Maureen O'Sullivan
Ceist:594. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of prosecutions for cruelty to horses in counties Tipperary and Limerick. [37253/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAnimal Welfare
Ceisteanna (594)
Freagraí scríofa
The introduction of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 provided for increased levels of penalties for animal welfare offences committed. For major cases taken on indictment, the maximum penalty was increased from €100,000 to €250,000, with a maximum custodial sentence of five years imprisonment.
The Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 has changed the basis upon which animal owners must treat their animals and is specifically designed to allow early intervention in a much wider range of cases than the previous legislation allowed for.
An investigation into suspected abuse will invariably involve a visit to the land or premises concerned, a veterinary assessment of animals and the conditions in which they are kept and, where appropriate, gathering physical or documentary evidence; the person having possession or control of the animal or animals concerned will normally be interviewed. Where non-compliance or breaches of the Act are encountered, a range of measures can be used by an authorised officer depending on the severity and scale of the non-compliance. Minor non compliances may be addressed by means of advice or guidance or reference to codes of practice. For more serious issues, formal notices requiring specific corrective actions and/or fixed penalty notices may be issued. In the most serious cases, authorised officers will prepare files for prosecution, and some cases will require the seizure of animals on welfare grounds.
At present a number of suspected cases of equine neglect are under investigation in Limerick and Tipperary.
Animal Welfare
Ceisteanna (595)
Maureen O'Sullivan
Ceist:595. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the way in which he is ensuring that the five freedoms as expressed in the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 are being complied with for horses, especially for those families and persons that have multiple numbers of horses. [37254/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 establishes a modern and robust legislative framework within which compliance with animal welfare standards are monitored. The basic principles of animal welfare, popularly referred to as the “five freedoms” are reflected in the detailed provisions of the Act. In particular, section 11 requires a person who has an animal in his or her possession or under his or her control to take all measures necessary to safeguard the welfare of the animal. Section 12 contains an explicit obligation not to cause unnecessary suffering to any animal and enjoins a person not to be negligent or reckless regarding the welfare of an animal. Section 13 of the Act obliges a person having an animal in his or her possession or under his or her control to provide the animal with suitable food and water to satisfy its needs.
An investigation into suspected abuse will invariably involve a visit to the land or premises concerned, a veterinary assessment of animals and the conditions in which they are kept and, where appropriate, gathering physical or documentary evidence; the person having possession or control of the animal or animals concerned will normally be interviewed. Where non-compliance or breaches of the Act are encountered, a range of measures can be used by an authorised officer depending on the severity and scale of the non-compliance. Minor non compliances may be addressed by means of advice or guidance or reference to codes of practice. For more serious issues, formal notices requiring specific corrective actions and/or fixed penalty notices may be issued. In the most serious cases, authorised officers will prepare files for prosecution, and some cases will require the seizure of animals on welfare grounds.
My Department continues to support the animal welfare sector directly with a scheme of ex-gratia payments. In December 2017, 111 animal welfare organisations received funding of €2.56m which represents the largest annual amount allocated to date. A significant number of these organisations are involved in the care of unwanted horses and assist in important re-homing initiatives. In addition funding is provided to local authorities for the development of education and training programmes including new structures to provide shelter for the urban horse population with the aim of reducing the number of straying animals and encouraging young people in the care and welfare of horses.
GLAS Payments
Ceisteanna (596)
Mary Butler
Ceist:596. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) can expect a 2017 GLAS payment to be made to them; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37307/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The person named was approved into GLAS 1 with a contract commencement date of 1 October 2015 and has received all due payments for 2015 and 2016.
The participant has requested an amendment in relation to the farming of the commonage and this issue has been referred to the Commonage Implementation Committee (CIC). The GLAS participant will be notified of the outcome of this process shortly. The Commonage Management Plan must be submitted before any further payments can issue for this case.
Forestry Premium Payments
Ceisteanna (597)
Jackie Cahill
Ceist:597. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason the forestry payment for a parcel (details supplied) has not been paid in the past few years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37370/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Forestry payments have been suspended in this case as the Department is awaiting proof of ownership of the planted lands.
The original owner of the plantation in question passed away in November 2015. The Department has been in correspondence with the new owner who inherited the land and applied to continue the scheme. However, it appears that the planted lands were never registered in the previous owner’s name. The forestry schemes are based on ownership of the planted land and there is a requirement on every applicant to provide proof of ownership as specified in the scheme conditions before payments can be made. The Department has made this clear in its correspondence.
It is recommended that the current owner discuss the matter with his solicitor with a view to resolving the ownership question as quickly as possible.
Equine Identification Scheme
Ceisteanna (598)
Robert Troy
Ceist:598. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of the identification of equine legislation; and when he expects these regulations to come into force. [37425/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Commission Implementing Regulation 262/2015 (CR 262/2015) which came into effect on 1 January 2016, lays down the rules governing the identification of equidae.
This legislation was transposed into national legislation in Ireland via the European Union (Identification of Equidae) Regulations (S.I. 62 of 2016)(as amended), which came into effect on 2 February 2016.
GLAS Administration
Ceisteanna (599)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:599. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the criteria, deadline and other information on the 2018 GLAS farm outbuildings scheme. [37547/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The 2018 GLAS Traditional Farm Buildings Scheme which is administered by the Heritage Council closed for applications on Friday 24th November 2017. All applications were evaluated by the Heritage Council and ranked by an expert panel in accordance with a selection criteria published as part of the scheme.
One of the conditions of entry to the GLAS Traditional Farm Buildings Scheme is that a farmer must have a GLAS contract with my Department. The farmer must also own the building or other related structure for which funding is sought, or is acting with the permission of the owner.
The principal objective of the scheme is to ensure that traditional farm buildings and other related structures that contribute to the character of the landscape, and are of significant heritage value, are conserved for active agricultural use.
Grant amounts vary between €4,000 and €25,000. A grant award will not be for more than 75% of the cost of the works with a maximum available grant of €25,000.
In 2018, forty four (44) projects were approved and eighteen (18) projects were carried forward from 2017 to 2018 due to wildlife legislation and/or exceptional circumstances.
The 2019 scheme will open for applications in early January 2019.
Basic Payment Scheme Applications
Ceisteanna (600)
Robert Troy
Ceist:600. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a full basic payment to a person (details supplied) will be reinstated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37596/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The person named has been an applicant under the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) from 2015 to 2018.
Applicants under the BPS were allocated payment entitlements and are paid annually on the basis of the number of entitlements held with the requirement to have declared an eligible hectare of agricultural land per entitlement.
The Terms and Conditions booklet under the BPS 2015 to 2018 was circulated to all farmers annually. In the Terms and Conditions, the requirements in relation to entitlement usage are outlined. In the 2018 BPS Terms & Conditions booklet, the requirements relating to entitlement usage are detailed on pages 21 and 22. Under these requirements, all entitlements allocated are subject to a two-year usage rule. In effect should a farmer have unused entitlements for two consecutive years, the entitlements will be reverted to the National Reserve in the second year of non-usage. It states specifically on page 22 - "To avoid the loss of entitlements ... the farmer should ensure he/she has sufficient land in 2018 to utilise all entitlements".
When an applicant submits his/her BPS application he/she confirms that he/she is aware of the conditions attaching to the Scheme for which the application is made (as set out in the Terms and Conditions) and agree to comply fully with these requirements.
The person named had 32.22 entitlements and under the 2017 BPS application, which was submitted online on 11 May 2017. He declared 14.94 hectares. Under the 2018 BPS application, the person named again still only claimed 14.94 hectares. This means that a portion of his entitlements were reverted in 2018 to the National Reserve due to non-usage.
A farmer’s usage position is available for them to view at any time on the online system where it clearly states the number of available entitlements and the number which have been used in each year.
It should be noted also, that all farmers have the opportunity, under the BPS, to make amendments to their applications up to a certain date. Under the 2018 BPS, amendments were permitted, including the addition of land parcels up to 31 May 2018 without penalty and up to 9 June 2018 with a penalty. This is also highlighted in the Terms and Conditions booklet that issued to the farmers. It is, however, not possible to add land to a BPS application after that date.
Agri-Environment Options Scheme Payments
Ceisteanna (601)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:601. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the AEOS payments will issue to farmers that are struggling at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37694/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under EU Regulations, AEOS payments cannot commence until after 15 October annually. As part of the schedule of payments, 2018 AEOS3 advance payments are on track to commence in November, as in previous years. My Department is this week writing to all participants across all Pillar I and Pillar II schemes to advise them of the expected payment dates under those schemes. The letter also advises how they can contact the Department in the event that they have a query on their payment or application under a particular scheme.
Veterinary Inspection Service
Ceisteanna (602)
Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:602. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the estimated full year cost of recruiting an extra 100 veterinary inspectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37839/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Veterinary Inspectors are employed in various business areas throughout my Department including Food Safety, Animal Health and Welfare, among others.
The Salary range for Veterinary Inspectors is €56,516 - €90,683.
Based on an annual salary of €56,516, the estimated full year cost of recruiting 100 Veterinary Inspectors would be €5.65m.
Action Plan for Rural Development Implementation
Ceisteanna (603)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:603. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the reason an action (details supplied) under the Action Plan for Rural Development was not delivered by the timeline committed to; the revised timeline by quarter and year for delivery of this action; if no revised timeline has been set to date, the reason therefore; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37121/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Draft Bioenergy Plan established the policy context for the development of Ireland’s bioenergy sector and set out actions to be undertaken to further the demand for and supply of bioenergy in Ireland.
Significant progress has been made in the implementation of these actions including:
- the approval by Government of the Support Scheme for Renewable Heat, the opening for applications of the first phase of the scheme (providing installation grants for heat pumps) last week, and the planned opening of the second phase of the scheme (providing multi-annual support to biomass and anaerobic digestion heating systems) by the end of 2018 subject to state aid approval;
- continued support for bioenergy use in the electricity sector including the approval by Government of the high level design of the new Renewable Electricity Support Scheme in July of this year;
- successive increases in the obligation rate to 8% (January 2017), 10% (January 2019) and 11% (planned for January 2020) under the Biofuels Obligation Scheme which increases the use of biofuels and stimulates demand for competitively priced domestic production;
- increases in February of this year in supports under the Forestry for Fibre Scheme for those landowners planting forestry to supply the energy sector;
- the establishment of Bord na Móna Bioenergy in September 2017; and
- the development and publication of research such as the Assessment of Cost and Benefits of Biogas and Biomethane in Ireland published by the SEAI in July 2017.
In addition to progressing the actions set out in the Draft Bioenergy Plan, work has proceeded in updating the plan itself. This update has taken longer than originally anticipated in order to reflect policy developments – including the National Mitigation Plan, the National Development Plan, and the EU’s Clean Energy Package.
As part of the EU’s Clean Energy Package, the recently agreed Regulation on the Governance of the Energy Union and Climate Action stipulates that all Member States must develop a draft National Energy and Climate Plan and submit it to the European Commission by the end of 2018.
The scope of the National Energy and Climate Plan covers the full energy system and requires a high level of detail on all sectors, fuels, policies, and support measures. It will, therefore, encompass the policies and measures that would be set out in any revision of the Draft Bioenergy Plan. My department is currently considering how best to integrate both planning processes.
Action Plan for Rural Development Implementation
Ceisteanna (604)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:604. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of an action (details supplied) under the Action Plan for Rural Development; the timeline for when each premises will be connected to high speed broadband under the National Broadband Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37130/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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 is being achieved via a combination of commercial investment and a State led intervention. Commercial operators have invested over €2.75bn in upgrading and modernising their networks over the past 5 years, and further investments are planned.
Under a Commitment Agreement signed with me in April 2017, eir is in the process of passing 300,000 predominantly rural homes with high speed broadband. Approximately 175,000 of the committed premises have been passed as of Q2 2018.
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. That procurement process is 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 www.dccae.gov.ie/en-ie/communications/topics/Broadband/national-broadband-plan/Pages/NBP-Information-Leaflets.aspx.
Trading Online Voucher Scheme
Ceisteanna (605)
Maurice Quinlivan
Ceist:605. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the number of businesses which availed of the trading online voucher scheme in each of the years 2015 to 2017 and to date in 2018; the budget allocation for this scheme in each of the years 2015 to 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37221/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department's Trading Online Voucher Scheme is designed to support micro businesses (10 or less employees and less than €2 million turnover per annum) to develop their trading online capability. The scheme offers a financial incentive of up to €2,500 along with training, mentoring and network support. This is a demand-led scheme, which is funded by my Department, and delivered in every county by the Local Enterprise Office.
The scheme targets a broad range of businesses including retail, food, professional services, arts and crafts, and manufacturing. Over 4,600 businesses have successfully applied for a voucher since the scheme launched in 2014 and over 11,500 businesses have benefitted through participation in training sessions delivered by the Local Enterprise Offices under the scheme. Businesses, both urban and rural, who participate grow their sales on average by 21%, increase employment by 35% and 3 out of 5 begin exporting for the first time.
The following table gives a breakdown of the number of applications approved under the scheme from 2015 to 2017 and to end June in 2018 which is the most recent data available, the budget allocation for each of those years and the number of businesses who received training under the scheme.
|
Year |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
|
Budget allocation |
€3m |
€3m |
€3m |
€3m |
|
No. of businesses that availed of a Trading Online Voucher |
1,186 |
1,154 |
1,196 |
537 (to end June) |
|
No. of businesses that received training |
3,918 (2014 & 2015) |
3,293 |
2,882 |
1,521 (to end June) |
My aim is to help even more businesses to trade online. My Department is currently scoping initiatives to build on the success of the scheme, including the development of a website with online application facilities and training material and information making it easier for more businesses to apply for the scheme and to receive relevant training and experienced advice to develop their online trading capacity.
Air Pollution
Ceisteanna (606)
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:606. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans with regard to the testing of set-down and collection areas around schools for exhaust emissions to identify potential dangerous levels of particulate matter; and his further plans to ameliorate potential threats caused by high levels of particulate matter. [37365/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Emissions from transport, including particulate matter (PM) emissions, can have a detrimental impact on both environmental ecosystems and human health. Inhalation of PM can increase respiratory morbidity (including exacerbation of existing conditions such as asthma) as well as contributing to cardiovascular disease.
In recognition of the fact that air pollution has greater impact on health at lower levels than was previously understood, I am preparing to launch Ireland’s first ever National Clean Air Strategy, which will provide the strategic policy framework to identify and promote the required integrated measures across Government to reduce air pollution and promote cleaner air, while also delivering on wider social and economic objectives. A number of measures to address emissions from transport will be set out in the strategy, including a review of financial measures that may incentivise particular consumer choices in transport.
In addition, a key part of the strategy will be the expansion of our monitoring and data gathering capacity, to better inform policy choices. The new national Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Programme (AAMP) will double the number of ambient air quality monitoring stations in Ireland by 2022 and enhance the provision of real time air quality data to the public. Further details on the timeframes for the expansion of the network will be released as they become available. I fully endorse this important initiative, and have committed funding of some €5 million over the lifetime of the programme. Testing of particular areas, such as 'set-down' areas around schools, is not currently planned but I would fully support local initiatives that Local Authorities or school authorities may begin in this regard; for example in the context of the Green Schools programme or the Clean Air Award under the Tidy Towns programme.
Finally, I am a strong proponent of Electric Vehicles (EVs). 2018 has seen a marked step change in the take-up of EVs in Ireland. So far this year, EV sales have already surpassed the total number of EVs sold in 2017 and I think this trend will only continue as more people become aware of the environmental and broader benefits driving an EV brings. Further information on the supports available and on the benefits and realities of driving an EV are available on the website www.DrivingElectric.ie which is a one-stop shop providing information on EVs.
Ministerial Advisers Data
Ceisteanna (607)
Alan Kelly
Ceist:607. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the political advisers being used by senior and junior Ministers in his Department since the commencement of this Government; the commencement dates of the employment of each; and the cessation dates of same employment in cases in which that applies. [36694/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Since my appointment as Minister the following have been appointed as Special Advisors in my Department:
|
Name |
Title |
Date of Appointment |
Cessation Date |
|
Ross Elwood |
Special Advisor with responsibility for policy |
13/06/16 |
31/3/18 |
|
Suzanne Coogan |
Press and media Advisor |
27/06/16 |
N/A |
|
*Jean Andrews |
Special Advisor with responsibility for policy |
23/05/18 |
N/A |
*Ms Jean Andrews was appointed as Special Advisor to replace Mr Elwood who left the role in March 2018.
All of the above appointments were made in accordance with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform’s 'Instruction to Personnel Officers – Ministerial Appointments for the 32nd Dáil'.
No Advisors have been appointed by Minister Kyne to this Department.
Broadband Service Provision
Ceisteanna (608)
James Lawless
Ceist:608. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the progress expected in 2018 in the upgrade of the broadband telecommunications infrastructure for Blacktrench, Naas, County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37051/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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.
There are 38 premises in the townland of Blacktrench. 1 is in an AMBER area and will therefore be served under the State led Intervention. 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. That procurement process is now in its final stages.
The other 37 are in a BLUE area and, and according to the Map, have been passed by eir as part of its ongoing rural fibre deployment. A list of providers offering services on eir’s new network is available at https://fibrerollout.ie/rollout-map/where-to-buy-ftth/.
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 www.dccae.gov.ie/en-ie/communications/topics/Broadband/national-broadband-plan/Pages/NBP-Information-Leaflets.aspx.
Offshore Exploration Licences
Ceisteanna (609, 610)
Margaret Murphy O'Mahony
Ceist:609. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the details of a licence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37088/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMargaret Murphy O'Mahony
Ceist:610. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if the drilling being carried out in the Porcupine Basin by a company (details supplied) relates to oil as per the licence or a well; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37089/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 609 and 610 together.
Successful exploration in Ireland’s offshore has the potential to deliver benefits to Irish society and the economy, particularly in terms of enhanced security of supply and reduced fossil fuel imports, fiscal return, national and local economic development and technology learning.
Since exploration began in the Irish offshore, four commercial gas discoveries have been made: Kinsale Head, Ballycotton, Seven Heads and Corrib. There have been no commercial discoveries of oil to date.
No wells have been drilled, or are expected to be drilled in the Irish Offshore in 2018. My Department is not currently in receipt of a consent application to drill.
On 11 July 2017, approval to drill an exploratory well within Block 53/6-A in the southern Porcupine Basin off the south west coast was granted to Providence Resources Plc as operator of Frontier Exploration Licence 2/14. Drilling commenced on 13 July 2017 and the well was plugged on 19 September 2017. The well did not result in a find of oil or gas. Operatorship of the Licence subsequently transferred to Total E&P Ireland BV.
Providence Resources Plc currently operates a single licence in the Porcupine Basin, Frontier Exploration Licence 6/14. The term of the Licence is from 1 April 2014 to 31 March 2029.
Providence Resources Plc holds a minority interest in, but does not operate, Licensing Option 16/27 and Frontier Exploration Licences 2/14, 2/04, 3/04, 4/08, all located in the Porcupine Basin.
Petroleum exploration authorisations, including Licensing Options and Exploration Licences, enable the holder to explore for oil and gas generally and are not specific to oil or gas.
Under Section 57 of the Petroleum and Other Minerals Development Act, 1960 half yearly reports detailing all petroleum authorisations granted during the period of the report are required to be laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas. These reports are also made available on my Department’s website. The last such report published was in respect of the six-month period ending 30 June 2018.
Broadband Service Provision
Ceisteanna (611)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:611. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the reason a company will not extend a short distance to include a location (details supplied) in the installation of fibre broadband; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37325/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
According to my Department’s High Speed Broadband Map, available at www.broadband.gov.ie, the premises referred to by the Deputy is in an AMBER area. It is therefore included in the State Intervention Area under the National Broadband Plan (NBP). 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. That procurement process is now in its final stages.
With regards to the reason a company has not included the premises of the Deputy’s constituent in ongoing infrastructure deployment, decisions made by private telecommunication operators relating to the rollout and siting of their infrastructure to provide high speed broadband services throughout Ireland are matter for the commercial entity and I have no statutory role or function to intervene in the commercial decisions of private operators.
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.
Public Procurement Contracts
Ceisteanna (612)
John Brassil
Ceist:612. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to put in place guidelines and recommendations for the use of natural-based cleaning products in place of chemical based cleaning products by Departments and State agencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37354/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Guidelines and recommendations for the use of natural-based cleaning products by departments and State agencies are contained in ‘Green Tenders, a National Action Plan on Green Public Procurement' published in 2012. This document sets out the options available to public procurers for choosing more environmentally friendly goods and services, including cleaning products.
More detailed support to procurers is provided in the EPA's 2014 publication ‘Green Procurement Guidance for the Public Sector’. Chapter 5 contains specific criteria to help procurers choose more sustainable and environmentally friendly cleaning products.
Public Procurement Guidelines for Goods and Services, published by the Office of Government Procurement in 2017, highlight the supports for public procurers who wish to source more environmentally friendly products across a range of sectors.
Green Public Procurement ensures public money is invested in sustainable goods and services. It requires a life cycle costing approach to sourcing that ensures the cost of maintaining and replacing of goods is factored into the selection process.
The scale of public purchasing power (ca.16% of GDP) provides an important opportunity for government leadership in responsible sourcing and positive environmental behaviour and stimulating the supply of innovative green goods and services from industry with particular openings for SMEs and local business. My Department is working with colleagues across government to ensure we maximise the opportunities available.
Electric Vehicles
Ceisteanna (613, 628)
Jan O'Sullivan
Ceist:613. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to increase the number of fast charge points for electric cars; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37366/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:628. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans for an adequate number of charging stations to facilitate the growing electric car sector here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37858/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 613 and 628 together.
The National Policy Framework: Alternative Fuels Infrastructure for Transport in Ireland 2017 to 2030 sets out the need for electric vehicle charging in Ireland. Although the existing capacity of the public charging network is considered adequate, development of infrastructure to meet the growing demand is necessary.
The majority of the existing network of publicly accessible charge points was rolled out by the ESB through its eCars programme. This network includes circa 80 fast chargers, mainly on national routes.
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 will lead to an expanded range of supports for the provision of effective and efficient electric vehicle charging.
In July I announced the first Call for Applications for the Climate Action Fund which is one of the four funds established under the National Development Plan 2018-2027 as part of Project Ireland 2040. The Climate Action Fund will provide at least €500 million to support initiatives that contribute to the achievement of Ireland's climate and energy targets over the next decade. The first Call for Applications focuses on funding larger scale projects that are scheduled to commence development in 2019 or 2020. Local infrastructure projects including the provision of electric vehicle charging networks will be eligible to apply. Further information can be found on my Department’s website.
Funding for public charging in local communities can also be accessed through the Better Energy Communities Scheme. The scheme, which is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, supports community based partnerships to improve the energy efficiency of homes, businesses and community facilities in a local area.
Although I cannot provide a timeline for the provision of additional charger installations at this point, I expect the supports that are in place, and further proposals that I intend to bring forward later this year, will increase the availability of publically accessible electric vehicle charging.
North-South Interconnector
Ceisteanna (614)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:614. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the timeframe for the publication of the studies on the North-South interconnector. [37375/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In 2017 I commissioned two studies designed to address the main points of the motions passed in Dáil and Seanad Éireann as well as key concerns expressed by those opposed to the development of the North South Interconnector as an overhead line. The first is an independent study to examine the technical feasibility and cost of undergrounding the interconnector. The second study is focused on the levels of compensation provided to land and property owners in proximity to high-voltage transmission lines in a European context.
Both studies are now completed and have been submitted to me. I intend to bring both reports to Government in the coming weeks and will publish them as soon as possible thereafter.
Broadband Service Provision
Ceisteanna (615)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:615. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the reason households (details supplied) in Dublin 7 are still without access to fibre broadband despite virtually every other street in the area having access to this infrastructure; the steps being taken to rectify the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37389/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
According to my Department’s High Speed Broadband Map, available at www.broadband.gov.ie, the area referred to by the Deputy is BLUE. BLUE areas are where commercial providers are either currently delivering or have plans to deliver high speed broadband services.
According to officials in my Department, it appears that premises in the area referred to by the Deputy are in a position to order high speed broadband services from a commercial operator. An official from my Department will contact the Deputy directly to outline how individuals in this area can get connected.
National Broadband Plan
Ceisteanna (616)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:616. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the name and contact details for the broadband officers within Cavan and Monaghan County Councils as outlined by him in Dáil Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37464/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
A list of names and contact details for all Local Authority Broadband Officers is maintained by the Department of Rural and Community Development, led by my colleague Minister Ring.
A link to the webpage containing this list is available on my Department's website at www.dccae.gov.ie/en-ie/communications/topics/Broadband/national-broadband-plan/Pages/NBP-Information-Leaflets.aspx.
Post Office Closures
Ceisteanna (617)
Michael Harty
Ceist:617. Deputy Michael Harty asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if his officials have produced an economic impact analyses of the implications of the closures of local post offices with respect to the 159 post offices that have accepted the exit package; and if so, if it will be published. [37550/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As 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 postal delivery services and a viable post office network.
On 28 August, An Post published the location of 159 Post Offices where the serving Postmaster has opted to avail of a redundancy package. This package formed part of an agreement concluded between An Post and the Irish Postmasters’ Union (IPU) in April this year, following three months of intensive negotiations. The agreement was subsequently endorsed by 80% of IPU members.
As part of the agreement a new protocol has been established which sets out how An Post will facilitate the continued provision of post office services in areas where an existing postmaster retires or ceases operating an existing post office. In such cases An Post will make an assessment on the future provision of post office services within the locality by reference to specific agreed criteria. Any retailer in the locations earmarked for closure can apply to An Post to be considered to take over some or all of the services of that post office.
Any individual, groups or representatives concerned with the decision can apply to have An Post’s decision reviewed through a new independent review process which will determine if An Post has correctly applied the criteria outlined in the protocol.
While my Department has been working closely with An Post in relation to the rollout of its strategic plan, including the renewed vision for the post office network, my officials had no role in the negotiations between An Post and the IPU or the subsequent implementation of the agreement reached.
Action Plan for Rural Development Implementation
Ceisteanna (618)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:618. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of the work of the Action Plan for Rural Development specifically relating to the roll-out of broadband; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24822/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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 is being achieved via a combination of commercial investment and a State led intervention.
Commercial operators have invested over €2.75bn in upgrading and modernising their networks over the past 5 years, and further investments are planned.
Under a Commitment Agreement signed with me in April 2017, eir is in the process of passing 300,000 predominantly rural homes with high speed broadband. Approximately 175,000 of the committed premises have been passed as of Q2 2018.
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. That procurement 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 www.dccae.gov.ie/en-ie/communications/topics/Broadband/national-broadband-plan/Pages/NBP-Information-Leaflets.aspx.