Dara Calleary
Ceist:775. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of the pike fishing review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11807/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraInland Fisheries
Ceisteanna (775)
Freagraí scríofa
In August 2014, Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) launched policies on brown trout and pike. These policies, approved by the Board of IFI, were developed by two working groups, which included inter alia representatives from the main trout and pike angling federations.
A review of these policies was scheduled to commence in 2017. However, recognising the views of stakeholders in relation to elements of the policies, the Board of IFI decided to bring forward the review period and commence the process in 2016 with a public consultation process. More than 300 submissions were received via the public consultation process.
One of the most important issues considered in the previous policies relates to the management of pike in the designated Wild Brown Trout fisheries. In late 2016, a Review Group was established to specifically consider this issue and representatives of a number of pike and trout organisations were invited to join the Group.
The Group, having met for information gathering meetings, at which a number of expert scientists made presentations, reviewed and assimilated the data and information provided. The Group reconvened in September 2017.
The presentations delivered to the Group, along with minutes of the meetings and the public consultation submissions are publically available. Public consultation, a broad representative forum and transparency in the Review Group’s deliberations have been a central part of the Group’s progression. IFI, as a public authority, recognises the diverse opinions of stakeholders and is obliged to consider all viewpoints on this issue.
I have consistently said that while the review is in process there is no change to existing policy and that stock management measures continue. To that end, I have recently welcomed IFI’s Stock Management Plan for 2018. I have also directed officials to consider how statutory effect can be given to the long standing policy designation of certain lakes to be managed primarily for the benefit of salmonid species.
IFI's National Pike Management Plan 2018 was published on 19 February 2018 and it can be viewed on the IFI website at
https://www.fisheriesireland.ie/extranet/fisheries-management-1/guidelines/1488-national-pike-management-plan-2018-published-1.html.
Telecommunications Services Provision
Ceisteanna (776)
Timmy Dooley
Ceist:776. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if his attention has been drawn to the lack of phone coverage in the Kilfinane and Kilmallock areas of County Limerick; and the steps he is taking to address this. [11808/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Providing telecommunications services, including mobile phone services, is a matter for the relevant service providers operating in a fully liberalised market regulated by the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg), as independent Regulator. I do not have statutory authority to require commercial companies to rollout services in specific locations. In the first instance, I would urge consumers to raise service issues with the service providers concerned, and if they feel that they have not received an appropriate response they should make contact with the Regulator. The ComReg consumer helpline is accessible at consumerline@comreg.ie.
Notwithstanding ComReg’s independence, I recognise the frustration felt by Irish consumers where telecommunications networks are not always delivering the services people expect. Accordingly, I specifically included in the Programme for Government a commitment to a Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce. The Taskforce worked with key stakeholders to produce a report in December 2016, available on my Department’s website, which contained 40 actions to alleviate some of the deficits. The Implementation Group which I co-chair with Minister Kyne is overseeing implementation of the actions and comprises all key stakeholders responsible for delivery . This includes ComReg, which attends as both an action owner, and in an observer capacity in its role as the independent Regulator.
Minister Kyne and I published the Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce Implementation Review 2017 on 21 February 2018, which comprehensively outlines the progress made in 2017 on the actions identified by the Taskforce. Of the 40 actions, 29 have been completed, with work on the remaining 11 carrying into the 2018 Work Programme. Following close engagement with stakeholders at the National Stakeholder Forum, an additional 23 new measures have been identified for delivery in 2018, that will lead to improvements for consumers across Ireland.
In terms of addressing mobile coverage blackspots, various initiatives are under way:
- My Department and the Department of Rural and Community Development have worked to achieve a greater consensus around site selection for telecoms infrastructure and therefore improve mobile phone coverage.
- Both Departments also worked with a pilot group of local authorities to identify the issues associated with mapping local blackspots. This pilot exercise has been completed, with all local authorities now being asked to map local blackspots and identify infrastructure that could potentially be used to provide additional coverage on an economic basis. This exercise is ongoing, and has been included in the 2018 Taskforce Work Programme. It is planned to have dedicated GIS resources in place to support this.
- Under Action 40 of the 2016 Report, a review was conducted to identify recommendations to address blackspots. This work is continuing in 2018 under a focus group to inform future policy development and initiatives, in providing guidance with respect to specific categories of locations where high quality mobile phone coverage should be made available as a priority, taking account of customer expectations.
- ComReg is also delivering a composite national coverage map, which will, in tandem with its work on handset testing and activities to raise consumer awareness, allow people across Ireland to optimise the services available to them.
All of these initiatives should assist in enhancing the quality of telecommunications services, particularly in rural areas.
Renewable Energy Incentives
Ceisteanna (777, 778, 788)
Brian Stanley
Ceist:777. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the envisaged expenditure of the small-scale solar energy generation scheme due for launch in 2018; if it is capped; the anticipated average grant; the number of anticipated beneficiary households in phase 1; and if this is capped. [11824/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraBrian Stanley
Ceist:778. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the projected timeframe and budget for the small-scale solar energy generation scheme and when it will be expanded to businesses and farmers. [11825/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraBrian Stanley
Ceist:788. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when the solar PV microgeneration scheme is due for completion; the timeframe to finalise details of it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12040/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 777, 778 and 788 together.
On foot of the October 2017 stakeholder workshop hosted by my Department and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) along with further engagement with the micro generation industry, I have asked the SEAI to conduct a short study to assess the likely demand for and impact of micro generation, among the public. It is important that before we deploy further public money we validate the demand and projected cost in an Irish context.
The proposed pilot scheme which I announced at the Renewable Energy Summit in January will commence this summer and will target solar PV and self-consumption amongst domestic customers. The data gathered through the behavioural and attitudes study and during this first phase of the scheme will inform future phases of support for micro generation in Ireland. I recognise the need to align with the ambition of the recast Renewable Energy Directive which recognises the rights, entitlements and obligations of renewable self-consumers, and deliver on ambitions and commitments made in the Energy White Paper and the Programme for Government.
Further details of the pilot scheme for domestic rooftop solar PV self-consumption will be made available when I have received the study being undertaken by the SEAI and have had an opportunity to consider its analysis.
As set out in the National Mitigation Plan, a very significant increase in effort is required to realise the potential of the residential sector to contribute to the low carbon transition. Already, solar PV is supported (for farms, businesses and homes) by my Department through the SEAI’s Better Energy Communities Scheme and the Deep Retrofit Pilot.
Departmental Staff Data
Ceisteanna (779)
Dara Calleary
Ceist:779. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the number of persons holding Civil Service positions above clerical officer grade in his Department who entered the Civil Service via a route other than through an open competition run by the Public Appointments Service or its predecessors; the grades of each; and the basis for the non-standard recruitment [11853/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The information requested by the Deputy is outlined in the table:
|
Grade |
No of Staff |
Method of Recruitment |
|
Geologist |
13* |
specialised establishment process |
|
Assistant Driller |
1* |
specialised establishment process |
|
Principal Officer |
1 |
mobility |
*There were a number of staff who went through a specialised establishment process with the Public Appointments Service(PAS) following a European Court ruling as a result of a number of contracts of indefinite duration. All of these passed the required qualifications and vetting procedures for positions filled by PAS. While these positions were not through an open competition they were sanctioned and appointed by PAS.
Public Sector Staff Remuneration
Ceisteanna (780)
David Cullinane
Ceist:780. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the directions provided on the payment of staff in the public sector and Civil Service who fall under the direction of his Department for the days during Storm Emma when staff were directed to stay at home; if deductions in pay and annual leave were made to staff in the public sector or Civil Service as a result of days lost during the storm; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11870/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Management Board of my Department, following the advice of the National Emergency Co-ordination Group, decided in light of the predicted severe weather warning during Storm Emma and having regard to the safety of the staff and the public, that the Department’s offices in Dublin, Wexford and Cavan would close on Thursday and Friday, 1 and 2 March, 2018.
No staff member suffered a loss of pay or annual leave as a result of this office closure.
The information requested in relation to the agencies under the aegis of my Department is an operational matter for each agency. The Department will request the relevant bodies to reply directly to the Deputy with the information requested in respect of their organisations.
Mobile Telephony Use
Ceisteanna (781)
Seán Crowe
Ceist:781. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to make it mandatory for persons to produce photo identification in order to buy a SIM card for a mobile phone. [11912/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
A proposal to register all customers of mobile phone services was considered previously by my Department. It was concluded that such a proposal would be unlikely to solve the illegal and inappropriate use of mobile phones by persons determined to use the technology for illegal activity. There is also a risk that such measures could lead to the emergence in a black market for fraudulently registered or stolen SIM cards. Furthermore, there are significant data protection issues associated with such a proposal.
For those reasons I am not currently considering any plans to make it mandatory for persons to need to register for mobile phone services.
Waste Management
Ceisteanna (782, 783, 784, 785, 786)
James Browne
Ceist:782. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the funding his Department has provided to local authorities in each of the past five years to deal with remedial work associated with projects licensed by the Environmental Protection Agency or his Department; if he has satisfied himself that local authorities are sufficiently resourced to carry out this work; his plans to introduce regulatory or legal changes in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11943/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraJames Browne
Ceist:783. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment further to Parliamentary Question No. 963 of 7 November 2017, the names and details of the corporate entities that hold licences from his Department or the Environmental Protection Agency, or both, in tabular form; the specific value and type of financial provision that each licensee has in place to ensure sites with significant closure and aftercare costs or with the potential for high liabilities arising from incidents are fully remediated to the highest environmental standards, in tabular form; the specific financial instrument being used in each case under each category, namely, secured funds, bonds, parental company guarantees and insurance policies; if he is satisfied with the level of protection that is in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11944/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraJames Browne
Ceist:784. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will provide information in regard to the names and corporate entities that hold licences from either his Department or the Environmental Protection Agency, or both, in regard to waste management, energy exploration or production, pharmaceutical production, waste treatment, waste collection or waste to energy (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11945/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraJames Browne
Ceist:785. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the projects that require his Department's consent or his approval to have parental company guarantees in place to cover aftercare or closure costs or with the potential for high liabilities arising from incidents; if he is satisfied that all local authorities, regulatory agencies and the State are protected financially; if he has discussed the matter with the Minister for Finance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11946/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraJames Browne
Ceist:786. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the industrial emissions licences issued by his Department or agencies under his remit; the details of all such licensees that have a parental company guarantees in place; the value of the parental guarantee in each case; the name and registered address of the entity which holds each parental company guarantees; and the licensee that it relates to in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11947/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 782 to 786, inclusive, together.
The Waste Management Act 1996 and the Waste Management (Licensing) Regulations 2004 govern the process under which waste licences are applied for and maintained. Once granted, each waste licence defines the nature of environmentally acceptable activities that can take place at a waste facility, including the acceptable types of waste that can be received. This is done by the conditions of the licence, which are set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). I have no function in relation either to the setting of operating conditions, including financial provision requirements attached, or their enforcement; and under section 60(3) of the Waste Management Act 1996, as Minister, I am precluded from exercising any power or control in relation to the performance by the EPA, in particular circumstances, of a statutory function vested in it.
It is a key aspect of the legislation, passed by the Oireachtas, to establish the EPA, that the Agency is entirely independent of the Minister in the exercise of its functions. With respect to other authorisations issued by the EPA, such as industrial emissions directive and integrated pollution control licences, I am constrained by the provisions of Sections 79(3) and 86(5) of the Environmental Protection Agency Acts from becoming involved in any way with the licensing of installations under the EPA Acts or in the control of installations so licensed.
The prevention and remediation of environmental damage at contaminated sites, and from the closure of authorised activities, is a strategic priority for the EPA. To this end, operators under various authorisation regimes (such as waste, industrial emissions directive and integrated pollution control licensing) are required to make adequate financial provision for the potential environmental liabilities associated with closure and restoration/aftercare and response to, and completion of remedial measures in the event of, an incident. A range of financial instruments including secured funds, bonds, parental company guarantees and insurance policies can be used for this purpose.
Irrespective of the type of financial instrument used, all financial provisions must be:
- Secure for the duration of the licensee's obligations (including in the event of insolvency) under a licence so that funds are available to discharge the licensee's obligations;
- Sufficient to meet all of the licensee's obligations and adequate to cover the cost of closure and environmental liability risks;
- Available to the EPA when required to discharge the licensee's obligations at the relevant time.
In cases where it is proposed to transfer a licence, the proposed transferee is required to demonstrate that he/she is in a position to meet any financial commitments or liabilities incurred in carrying out the activity or in consequence of ceasing to carry on the activity. A proposed financial provision, in accordance with guidance issued by EPA, to address the financial liabilities as specified must be submitted and approved by the EPA prior to the completion of transfer of the licence.
In relation to petroleum authorisations granted, details of such are published on my Department's website www.dccae.gov.ie on a quarterly basis. In addition, I lay before the Houses of the Oireachtas, as required under Section 57 of the Petroleum and Other Minerals Development Act 1960, half yearly reports detailing all petroleum authorisations extant and granted during the period of the report. The last such report under this Act was in respect of the six-month period ending 31 December 2017. A Petroleum Lease is the form of petroleum authorisation under which oil and gas production is permitted. There are three extant Petroleum Leases i.e. the Kinsale/Ballycotton, Seven Heads and Corrib gas fields. In addition to the insurance, indemnity and joint and several liability obligations under a Petroleum Lease, the Minister requires a parent company guarantee from each of the parties to a Petroleum Lease to cover any liability arising in respect of the fulfilment of obligations arising under the Lease.
Comprehensive detail on EPA licences including the type of financial provision that each licensee has is in place is available on the EPA’s website at http://www.epa.ie/licensing/ and further information is also available from the EPA’s Office of Environmental Sustainability at Licensing@epa.ie.
Between 2013 and 2017, the landfill remediation scheme has provided funding to local authorities in respect of remedial work associated with projects licensed by the Environment Protection Agency as follows:
|
Year |
Paid to local authorities in respect of EPA licensed sites |
|
2017 |
€3,829,003 |
|
2016 |
€4,325,995 |
|
2015 |
€1,462,214 |
|
2014 |
€583,250 |
|
2013 |
€0 |
My Department continues to work closely with the local authorities and the EPA to ensure that all the necessary resources are in place to ensure that sites which pose a threat to our environment are addressed appropriately. In 2018, I have provided €11 million for remediation projects generally, most of which relate to the remediation of historic municipal landfills by the local authority sector.
Broadband Service Provision
Ceisteanna (787)
Robert Troy
Ceist:787. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment further to Parliamentary Question No. 462 of 20 February 2018, the reason an area (details supplied) appears to be the only area excluded from the commercial rollout of broadband; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12017/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As outlined in my response to Question No 462 of 20 February 2018, premises in the area referred to by the Deputy are in the AMBER area on my Department’s High Speed Broadband Map, meaning commercial operators have no plans to provide them with a high speed broadband service. As such these premises will be served via National Broadband Plan State Intervention.
These premises were once in the BLUE area of the map, meaning an operator had indicated plans to serve them with a high speed broadband service. When these plans did not materialise the premises in the area were moved from BLUE to AMBER along with approximately 84,500 others. This was done as part of a wider update to the High Speed Broadband Map in April 2017.
Operational decisions of private telecommunications companies, including directing infrastructure to particular sites, routes etc, are a matter for these commercial operators. Neither I nor my Department have statutory powers to intervene in the day to day operations of a commercial company.
I recognise the importance of availability of high speed connectivity for all premises in Ireland and fully appreciate the frustration felt by people, such as those in the area referred to, who do not currently have access to this level of connectivity. Delivering connectivity under the NBP remains a Government priority.
My Department is in a formal procurement process to select a company who will roll-out a new high speed broadband network in the State intervention area (AMBER on the Map). That procurement process is now in its final stages.
In the interim, practical initiatives will continue to be addressed through the work of the Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce to address obstacles and improve connectivity in respect of existing and future mobile phone and broadband services.
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.
Question No. 788 answered with Question No. 777.
Electric Vehicles
Ceisteanna (789, 798)
Marcella Corcoran Kennedy
Ceist:789. Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans in co-operation with the ESB through the eCars programme to increase and replace the charging points which are no longer working that were installed as part of the electric vehicle charge points pilot project here and which are no longer supported by the charge point manufacturer; his plans to ensure that there are charging points available in all towns to facilitate the number of eCars travelling on roads; the number of working public charging points in County Offaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12121/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Maurice Quinlivan
Ceist:798. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if his attention has been drawn to the fact that an electric vehicle charging point in Limerick city (details supplied) remains out of service since May 2017 despite repeated requests for its repair; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12480/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 789 and 798 together.
The ESB, through its eCars programme, has rolled out both publicly accessible charging infrastructure and domestic charge points for electric vehicles. There are approximately 900 EV charge points in Ireland of which circa 70 are rapid chargers.
The table, provided by ESB eCars, sets out in tabular form the number of current publically available standard and fast chargers available in each county. It should be noted that as such, this list is limited to ESB eCars charge points and would not include any installations on private sites such as hotels. A map showing the charge points, including the status and availability of the charge points, is available on the ESB's website at www.esb.ie/ecars.
|
County |
No of standard posts* |
No of standard charge points |
No of fast stations |
|
Donegal |
13 |
26 |
3 |
|
Sligo |
5 |
10 |
1 |
|
Leitrim |
3 |
6 |
1 |
|
Mayo |
10 |
20 |
2 |
|
Westmeath |
10 |
20 |
3 |
|
Roscommon |
8 |
16 |
1 |
|
Galway |
14 |
28 |
3 |
|
Monaghan |
6 |
12 |
1 |
|
Cavan |
5 |
10 |
0 |
|
Longford |
5 |
10 |
1 |
|
Meath |
11 |
22 |
2 |
|
Louth |
12 |
24 |
3 |
|
Dublin |
82 |
164 |
17 |
|
Kildare |
14 |
28 |
4 |
|
Offaly |
7 |
14 |
0 |
|
Laois |
8 |
16 |
2 |
|
Wicklow |
13 |
26 |
3 |
|
Carlow |
6 |
12 |
1 |
|
Wexford |
13 |
26 |
4 |
|
Kilkenny |
7 |
14 |
3 |
|
Tipperary |
9 |
18 |
4 |
|
Waterford |
12 |
24 |
2 |
|
Clare |
8 |
16 |
2 |
|
Limerick |
13 |
26 |
4 |
|
Cork |
29 |
58 |
6 |
|
Kerry |
14 |
28 |
2 |
*Each AC standard post contains two charge points
The maintenance and repair of these charge points is an operational matter for the ESB and I have asked that the eCars team contact the Deputies directly in relation to the out-of-service charge points in Co. Offaly and in Limerick city.
In March 2014, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities approved an application from ESB Networks to recover the costs of a pilot project to a maximum of €25 million from use of system charges to cover the rollout of this infrastructure. Following a public consultation process, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities published its independent regulatory decision in relation to the ownership of this infrastructure in October 2017. A key outcome of the decision is that the charging network should not form part of the regulated asset base and therefore expansions of the network should not be funded from network charges. This is in keeping with the proposals set out by the European Commission in the Clean Energy for All Europeans package which was published in 2016.
The Commission for Regulation of Utilities also envisages the future sale of the infrastructure by ESB Networks. However, the continued ownership of the charging network by ESB Networks for a transitional period of up to ten years is provided for. This ensures no short to medium term impact on the electric vehicle charging infrastructure and allows the ESB to continue to provide electric vehicle charging across Ireland.
The decision also set out the need for the electric vehicle charging infrastructure to operate on a commercial basis. In the absence of State-led support, this is unlikely to happen in the near term. Funding has been allocated in my Department's budget this year to support the provision of public charging, with a particular focus on increasing the number of rapid chargers on key national routes.
The Low Emissions Vehicle Taskforce, which is co-chaired by my Department and the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, is considering a range of measures and options available to Government to accelerate the deployment of electric vehicles. A key focus of the work of the Taskforce is examining options for infrastructure, regulation and pricing in order to devise a sustainable policy framework for effective and efficient electric vehicle charging. This includes examining options for the provision of public charging.
Broadband Service Speeds
Ceisteanna (790)
Timmy Dooley
Ceist:790. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the Department that has the lead role in devising and co-ordinating Internet content policy, as recommended by the Internet content governance advisory group. [12123/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
On 21 November 2017, I convened a meeting with my colleagues the Minister for Justice and Equality and the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs to progress the subject of digital safety for all citizens, especially children. It was agreed at that meeting that an Open Policy Debate would be the most appropriate way to progress the issue and ensure a coherent cross departmental Government approach.
On 8 March 2018, I hosted this debate at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham which was opened by An Taoiseach. Over 120 representatives from a range of stakeholders participated, including NGOs, industry, parents' groups and young people. The event was supported by five other Ministers and organised in conjunction with the Department of Justice and Equality; Education and Skills; Health; Business Enterprise and Innovation; Children and Youth Affairs.
An Taoiseach announced that the Government would, by June of this year, prepare an action plan on online safety. My Department will actively contribute to the preparation of that plan, and a report on the Open Policy Debate will form one of the inputs to the plan.
Broadband Service Speeds
Ceisteanna (791)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:791. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding broadband speeds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12143/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am acutely aware of the frustration surrounding the issue of minimum download speeds and the difficulty faced by those who are trying to establish access to high quality, high speed broadband from providers. It is the aim of the National Broadband Plan to deliver access to this necessary service to all premises, regardless of location.
In Ireland telecommunications providers operate on a commercial basis in a liberalised market, therefore neither I as Minister, nor my Department, have any statutory powers to intervene in issues of customer service and contractual obligations such as those referred to in the question. Issues relating to the provision of telecommunications services, including licence and contract obligations are, in the first instance, a matter for the relevant service provider to resolve.
If, after having pursued their complaint through the service provider's complaint handling procedures, a customer is not happy, they may contact the independent Commission for Communications Regulation (Comreg) on 1890 229 668; online at http://www.askcomreg.ie/ or by email at Consumerline@comreg.ie, for further assistance and guidance.
Regulatory matters relating to the provision of services by operators, including any regulatory issues surrounding quality of service are the responsibility of ComReg. As the body that issues licences to telecommunications operators, ComReg will investigate such complaints to ensure that the companies in question are delivering services in line with their licence obligations.
Concerning the issue of minimum download speeds there is, at this time, no universal service obligation (USO) for high speed broadband provision or mobile voice services in Ireland. The current EU and national regulatory framework for telecommunications relates solely to voice telephony and Functional Internet Access (28.8 kilobits per second) and is provided for under the current EU regulatory framework governing telecoms. In September 2016, the European Commission published an ambitious proposal for the regulation of the European telecoms sector, which aims to incentivise and encourage increased investment in high speed broadband networks. Negotiations on the review of the EU regulatory framework give Ireland an opportunity to seek inclusion of a USO in respect of high speed broadband connectivity.
In that regard, I have raised the issue of a USO for high speed broadband at EU level. I am seeking inclusion of a specific provision in the new framework that would allow Member States to apply a USO for high speed broadband, where such networks are available.
The Government's National Broadband Plan will ultimately deliver a high speed broadband connection of 30Mbps download and 6Mbps upload to all premises in the country. This will aid in resolving the difficulties faced by those trying to operate businesses and work or study from home without reliable connection of a minimum speed.