Written Answers Nos. 56-75
56. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to stop issuing further licences for the exploration of petroleum in view of the fact that Dáil Éireann is in the process of legislating to ban such licences under the Petroleum and Other Minerals Development (Amendment) (Climate Emergency Measures) Bill 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37592/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand that the Petroleum and Other Minerals Development (Amendment) (Climate Emergency Measures) Bill 2018 is subject to legislative scrutiny by the Joint Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment. Hearings took place in July and I understand that the Joint Committee also received a presentation from the International Energy Agency on the related topic of energy security. I look forward to seeing the output of the Joint Committee's deliberations on the scrutiny of the Bill.
The Bill itself is a legislative proposal at this point in time, and one which the Government does not support. There has been no change in the statutory position regarding oil and gas exploration. Similarly, there has been no change in Government policy on energy exploration, energy security, and the energy transition. Therefore, the existing legal and policy framework for exploration will continue to be implemented.
It is accepted that Ireland will continue to need oil and particularly gas for quite some time. The Bill itself will have no impact on the amount of emissions Ireland creates by burning fossil fuels; rather it will commit the country to source all of its oil and gas from abroad. It does not make sense to ban exploration for Ireland's resources and make Ireland 100% dependent on imports for our fossil fuel needs in the future, when we know that Ireland’s indigenous production at Corrib will decline and Kinsale is approaching its end of life.
Therefore, the Government's approach to tackle emissions from fossil fuels is to focus efforts on energy efficiency and renewable energy which make essential contributions to all of the major objectives of climate and energy policies, including improved competitiveness, security of supply, sustainability, and the transition to a low carbon economy.
57. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the action his Department is taking to assist county councils to deal with incidents of illegal dumping and fly tipping; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37050/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government contains a specific commitment to work with local authorities to tackle the problem of illegal dumping and to develop effective deterrents to discourage people from engaging in this anti-social behaviour. In accordance with this commitment, my Department 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. Since its introduction, I have allocated €3.3 million to this initiative which has supported over 400 clean-up and restorative projects while also equipping local authorities with the latest technologies to catch those responsible.
I am also providing funding for the clean up of farm tyre waste and one of the collections will be taking place in Cootehill Mart, Co. Cavan on the 29th of September.
Since coming into office, illegal dumping is an issue that I have actively dealt with through significant funding increases and supports for local authorities. My Department works to support and assist local authorities in tackling difficult enforcement challenges, alleviating environmental risk and prosecuting cases in the appropriate courts.
My commitment to supporting waste enforcement activities on the ground is demonstrated through the continued annual investment of €7.4 million in the network of 150 local authority waste enforcement officers, increased resources for the Environmental Protection Agency with an allocation of €34.8 million this year and the further development of the Waste Enforcement Regional Lead Authority (WERLA) Offices with an annual budget in excess of €1 million. I support a cross county approach to waste enforcement through the Regional WERLA enforcement structure. My Department also supports a multi-agency approach to waste enforcement through the National Waste Enforcement Steering Committee which is chaired by my Department but has members including An Garda Síochána, the EPA, the WERLA's, the National Trans-frontier Shipment Office, the National Waste Collection Permit Office, the CCMA, the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection and the Office of the Revenue Commissioners.
Funding of €70,000 is also being provided to support a pilot project undertaken by Sligo County Council aimed at tackling and addressing the source of illegal dumping.
In addition and in recognition of the particular difficulties border counties have experienced in dealing with diesel laundering waste dumping, my Department continues to fully reimburse the clean-up costs associated with this nefarious practice.
58. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the proposals his Department is working on regarding the preservation and enhancement of the rural post office network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25723/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister, I am responsible for the postal sector including the governance of An Post which is a commercial State body with a mandate to deliver a postal delivery service and a viable post office network. I am acutely conscious of the value placed by communities in both rural and urban areas on services provided by post offices and I am fully committed to ensuring that a sustainable post office network is available to all our citizens for the medium and for the long term.
It is widely accepted that the post office network has been facing many challenges for some years now with a continuing decline in transaction numbers primarily driven by the move to online payments and online banking, as well as eSubstitution. Standing still is not an option for the network.
In April this year An Post announced a renewed vision for the post office network which centres on the availability of new services in a modernised, revitalised network. The announcement was supported by an agreement reached between An Post and the Irish Postmasters Union (IPU) executive following months of intensive negotiations, and was subsequently endorsed by 80% of IPU members. In its negotiations with An Post, Postmasters sought both the modernisation of the network and a voluntary redundancy package for those who wanted to leave the business. An Post advises that where a post office closes, 70% of the business transfers to a neighbouring office. The reality is that by facilitating those who wish to exit the business, neighbouring offices are further supported thereby ensuring a more sustainable network for the future.
The agreement represents a necessary first step in reinvigorating our national post office network and making it a viable sustainable, modern and vibrant network for the future, capable of adapting to the changing environment in which it operates by providing a service that meets the needs of communities across the country, particularly in rural areas.
As part of its strategy for modernising the post office network, An Post has established a dedicated business unit within An Post, An Post Retail. Additional services that An Post propose to introduce through the network include a better range of Government services, financial services and e-commerce services for shoppers and small businesses. There is already a rapid expansion of banking services happening with the Smart Current Account and enhanced foreign exchange facilities. Post offices will have credit card services and will be able to provide loans to small business and personal loans. An Post is committed to ensuring that our post offices will be equipped with the range of services that will attract and retain footfall but these measures are meaningless unless the public use the services provided. Key to the survival of this renewed network is the willingness of all citizens to use it.
Government business is the backbone of the network. In April this year the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection renewed her Department’s contract with An Post to provide pensions, child benefit and other social welfare payments at post offices.
While Government policy is to offer Government services online, there will always be a segment of the population that is not comfortable or proficient accessing online tools or services. The post office network is the obvious choice as the “offline gateway” for citizens with its nationwide network and existing strong relationship with offline citizens. Government funding of €80,000 has been allocated to roll out a pilot scheme for Digital Assist which will see 10 post offices equipped to help citizens with online Government interactions. The pilot schemes are being currently rolled out in rural post offices.
In addition, I have secured Government approval to explore how further services might be made available to our “offline citizens”. This would be delivered via a centralised procurement framework. A Working Group comprising representatives across Government Departments will be established to consider this issue and will report back to Government by the end of year.
59. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the details of the climate action fund to be paid out over the next decade; and the type of projects this will fund. [37627/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Climate Action Fund is one of four funds established under the National Development Plan 2018-2027 as part of Project Ireland 2040.
My Department has responsibility for implementing the fund, which will have an allocation of at least €500 million over the period to 2027. This will be financed primarily though repurposing part of the existing petroleum products levy (also know as the NORA levy). This levy is collected by the National Oil Reserves Agency from fuel suppliers at a rate of 2 cents per litre.
The fund will support initiatives that contribute to the achievement of Ireland's climate and energy targets. The focus of the Fund is to support projects that, in the absence of support from the Fund, would not otherwise be developed. This will include projects that demonstrate innovation and capacity building.
I announced the first Call for Applications under the Fund, which is open to applications from the public and private sector, on 9 July 2018. This Call for Applications will provide grant funding to larger scale projects – seeking total support in excess of €1m – that are scheduled to commence development in 2019 or 2020.
Some examples of the types of projects that may be supported under the current funding round include:
- Renewable energy projects;
- Energy efficiency projects;
- District heating projects;
- Local infrastructure projects (including electric vehicle charging networks); and
- Projects that enhance the standards of environmental protection.
The deadline for applications under this Call for Applications is 1 October 2018.
As the fund develops, further calls will be made. This may include calls that focus on specific sectors such as electricity, transport, heat or agriculture or specific areas such as capacity building, innovation or community participation.
Further information on the Climate Action Fund including full details on how to apply under the first Call for Applications can be found on my Department’s website.
60. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the number of applications received to the LA 21 environmental partnership fund in 2018; and his plans to extend and develop it in view of the substantial pressure to deal with Ireland's emissions targets. [37315/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Local Agenda 21 (LA21) Environmental Partnership Fund promotes sustainable development by assisting small-scale environmental projects at local level. It encourages involvement of local communities in local action and decision-making, and assists them in working towards the goal of sustainable development.
In 2017, I increased funding for the LA21 Environmental Partnership Fund to €460,000 and I maintained this increased level of funding for this year's scheme. Funding provided by my Department is matched by local authorities, and projects may also attract funding from other sources, such as private sector funding, in order to maximise the potential of the partnership arrangements.
A list of the 880 successful funding applications for 2018 is available on my Department’s website.
The LA21 Environmental Partnership Fund is only one of a range of initiatives supported by Government, at both national and regional/local level, to help Ireland achieve the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) under Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development, which includes Goal 13 on Climate Action. Ireland’s National Implementation Plan 2018-2020 is our direct response to the 2030 Agenda and provides a whole-of-government approach to implementing the Agenda, including by identifying strategic priorities to guide implementation including awareness, participation and support.
For example, as part of the National Dialogue on Climate Action (NDCA), my Department is supporting An Taisce’s Green Schools Programme to implement a National Climate Change Action and Awareness Programme in schools across the country. This includes a climate ambassador programme, an annual Climate Action Week in October, and a Green Schools Expo. This Dialogue also incorporates a programme of regional and local events. Other initiatives supported by the NDCA include the EPA’s series of professionally moderated and accessible expert lectures/debates on key policy issues, and my Department also sponsors the annual Tidy Towns Climate Action special award.
Furthermore, in January 2018 I announced an allocation of €10 million over five years for the establishment and development of four Local Authority Climate Action Regional Offices. This commitment recognises the significant obligation which has been placed on local government to develop and implement its own climate action measures and to build capacity within the sector in terms of both mitigation and adaptation. Service level agreements have been put in place between my Department and each lead authority. These offices will provide expertise and capacity at local and regional level to contribute effectively to the national transition to a low carbon and climate resilient economy.
In addition the publication in February 2018 of the National Development Plan, reaffirms the Government’s commitment to transitioning Ireland to a low carbon, climate resilient economy and society. It will lead to a significant step change in funding available for climate action over the next decade. This funding commitment provides a clear opportunity for significant up-scaling in our investments to deliver deep emissions reductions in the coming decade and to further develop and implement the National Mitigation Plan and National Adaptation Framework.
Reflecting the strong commitment of Government on this issue, almost €22 billion will be directed, between Exchequer and non-Exchequer resources, to addressing the transition to a low-carbon and climate resilient society. In addition, the National Development Plan allocated a further €8.6 billion for investments in sustainable mobility. This means that well over €1 in €5 spent under the National Development Plan will be on climate mitigation, and this capital investment will enable us to deliver a significant reduction in our greenhouse gas emissions over the period to 2030.
61. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of the roll-out of rural high speed broadband; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37512/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra63. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the extent to which he remains satisfied regarding the ongoing provision of broadband in all areas throughout the country; if the programme is in accordance with his expectations or otherwise; if the development is proceeding effectively and efficiently; when he expects all of the country to have ready access to high quality, high speed broadband; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37531/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra74. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of the national broadband plan; when he expects it to be signed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37623/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra85. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if the target of having high speed broadband in each premises in the country as stated in the Action Plan for Rural Development and the national broadband plan will be met. [25908/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 61, 63, 74 and 85 together.
The 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, which is pillar 5 of the Action Plan for Rural Ireland, 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.
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.
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.
62. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will report on the programme for partnership Government commitments on climate change; and the way in which Ireland is faring with the targets set by the EU. [26937/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra88. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to address the fact that Ireland is now one of Europe's worst climate laggards and that emissions are rising; and the steps he will be taking in the short and medium term to reduce Ireland's climate emissions. [37630/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 62 and 88 together.
The Government recently published the Programme for a Partnership Government Annual Report 2018 which provides a comprehensive update on progress since May 2017. The annual report is available on the website of the Department of the Taoiseach. In relation to the Programme's commitments on climate change, the annual report records the publication of Ireland's first statutory National Mitigation Plan in July 2017, and first statutory National Adaptation Framework in January 2018.
The extent of the challenge to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, in line with our EU and international commitments, is well understood by the Government, as reflected in the National Policy Position on Climate Action and Low Carbon Development, published in April 2014, and now underpinned by the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015 which was enacted in December 2015. The National Policy Position provides a high-level policy direction for the adoption and implementation by Government of plans to enable the State to move to a low carbon economy by 2050.
In relation to our EU obligations, the 2009 Effort Sharing Decision (ESD) 406/2009/EC established binding annual greenhouse gas emissions targets for EU Member States for the period 2013 to 2020. For the year 2020 itself, the target set for Ireland is that emissions should be 20% below their value in 2005. This is jointly the most demanding 2020 reduction target allocated under the ESD, and one shared only by Denmark and Luxembourg. The latest projections of greenhouse gas emissions, published by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in May 2018, indicate that emissions from those sectors of the economy covered by the ESD could be between 0% and 1% below 2005 levels by 2020.
While this is very disappointing, it is not surprising given the recent pace of economic growth, with increases in emissions from the agriculture and transport sectors in particular. The projected shortfall to our targets is further exacerbated by both the constrained investment capacity over the past decade due to the economic crisis, and the extremely challenging nature of the target itself. In fact, it is now accepted that Ireland’s 2020 target was not consistent with what would be achievable on an EU wide cost-effective basis.
The ESD includes a number of flexibility mechanisms to enable Member States to meet their annual emissions targets. Using banked emissions allocations from the period to 2015, Ireland is projected to comply with its emissions reduction targets in each of the years 2013 to 2017. However, cumulative emissions are projected to exceed annual targets for 2018, 2019 and 2020, which will result in a requirement to purchase additional allowances. While this purchasing requirement is not, at this stage, expected to be significant, further analysis is ongoing to quantify the likely costs involved, in light of the final amount and price of allowances required.
For 2030, the recently agreed EU Effort Sharing Regulation sets out binding annual greenhouse gas emission targets for each Member State for the period 2021 to 2030. Ireland’s target under this Regulation will be for a 30% reduction in 2005 levels of emissions by 2030. This is where we must now focus our efforts to ensure that at the absolute very least we meet our 2030 target.
To meet these targets, Ireland's first statutory National Mitigation Plan, which I published in July last year, provides a framework to guide investment decisions by Government in domestic measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The purpose of the Plan is to specify the policy measures required in order to manage Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions at a level appropriate for making progress towards our long-term national transition objective as set out in the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015, as well as to take into account existing EU and international obligations on the State in relation to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The Plan is a living document that will be updated as on-going analysis, dialogue and technological innovation generate more and more cost-effective sectoral mitigation options.
Building on these strategies, the publication in February of the National Development Plan, reaffirms the Government’s commitment to transitioning Ireland to a low carbon, climate resilient economy and society. It will lead to a significant step change in funding available for climate action over the next decade. This funding commitment provides a clear opportunity for significant up-scaling in our investments to deliver deep emissions reductions in the coming decade and to further develop and implement the National Mitigation Plan and National Adaptation Framework. Reflecting the strong commitment of Government on this issue, almost €22 billion will be directed, between Exchequer and non-Exchequer resources, to addressing the transition to a low-carbon and climate resilient society. In addition, the National Development Plan allocated a further €8.6 billion for investments in sustainable mobility. This means that well over €1 in €5 spent under the National Development Plan will be on climate mitigation, and this capital investment will enable us to deliver a significant reduction in our greenhouse gas emissions over the period to 2030.
64. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he has considered a different model for the collection of the television licence such as pay at point of purchase. [37628/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra71. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of reforming television licence fee collection, tackling licence fee evasion and creating a more sustainable funding model for public sector broadcasting. [37629/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 64 and 71 together.
The current level of TV licence evasion is estimated to be 14.1%. While the rate has fallen from 15.3% at the end of 2013, it is still very high and equates to a loss of €40m per annum to public service broadcasting.
To address this issue, my Department has been working with An Post and RTÉ on an on-going basis to ensure that the TV licence collection system is working as effectively as possible. Measures such as marketing campaigns, more evening and weekend inspection and appointment of additional temporary inspectors are just some of the initiatives that have been utilised to enhance sales and improve compliance rates.
While these measures are important steps, I believe that the current system needs to be reformed. As the Deputy will be aware, I obtained Government approval last year to draft a number of legislative amendments to the Broadcasting Act 2009, including amendments for the tendering of TV Licence fee collection. The proposed amendments were considered under Pre-Legislative Scrutiny by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Communications, Climate Action & Environment and their report was published on March 8. The Bill is currently being drafted by Parliamentary Counsel and is included as a priority on the Government's Legislative Programme.
As the Deputy is also aware, I requested the Committee to examine the longer term issue of the future funding of public service media and the Committee published their report at the end of November 2017.
Following consideration of the recommendations made in that report, Government approval was received in July 2018 to establish a Working Group on the Future Funding of Public Service Broadcasting. The Working Group will examine a number of options to support future funding and the reform of television licence collection and it is intended that it will report to me in Quarter 1 2019.
The option of registering for a television licence at the point of purchase is not, however, under consideration. This practice was in place previously but was repealed in the Broadcasting Act 2009 due to the burden it placed on traders and the poor level of information recorded. I have no plans to re-introduce this method of recording data.
65. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of the roll-out of the national broadband plan with particular reference to County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37584/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 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.
There are approximately 91,000 premises in Kildare. Approximately 13,500 (15%) fall within the AMBER area and will be served under the State led Intervention. Some 76,000 (83%) premises are in a BLUE area and are or will be served by commercial providers, while some 1,500 (2%) are LIGHT BLUE and fall to be served as part of an ongoing rural deployment by eir.
Information on categories of specific premises can be accessed on my Department’s website www.broadband.gov.ie by entering the relevant eircode into the High Speed Broadband Map.
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.
In April 2017, I signed a Commitment Agreement with eir in relation to its plans to provide High speed broadband to 300,000 premises in rural areas on a commercial basis. Information on eir's planned rural deployment is available at http://fibrerollout.ie. A copy of the Commitment Agreement is available on my Department’s website www.dccae.gov.ie.
Data for Q2 2018 submitted by eir to my Department indicates that the company has passed some 175,000 premises nationwide as part of its ongoing deployment.
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.
66. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his views on An Post's decision to close 11 post offices in County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37242/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister, I am responsible for the postal sector including the governance of An Post which is a commercial State company with a mandate to deliver a postal delivery service and a viable post office network. I am acutely conscious of the value placed by communities in both rural and urban areas on services provided by post offices and I am fully committed to ensuring that a sustainable post office network is available to all our citizens for the medium and for the long term.
It is widely accepted that the post office network has been facing many challenges for some years now with a continuing decline in transaction numbers primarily driven by the move to online payments and online banking, as well as eSubstitution. Standing still is not an option for the network.
In April this year An Post announced a renewed vision for the post office network which centres on the availability of new services in a modernised, revitalised network. The announcement was supported by an agreement reached between An Post and the Irish Postmasters Union (IPU) executive following months of intensive negotiations, and was subsequently endorsed by 80% of IPU members. In its negotiations with An Post, Postmasters sought both the modernisation of the network and a voluntary redundancy package for those who wanted to leave the business.
It is important that the decision of those who wish to leave the business is respected. These are not decisions that have been taken lightly or without good reason. There are a number of reasons that postmasters in Wexford, and around the country, are availing of this offer including age, low population levels as well as the fact that some postmasters are not even earning the minimum wage as a result of declining transaction levels and mail volumes.
An Post advises that where a post office closes, 70% of the business transfers to a neighbouring office. The reality is that by facilitating those that wish to exit the business, neighbouring offices are further supported thereby ensuring a more sustainable network for the future. The agreement represents a necessary first step in reinvigorating our national post office network and making it a viable sustainable, modern and vibrant network for the future, capable of adapting to the changing environment in which it operates by providing a service that meets the needs of communities across the country, particularly in rural areas.
As part of its strategy for modernising the post office network, An Post has established a dedicated business unit within An Post, An Post Retail. Additional services that An Post proposes to introduce through the network include a better range of Government services, financial services and e-commerce services for shoppers and small businesses. There is already a rapid expansion of banking services happening with the Smart Current Account and enhanced foreign exchange facilities. Post offices will have credit card services and will be able to provide loans to small business and personal loans. An Post is committed to ensuring that our post offices will be equipped with the range of services that will attract and retain footfall but these measures are meaningless unless the public use the services provided. Key to the survival of this renewed network is the willingness of all citizens to use it.
Government business is the backbone of the network. In April this year the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection renewed her Department’s contract with An Post to provide pensions, child benefit and other social welfare payments at post offices.
While Government policy is to offer Government services online, there will always be a segment of the population that is not comfortable or proficient accessing online tools or services. The post office network is the obvious choice as the “offline gateway” for citizens with its nationwide network and existing strong relationship with offline citizens. Government funding of €80,000 has been allocated to roll out a pilot scheme for Digital Assist which will see 10 post offices equipped to help citizens with online Government interactions.
In addition, I have secured Government approval to explore how further services might be made available to our “offline citizens”. This would be delivered via a centralised procurement framework. A Working Group comprising representatives across Government Departments will be established to consider this issue and will report back to Government by the end of year.
67. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the progress made to date on a compensation package for eel fishermen. [37620/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland’s Eel Management Plan (EMP), including the closure of commercial fishing, was approved, in 2009, by the European Commission under EU Regulation 1100/2007. Fishing for eel was by way of public licence and therefore the issue of compensation does not arise. However, both Minister Naughten and I have secured Exchequer funding for a support measure.
Officials have engaged with the European Commission in relation to Ireland's proposals to fund a support scheme for former eel fishermen and the Department has received written advice from the Revenue Commissioners as regards the tax treatment of any payments under such a scheme.
It is intended that the scheme will be open to former fishermen who held an Inland Fisheries Ireland eel fishing licence or an equivalent permit from ESB prior to the closure. Officials are liaising with IFI and ESB to verify catch records declared by fishermen and I expect that an announcement of the scheme and a call for applications will be made shortly.
68. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the degree to which he remains satisfied regarding the attainment of objectives in respect of carbon reduction within the time specified; if he has had discussions with his EU colleagues with a view to avoiding the imposition of fines; if a particular issue has been identified as being central to the provision of alternative energy such as wind, hydro or solar; if particular efforts are being made to accelerate such a programme; if the location of wind turbines in the Atlantic Ocean is likely to be feasible; if he expects adequate production from renewable electricity generating sources such as those outlined based on experience to date; if further interventions are required with a view to gaining access to and maintaining a supply to the international grid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37532/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe latest projections of greenhouse gas emissions, published by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in May 2018, indicate that emissions from those sectors of the economy covered by the 2009 Effort Sharing Decision 406/2009/EC (ESD) could be between 0% and 1% below 2005 levels by 2020.
While this is deeply disappointing, it is not surprising given the recent pace of economic growth, and the consequent increases in emissions from the agriculture and transport sectors in particular. The projected shortfall to our targets is further exacerbated by both the constrained investment capacity over the past decade due to the economic crisis, and the extremely challenging nature of the target itself. Nevertheless, the Government is committed to tackling climate change as a critical issue. The National Development Plan (NDP) commits almost €22 billion to address the transition to a low-carbon and climate resilient society. In addition, the NDP allocated a further €8.6 billion for investments in sustainable mobility. This capital investment will enable Ireland to deliver a significant reduction in its greenhouse gas emissions over the period to 2030.
The Effort Sharing Directive (ESD) established binding annual greenhouse gas emissions targets for EU Member States for the period 2013 to 2020. Ireland’s 2020 target is that emissions should be 20% below their value in 2005. The Directive includes a number of flexibility mechanisms to enable Member States to meet their annual emissions targets. Using banked emissions allocations from the period to 2015, Ireland is projected to comply with its emissions reduction targets in each of the years 2013 to 2017. However, cumulative emissions are projected to exceed annual targets for 2018, 2019 and 2020, which will result in a requirement to purchase additional allowances. While this purchasing requirement is not expected to be significant, further analysis is ongoing to quantify the likely costs involved.
In terms of renewable energy, the EU Renewable Energy Directive 2009/28/EC set Ireland a legally binding target of meeting 16% of our energy demand from renewable sources by 2020. This represented a 12.9 percentage point increase on Ireland's reference starting point of 3.1% in 2005, and was the third highest increase for any of the 28 Member States of the European Union. Ireland is committed to achieving this target through meeting 40% of electricity demand, 12% of heat and 10% of transport from renewable sources of energy.
Good progress has been made to date, with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) advising that 10.8% of Ireland's overall energy requirements in 2017 were met from renewable sources; with a projected 2020 outcome range of 12.8% to 14% - that is, Ireland is expected to reach between 80-90+% of its 2020 target. The policy focus is on the implementation of new renewable energy measures, such as the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) and the Support Scheme for Renewable Heat (SSRH) to assist our efforts to accelerate the low carbon energy transition.
Contingency planning has also commenced to explore the potential mechanisms and cost of addressing our renewable energy targets within the framework of the Directive. The Renewable Energy Directive makes explicit provision for countries to work together to enable targets to be met and one mechanism involving statistical transfers allows Member States to reach their target by purchasing credits from Member States that overachieve on their renewable targets to make up any shortfall. Any purchases arising would be made over a number of years and the cumulative costs would not be known until 2021. The Department is considering various Member States who may be in surplus and informal discussions have taken place with a number of them.
The 2014 Offshore Renewable Energy Development Plan (OREDP) sets out the Government’s policy for the sustainable development of our abundant offshore renewable energy resources. Offshore renewable energy covers a number of technology types and includes wind (fixed and floating), wave and tidal, all of which rely on harnessing the motion of wind or water to generate energy. Of these technology types fixed offshore wind has reached the commercial stage, while floating wind, wave and tidal technology are still at the experimental stage globally. Floating wind has the potential to be deployed in deeper waters and as such could have potential for development off the south and west coasts of Ireland. Bottom fixed wind turbines are limited to relatively shallow waters. To date, Ireland has only one offshore fixed wind farm generating electricity in Irish waters.
Between 2014 and 2017 capital funding of €17.7 million was allocated by my Department under the OREDP for research and development of offshore renewable energy technology, with a further €4.5 million allocated in 2018. Government funding supports Ireland’s commitment to world class test facilities and infrastructure including the full-scale Atlantic Marine Energy Test Site (AMETS), off the coast of Mayo.
In addition to Exchequer funding, the provision of a robust consenting regime, support scheme and development of an offshore grid policy are particularly pertinent in supporting our ambition for offshore renewable energy activities.
The RESS was approved by Government in July and will now be subject to the EU state aid approval process. The first RESS auction will be held in 2019. The new Scheme has been designed to incentivise sufficient new renewable electricity generation to deliver Ireland’s contribution to the EU wide renewable energy target of 32% for 2030. Technology diversity, including solar PV and offshore wind, will occur naturally as the scheme matures and certain intervention levers may be used within each auction round to promote certain policy objectives such as community participation, community ownership and diversifying the renewable energy mix.
Legislative proposals have been led by the Department of Housing Planning and Local Government to draft the Maritime Area and Foreshore (Amendment) Bill, including provisions to address the absence of a regulatory framework to regulate offshore renewable energy developments beyond the limits of the foreshore (12 nautical miles). If we are to attract investment in the offshore renewable energy sector, it is critical that a robust, streamlined consenting regime is provided to regulate activities in the maritime area.
My Department will also commence discussions later in the year to develop offshore grid connection policy in conjunction with the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) and Eirgrid. The CRU have already published their Enduring Connection Policy (ECP) Phase I which takes into account shovel ready onshore projects. Phase II of the ECP is expected to include offshore applications for grid connections. Ireland is also a member of the North Seas Energy Cooperation Initiative at EU level. The key objective of this project is to enhance coordination and integration of national efforts of renewable deployment in addition to offshore grid planning.
Ireland’s detailed policy measures and 2030 commitments on emissions reduction, renewable energy and energy efficiency will be set out in the upcoming first National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP), a draft of which is due in December 2018.
69. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to save the existing post office network in view of the recent closures of rural post offices and the plans for future closures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37614/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister, I am responsible for the postal sector including the governance of An Post which is a commercial State company with a mandate to deliver a postal delivery service and a viable post office network. I am acutely conscious of the value placed by communities in both rural and urban areas on services provided by post offices and I am fully committed to ensuring that a sustainable post office network is available to all our citizens for the medium and for the long term.
It is widely accepted that the post office network has been facing many challenges for some years now with a continuing decline in transaction numbers primarily driven by the move to online payments and online banking, as well as eSubstitution. Standing still is not an option for the network.
In April this year An Post announced a renewed vision for the post office network which centres on the availability of new services in a modernised, revitalised network. The announcement was supported by an agreement reached between An Post and the Irish Postmasters Union (IPU) executive following months of intensive negotiations, and was subsequently endorsed by 80% of IPU members. In its negotiations with An Post, Postmasters sought both the modernisation of the network and a voluntary redundancy package for those who wanted to leave the business. An Post advises that where a post office closes, 70% of the business transfers to a neighbouring office. The reality is that by facilitating those that wish to exit the business, neighbouring offices are further supported thereby ensuring a more sustainable network for the future.
The agreement represents a necessary first step in reinvigorating our national post office network and making it a viable sustainable, modern and vibrant network for the future, capable of adapting to the changing environment in which it operates by providing a service that meets the needs of communities across the country, particularly in rural areas.
As part of its strategy for modernising the post office network, An Post has established a dedicated business unit within An Post, An Post Retail. Additional services that An Post proposes to introduce through the network include a better range of Government services, financial services and e-commerce services for shoppers and small businesses. There is already a rapid expansion of banking services happening with the Smart Current Account and enhanced foreign exchange facilities. Post offices will have credit card services and will be able to provide loans to small business and personal loans. An Post is committed to ensuring that our post offices will be equipped with the range of services that will attract and retain footfall but these measures are meaningless unless the public use the services provided. Key to the survival of this renewed network is the willingness of all citizens to use it.
Government business is the backbone of the network. In April this year the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection renewed her Department’s contract with An Post to provide pensions, child benefit and other social welfare payments at post offices.
While Government policy is to offer Government services online, there will always be a segment of the population that is not comfortable or proficient accessing online tools or services. The post office network is the obvious choice as the “offline gateway” for citizens with its nationwide network and existing strong relationship with offline citizens. Government funding of €80,000 has been allocated to roll out a pilot scheme for Digital Assist which will see 10 post offices equipped to help citizens with online Government interactions.
In addition, I have secured Government approval to explore how further services might be made available to our “offline citizens”. This would be delivered via a centralised procurement framework. A Working Group comprising representatives across Government Departments will be established to consider this issue and will report back to Government by the end of year.
70. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of the implementation of recommendations from the mobile telephone and broadband task force to help improve mobile telephone coverage in County Kildare and the surrounding areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37585/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI 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 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 having been 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.
- A focus group was established to provide guidance with respect to categories of location where high quality reliable mobile coverage should be made available as a priority. The report of the focus group was published on my Department’s website on 31 August 2018. It is anticipated that the output of the focus group should influence the actions of the mobile network operators in their work to reduce mobile phone blackspots. It will also inform future policy in my Department with regards to priorities for mobile phone services.
- A working group has been established with the remit of investigating the feasibility of developing standardised policy for accessing and utilising State and publicly-owned assets for the deployment of telecommunications infrastructure.
- ComReg is 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.
- Following a consultation process ComReg has developed a licensing scheme which will enable households and businesses to use mobile phone repeaters to boost signals into their premises and bring immediate improvements in mobile coverage.
All of these initiatives should assist in enhancing the quality of mobile phone and data services, particularly in rural areas.
In tandem with the work of the Taskforce, the release by ComReg of the 3.6GHz radio spectrum band, which has been identified at EU level as a primary band suitable for the introduction of 5G, will also contribute to addressing increasing mobile data demands and improve mobile coverage. Mobile operators’ commercial investment has also resulted in improved services, following ComReg's 2012 multi-band spectrum auction. At least one operator now has in excess of 90% 4G population coverage.
72. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his views on the establishment of a digital safety commissioner to ensure fair and responsible practice in the online and social media sphere; the steps he is taking to advance this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37633/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Law Reform Commission Report on Harmful Communications and Digital Safety, published in 2016 recommended, inter alia, the establishment of an Office of the Digital Safety Commissioner of Ireland.
As the Deputy is aware, in February the Government did not oppose the passage at second stage of a Private Members Bill by Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire which seeks to establish an Office of the Digital Safety Commissioner. This Bill, the Digital Safety Commissioner Bill 2017, was then referred to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment by the Oireachtas. At its meeting on 1 August 2018 the committee decided to undertake detailed scrutiny of the Bill.
The Action Plan for Online Safety was launched by the Taoiseach on 11 July and contains 25 actions to be implemented by the six sponsor Departments over the next 12-18 months. These actions cover a range of activities relevant to the proposed Office of the Digital Safety Commissioner, including education and awareness raising, communicating with the public, and oversight and consultative structures. Action 18 of the plan commits the Government to working with the Joint Oireachtas Committee in relation to Deputy Ó Laoghaire's Bill.
The Deputy is aware that I have accepted an invitation to attend a meeting of the Joint Oireachtas Committee next month, which will form part of the Committee's scrutiny of Deputy Ó Laoghaire's Bill. I look forward to engaging with the Committee as it conducts its work.
73. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the measures he is taking to ensure waste collection companies do not continue to increase their monthly service charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37452/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI established a Household Waste Collection Price Monitoring Group (PMG) last year to monitor pricing developments for household waste collection services during the phasing out of flat rate fees. The PMG has met each month since September 2017 and has considered eleven months of pricing data trends. The PMG has indicated that, in the vast majority of cases, prices have remained stable. Detailed data on the price offerings for the months of December 2017 through to August 2018 will be available on www.dccae.gov.ie this week.
The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) is also currently conducting a separate study on the operation of the household waste collection market which it will complete in 2018.
The results from the PMG in conjunction with the study being undertaken by the CCPC will provide an evidence base for future policy decisions in relation to the household waste market.
75. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the action he is undertaking to address the high level of litter across the State (details supplied). [37626/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe primary role of my Department in relation to litter is to provide a robust legislative framework. The key legislation in this regard is the Litter Pollution Act 1997 to 2009. Under the Act, the primary management and enforcement responsibility rests with the Local Authorities.
As Minister, I recognise the challenges presented by littering and I believe that a multifaceted approach is required, incorporating effective enforcement, public awareness and education. Raising awareness of the litter problem and educating the young people of this country is key to affecting a long term change in society’s attitudes towards litter disposal. In this context, my Department supports a number of national anti-litter initiatives including the Local Authority Anti-Litter Awareness Grants, the National Spring Clean Campaign, the Green Schools Programme, the Protecting Uplands and Rural Environments (PURE) Project, the Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL) – Litter League, and negotiated agreements with the banking and chewing gum industries.
Although I am pleased that consecutive annual National Litter Pollution Monitoring System Reports have shown that the litter situation is generally improving across the country in recent years, I am concerned that the fines for offences currently in place under the Litter Pollution Acts, particularly for "on-the-spot" fines, do not serve as a sufficient deterrent. That is why I propose to increase substantially the penalty for on-the-spot offences bringing the current fine of €150 to €250. I am also supporting the overall intent of the private members Litter Pollution (Amendment) Bill 2017, while recognising that some amendments will be required.
I was of course concerned at the findings of the inaugural IBAL/An Taisce survey of coastlines and waterways. The issue of marine pollution, particularly in relation to plastics, is an increasing priority for me and the EU. I have welcomed the recently published EU proposal on single use plastic products found on Europe’s beaches and seas, as well as lost and abandoned fishing gear, which together account for 70% of all marine litter.
