Written Answers Nos. 174-198
174. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if consideration will be given to the setting up of a cancer support centre (details supplied) in Leixlip, County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26156/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThrough the involvement of ARC in the development of the National Cancer Strategy 2017-2026, I am aware of the good work and support they provide, free of charge, to people affected by cancer.
However, ARC is a charitable organisation and the setting-up of an ARC cancer support centre in Leixlip is not a matter for my Department.
175. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a decision has been made on a review of a 2017 sheep welfare scheme penalty in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25937/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn application was received under the Sheep Welfare Scheme from the person named on 31 January 2017. Under the terms and conditions of the scheme, applicants to the scheme are required to choose two actions from various categories appropriate to their flock type.
In the case of this application, only one of the two actions chosen was completed. Therefore the application was deemed to be incomplete. A letter issued from the Department to the person named on 12 February 2018 informing him of a possible penalty being applied and advising the applicant of his right to appeal.
The applicant submitted an appeal on this decision to the Department on 26 February 2018. The appeal was partially accepted under Force Majeure in that no penalty was applied for non-compliance with the scheme, but no payment was made in respect of the action which was not completed either. A letter issued to the applicant on 23 April 2018 advising him of this and outlining his right to further appeal this decision to the Agriculture Appeals Office.
176. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures taken by the forestry service to ensure the development of the forestry sector on a sustainable basis; if the forestry service has carried out tests regarding water quality from forest operations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25940/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Forestry Act 2014 (“the Act”), which was commenced on the 24th May 2017, includes provisions regarding the protection of the environment, creating closer integration with the Habitats Directive, the Water Framework Directive, the EIA Directive and transposing legislation. Under Sections 5 and 11 of the Act, the role of the Minister in safeguarding the environment is set out. Section 7 provides for the attachment and varying of conditions to a licence or approval and also for the revoking of a licence. Sections 26-29 set out a range of penalties that can be imposed. These sections of the Act provide flexibility to the Minister in terms of attaching environmental conditions to an approval or licence and enforcing those conditions.
Together, the above provisions are designed to integrate the protection of the environment and legal requirements under various relevant Directives and transposing legislation, into the central decision-making process regarding licences and approvals by the Department. This is reflected in the scope of the Act, as follows; “.... to make further and better provision in relation to forestry, to provide for the development and promotion of forestry in a manner that maximises the economic, environmental and social value of forests within the principles of sustainable forest management,.... ”.
In this context, the Environmental Requirements for Afforestation were introduced in December 2016. These consolidated various environmental guidelines into a single coherent document dealing exclusively with afforestation, taking onboard more recent developments in relation to regulation, research and changes in forest practices. These Requirements include specific measures to ensure the protection of water quality when establishing new forests and woodlands, with a key measure being the introduction of a largely unplanted water setback alongside various defined water features. The application of the Requirements, in combination with the range of options now available under the Afforestation Scheme, allow for nuanced design, creating woodlands and forests in tune with the environment and compatible with other on-farm enterprises and activities.
The commitment of my Department to developing the forestry sector in a sustainable manner is also demonstrated in recent publications entitled “Woodland for Water: Creating new native woodlands to protect and enhance Ireland’s waters” and the “Felling and Reforestation Policy”. The first of these documents aims to explore how new native woodland and undisturbed water setbacks can be used in combination to deliver meaningful ecosystem services that protect and enhance water quality and aquatic ecosystems. These opportunities in turn can help contribute to meeting Ireland’s obligations under the 2nd cycle of the WFD. The “Felling and Reforestation Policy ” will ensure that existing forests are appropriately restructured post-clearfell, to reflect water and other environmental sensitivities on-the-ground.
The use of new native woodlands to protect water quality and the aquatic habitat for the highly-sensitive Freshwater Pearl Mussel (FPM) is being trialled by the KerryLIFE project, an EU co-funded project focusing on sustainable land use management for the conservation of the species (LIFE13 NAT/IE/000144). The project, focused on the Caragh and Kerry Blackwater FPM catchments in the southwest of Ireland, is trialling sustainable management techniques for farming and forestry in FPM catchments. Concrete measures under KerryLIFE include the stabilisation of riparian sediment sources using broadleaf planting, through the establishment of new long-term native woodland to create a protective physical buffer between aquatic zones and farming activities. Such woodlands are being created under Native Woodland Establishment, and the experiences gained will inform land-use management within other FPM catchments nationwide. My Department is a co-beneficiary in KerryLIFE, alongside Coillte.
With regard to the specific question of water testing, the existing Acid Sensitivity Protocol was developed by my Department, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and COFORD, to protect watercourses from potential acidification arising from afforestation. It applies to designated 'Acid Sensitive Areas', which account for 600,000 hectares of land or 9% of the total land area of the State. Under the Protocol, four water samples must be taken and analysed according to a set methodology, and the results must be included with the afforestation application. Depending on the results, the application is refused, referred to the EPA, or approved (subject to other checks). In January 2013, the EPA agreed with this Department, Inland Fisheries Ireland, the National Parks and Wildlife Service and Woodlands of Ireland, to remove the requirement for water sampling for Native Woodland Establishment Scheme applications, due to the ability of new native woodland to protect water and to deliver other ecosystem services (biodiversity, landscape enhancement, amenity, sustainable hardwoods, etc.)
177. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of FOI requests his Department has received since January 2018; the number that were appealed, refused and granted, respectively; the costs that were applied; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25955/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Freedom of Information (FOI) data requested is set out in the following table.
In relation to your request for data concerning appeals, I have included data on both internal reviews carried out within my Department and on appeals to the Office of the Information Commissioner (OIC). If a requester is not satisfied with the response of my Department to any aspect of his/her request for information he/she can seek to have the decision re-examined. The internal review of an FOI decision is carried out by a more senior member of staff within my Department. Following the outcome of the internal review, if a requester is unhappy with that decision, he/she has the right to appeal the decision to the OIC.
|
Number of FOI..... |
1 January 2018 to 11 June 2018 |
|
Requests received |
188 |
|
Granted |
33 |
|
Part granted |
45 |
|
Refused |
22 |
|
Responded to outside of FOI |
27 |
|
Withdrawn |
16 |
|
Transferred |
4 |
|
Ongoing |
41 |
|
Decisions reviewed internally |
17 |
|
Decisions appealed to OIC |
8 |
The figure in the “ongoing” column arises as, under the FOI Act, my Department has in most cases four weeks to make a decision and issue a response. There are also a number of provisions in the FOI Act which allow for the completion of requests outside of the standard four week time frame including where the request is for a large number of records and the requirement for third party consultation.
The total fees applied under FOI legislation by my Department in respect of FOI requests received between 1 January 2018 and 11 June 2018 amounts to €350.
178. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payment under the 2017 GLAS scheme will issue to a farmer (details supplied) in County Galway; the reason for the delay in issuing the payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25975/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe above named was approved into GLAS 3 with a contract commencement date of 1 January 2017.
Administrative checks take place on all GLAS claims. All cases must clear validation checks before payment can issue. In addition, in the cases selected for inspection, the inspection and any issues arising must be finalised. The inspection on this case has taken place and the documentation is being completed. GLAS payments are being made on a weekly basis as cases become eligible for payment.
179. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a matter (details supplied) regarding oyster applications in County Kerry will be addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25978/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department considers all applications for aquaculture licences in accordance with the provisions of the 1997 Fisheries (Amendment) Act, the 1933 Foreshore Act and applicable EU legislation. The licensing process involves consultation with a wide range of scientific and technical advisers as well as various Statutory Consultees. The legislation also provides for a period of public consultation.
In accordance with the applicable legislation, the Statutory and Public Consultation phase in respect of the applications referred to by the Deputy is now underway. The Public Notice in each case will advise that members of the public may make observations in respect of the application in question within a fixed period of time from the date of publication of the Notice. As the applications in question are under active consideration as part of a statutory process it would not be appropriate for me to comment further on the matter pending completion of the licensing process.
180. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a farmer (details supplied) was rejected on a scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26024/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe GLAS application of the person named was selected for inspection. This inspection identified non compliance with the protection of watercourses from bovines action. As this was the only Tier 2 action selected, the application was rejected.
A letter has issued to the person named to advise of them of the outcome of the inspection. The person named has also been advised of the option to appeal the decision to the Agriculture Appeals Office.
181. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the case of a person (details supplied) will be examined with a view to increasing their farm payments and qualifying them under the last reference year. [26066/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named was allocated entitlements under the Basic Payment Scheme in 2015 (the number of entitlements from the land declared in 2013 or 2015, with value calculated from the payments received in 2014). This allocation of entitlements carried out at that time was the same that applied to all eligible farmers in accordance with Regulation (EU) 1307 of 2013. The payment entitlements allocated to the person named have had the convergence mechanism applied which will see their value rise to at least 60% of the national average in 2019 (minimum of €110).
182. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the basic income support for sustainability as outlined in the proposed regulation COM (2018) 392 final published on 1 June 2018. [26085/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra183. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the proposal that all member states with direct payments below 90% of the EU average will see a continuation of the process started in the period of 2014 to 2020 and will close 50% of the existing gap to 90% following the publication of the new proposed Common Agricultural Policy, CAP, regulation in COM (2018) 392 final on 1 June 2018. [26086/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra184. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the proposal that all member states should define in their Common Agricultural Policy, CAP, strategic plans which farmers are not considered genuine farmers based on conditions set out following the publication of the new proposed CAP regulation in COM (2018) 392 final, published on June 1 2018; and the steps he will take to ensure that all existing CAP recipients continue to be eligible for future payments. [26087/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra185. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on whether young farmers who are under 40 years of age but that have been farming for more than five years and that are not permitted to access measures currently under Common Agricultural Policy, CAP, including being able to apply for the national reserve and for top-up entitlements will be eligible in the new CAP following the publication of the new proposed CAP regulation in COM (2018) 392 final on 1 June 2018; and his further views on whether article 4 (e) in the proposal provides further flexibility under the definition for young farmer. [26088/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra186. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the proposal of an eco scheme under pillar 1 to account for all the climate change measures that farmers will be able to participate in under the new proposals following the publication of the new proposed Common Agricultural Policy, CAP, regulation in COM (2018) 392 final on 1 June 1 2018. [26089/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra187. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the measures proposed for young farmers including ring fencing of at least an amount corresponding to 2% of the annual direct payments envelope while an increase of the maximum amount of aid for the installation of young farmers and rural business start-ups, up to €100,000 following the publication of the new proposed Common Agricultural Policy, CAP, regulation in COM (2018) 392 final on 1 June 2018. [26090/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra188. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the measure for the reduction of the ceiling of direct payments following the publication of the new proposed Common Agricultural Policy, CAP, regulation in COM (2018) 392 final on 1 June 2018; and his further views on a €60,000 ceiling. [26091/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra189. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the measure for a complementary redistributive income support to small and medium sized farmers and a higher payment per hectare following the publication of the new proposed Common Agricultural Policy, CAP, regulation in COM (2018) 392 final on 1 June 2018. [26092/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 182 to 189, inclusive, together.
The new legislative proposals for the Common Agricultural Policy 2021-2027 were launched on Friday 1 June 2018 by Commissioner Hogan. The proposals, as drafted, involve significant changes, including in relation to governance, the distribution of direct payments among farmers and the increasing environmental conditionality attaching to such payments. There will be additional discretion for Member States in configuring the measures available, within parameters laid down in the draft proposals. The new proposals must commit to a more significant environmental ambition than the current CAP schemes, including in pillar I.
These are complex proposals. We are at the beginning of what will be intensive and challenging negotiations. I will work with the Commission and other Member States to shape these proposals into an effective new CAP. My Department is still analysing the proposals and their potential implications for the Irish agrifood sector.
The new proposals allow for subsidiarity for Member States but with an overall commitment by the European Commission to protect the common policy and avoid distorting the single market.
Of course there are elements in the proposals as drafted that will present challenges, including the definition of a "genuine farmer". This was among the most difficult discussions during the last reform in 2013, and member states will have differing perspectives on the definition. Commissioner Hogan has already confirmed that the definition proposed in the new draft regulations will not exclude part time farmers, but of course we must also ensure that any definition is implementable in practice and does not lead to undue administrative burden or delay for applicants or the department.
I have already indicated that I am open to some level of capping and redistribution of direct payments. Ireland has already applied the maximum level of degressivity allowable under the current regulations for payments over €150,000. The new proposals include a number of measures designed to move further in this direction, including an overall cap of €100,000, degressivity for payments above €60,000, a complementary redistributive income support and the convergence of payments towards a minimum of 75% of the average payment per hectare nationally. My Department is at present examining these proposals carefully to assess their potential impact on applicants, and to ensure that any such mechanisms can be implemented without undue complexity.
I am also broadly supportive of the proposals to support young farmers and new entrants. This has been a priority in the current CAP and will continue to be. The new proposals include a mandatory complementary income support for young farmers and will allow member states to configure support measures appropriately in the period 2021-2027, having regard to the range of priorities to be met from each national envelope.
The Article referred to by the Deputy requires "young farmers" to be defined within the parameters laid down in the Council Regulation. The supports proposed are for young farmers who have newly set up a holding for the first time or those who have newly set up a holding for the first time as head of the holding and have the necessary training or skills as defined by the member states. These elements will require further elaboration as the negotiations progress, but it appears that there will be some member state discretion in configuring the necessary supports.
There are also new governance proposals regarding how schemes and plans can be approved and made operational. I will be seeking to ensure that any new systems do not lead to delays in approval and operation of schemes and that there is clarity for farmers with regard to their obligations.
I have recently concluded a transparent national consultation for citizens on the future CAP. Now that the Commission proposals have been published, I have announced a further consultation to take place early in July. Ultimately the shape of the regulations will be determined by engagement with the Commission, Member States the European Parliament, but I am anxious that Irish citizens have an opportunity to have their voices heard in the process.
Underpinning all of this is the CAP budget. While the shape of any new Multi Annual Financial Framework is ultimately a matter for Finance Ministers, and the European Parliament, I have been working successfully with counterparts in other Member States to build support for the retention of a strong budget.
Over the coming months there will be detailed negotiations at all levels across the EU as we work together to shape the final outcome. At the centre of all our considerations will be the need to ensure that the new CAP, properly funded, will continue to support farm families and the rural economy.
190. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the regulations relating to the storage, transportation and disposal of poultry litter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26093/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe storage, transportation and disposal of animal by-products (ABP) including poultry litter is governed by the EU animal By-product Regulation (EC) No. 1069 of 2009 and Regulation (EU) No. 142 of 2011 which are given legal effect by The European Communities (Animal By-Product) Regulations 2014 (SI No. 187/2014).
Poultry litter is categorised as a category 2 ABP and the options for its disposal are set out in Article 13 of Regulation 1069/2009. Poultry litter containing dead birds must be disposed of in an incineration plant approved by this Department or the EPA or in a rendering plant also approved by the Department. However, as poultry litter that does not contain dead birds is considered to be an organic fertilizer/soil improver and is a valuable source of nutrients for farmers, it can be disposed of by spreading on land subject to strict conditions. The other main disposal routes for this material is in composting and biogas plants or as a fuel for combustion.
Poultry litter must be transported by a haulier registered with the Department of Agriculture Food and Marine in accordance with Regulation No. (EC) 1069 of 2009 and must be accompanied by a commercial document that provides details of the place of origin of the material and place of destination of the material. The material must be transported in covered, leak-proof containers or vehicles which are maintained in a clean condition with signage stating "Category 2 Material - Manure"
Poultry manure must be spread without delay and, where in the event that the material is being held for a short time prior to land-spreading, it must be stacked on a concrete base away from rivers, streams and other water courses and any run-off must be collected.
The Department has issued Good Practice Guidelines for poultry farmers, for poultry litter hauliers and for the end-users of poultry litter to ensure each stakeholder is aware of their legal obligations for the transport, use and disposal of the material.
The codes of good practice for poultry farmers, poultry litter hauliers and end-users of poultry litter can be found on the DAFM website at
https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/animalhealthwelfare/diseasecontrol/botulism/
191. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when the support of €75 was announced to assist persons with household waste charges that have lifelong or long-term medical incontinence issues; the arrangements for the delivery of this assistance; the locations in which the applications forms for same are available; if the support will be in the form of a cash payment, a credit from the waste company or a voucher; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26057/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn line with the commitments set out in A Resource Opportunity - Waste Management Policy in Ireland, published in 2012, and in the interest of encouraging further waste prevention and greater recycling, flat-rate fees for kerbside household waste collection are being phased out over the period autumn 2017 to autumn 2018, as customers contracts come up for renewal. The necessary regulatory steps have been put in place to give effect to this measure. It is worth noting that this measure is not ‘new’ for about half of kerbside household waste customers, who are already on an incentivised usage pricing plan, i.e., a plan which contains a per lift or a weight related fee.
As announced in mid-2017, mandatory per kilogramme 'pay by weight' charging is not being introduced. Allowing for a range of charging options, which encourage householders to reduce and separate their waste, provides flexibility to waste collectors to develop various service-price offerings that suit different household circumstances.
The Price Monitoring Group has considered eight months of data to date. While fluctuations in prices and service offerings have been observed, the overall trend is relative price stability. The Price Monitoring Group has reported that there are currently 9 different types of price models on the market. The main price examples include a service charge plus charge per bin lift, with an excess per kg charge, and a service charge plus per kg weight charge. The most popular service offering now is the ‘service charge including weight allowance, plus per kg charge for excess above allowance’.
An annual support of €75 per person is being made available for persons with lifelong or long-term medical incontinence. This will help people meet the average annual cost for the disposal of medical incontinence products. My Department is in discussion with the Department of Health, the Health Service Executive, and the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner regarding the administrative details and arrangements of the support, as well as engaging with the relevant stakeholders. I can assure the Deputy that I am committed to finalising the details for this support as soon as possible.
192. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the number of FOI requests his Department has received since January 2018; the number that were appealed, refused and granted, respectively; the costs that were applied; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25958/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department received 148 FOI requests this year up to 8 June: - 21 requests were granted,
- 31 requests were part-granted,
- 30 requests were refused,
- 16 requests were transferred/withdrawn or dealt with outside the FOI process, and
- 50 requests are currently live.
3 internal reviews were sought, one of which related to a 2017 request. There was one appeal to the Office of the Information Commissioner also relating to a 2017 request.
€90 was received in internal review fees and €242 was received in search and retrieval fees.
193. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if the recent decision to grant planning permission (details supplied) is in line with the national policy on waste management. [25981/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn the first instance, it is important to point out that as Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment I have no role or remit in relation to the decision made by An Bord Pleanála concerning the facility the Deputy refers to, nor indeed do I have a role in relation to planning policy or planning legislation.
Furthermore, waste management planning, including with regard to infrastructure provision, is the responsibility of local authorities under the Waste Management Act 1996, as amended. Under section 60(3) of that Act, I, as Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, am precluded from exercising any power or control in relation to the performance, in specific cases, by a local authority of their statutory functions under the Act.
The most recent iteration of Regional Waste Management Plans set out how waste generated will be managed over the time period 2015-2021, in line with national and EU waste management policy, and support the development of up to 300,000 tonnes of additional thermal recovery capacity nationally. This figure was determined, firstly to ensure that there is adequate and competitive treatment capacity in the market, and secondly to ensure the State’s self-sufficiency requirements for the recovery of municipal waste are met. The Plans also reflect the move away from landfilling because it is the least desirable method of managing waste. Furthermore, that level of thermal recovery capacity takes account of the requirement to achieve a recycling rate of municipal waste in excess of 60% by 2030, which is in line with one of the new EU recycling targets. The three Regional Waste Management Plans themselves have a headline target for the prevention and recycling of waste.
My role as Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment in relation to waste management is to provide a comprehensive legislative and policy framework through which the relevant regulatory bodies, such as Local Authorities and the Environmental Protection Agency, operate.
Our national waste policy is predicated on and consistent with European Union waste policy, which has the waste hierarchy as its cornerstone. Under the waste hierarchy, the prevention, preparation for reuse, recycling and recovery of waste is preferred to the disposal or landfill of waste.
194. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding charge points for electric cars; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26114/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra195. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans for expanding the public charge point infrastructure in County Kerry for electric cars; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26123/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 194 and 195 together.
The vast majority of electric vehicle charging happens at home, which aligns with both technology and patterns of use of vehicles. To support home charging, I introduced the Electric Vehicle Home Charger Grant scheme this year. This scheme, which came into operation on 1 January 2018, supports the cost of installing a home charger up to a maximum of €600 for buyers of both new and second-hand electric vehicles.
In terms of the number and extent of publicly accessible charging, the National Policy Framework on the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure for Transport in Ireland notes that Ireland's current electric vehicle charging network infrastructure is ahead of current market demand. However, it is recognised that the future development of electric vehicle public charging needs to progress alongside the growth of electric vehicles. Funding has, therefore, been allocated in my Department's budget this year to support the provision of public charging.
A key aspect of the work of the Low Emission Vehicle Taskforce, co-chaired by my Department and the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, involves examining how best to support the development of the public charging network. The first phase of the Taskforce's work, which focuses on electric vehicles, is nearing completion and I expect to bring forward proposals that will support further provision of effective and efficient publically accessible electric vehicle charging.
In this regard, funding for public charging in local communities is already available through the Better Energy Communities Scheme. The scheme, which is administered by the SEAI, supports community based partnerships to improve the energy efficiency of homes, businesses and community facilities in a local area.
The operation and maintenance of the existing public charging network is a matter for the ESB. In relation to the provision of a charge point in Dingle, I understand there is already a charge point in this location. However, the ESB has informed my Department that there have been some technical issues with this charge point in recent days which are being addressed.
196. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of the national broadband plan procurement process (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26124/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government's National Broadband Plan (NBP) aims to 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. Today, 7 out of 10 of the 2.3 million premises in Ireland have access to high speed broadband. By 2020, 9 out of 10 premises will have access to a high speed broadband connection. This is being achieved via a combination of commercial investment and a State led intervention. In April 2017 I published an updated High Speed Broadband Map which is available at www.broadband.gov.ie. This 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 National Broadband Plan.
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. This process is now in its final stages.
The specialist NBP procurement team will continue to engage intensively with all relevant stakeholders, including the bidding consortium, to ensure the earliest possible achievement of the Government’s objective of providing reliable high quality, high speed broadband to all premises in Ireland. When the procurement process reaches a satisfactory conclusion for Government, a contract will be awarded and network rollout will commence.
For those premises currently awaiting access to high speed broadband, 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. The Department of Rural and Community Development maintain a list of Broadband Officers, a link to which is available on my Department's website at https://www.dccae.gov.ie/en-ie/communications/topics/Broadband/national-broadband-plan/Pages/NBP-Information-Leaflets.aspx
197. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a person (details supplied) can retain old number plates on their vintage trucks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25947/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraA search of data in the archives of my Departments National Vehicle and Driver File (NVDF) indicates there are details available for both of the vehicle registration numbers provided. These numbers can be retained, and be inserted on the new log books of both vehicles.
The individual concerned will need to go to their local motor office where they will be advised of the process, including details of the verification documents they will need to complete in order for new log books, with the old registration numbers, to be processed and printed.
198. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of FOI requests his Department has received since January 2018; the number that were appealed, refused and granted, respectively; the costs that were applied; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25970/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department received 201 FOI Requests this year to 8 June. Of this amount, 44 Requests were refused, 56 were granted, 49 were part-granted and 31 withdrawn. There are 21 active requests with decisions pending. 3 Request decisions were appealed. Fee receipts related to FOI total €258.88.
