economy, efficiency and effectiveness. I am satisfied that sufficient safeguards are in place to ensure proper accountability in the management of grant funding disbursed by my Department. Within my Department, the majority of grant funding is provided to State bodies, all of which operate in accordance with the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies, their respective legislation and Performance Delivery Agreements, where appropriate.
My Department also ensures that, in the case of the provision of Exchequer funding to other organisations, a Service Level Agreement, Grant Agreement or a Memorandum of Understanding is in place to ensure that funds are accounted for and properly managed.
At present there are two official credit card holders on my Department's account. There are robust procedures in place in my Department governing the use of credit cards, and all credit card bills are checked, certified and approved for payment at Principal Officer level.
