Tuesday, 17 Apr 2018

Written Answers Nos. 1153-1168

Inland Fisheries

Ceisteanna (1153)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

1153. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the extent to which salmon numbers in the various rivers here continue to be monitored; if there has been a noticeable drop-off in salmon returning to traditional spawning grounds; if wild salmon is a threatened species; if overfishing off Greenland has affected the numbers returning to spawn in rivers here; if there is a record of the number of salmon caught in each of the main salmon fishing rivers in recent times for comparison with previous years; if specific action is warranted, notwithstanding the EU and Irish conservation policies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16790/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment

Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) is the State Agency statutorily responsible for the management and conservation of Ireland's Inland fisheries resources including wild Atlantic salmon. IFI manages salmon stocks on an individual river basis as each of Ireland’s 147 salmon rivers (including river sections and estuaries) has its own genetically unique stock of salmon.

IFI is supported in its management role by the independent Standing Scientific Committee (SSC), comprising scientists from a range of organisations. Scientific and management assessments of each of the distinct stocks are carried out every year with IFI engaged in extensive stock monitoring which feeds into the SSC's annual reviews. The SSC uses catch returns to individual rivers (rod catch, catch and release and any commercial catch) over the previous five years to estimate the total salmon returns in each of the previous five years. The use of a five year average ensures that a good or bad year does not have a disproportionate impact on the stock assessment in any single year.

Each river has an individual conservation limit which is the number of adult salmon required to maintain a healthy population. Rivers which sufficiently exceed their conservation limit may be opened for harvest fisheries (recreational and/or commercial). Rivers which meet 50% of their conservation limit may be opened for catch and release (C&R) angling which permits enjoyment of angling while having a negligible impact of vulnerable fish stocks and encouraging the shared responsibility to contribute to conservation and the potential rebuilding of these stocks. For 2018, 78 rivers in Ireland were open to harvest or catch and release fishing.

The decline in wild Atlantic Salmon is an international issue manifesting in rivers in all countries around the North Atlantic with scientific analysis from the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) estimating that marine survival of migrating salmon has been at or below 5% in the North Atlantic for more than a decade.

Marine survival is considered to have the biggest influence on return, from far North Atlantic feeding grounds, of salmon to all rivers on Atlantic coasts. Climate change in the ocean is considered to be a major factor. There is also evidence that heavy sea-lice infestation from salmon farming has resulted in additional mortality in respect of migratory North Atlantic salmon generally. In freshwater, water quality and a range of pressures such as afforestation, drainage, effluent discharge, siltation and agricultural enrichment can all have an impact on juvenile salmon production.

The protection and conservation of salmon internationally is managed through the North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organisation (NASCO) with which Ireland is aligned through the European Union. Concerted international co-operation has ensured that restrictions in Greenland and Faroese waters have been in place for a number of years via NASCO agreement. In June this year my officials and those of IFI will join delegates from the EU, USA, Canada, Norway, the Russian Federation, Greenland and the Faroes in seeking to negotiate a continuation of restrictions in these waters.

Specifically in relation to Greenlandic waters, the majority component of the stock complex migrating to these waters originates from the North American Continent. The is no commercial harvest in Faroese waters where the migratory stock complex comprises a majority component of European river stocks including those from Ireland.

The Atlantic salmon is a protected species under the EU Habitats Directive with which Ireland’s current salmon management regime complies. In order to align fully with the Directive and the North NASCO principles, Ireland closed mixed stock fisheries at sea since 2007.

Renewable Energy Projects

Ceisteanna (1154, 1155)

Eugene Murphy

Ceist:

1154. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his views on the entitlement to compensation of residents affected by a development in view of reports (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15002/18]

Eugene Murphy

Ceist:

1155. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his views on the entitlement to compensation of residents affected by developments (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15017/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1154 and 1155 together.

In relation to developing Ireland's energy sector, the Programme for Government seeks a better balance between the concerns of local communities and the need to invest in indigenous energy projects and my Department is currently finalising the new Renewable Electricity Support Scheme which is being designed to assist in Ireland meeting its renewable energy contribution to EU wide targets out to 2030. An important element of this new scheme will be providing for increased community based ownership and participation in and benefit from renewable electricity projects in line with the 2015 Energy White paper. Community benefit can encompass a range of measures that a project can bring to those living in its surrounding area.

In addition, my Department and the Department of the Housing, Planning and Local Government are currently working together on revising the Wind Energy Development Guidelines to ensure there is a better balance between the concerns of local communities and the need to invest in indigenous energy projects. These guidelines will be subject to public consultation in the next few months before they are finalised by Government.

Furthermore, in December 2016, the Irish Wind Energy Association and the Irish Wind Farmers Association voluntarily signed up on behalf of their members to the 'Code of Good Practice for Wind Energy Development- Guidelines for Community Engagement' issued by my Department to ensure that there is full engagement with communities at each stage of wind farm development. The Code is available on my Department's website at www.dccae.gov.ie

Cyber Security Policy

Ceisteanna (1156)

Eugene Murphy

Ceist:

1156. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the budget allocated to cybersafety and cyberdefence by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15020/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) is located within my Department, and serves to provide a range of cyber security services to owners of Government IT infrastructure and Critical National Infrastructure (CNI). While my Department does not release specific details in relation to the staff or precise funding allocated to the NCSC for operational security reasons, I can confirm that in Budget 2018 additional funding was secured for additional capacity in the NCSC, both in terms of personnel and additional technology, and a significant programme of further recruitment will commence shortly.

The expertise contained within the NCSC covers a broad range of capabilities including computer science, software engineering, malware analysis and information technology forensics. The NCSC is also home to the national Computer Security Incident Response Team (CSIRT-IE) and is responsible for acting as a conduit for information to constituents (including operators of Critical National Infrastructure, Government Departments and Agencies), providing expert advice and analysis on cyber security issues and for coordinating significant incidents. Like similar bodies in other jurisdictions, the NCSC acts as a central contact point in the event of a government or nation-wide cyber security incident affecting the State. The NCSC received International Accreditation in 2017.

Departmental Expenditure

Ceisteanna (1157)

Alan Kelly

Ceist:

1157. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the amount of expenditure on consultancy by his Department in each of the years from 2015 to 2017; the number of consultants engaged by his Department in those years; the names of the consultancy companies awarded contracts; and the steps taken to reduce expenditure on consultancy and the reliance on consultants by his Department in these years and for the future. [15189/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment

My Department's remit includes complex policy areas, oversight of State regulation and service provision across key strategic services such as energy, environment, climate change and public broadcasting, as well as 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. My Department therefore necessarily incurs some expenditure on consultancies from time to time.

In procuring these services, my Department always seeks to ensure value for money and keeping expenditure to the minimum necessary.

Consultancy expenditure 2015 – 2017
Name of consultants	Details of Work undertaken	Cost (including VAT)	Year Consultants engaged (2015, 2016 or 2017)
Tobin Consulting Engineers	National Litter Pollution Monitoring System Report	€49,077	2015
Tobin Consulting Engineers	National Litter Pollution Monitoring System Report	€49,077	2016
Tobin Consulting Engineers	National Litter Pollution Monitoring System Report	€47,109	2017
Eunomia Research & Consulting Ltd.	Update of Ministerial Guidelines on Access to Information on the Environment	€36,975	2017
Indecon International Economic Consultants	Review of Designated Events of Major Importance to Society under the Broadcasting Act 2009	€82,719	2015
Tekenable	Review of TV Licence Database and System Review	€36,017	2015
Indecon International Economic Consultants	Review of the Impact of Opt-Out Advertising on the Irish Broadcasting Sector	€45,446	2016-2017
Department of Environment – Northern Ireland engaged consultants to carry out a joint Republic of Ireland-Northern Ireland Study. The consultants were: Ricardo*	Payment for NSMC Study into household emissions final payment & CPD charges	€23,263	2016
Quadra Ltd	Health and Safety Report	€5,166	2017
Fehily, Timoney & Company Ltd	Fehily Timoney & Company (FTC) were appointed to provide support services to Ecodesign and Labelling Market Surveillance (ELMS) division of the Department. The operational function of Market Surveillance has since been transferred to the SEAI.	€35,411	2015
Fehily, Timoney & Company Ltd	Fehily Timoney & Company (FTC) were appointed to provide support services to Ecodesign and Labelling Market Surveillance (ELMS) division of the Department. The operational function of Market Surveillance has since been transferred to the SEAI.	€10,872	2016
	The Warmth & Wellbeing
London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine	Scheme is a pilot initiative that will run for at least 3 years. Research work will proceed in parallel with scheme delivery and will completed after the scheme’s conclusion.	€14,734	2017
KPMG	Study of the wider economic costs and benefits of potential extensions of the Irish Natural Gas Network	€208,879	2017
AMEC Earth & Environmental (UK) Ltd	Provision of Mine Expert Services for Mine Inspections and Environmental Advice	€48,688 (2015)	3 year contract, 2012 - 2016
Wardell Armstrong LLP	Provision of Mine Expert Services for Mine Inspections and Environmental Advice	€62,318 (2016 + 2017)	3 year contract, 2016 - 2019
SLR Consulting Ireland Ltd	Expert Consultancy Services to provide guidance documents for certain mineral exploration activities and their likely significant effect on the environment	€59,040 (2016 + 2017)	2016
CDM Smith Ireland Ltd	Provision of Environmental Monitoring Services at the former mining areas of Silvermines (Co Tipperary) and Avoca (Co Wicklow)	€286,720 (2015 + 2016)	3 year contract, 2012 - 2015, extended by 1 year to 2016
CDM Smith Ireland Ltd	Provision of Environmental Monitoring Services at the former mining areas of Silvermines (Co Tipperary) and Avoca (Co Wicklow)	€97,543 (2017)	6 month contract, 2017
CDM Smith Ireland Ltd	Provision of technical, design, procurement and project management for remediation works at the Avoca Mine Site via a Single Supplier Framework Agreement.	€1,064,777 (2015, 2016 + 2017)	3 year contract, 2013 - 2016, extended by 1 year to 2017
CDM Smith Ireland Ltd	Provision of Environmental Monitoring Services at the former mining areas of Silvermines (Co Tipperary) and Avoca (Co Wicklow)	€0 to date	3 year contract, 2017 - 2020
Priority Construction Ltd	Engineering and Site Safety Works at East Avoca Mines, Co. Wicklow (part of the Single Supplier Framework Agreement above)	€1,192,229 (2016 + 2017)	2016
Aurum Exploration Ltd	Engagement of a competent candidate to carry out the construction of database templates for exploration methodologies and populate with data provided	€193,367	4 month contract, 2017
Mr Colin Andrew	Provision of services regarding the preparation of and attendance at a private minerals compensation hearing at the Mining Board	€6,857	2017
All About Trees Ltd	Provision of Treatment of Infestations of Invasive Plant Species at Various Locations at the Avoca Former Mining Area, Co Wicklow	€12,511	2017
Reidy Brophy	Oil Emergency Management Programme Phase 1	€35,670	2015
ASM	Audit of NORA Levy returns for Marine Bunkers and Aviation Fuels	€25,663	2016
ASM	Audit of NORA Levy returns for Marine Bunkers and Aviation Fuels (continued)	€3,386	2017
Reidy Brophy	Oil Emergency Management Programme Phase 2	€47,724	2017
RPS Group Ltd.	To undertake a Strategic Environmental Assessment / Appropriate Assessment on the Draft Bioenergy Plan	€11,316 paid in 2015 €46,899 paid in 2016	2015
		€129,766
Element Energy	Provision of consultancy services to the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment (DCCAE) for an economic analysis of the Renewable Heat Incentive for Ireland	(€116,789 paid in 2016 and €12,977 paid in 2017)	2016
	Ernst & Young were contracted to provide a Temporary Head of Internal Audit Unit in March 2014.	€125,009 2015= €89,512 2016= €35,497	2014
Ernst & Young
	ASM were contracted to provide co-sourced internal audit services in 2014.	€133,594 2015 = €65,342 2016 = €66,826 2017 = €1,426	2014
ASM Belfast
	ASM were contracted to provide internal audit services in 2016.	€35,989	2017
ASM Belfast
	External Assessment of Internal Audit Unit	€9,200
Crowe Horwath			2017
Doyle Kent Planning Partnership Ltd	Environmental advisory services in relation to NBP	€7,995	2014
Prisa Technologies Ltd	Technical advisory services in relation to NBP	€313,090	2013
Vilicom Engineering Ltd	Technical advisory services in relation to NBP	€1,317	2014
Analysys Mason	Technical advisory services in relation to NBP	€2,308,676	2015
Mason Hayes & Curran	Legal advisory services in relation to NBP	€3,799,532	2014
Pricewaterhouse Coopers	Economic and strategic advisory services in relation to NBP	€1,943,514	2015
KPMG	Financial and procurement advisory services in relation to NBP	€4,586,059	2015
RPS Group Ltd	Environmental advisory services in relation to NBP	€70,502	2016
KPMG	Specialist personnel to support NBP	€2,020,164	2016
Deloitte	Provision of tax and VAT advice in relation to NBP	€21,648	2016
Marsh Ireland Ltd	Provision of insurance advice in relation to NBP	€0 to date	2016
Here and Now Business Intelligence	Provision of communications advisory services in relation to NBP	€13,284	2016
Achilles Procurement Services	Provision of procurement support services in relation to NBP	€5,166	2016
Eamonn Halpin & Co Ltd	Valuation Report and advice on Waterford and Dungarvan Metropolitan Area Networks	€9,225	2015
Analysys Mason	Review of Pricing and Access Arrangements for the Metropolitan Area Networks	€110,700	2017
Analysys Mason	Technical, Financial and Procurement Advice for the Galway Mayo Management Services Entity Procurement Process	€59,000	2015
Analysys Mason	Technical, Financial and Procurement Advice for the Galway Mayo Management Services Entity Procurement Process	€9,000	2016
Analysys Mason	Technical, Financial and Procurement Advice for the Galway Mayo Management Services Entity Procurement Process	€5,000	2017
Analysys Mason	Technical, Financial and Procurement Advice for the ECAS Procurement Process	€365,793	2015-2018
Mason Hayes & Curran	Legal Advice for the ECAS Procurement Process	€266,438	2015-2018
Norcontel	Financial advice relating to the concessionaire model for the Metropolitan Area Networks (MANS)	€28,228	2016
Crowleys DFK	Review of the Tax Implications of the formation of the Digital Hub Company	€12,000	2015
Indecon	Provision of Macro-Economic Research (2016) to determine the characteristics of Ireland’s Digital Economy	€91,106	2015
Indecon	Review of policy underpinning the NDRC Programme	€51,948	2017
Indecon	Post Project Review of the National Broadband Scheme	€70,338	2017
Change Exploratory	Workshop Facilitation and Report	€1,250	2017
Abby Semple	Speaker Fees – GPP Event	€838	2017
Mandy Johnston Communications	Provision of Communications Advice in respect of National Waste Campaign	€8,700	2017
Focus Advertising	Provision of Communications Advice in respect of National Waste Campaign	€15,585	2017
KHSK Economic consultants	Study on obstacles which hindered the rollout of pay by weight in 2016.	€13,431	2017
DKM Economic Consultants	Household Waste Management Costs in Ireland	€10,762	2015
Indecon	An Economic Evaluation of the Geoscience Sector	€66,929	2017
RPS Group	Strategic Environmental Assessment/Appropriate Assessment (SEA/AA) for Renewable Energy Policy Development Framework	€54,750	2015
UCC	Energy modelling	€110,700	2015
Doyle Kent Planning Partnership	Planning Consultancy services	€28,290	2015
RPS Group	Noise modelling	€17,853	2016
Doyle Kent Planning Partnership	Planning Consultancy services	€34,023	2016
UCC	Energy modelling to underpin Ireland’s negotiations with the European Commission regarding the energy and climate framework for 2030	€70,352	2016
Cambridge Economic Policy Associates (CEPA)	Provision of an Economic Analysis to underpin a new Renewable Electricity Support Scheme in Ireland	€191,190	2017
Denis Cagney	ISEM	€10,455	2017
RPS Group	Noise modelling	€17,872	2017
Energy Institute (Republic of Ireland)	Energy Research	€10,000	2017
Mahon Kelly Associates Ltd	Leadership Development Programme for all AP-ASEC grades	€86,469	2015
Mahon Kelly Associates Ltd	Leadership Development Programme for all AP-ASEC grades	€79,581	2016
Baker Tilly Ryan Glennon	Dignity at Work Policy Training	€9,796	2015
UCD Energy Institute**	Consultancy to support work of the Technical Research and Modelling (TRAM) Group.	€77,243	2017
EnvEcon Decision Support Ltd **	Consultancy to support work of the Technical Research and Modelling (TRAM) Group.	€433,206	2017
Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI)**	Consultancy to support work of the Technical Research and Modelling (TRAM) Group.	€117,175	2016 - 2017
RPS Consulting Engineers Limited***	Strategic Environmental Assessment and Natura Impact Statement for the National Mitigation Plan	€90,440	2015 - 2017
Aistrid Consulting Ltd led consortium including NRG Well Management and INDECS Consulting	Provision of services in respect of assessment of Indemnity/insurance requirements of Petroleum authorisation holders	€162,481	2017
Arthur Cox	Provision of legal advice in respect of Corrib Gasfield Project	€398,652
Botanical, Environmental & Conservation Consultants Ltd	Provision of Consultancy Services in respect of assistance with statutory assessment of Environmental Statements and Natura Impact Statements and Exploration Drilling applications.	€102,498	2014 and 2016 (service re-tendered)
David Fox and Associates	Provision of petroleum engineering consultancy services	€218,475	2012 and 2016 (service re-tendered)
Doyle Kent Planning Partnership	Provision of services in respect of Strategic Environmental Assessment requirements	€6,150	2016
Gluyas Petroleum Geoscience	Provision of geoscience consultancy service	€1,957	2015
Keane Offshore Integrity Ltd	Corrib Gas field Development Verification Audit	€318,828	Prior to 2015
Morgan Geophysics	Provision of petroleum geophysical consultancy services	€239,724	2014
Ramboll Environ UK	Provision of consultancy services to monitor compliance of consent conditions for the construction of the Corrib gas pipeline	€218,824 (costs recouped from Shell E&P Ireland)	2011
Ramboll Environ UK	Provision of consultancy services to monitor compliance of consent conditions for the operation of the Corrib gas pipeline	€174,757 (costs recouped from Shell E&P Ireland)	2015
Ramboll Environ UK	Provision of consultancy services in respect of Corrib gas pipeline – gap analysis	€111,467
Ramboll Environ UK	Provision of consultancy services in respect of conduct of an Irish Offshore Strategic Environmental Assessment (IOSEA5)	€195,150	2013
RPS Consulting Engineers Ltd	Provision of environmental consultancy services in respect of proposed decommissioning of Kinsale Area gas fields	€13,415	2017
Selgovia Limited	Provision of Petroleum Engineering consultancy services	€110,744	2016
Wood Mackenzie	Provision of consultancy services in respect of oil and gas fiscal terms	€17,845	2014
Larry Staines
	To provide communications and marketing services for the National Postcode System	€63,468 in 2015	Prior to 2015
Philip O’Reilly	To provide management services in relation to Public Sector Bodies for the National Postcode System	€58,763 in 2015	Prior to 2015
Ervia	To Provide project management support for the National Postcode System	€201,424 in 2015	Prior to 2015
Gemserv Limited	To provide an interim privacy impact assessment on the implementation of the National Postcode System	€12,759 in 2015	Prior to 2015
PA Consulting	To provide technical advice and support services to assist the Department in the implementation of the National Postcode System	€80,867 in 2015	Prior to 2015
Philip O’Reilly
	To provide management services in relation to Public Sector Bodies and the National Postcode System	€31,365 in 2016	Prior to 2015
Ervia	To provide project management support for the National Postcode System	€45,559 in 2016	Prior to 2015
PA Consulting	To provide technical advice and support services to assist the Department in the implementation of the National Postcode System	€40,551 in 2016	Prior to 2015
PA Consulting	To provide technical advice and support services to assist the Department in the implementation of the National Postcode System	€5,436 in 2017	Prior to 2015
Philip O’Reilly	To provide management services in relation to Public Sector Bodies and the National Postcode System	€12,915 in 2017	Prior to 2015

*This consultancy was commissioned by Department of Ireland Northern Ireland, but costs were shared with DECLG. Part of the amount falling to the South was paid by the DECLG, the remainder (which is what is stated in the attached) is what was paid by DCCAE after the reconfiguration of Departments.

** Technical support for the development and management of key operational elements in the national climate and energy policy process is provided by the Technical Research and Modelling Group (TRAM). TRAM has assisted the Government in developing the NMP. TRAM research is paid for from the Subhead F7 of the DCCAE Vote and in 2017 €1.75m was allocated for this work.

*** This cost (€90,442 including VAT) was co-funded, on an equal share basis, by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport; the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine; the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government; and the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, as they were known in 2015 when engaging the RPS Consultants for this work.

Illegal Dumping

Ceisteanna (1158, 1159, 1160)

Margaret Murphy O'Mahony

Ceist:

1158. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the amount allocated to Cork County Council for clean-up projects to tackle illegal dumping in each of the years from 2015 to 2017 and to date in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15260/18]

Margaret Murphy O'Mahony

Ceist:

1159. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the number of bogus waste collectors prosecuted, by local authority area, in each of the years from 2015 to 2017 and to date in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15261/18]

Margaret Murphy O'Mahony

Ceist:

1160. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the number of prosecutions and convictions, respectively, for illegal dumping and on the spot fines in County Cork since 2012, by local area district; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15262/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1158 to 1160, inclusive, together.

Enforcement actions against illegal waste activity are a matter for the Local Authorities and the Office of Environmental Enforcement (OEE) within the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and my Department does not compile statistics in relation to prosecutions taken or fines imposed. Information is available through the Local Government Management Agency’s series of service indicators annual reports available from the publications section of the LGMA’s website http://www.lgma.ie/en/publication-category/service-indicator-reports-2004-2010 and the enforcement section of the EPA’s website http://www.epa.ie/enforcement/prosecute/.

Illegal dumping is first and foremost a matter of individual responsibility and compliance with the law. While enforcement action in this area is a matter in the first instance for local authorities, the Department encourages a multi-facetted approach to tackling the problem, incorporating enforcement, public awareness and education and, as such, my Department provides funding to support the activities of the Waste Enforcement Regional Lead Authorities (WERLAs) of approximately €1 million per annum and of the network of local authority waste enforcement officers of approximately €7.4 million per annum. Cork County Council receives a grant of €455,000 in this regard.

In addition, my Department has developed an Anti-Dumping Initiative to work in partnership with local authorities and community organisations in identifying high risk or problem areas, developing appropriate enforcement responses and carrying out clean-up operations. I secured funding of €1.26 million for the 2017 Anti-Dumping Initiative which supported over 200 projects across the country. Cork County Council received an allocation of €40,229 under this initiative. This year, I am increasing the allocation to €2 million to build on the momentum that has now been created and to provide for an increased focus on identifying and prosecuting illegal dumpers.

Law Reform Commission

Ceisteanna (1161)

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

1161. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the number of pieces of legislation enacted and published by his Department which originated in work carried out by the Law Reform Commission in each of the past ten years, in tabular form; the details of each piece of legislation in the corresponding year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15343/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment

There were five Acts relevant to this Department that the Law Reform Commission reviewed and subsequently published revised versions on their website. Details of those Acts are outlined in the following table.

These revised acts by the Law Reform Commission are an administrative consolidation of the Acts.

The Law Reform Commission (LRC) is an independent body established under the Law Reform Commission Act 1975. It is a function of the LRC under that Act to keep the law under review and to undertake revision and consolidation of statute law. It is a matter for the LRC as to which Acts it undertakes to revise. The LRC have revised circa 300 Acts across Departments to date. All revised Acts including the five Acts referred to are all available on the LRC website at the following link - http://revisedacts.lawreform.ie/revacts/intro

The number of pieces of legislation both enacted and published by DCCAE which originated in work carried out by the Law Reform Commission from 2008 to date
Title of legislation	Description of legislation	Year (2008 to date)
National Oil Reserves Agency Act 2007	AN ACT TO PROVIDE FOR THE TRANSFER OF THE SHARE HELD BY THE IRISH NATIONAL PETROLEUM CORPORATION LIMITED IN THE NATIONAL OIL RESERVES AGENCY LIMITED TO THE MINISTER FOR COMMUNICATIONS, MARINE AND NATURAL RESOURCES; TO CONTINUE IN EXISTENCE THE NATIONAL OIL RESERVES AGENCY LIMITED AS AN GHNÍOMHAIREACHT CHÚLTACA OLA NÁISIÚNTA OR THE NATIONAL OIL RESERVES AGENCY; TO DEFINE ITS FUNCTIONS, INCLUDING THOSE RELATING TO OIL STOCKHOLDING OBLIGATIONS; TO IMPOSE A LEVY ON RELEVANT DISPOSALS OF PETROLEUM PRODUCTS; TO AMEND THE IRISH NATIONAL PETROLEUM CORPORATION LIMITED ACT 2001; AND TO PROVIDE FOR RELATED MATTERS.	Enacted 13 March 2007 Revised by LRC up to 1st January 2017
Electricity Regulation Act 1999	AN ACT TO ENABLE EFFECT TO BE GIVEN TO DIRECTIVE NO. 96/92/EC OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL OF 19 DECEMBER 1996, TO ESTABLISH A BODY KNOWN AS AN COIMISIÚN UM RIALÁIL LEICTREACHAIS OR IN THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE THE COMMISSION FOR ELECTRICITY REGULATION, TO GIVE POWER TO THAT COMMISSION TO GRANT LICENCES TO GENERATE AND SUPPLY ELECTRICITY AND TO GRANT AUTHORISATIONS TO CONSTRUCT GENERATING STATIONS, TO PROVIDE FOR ACCESS TO THE TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM BY HOLDERS OF LICENCES, HOLDERS OF AUTHORISATIONS OR BY ELIGIBLE CUSTOMERS, TO AMEND AND REPEAL CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF THE ELECTRICITY (SUPPLY) ACT, 1927 AND TO PROVIDE FOR RELATED MATTERS.	Enacted 11 July 1999 Revised by LRC up to 3rd January 2018
Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2006	AN ACT TO AMEND THE LAW RELATING TO ELECTRICITY AND THE REGULATION OF THE ELECTRICITY INDUSTRY AND THE NATURAL GAS INDUSTRY, TO PROVIDE FOR THE ISSUE OF CAPITAL STOCK IN BORD GÁIS ÉIREANN, TO PROVIDE FOR THE AMENDMENT OF THE TURF DEVELOPMENT ACT 1998, TO MAKE PROVISION AS RESPECTS THE EFFECT OF CERTAIN AMENDMENTS OF THE PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT ACT 2000 MADE BY THE PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT (STRATEGIC INFRASTRUC-TURE) ACT 2006, TO PROVIDE FOR THE TREATMENT OF LANDS AFFECTED BY MINES AND FORMER MINES BY THE REHABILITATION OF SUCH LANDS AND FOR THE COMPULSORY ACQUISITION OF LANDS FOR THE PURPOSES OF SUCH REHABILITATION AND TO PROVIDE FOR RELATED MATTERS	Enacted 24th Dec 2006 Revised by LRC up to 26 July 2017
Energy (Biofuel Obligation and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2010	AN ACT TO FURTHER PROMOTE THE USE OF BIOFUEL IN THE STATE AND FOR THAT PURPOSE TO PROVIDE FOR THE INCREASED SUPPLY OF BIOFUEL IN THE STATE BY MEANS OF A BIOFUEL OBLIGATION REQUIRING THAT A SPECIFIED AMOUNT OF ROAD TRANSPORT FUEL IS BIOFUEL; TO IMPOSE A LEVY ON RELEVANT DISPOSALS OF BIOFUEL; TO CONFER ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS ON THE NATIONAL OIL RESERVES AGENCY TO ADMINISTER THE BIOFUEL OBLIGATION; TO GIVE EFFECT TO CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF DIRECTIVE 2009/28/EC OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL OF 23 APRIL 2009 ON THE PROMOTION OF THE USE OF ENERGY FROM RENEWABLE SOURCES AND AMENDING AND SUBSEQUENTLY REPEALING DIRECTIVES 2001/77/EC AND 2003/30/EC; FOR THOSE AND OTHER PURPOSES TO AMEND AND EXTEND THE NATIONAL OIL RESERVES AGENCY ACT 2007 ; TO AMEND THE FUELS (CONTROL OF SUPPLIES) ACT 1971, THE FUELS (CONTROL OF SUPPLIES) ACT 1982, THE ELECTRICITY REGULATION ACT 1999 AND THE ENERGY (MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS) ACT 2006 AND TO PROVIDE FOR RELATED MATTERS.	Enacted 9th June 2010 Revised by LRC up to 30th June 2016
Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2012	AN ACT TO PROVIDE FOR THE PENSION ENTITLEMENTS OF EMPLOYEES OF BORD GÁIS ÉIREANN WHO TRANSFER TO GASLINK AND OF EMPLOYEES OF THE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY BOARD WHO TRANSFER TO EIRGRID PLC AND ESB NETWORKS LTD., TO AMEND THE ENERGY (MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS) ACT 1995 AND THE ELECTRICITY REGULATION ACT 1999, TO PROVIDE FOR THE PROMOTION OF ENERGY EFFICIENCY, TO REPEAL CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF ACTS RELATING TO GAS OR ELECTRICITY AND TO PROVIDE FOR RELATED MATTERS.	Enacted 25th Feb 2012 Revised by LRC up to 4th Feb 2015

Natural Gas Grid

Ceisteanna (1162)

John Deasy

Ceist:

1162. Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to extend the natural gas pipeline to Dungarvan, County Waterford; if there are no plans the reason therefor; and the towns next in line for connection. [15395/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment

The factual position in relation to the routing of gas pipelines or the connection of towns to the gas pipeline network is the following. These are matters for Gas Networks Ireland, a commercial State-sponsored body under the aegis of the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, and the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU), the statutorily independent energy regulator, which conducts consultations on its regulatory decisions.

In relation to bringing gas supply to any new town, I am informed that such towns are evaluated in accordance with the criteria in the Connections Policy as approved and published by the CRU. This means that the cost-benefit for the connection needs to be positive i.e. the expected revenues over a period of time must exceed the projected costs for the project to be viable. The Connections Policy appraises both domestic and industrial/commercial demand, and so proximity to a major pipeline and a large industrial/commercial gas load tend to be the most significant factors in town appraisals.

I am further informed that the last assessment of this region concluded that it is not economically viable to connect Dungarvan. However, this outcome may change in the future depending on the emergence of significant new demand for gas connections in the locality.

To address a question as to whether network extensions, where economically feasible and in line with our energy policy, could contribute to regional and rural development, I have commissioned a study on the wider costs and benefits of gas network extensions, to include possible climate and decarbonisation aspects, as well as regional and rural development benefits. Independent consultants were appointed last October, and I expect that they will complete their work shortly.

Departmental Meetings

Ceisteanna (1163, 1191)

Seán Fleming

Ceist:

1163. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will report on the meeting with officials of his Department and EirGrid to discuss the proposal by the company to commence work on an electricity substation at Coolnabacca, County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15461/18]

Bríd Smith

Ceist:

1191. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the action he plans to take to address issues highlighted on 18 January 2018 by a group (details supplied) in relation to EirGrid's governance and behaviour and the Laois-Kilkenny reinforcement project. [16145/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1163 and 1191 together.

At the meeting referred to which I attended with officials along with my colleague, the Minister for Justice and Equality, the Ratheniska, Timahoe, Spink and Surrounding Areas Substation Action Group outlined aspects of the project with which they were dissatisfied. These aspects covered issues of concern from the origins of the project in 2009 to the present day. I listened carefully to the many views expressed and I undertook to further consider the issues raised.

The Laois-Kilkenny electricity project is to improve the security of electricity supply across counties Kilkenny, Carlow, Kildare and Laois. It is a €110 million investment in the area designed to ensure that the electricity network can meet the present and future needs of all users, from homes to farms and small businesses to industrial customers. The project was granted planning permission in 2014 by An Bord Pleanála. That decision was subject to Judicial Review proceedings which were dismissed in January 2015.

Since the meeting my officials have engaged with EirGrid and other parties in an effort to explore the issues raised. I am now examining the report that has been completed and I will be happy to brief the Deputies in due course.

Recycling Policy

Ceisteanna (1164, 1165)

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

1164. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to introduce a recycling deposit scheme for plastic containers following the example of the UK and EU member states; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15466/18]

Joan Burton

Ceist:

1165. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to introduce a deposit return scheme for plastic, drinks and bottle cans similar to the one recently announced in the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15538/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1164 and 1165 together.

In July 2014, the then Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government published a Review of the Producer Responsibility Initiative model in Ireland. As part of this review, a wider examination of issues within the packaging sphere (which included plastic containers) was undertaken and consideration was given to the introduction of a deposit and refund scheme.

The review report did not recommend the introduction of a deposit and refund scheme and concluded that to establish such a scheme was inappropriate, in view of the operation of the existing successful packaging scheme (operated by Repak). It also pointed to current policies concerning household waste collection and the high administrative costs of introducing such a system.

Notwithstanding this, on foot of a Private Members Bill tabled by Deputy Ryan recently, I have asked the Joint Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment to look at the implementation issues, the likely costs and the effectiveness of a proposed deposit and refund scheme in Ireland. I am awaiting the outcome of this before taking any further action.

Environmental Policy

Ceisteanna (1166, 1173, 1181, 1188)

Joan Burton

Ceist:

1166. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the discussions his Department has had in respect of an EU plastics tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15539/18]

John Lahart

Ceist:

1173. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the actions being taken to examine the phasing out of non-compostable disposable cups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15547/18]

Noel Rock

Ceist:

1181. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to introduce legislation to ensure that all food containers are recyclable rather than plastic; if discussions have taken place with industry representatives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15807/18]

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

1188. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the options available to him to prevent the sale of goods which use packaging that cannot currently be recycled here. [16096/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1166, 1173, 1181 and 1188 together.

My Department has not held any discussions with the Commission in relation to a European level plastics tax. While I am aware that the Budget Commissioner has commented on a variety of options in the context of future EU budgets, there have been no specific proposals made to Council.

Discussions between my Department and the EU in relation to actions on plastics have been in the context of the European Strategy for Plastics in a Circular Economy which the Commission published on 16 January 2018. The strategy is built around 4 key actions:

- Improving the economics and quality of plastics recycling

- Curbing plastic waste and littering

- Driving innovation and investment towards circular solutions and

- Harnessing Global Action.

The strategy focuses on plastics production and use and sets a goal of ensuring all plastic packaging is recyclable by 2030. The strategy lists future EU measures and recommends measures to national authorities and industry for the attainment of its goals. I am committed to full engagement with this Strategy and indeed expressed my commitment to Commissioner Karmenu Vella in a personal letter last February.

Non-compostable disposable cups food containers are classed as packaging for the purposes of the EU Packaging Directive. This Directive prohibits Member States from impeding the placing on the market of any packaging (including that which cannot be recycled here) which satisfies the provisions of the Directive. Notwithstanding this, in my letter to EU Commissioner Vella, in the context of the EU plastic strategy, I urged the EU to take collective action and to consider the banning of single use plastics, such as coffee cups and cutlery.

Meetings have taken place with stakeholders including IBEC and packaging producers to discuss the Strategy and other issues in relation to plastic packaging.

Waste Management

Ceisteanna (1167)

Mary Butler

Ceist:

1167. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to amend legislation pursuant to section 14 of the Waste Management Act 1996, and specifically under article 11 of Waste Management Regulations 2007 and as amended in 2008, to allow for increased capacity of importation of all soil and stones to a maximum tonnage of 500,000 in order that private operators already in possession of a certificate of registration from their local authority do not need to go to the expense of applying to the Environmental Protection Agency to increase their intake if the facility already has the capacity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15541/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment

The Waste Management (Facility Permit and Registration) Regulations 2007, S.I. 821 of 2007 set out waste activities which may be authorised under a waste facility permit or certificate of registration as opposed to being authorised under a waste licence. Different thresholds (above which a licence is required) apply to different waste activities, depending on the nature of the waste activity concerned.

The Regional Waste Management Offices published a report on construction and demolition waste (soil and stone) recovery and disposal capacity in December 2016. The report made a number of recommendations, including that consideration should be given to increasing the maximum tonnage of soil and stone which could be recovered at a facility authorised under a waste facility permit (currently set at 100,000 tonnes over the lifetime of the facility for that particular waste activity).

My Department circulated a consultation paper in December 2017 to seek the views of stakeholders on the thresholds set in the Waste Management (Facility Permit and Registration) Regulations 2007, S.I. 821 of 2007 for the recovery of soil and stone. The submissions received are currently under consideration.

Waste Management

Ceisteanna (1168)

Mary Butler

Ceist:

1168. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if Ireland is achieving EU targets in respect of end of waste for recycled aggregates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15542/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment

The Environmental Protection Agency exercises an independent statutory function in relation to 'end of waste' in accordance with Article 28 of the European Communities (Waste Directive) Regulations 2011, S.I 126 of 2011. Where criteria have not been set at EU level as referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2 of Article 6 of the Waste Directive, the Agency may decide case by case whether certain waste has ceased to be waste in accordance with the criteria set out in Article 28(1) of S.I 126 of 2011, taking into account the applicable case law. Accordingly, queries on end of waste should be directed to the Agency.

The Environmental Protection Agency compiles and publishes statistics on waste, including in relation to EU waste targets which are available to download at http://www.epa.ie/nationalwastestatistics/targets/