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Gnáthamharc

Tuesday, 12 Feb 2019

Written Answers Nos. 569-590

Commission for Communications Regulation Remit

Ceisteanna (569, 570)

Brian Stanley

Ceist:

569. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the analysis conducted in regard to the number of online scam practices; and if there has been analysis carried out on the way in which this affects vulnerable groups. [6302/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Brian Stanley

Ceist:

570. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if consideration has been given to providing additional powers and resources to the Commission for Communications Regulation to address regulation of online scams being experienced in view of the policy to move persons to online use of public services. [6303/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 569 and 570 together.

I have no function with regard to monitoring or policing criminal activity online. This is a matter for the Department of Justice and Equality and An Garda Síochána.

The Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg), established pursuant to the provisions of the Communications Regulation Act 2002 (as amended), is the statutory independent regulator of the electronic communications sector which includes telecommunications, radio communications, broadcasting transmission, premium rate services and also of the postal markets.

Whilst ComReg does have a statutory function to protect consumers’ interests, it does not regulate online activity and has no role in policing criminal activity online, such as the type of online activity to which the Deputy refers to in his Question.

ComReg meets it consumer protection role by providing information and advice to users, monitoring service providers’ compliance with regulatory obligations and intervening in disputes. More information on ComReg's role and functions is available on its website (www.comreg.ie).

Additionally, the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has information on how consumers can protect themselves from scams generally - this information can be found on the CCPC website at www.ccpc.ie/consumers/money/scams/scams-what-to-watch-out-for/.

Angling Sector

Ceisteanna (571)

Brian Stanley

Ceist:

571. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he or his officials have met angling club representatives in recent months; and if not, the reason therefor. [6309/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) is the State Agency with statutory responsibility for the protection, conservation development and promotion of the inland fisheries Sector. One of IFI’s most important tasks is to engage with angling clubs around the country on inland fisheries related matters.

As the Deputy will appreciate, the vast majority of issues for discussion and advice relates to local matters. In that context, engagement with local IFI officers and, where necessary, regional management brings legislative, operational and technical expertise, as well as local knowledge and understanding, to bear. Such meetings are considered the most appropriate option as they take place in the relevant community and facilitate a focus on what are very largely local matters.

IFI also has a dedicated project team and project co-ordinators to support angling clubs and community based organisations with development projects approved under the National Strategy for Angling Development.

I have had two requests for meetings with angling clubs. One was serviced last week by a meeting between the club and IFI regional management and senior scientific staff, following contact with the Deputy who requested the meeting. I understand the second may relate to a planning issue which is outside the remit of my Department. However I have undertaken to liaise with the Deputy who sought the meeting.

In relation to high level strategic engagement, I am taking a lead role in liaison with angling stakeholders and intend to host a joint meeting of all established Angling Federations together with senior officials of my Department and IFI. I am keen to draw together all strands of the representative angling stakeholder base for positive, inclusive and consensual discussions for the benefit of the entire sector.

Broadband Service Provision

Ceisteanna (572)

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

572. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of a fibre broadband application for a property (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6322/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

According to my Department’s high speed broadband map, available at www.broadband.gov.ie, the premises referred to by the Deputy is one which is indicated as having been passed by eir as part of their rural deployment of high speed broadband. Therefore, that premises should be in a position to order a high speed broadband connection from a provider offering services on the network.

Where a premises in this situation is having difficulty getting connected, my Department's customer service team in the National Broadband Plan (NBP) Division can assist by raising a case with eir.

I advise the Deputy’s constituent to contact the NBP customer service team at broadband@dccae.gov.ie directly, providing their name, phone number, email address and Eircode, as well as details of the issues they are experiencing. My Department will then be in a position to pursue a case on their behalf with eir.

Broadband Service Provision

Ceisteanna (573)

Timmy Dooley

Ceist:

573. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if a matter regarding the case of a person (details supplied) will be addressed. [6325/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

In April 2017 my Department published an updated version of the National Broadband Plan (NBP) High Speed Broadband Map. This is available at www.broadband.gov.ie. The 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. The Map is colour coded and searchable by address/Eircode:

· The AMBER area represents the parts of the country where commercial operators have no plans to build high speed broadband networks. Premises in the AMBER area will be provided with high Speed Broadband through a State Intervention.

· The BLUE area represents those areas where commercial providers are either currently delivering or have plans to deliver high speed broadband services.

· The LIGHT BLUE area represents eir's commercial rural deployment plans to rollout high speed broadband to 300,000 premises as part of a Commitment Agreement signed with my Department in April 2017.

The table below details the percentage of premises to be covered by the State Intervention and through commercial investment in the Ballymorris area.

Townland

Premises within the NBP Intervention Area

Premises within Commercial Operator’s Area

Premises within eir planned rural deployment

Ballymorris

25% (33)

74% (99)

1% (1)

Information on categories of specific premises can be accessed on my Department’s website, www.broadband.gov.ie, by entering the relevant Eircode.

The procurement process to appoint a bidder for the State intervention network is now at the final stage. My priority is to bring the procurement process to a fair and impartial conclusion as quickly as possible and I will bring a recommendation to Government in the coming weeks.

Under a Commitment Agreement signed with my Department in April 2017, eir is in the process of passing 300,000 predominantly rural homes with high speed broadband. According to data for Q3 2018 submitted by eir to my Department the company has passed almost 210,000 premises nationwide as part of its ongoing deployment.

Information on eir's rural deployment is available on that company’s website, http://fibrerollout.ie/Eircode-lookup/. A copy of the Commitment Agreement is available on my Department’s website, www.dccae.gov.ie.

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. 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.

Inland Fisheries

Ceisteanna (574)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

574. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of the eel fishermen compensation scheme for affected fishermen on Lough Ree; and the reason compensation did not issue in December 2018 as initially reported. [6348/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Government’s Eel Support Scheme fund is available to all persons who were the holder of a State commercial public eel licence or an eel fishing permit from the ESB in the 2007 season (the base year). The 5 reckonable years for payments under the scheme are 2003-2007. There is no geographical distinction in the qualifying criteria for the scheme which apply nationally.

The fund is administered by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI). Correspondence issued from IFI in the first instance to applicants whose applications were deemed not to meet the criteria for the Support scheme. This was to facilitate possible appeals to the decision of IFI as regards eligibility or other matters. I will be extending the deadline for the receipt of appeals to 5.00pm on Friday 22 February 2019.

While it was intended that letters of offer would issue in December 2018, a key element of offers is to outline clearly the need for recipients to comply with all Revenue requirements and to make the appropriate tax return to the Revenue Commissioners.

I am advised by IFI that individualised letters of offer to applicants deemed eligible, based on individual verification of the records held by the State in respect of each applicant, have issued. Payment can issue to any individual applicant once the applicant communicates, in writing, formal acceptance of the offer and confirmation of an undertaking to adhere to the conditions of the scheme and the letter of offer.

National Broadband Plan Implementation

Ceisteanna (575, 576)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

575. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of progress regarding the provision of broadband (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6380/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Micheál Martin

Ceist:

576. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of the national broadband process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6551/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 575 and 576 together.

The National Broadband Plan (NBP) aims to ensure high speed broadband access to all premises in Ireland, regardless of location. This is being achieved via a combination of commercial investment and a State led intervention.

The procurement process to appoint a bidder for the State intervention network is now at the final stage. My priority is to bring the procurement process to a fair and impartial conclusion as quickly as possible and I will bring a recommendation to Government in this regard in the coming weeks.

Ministerial Advisers Data

Ceisteanna (577)

Mattie McGrath

Ceist:

577. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the number of advisers and special advisers employed by his Department in 2017 and 2018 and to date in 2019; the areas of expertise covered by such advisers; the annual salaries associated with same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6566/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

In the period 2017 to date my Department has contracted 3 Special Policy Advisors and 2 Press and Media Advisors at an annual cost of €176,807 for 2017, €167,132 for 2018 and €175,357 anticipated cost for 2019.

All of the appointments made by myself and my predecessor were made in accordance with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform’s Instruction to Personnel Officers – Ministerial Appointments for the 32nd Dáil.

Question No. 578 answered with Question No. 563.

Appointments to State Boards

Ceisteanna (579)

Barry Cowen

Ceist:

579. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the number of boards or agencies his officials have been appointed to; if there are guidelines or protocols for members of staff being appointed to boards or agencies; if so, when same were last updated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6641/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My Department is represented at official level on the board of the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland; the National Oil Reserves Agency and the Irish National Petroleum Corporation.

The Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies 2016 provides guidance for officials serving on the board of non-commercial State bodies.

Air Quality

Ceisteanna (580)

Brendan Howlin

Ceist:

580. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if his attention has been drawn to the extent to which air pollutants have been identified at the air quality monitoring station in Enniscorthy, County Wexford; the action he will take in response to increases in air pollution in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6747/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Ambient air quality monitoring in Ireland is carried out in accordance with the requirements of the 2008 Clean Air for Europe (CAFE) Directive (Directive 2008/50/EC), and the Fourth Daughter Directive (Directive 2004/107/EC of 15 December 2004). These Directives also include rules on how Member States should monitor, assess and manage ambient air quality.

Following a review by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of air quality monitoring and information provision in Ireland, a decision was taken to develop a new Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Programme (AAMP), which aims to enhance and build on current arrangements. One of the key objectives of the programme is to enhance the provision of real time air quality data to the public. The AAMP will more than double the capacity of ambient air quality monitoring in Ireland over the period 2017 to 2022, and enhance the provision of real time air quality data to the public. My Department has committed funding of some €5 million over the lifetime of the programme.

Hourly monitoring of PM10 and PM2.5 in Enniscorthy has been provided as part of this overall expansion of the national ambient air quality monitoring network. The new monitoring station in Enniscorthy, which is operated by Wexford County Council in partnership with the EPA, has recorded six exceedances of the daily PM10 limit value of 50 ug/m3 so far this year. During 2018 the station's annual average value exceeded the World Health Organisations (WHO) guideline value for PM2.5, along with other stations in the national monitoring network. However, it did not exceed the EU annual limit value for PM2.5.

In the most recently published report on Irish air quality, Air Quality in Ireland 2017 – Indicators of Air Quality, the EPA outlines that the WHO PM10 24 hour guideline value was exceeded at 11 monitoring stations, the PM2.5 24 hour guideline value was exceeded at 9 monitoring stations, and the PM2.5 annual guideline was exceeded at 1 monitoring site. The 2017 data showing that the burning of solid fuel is the biggest threat to good air quality in Ireland, followed by emissions from vehicle exhausts.

In relation to air pollution more generally, recent scientific evidence indicates that it is more damaging at lower concentrations than was previously understood. With this in mind, I am committed to bringing forward Ireland's first ever National Clean Air Strategy. The Strategy, which I intend to publish this year, will provide the policy framework necessary to identify and promote integrated measures across Government that are required to reduce air pollution and promote cleaner air, while delivering on wider national objectives. Domestic solid fuel use will be addressed in the context of the strategy.

Electricity Transmission Network

Ceisteanna (581)

Barry Cowen

Ceist:

581. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the breakdown of the allocation in 2019 for the national smart energy metering programme; the date in 2019 the programme will be rolled out; if this will be impacted by the cost overrun with the national children's hospital; if he has been consulted by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6790/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Smart Meter Upgrade is being implemented through a phased approach. Phase one of the upgrade will commence in Q3 2019 with 250,000 smart-ready meters to be rolled out by the end of 2020. A further 1 million meters will be rolled out in phase two by the end of 2022 and the rollout of remaining meters will be concluded by end of 2024.

The Smart Meter Upgrade is not funded from the Exchequer. Its costs will be included in the costs of distribution networks in the same way as all other electricity infrastructure investments are paid for and subject to approval by the energy regulator.

Electricity Generation

Ceisteanna (582)

Barry Cowen

Ceist:

582. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the breakdown of the allocation in 2019 for converting west Offaly and Lough Ree power plants to more sustainable low-carbon technologies; the date in 2019 the plants are expected to be converted; if this will be impacted by the cost overrun with the national children's hospital; if he has been consulted by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6791/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The cost of developing electricity generation plant is borne by project developers, within an open competitive market. There are no Exchequer funds allocated for this purpose. Both Lough Ree and West Offaly power plants, operated by the ESB, currently benefit from the support scheme for peat, which is funded by a Public Service Obligation levy. This levy is charged to all electricity customers by their electricity suppliers. The levy consists of the estimated eligible costs that generators are forecast to incur, less the level of market revenue which is forecast to be earned. This support scheme will expire at the end of 2019.

Both West Offaly and Lough Ree have been awarded support for biomass co-firing, up to 30% of their capacity, under the Renewal Energy Feed in Tariff Scheme (REFIT 3), provided the applications for planning permission for the two plants are successful. The support for biomass co-firing under this scheme is €99.57 per megawatt hour (MWh).

Climate Action Fund

Ceisteanna (583)

Barry Cowen

Ceist:

583. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the breakdown of the allocation for the Climate Action Fund for 2019; the date in 2019 the fund will be rolled out; if this will be impacted by the cost overrun with the national children's hospital; if he has been consulted by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6793/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

On 28 November 2018, I announced the seven successful projects from the first Call for Applications under the Climate Action Fund. Having completed the assessment stage, the seven projects must now undergo the project validation process. The validation process will include more detailed examination of the projects, agreement of project outputs and payment timelines.

The total investment by these projects will exceed €300 million. The capital support for these seven projects will be up to €77m with €15m allocated for 2019.

The Climate Action Fund will have an allocation of at least €500 million over the period to 2027. This will be financed primarily through repurposing part of the existing petroleum products levy (also known 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 scope, structure and timeframe of future calls for applications have not yet been determined. To assist development of future calls, my Department held a workshop on 30 January 2019 with all those who applied under the first call. Feedback gathered at this workshop will help shape future calls.

The Climate Action Fund will not be impacted by the re-profiling of capital expenditure arising from funding pressures at the National Children's Hospital.

Waste Disposal Charges

Ceisteanna (584)

James Browne

Ceist:

584. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the position regarding the provision of an annual support towards the cost of pay-by-weight bin charges for homes disposing incontinence pads; when the scheme will be announced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6945/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My Department is continuing the work of developing a mechanism to provide a support for vulnerable persons with a condition such as lifelong or long-term medical incontinence to help meet the average annual cost of disposing of their domestic waste. I am informed that this process has taken longer than envisaged, due to a number of issues, including data protection issues that have arisen since the introduction of GDPR. However, I can assure the Deputy that I am committed to introducing an annual support as soon as practically possible in conjunction with relevant agencies and stakeholders.

Question No. 585 answered with Question No. 563.

Biofuel Obligation Scheme

Ceisteanna (586)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

586. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his views on the way in which the target of blending under the biofuel obligation scheme that all road transport fuel, liquid or gaseous must contain a blend of 10% biofuels is to be achieved in the case of compressed natural gas; if all sales of compressed natural gas are meeting the blend requirement; and if not, the remedial actions required to remedy the situation. [7000/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Biofuels Obligation Scheme, administered by the National Oil Reserves Agency, is the principal support for the uptake of biofuels in Ireland. The scheme was introduced in 2010 and requires suppliers of liquid road transport fuel to ensure that biofuels make up a certain percentage of annual fuel sales. It works on the basis of tradeable certificates with two certificates awarded per litre of sustainable biofuel if that biofuel is produced from wastes or residues and one certificate per litre for all other sustainable biofuels.

For each calendar year, a fuel supplier must hold sufficient biofuel obligation certificates to demonstrate compliance. Suppliers can meet their obligation either by placing sufficient amounts of biofuel on the market themselves, or by purchasing certificates from other suppliers with a surplus. The number of certificates required is determined by the biofuel obligation rate which, for 2019, is set at 10% by volume. This means that at the end of the year, a fuel supplier must hold ten biofuel certificates for every 90 litres of fossil fuel they place on the road transport fuel market this year.

Suppliers of gaseous transport fuels, such as compressed natural gas, are not currently subject to the above obligation. However, if a supplier was to place a renewable gaseous fuel, such as biomethane, on the road transport market, that supplier would be eligible to receive biofuel certificates for this fuel provided it meets the sustainability criteria set out in the scheme.

My Department plans to hold a public consultation on the Biofuels Obligation Scheme later this year which will provide the opportunity for stakeholders to input into the development of the scheme.

Road Projects Data

Ceisteanna (587)

Barry Cowen

Ceist:

587. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the breakdown of the €25 million allocation for 2019 for the Fresh Start agreement; the date in 2019 the funding will be made available; the date the first part of the A5 road project will be completed; if it will be impacted by the cost overrun with the national children's hospital; if he or his officials have been consulted by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6861/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Government is committed to delivering Project Ireland 2040 within the overall multi-year resource envelope that has been set out. For 2019, the capital allocation has increased by €1,325 million or just over 22% above the 2018 allocation as stated in the Revised Estimates for Public Services 2019.

The planning and implementation of the A5 upgrade project is the responsibility of the Northern Ireland authorities. Following on from the outcome of judicial review proceedings regarding the scheme last year, my Department continues to liaise with the Northern Ireland Department for Infrastructure (DfI) regarding next steps in relation to the project and the timeframes involved.

DfI now intends to issue for consultation an Addendum to its previously published Environmental Statement. This should result in a new decision which may in turn be the subject of a further legal challenge. In this context it is not possible to state definitively when construction of Phase 1a of the A5 project will commence.

Allowing for the time required for public consultation on the scheme statutory documentation, a new DfI decision on the scheme and the possibility of a further legal challenge, it is understood that late 2019 is the earliest that construction could start subject to a decision to proceed with the scheme and the outcome of any further legal challenges. In the event of a further legal challenge, it could be early 2020 before construction could start.

It is envisaged that payments from the Irish State will be based on an agreed protocol and would be linked to the achievement of construction stage milestones. In that context, the provision of funding in the financial year 2019 is no longer considered appropriate and accordingly it has been identified as a budgetary adjustment which could be made this year without direct impact on the progress of projects included in Project Ireland 2040.

Driver Test Waiting Lists

Ceisteanna (588)

Seán Sherlock

Ceist:

588. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of persons awaiting a first driver test and second test, respectively in each driver test centre here; the length of time applicants are waiting in each centre; and the category of waiting lists in tabular form. [6252/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

This is a matter for the Road Safety Authority. I have referred the question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A

Road Network

Ceisteanna (589)

Jackie Cahill

Ceist:

589. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will request Transport Infrastructure Ireland, TII, to investigate the surface of the motorway between Roscrea, County Tipperary and Annacotty, County Limerick (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6291/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, the planning, design, maintenance and operation of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.

Noting the above position, I have referred the question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A

Cycling Facilities Funding

Ceisteanna (590)

Seán Sherlock

Ceist:

590. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the specific cycling allocations made by county in addition to projects since he announced funding in budget 2019. [6306/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including cycling infrastructure.

The allocation of funding in respect of individual projects is managed by the NTA in conjunction with the relevant local authorities, accordingly I have referred your question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A
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