Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:375. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of a farm payment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47919/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAgriculture Scheme Payments
Ceisteanna (375)
Freagraí scríofa
The person named submitted a 2017 Basic Payment/Areas of Natural Constraint Schemes application on 10 May 2017. EU Regulations governing the administration of these schemes require that full and comprehensive administrative checks, including in some cases remote sensing (i.e. satellite) inspections, be completed before any payments issue.
The application of the person named was selected for a Remote Sensing eligibility inspection. This inspection has been completed and the results processed to finalisation. A minor area over-declaration was identified during the inspection process and this resulted in the payment due under the Basic Payment Scheme being reduced to the area determined by the inspection. The person named was notified of the final inspection outcome by letter of 13 November and of their right to seek a review of this decision if they are dissatisfied with the inspection outcome.
The payment due under the Basic Payment Scheme is now issuing to the nominated bank account of the person named.
The first instalment of the 2016 AEOS payment due was issued on 31/10/17 and the balancing payment due was issued on 6/11/17.
Weather Events Response
Ceisteanna (376)
Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:376. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a reply will issue to correspondence from a person (details supplied); the way in which his Department responded to the declaration of the status red alert weather warning in relation to its own employees and to the public generally; the protocols now in place for future status red alert weather warnings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47920/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
At the outset, I wish to extend my condolences to the families and friends of the three people who tragically lost their lives during Storm Ophelia last month.
On foot of the severe weather warnings issued by Met Éireann on the day before the arrival of Storm Ophelia, 15 October, I issued a Press Release asking farmers, fishermen and people in rural areas to be extra vigilant and take precautions as the storm approached the country. I urged farmers and all people in rural areas to follow closely the advice of the authorities particularly for those in the worst affected Counties. My key concern was for the safety of people and I reiterated the advice that only essential travel should be undertaken.
I also reminded landowners of the dangers of fallen trees and power lines and advised that assessment of damage in such circumstances should only be carried out by appropriately trained professionals from the relevant front line services.
In light of the red weather alert being extended to the entire country, it was decided that in the interest of safety all Departmental offices would remain closed on Monday 16th October, the day of the storm.
My Department is a member of the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning and will contribute to a report that is being prepared by the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government on the overall response to Storm Ophelia. This report will be considered by the Taskforce before being submitted for the consideration of Government in January 2018.
GLAS Payments
Ceisteanna (377)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:377. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of a GLAS payment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48020/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The person named was approved into GLAS 2 with a contract commencement date of 1st January 2016. All 2016 payments have been paid to the applicant.
It is expected that advance payments for 2017 will begin to issue to GLAS participants in the coming weeks.
Agriculture Scheme Payments
Ceisteanna (378)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:378. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of farm payments for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48021/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The person named was approved into GLAS 2 with a contract commencement date of 1 January 2016. The application is currently progressing through the final validation checks and the advance payment is expected to be paid in the coming weeks.
A Farm Nutrient Management Plan (NMP) must be submitted on behalf of each GLAS 1 and 2 participant to the dedicated online system before the 15% balancing payment or any future GLAS payment can issue. As this applicant has not submitted his NMP, the 15% balancing payment cannot issue. The applicant should check immediately with his adviser on the progress in submitting the NMP.
The person named also submitted a 2017 Basic Payment/Areas of Natural Constraint Schemes application on 15 May 2017, the processing of this application is currently being finalised with a view to issuing any payments due to the nominated bank account of the person named as soon as possible.
Beef Data and Genomics Programme
Ceisteanna (379)
Kevin O'Keeffe
Ceist:379. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to increase suckler cow subsidies. [48041/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Beef Data and Genomics Programme (BDGP) provides beef farmers with some €300 million of funding over the next six years. I will continue to fully support this programme throughout the lifetime of the current RDP.
Earlier this year I re-opened BDGP for beef suckler farmers who were not already participating in the scheme. This scheme (BDGP II) provides for six years of payments to farmers for completion of actions which deliver accelerated genetic improvement in the national herd and improvement of its environmental sustainability. Payment rates and actions for participants in BDGP II are the same as those in the original scheme, with the exception that the training and carbon navigator actions must be completed by 31st October 2017.
Any increase in the payment under the BDGP would require approval from the EU Commission. This would be very difficult in the context of an innovative scheme which has undergone an approval process relatively recently. Even in the event that such approval was obtained, it would be necessary to require farmers to undertake additional actions to justify any additional payment, making the scheme more complex and compliance more onerous.
The suckler sector is a vital component of Ireland's rural economy and the provision of support for the suckler sector is critically important. The range of supports as currently configured represents a balance between direct income support for the sector and rural development measures designed to improve its competitiveness and sustainability. I believe that it is entirely appropriate to maintain this balance of developmental and income supports into the future.
I should also point out there a range of other supports available to suckler farmers under the RDP, notably GLAS, ANCs and Knowledge Transfer groups.
Basic Payment Scheme Applications
Ceisteanna (380)
Tom Neville
Ceist:380. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 285 of 13 April 2017, if he will address a matter regarding the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48049/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Further to PQ No. 285 of 13 April 2017, the person named submitted additional correspondence to my Department. The documentation received was reviewed and, given the nature of the documentation, has been forwarded to the Legal Services Division of my Department for clarification. Following receipt of the required legal clarification, an official from my Department will make direct contact with the person named with a view to resolving the issue.
Beef Data and Genomics Programme
Ceisteanna (381)
Dara Calleary
Ceist:381. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans for a review of the beef genomics scheme in view of the fact that it has been in operation for two years; if so, the details of the review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48056/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The suckler sector is a vital component of Ireland's rural economy and the provision of support for the suckler sector is critically important. The Beef Data and Genomics Programme (BDGP) is the current primary support for the Irish suckler sector and makes provision for some €300 million of funding over the next six years to beef farmers.
I have already in 2017, reopened the BDGP to beef suckler farmers who were not previously part of the scheme. This scheme (BDGP II) also provides for six years of payments to farmers for actions which are delivering accelerated genetic improvement in the national herd and improvement of its environmental sustainability. There are currently 25,151 participants in BDGP I and BDGP II.
The range of supports as currently configured represents a balance between direct income support for the sector and rural development measures designed to improve its competitiveness and sustainability. I believe that it is entirely appropriate to maintain this balance of developmental and income supports into the future. In this context, there are no plans at present for another review of the scheme.
Beef Data and Genomics Programme
Ceisteanna (382)
Dara Calleary
Ceist:382. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount spent on the beef genomics scheme since its inception; the amount paid directly to participating farmers by county; the amount spent on administration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48057/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The suckler sector is a vital component of Ireland's rural economy and the provision of support for the suckler sector is critically important. The Beef Data and Genomics Programme (BDGP) is the current primary support for the Irish suckler sector and makes provision for some €300 million of funding over the next six years to beef farmers.
The Beef Data and Genomics Programme provides for six years of payments to farmers for completion of actions which deliver accelerated genetic improvement in the Irish national herd and improvement of its environmental sustainability.
Payment for the 2017 Programme year for both BDGP I and BDGP II are scheduled to commence in December 2017. The amount already paid to farmers under the scheme is as follows:
|
Total Payment |
|
|
CARLOW |
€1,562,332.56 |
|
CAVAN |
€3,948,135.85 |
|
CLARE |
€6,676,510.51 |
|
CORK |
€6,266,149.83 |
|
DONEGAL |
€3,309,901.22 |
|
DUBLIN |
€237,528.33 |
|
GALWAY |
€8,354,051.68 |
|
KERRY |
€3,838,650.61 |
|
KILDARE |
€1,484,667.48 |
|
KILKENNY |
€3,177,695.23 |
|
LAOIS |
€2,912,875.10 |
|
LEITRIM |
€2,184,016.38 |
|
LIMERICK |
€2,937,044.18 |
|
LONGFORD |
€2,365,420.53 |
|
LOUTH |
€875,698.70 |
|
MAYO |
€6,041,690.72 |
|
MEATH |
€2,784,993.85 |
|
MONAGHAN |
€2,570,573.92 |
|
OFFALY |
€2,809,557.67 |
|
ROSCOMMON |
€4,419,107.07 |
|
SLIGO |
€2,627,661.73 |
|
TIPPERARY |
€4,860,321.35 |
|
WATERFORD |
€2,085,176.47 |
|
WESTMEATH |
€3,236,628.96 |
|
WEXFORD |
€3,050,108.87 |
|
WICKLOW |
€1,900,775.63 |
|
Total |
€86,517,274.43 |
The Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF) has been paid €2.4m, including VAT, as reimbursement of the costs it incurred in the administration of the BDGP since its inception. This role includes the printing and issue of survey forms, the recording and evaluation of all the data in relation to the scheme, a telephone help-line for farmers and postal costs etc.
TAMS Eligibility
Ceisteanna (383)
Kevin O'Keeffe
Ceist:383. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the provision of a system (details supplied) is covered for grant aid purposes under TAMS. [48073/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The 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, only 2,700 payment claims have been received to date. Payment claims submitted 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 the system detailed.
Harness Racing Industry
Ceisteanna (384)
Willie Penrose
Ceist:384. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if, in the context of a report (details supplied), his Department will provide emergency funding of €100,000 to an organisation (details supplied) in view of the fact it has committed to implement the recommendations of the report, including the preparation of a five year business plan and provision of appropriate governance procedures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48147/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department funded the Indecon Review of the Irish Harness Racing Sector, which was published on Wednesday 1st November 2017. This report provides the sport with a road map for its potential development and I will be supporting the recommendations within my Department’s remit from the outset.
As part of this future support, I have already committed to continuing and expanding the pilot integration programme, which will be funded by my Department.
I would also welcome progress reports from the Irish Harness Racing Association (IHRA) on their implementation of remaining recommendations outlined in the Indecon Review, and I will consider any future funding requests in this context.
In addition to the funding provided for the Indecon Review, and the support for the report's recommendations within my remit, the IHRA have also received a number of additional supports during 2017 from my Department, namely;
- Approval for grants totalling €40,077 under the Equine Technical Support Scheme
- Support valued in excess of €25,000 for "Road Racing Education Programme"
Similarly in 2016, the IHRA received grants totalling €21,704 under this Equine Infrastructure grant scheme, with a view to supporting this sector in a targeted way.
Building Regulations
Ceisteanna (385)
Michael McGrath
Ceist:385. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the requirements that are imposed on hotels and other accommodation providers in relation to the installation and upkeep of carbon monoxide alarms on their premises; if there is a requirement for such an alarm to be provided in each bedroom; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47616/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
At the outset I should point out that issues to do with Building Regulations, including for the hospitality sector, are a matter for the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government.
There has been increased recognition of the risks that carbon monoxide can pose, and that is why I recently launched Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week 2017. This is a coordinated campaign, across many media platforms, to get the message out that carbon monoxide is dangerous, but that we can keep ourselves safe. Over the six years that this campaign has been run, more than half the population has been reached and made aware.
We need to continue to increase awareness as research indicates that the single most important factor relating to the risk is posed by lack of knowledge.
Post Office Network
Ceisteanna (386)
Timmy Dooley
Ceist:386. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the action he has taken to implement the recommendations of a report (details supplied); and the allocation he will include in his budget for 2018 to support the recommendations included in the report designed to put the post office network on a sustainable footing. [47695/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, I am responsible for the postal sector including the governance of An Post. Operational matters relating to the company’s retail business, including the post office network, are matters for the Board and management of An Post. I appreciate that there is concern regarding the potential closure of post offices and the potential number involved. However, I am advised that no definitive decision has been made by An Post regarding post office closures.
An Post has carried out a fundamental review of the company to identify the strategic changes and restructuring necessary to put the company on a sound financial footing. In this context, An Post has looked at the future of the post office network with a view to ensuring a sustainable, modern and vibrant network for the future, capable of adapting to the changing environment in which it operates. Any changes in this area will have to be the subject of negotiation between An Post and the Postmasters. I continue to encourage An Post to work closely with all parties to find an agreed solution to the renewal of the network. I understand that the specific report referred to by the Deputy is under consideration by An Post in the context of the review. It is expected that Government will be briefed shortly on the strategic review. Until such time it would not be appropriate to comment further.
My Department does not have any budget allocation for An Post in 2018.
Renewable Energy Generation
Ceisteanna (387)
Kevin O'Keeffe
Ceist:387. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment further to Parliamentary Question No. 452 of 17 October 2017, the way in which the SEAI estimated that the cost to Ireland of not meeting overall renewable energy targets may be in the range of €65 million to €130 million for each percentage point Ireland falls short of the overall renewable energy target; and if his attention has been drawn to the fact that this figure may be much higher for each percentage point that Ireland falls short of its renewable energy targets. [47702/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The SEAI's most recent assessment is that Ireland will achieve between 13.2% and 15.2% of its 16% renewable energy target.
As the Deputy has indicated, the SEAI had estimated that the cost to Ireland of meeting a shortfall in our overall renewable energy targets, by means of the purchase of statistical transfers, may be in the range of €65 million to €130 million for each percentage point Ireland falls short of the overall 16% renewable energy target. This is purely an estimate which is based on the cost (range) of the total level of transfers that might be required for Ireland on the basis of assumptions about the level of achievement of renewable generation in Ireland by 2020 (% and absolute renewable deployment across heat, transport and electricity), and the estimated cost per unit shortfall required to be purchased as statistical transfers. These costs vary widely given the uncertainty around the future market price for statistical transfers. The estimate is based on published costs of deployment of UK onshore wind (low end estimates) and offshore wind (high level estimate) available in early 2016 from UK sources. These assumptions were chosen as a reasonable basis as they represent a transfer of prevailing costs from another Member State and they will be kept under review taking account of factors such as the available supply and market costs.
Any requirement for statistical transfers to meet compliance would be undertaken against a background of discussions by the Irish authorities with the EU Commission and relevant Member States. As any purchases arising would be made over an extended period, the costs of acquiring statistical transfers to meet any potential shortfall would be spread over a period of more than one year and in any event the cumulative costs would not be known until 2021, the deadline for completion of all purchases.
While the focus of my Department remains firmly on meeting our 2020 target and on implementation of renewable energy measures, contingency planning has commenced in the Department to explore the potential extent, mechanisms and cost of acquiring statistical transfers.
National Broadband Plan Implementation
Ceisteanna (388)
Thomas Byrne
Ceist:388. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when persons (details supplied) can expect to be connected to fibre broadband. [47722/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The 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 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/address and is colour coded:
- AMBER areas represent the target areas for the proposed State led Intervention under the NBP and are the subject of an ongoing procurement process.
- BLUE represent those areas where commercial providers are either currently delivering, or have plans to deliver high speed broadband services.
- Light BLUE areas represent eir's commercial rural deployment plans to rollout high speed broadband to 300,000 premises by the end of 2018, as part of an Agreement signed with me in April.
According to the Map the eircode referenced is in an AMBER area and will be covered by the State Intervention under the NBP.
My Department is engaged in an on-going procurement process to select a bidder or bidders who will roll-out the new high speed broadband network for the State led intervention. My Department's specialist National Broadband Plan (NBP) team are now engaged in evaluating the ‘Detailed Solutions’ received from the two bidders in September 2017 as part of that competitive procurement process. This is the last stage of the procurement 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 rollout 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 rollout and investigate how better services could be provided to consumers. These solutions will enhance the existing services prior to the full build and rollout 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.
Commission for Energy Regulation Staff
Ceisteanna (389)
Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire
Ceist:389. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his views on whether the staffing resource levels of the Commission for Energy Regulation are sufficient; if there has been a review of the staffing levels; the plans in place to increase staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47728/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I refer to the reply to Question No. 247 of 24 May 2017. The position is unchanged.
Renewable Energy Incentives
Ceisteanna (390, 398, 399, 400)
Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire
Ceist:390. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his views on whether the deployment of solar, anaerobic digestion and wind power are hampered by indications of a decision on a new support system from his Department which would make them viable. [47733/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraDonnchadh Ó Laoghaire
Ceist:398. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when the new tariff incentives for microgeneration will be announced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47841/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraDonnchadh Ó Laoghaire
Ceist:399. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the action he will take to ensure that microgeneration is expanded here. [47842/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraDonnchadh Ó Laoghaire
Ceist:400. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the date by which the details of the next REFIT scheme will be announced; if other forms of feed in tariff schemes will be announced; if it will be expanded to include more types of renewable production; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47843/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 390 and 398 to 400, inclusive, together.
My 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, including Solar PV, Anaerobic Digestion, Wind Energy at various scales including small and 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.
These guidelines limit the financial support options for national renewable electricity (RES-E) support schemes. In general and except for small scale and demonstration projects, RES-E support levels must be set through competitive bidding processes and all new RES-E schemes should provide support in the form of a premium in addition to the market price. This support mechanism is very different to current schemes in place in Ireland where all renewable electricity generators within specific sectors get a fixed price for the electricity they export to the national grid. In designing the new RESS, the cost implications for people and businesses have been a high priority and I will ensure that the new scheme is designed in a cost efficient manner.
A cornerstone of the new scheme will be the provision of pathways for increased community ownership, participation in and benefit from renewable electricity projects. This approach will deliver 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 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 could 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 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 emerging principles of the proposed new RESS was launched on 4th September and recently closed on November 10th. All submissions will be considered in informing the final design of the RESS and following on from this public consultation and review, a final proposal will be brought to Government for approval, including the overall costs and technologies to be supported. Subsequent to a Government decision, a formal application for State Aid clearance from the European Commission will commence.
The Deputy may wish to know that the Economic Report to underpin the design of the new scheme and the Community Report which identifies and assesses renewable electricity community policies and measures have both been published as part of the public consultation process. Both reports and associated data are available on my Department’s website at www.dccae.ie.
At this point no final decisions have been made as regards which technologies will be supported under the new RESS. I welcome and have noted with interest the falling costs of some renewable technologies over the past year, most notably Solar PV and offshore wind. Increasing renewable technology diversity is one of several policy objectives the new RESS is trying to deliver and falling technology costs may lead to increased diversity of the renewable portfolio over the medium term.