Written Answers Nos. 187-210
187. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Health if consideration will be given to allocating a person (details supplied) a hospital appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17995/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply.
188. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the length of delays being experienced by a person (details supplied); his plans to alleviate the waiting lists for children in north County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18013/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
189. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the alternative options available for a family to access help for their child (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18014/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
190. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health the status of a service in a hospital (details supplied); if cover has been secured to continue the service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18016/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to reply to the Deputy directly.
191. Deputy Michael Harty asked the Minister for Health the overall quantum of expenditure undertaken by his HSE and the Department on non-medical professional expert advice, and-or services, on a quarterly basis in each of the years 2016 to 2018 and to date in 2019; and the purpose of the expenditure undertaken. [18046/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy is not immediately available. I will survey the Department and the collated replies will be prepared into a full response to the Deputy as soon as possible.
I have asked the HSE to respond directly with regard to their expenditure.
192. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Health the resources available in CHO1 for persons suffering from Parkinson's disease; his plans to allocate funding to an organisation (details supplied); if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there are only two Parkinson's nurse specialists outside Dublin to cater for 25 counties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18047/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply.
193. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Health the status of the funding crisis facing a society (details supplied); if funding can be secured to ensure it continues to operate as normal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18067/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraA commitment of €60,000 additional funding is being provided to the Irish Deaf Society under a cross-departmental initiative.
The funding is a once-off grant for the purpose of developing a Business Plan and implementation strategy setting out a clear and detailed pathway to financial sustainability. Pobal are assisting in the oversight of the additional funds and related activities.
194. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to change the regulations regarding the eligibility of donkeys for the purpose of achieving a minimum stocking density under the ANC scheme; if his plans to allow donkeys to continue to be fully eligible for calculation of stocking density will be reconsidered; the names of stakeholders consulted by him in arriving at his decision; the details on animal welfare concerns that informed his decision; the way in which his decision to limit eligibility would address animal welfare concerns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17890/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the eligibility criteria of the Areas of Natural Constraints (ANC) scheme, applicants must maintain 0.15 Livestock Units (LU) per eligible forage hectare for 7 consecutive months and maintain an average of 0.15 LU over the 12 months of the scheme. Donkeys have always been accepted as eligible animals under the scheme along with cattle, sheep, goats and deer. Horses are also accepted but are subject to additional criteria and must be held on a premises registered as an Equine Breeding Enterprise.
In finalising the design of the 2019 ANC Scheme, officials from my Department consulted directly with the farmer representative bodies in relation to the inclusion of donkeys in the scheme in future years. Officials from my Department are also in contact with the Donkey Sanctuary in this regard.
Following such consultation, it has been decided to introduce changes in the scheme stocking requirement in relation to donkeys. From the 2020 scheme year, only 50% of an applicants stocking density can be fulfilled using donkeys and the balance must be fulfilled using other eligible animals. This change was highlighted in the Terms and Conditions document of the 2019 ANC scheme in order to give sufficient lead in time to applicants who may need to amend their stocking patterns.
195. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of farmers by county who will secure an increase in their basic farm payments; the number who will receive a reduced payment in the event of full internal convergence of payments as supported by the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development of the European Parliament; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17917/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe draft legislative proposals for the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) post-2020 were launched by Commissioner Hogan on 1 June 2018. The proposals, as drafted, involve significant changes, including in relation to governance, the distribution of direct payments among farmers and the increasing environmental conditionality attaching to such payments. There will also be some additional discretion for Member States in configuring the measures available, within parameters laid down in Council Regulations.
The recent meeting of the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development of the European Parliament concluded a series of votes on the CAP reform package, including the adoption of an alternative compromise amendment on internal convergence which calls for full harmonisation of aid per hectare within Member States by 2027.
My Department is a strong proponent of evidence-based policy making, and I can confirm that work is currently underway to analyse the impact of the various elements of direct payments in the draft regulations. Preliminary modelling exercises have been carried out and the results of these analyses are currently being reviewed and revised to take account of the most recently available data.
All direct payment measures including the proposed Basic Income Support for Sustainability payment, the Complementary Redistribution of Income Support for Sustainability payment, the Complementary Income Support for Young Farmers and the Eco-Schemes are inextricably linked to each other. This means that each time one of the elements is changed, each of the other elements also must change. As a result, any analysis, including analysis on convergence, only remains current until one of the elements changes.
This state of flux is likely to continue until the regulations are fully developed, at which time detailed analyses will be completed to fully address the impact on farmers in Ireland of CAP 2020. This methodology is congruent with the requirement for each Member State to prepare a Strategic Plan addressing all aspects of CAP expenditure and, consequently, all of these analyses remain at a drafting stage until the Regulations are resolved.
196. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding oyster licences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17918/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department considers all applications for aquaculture licences in accordance with the provisions of the 1997 Fisheries (Amendment) Act, the 1933 Foreshore Act and applicable EU legislation. The licensing process involves consultation with a wide range of scientific and technical advisers as well as various Statutory Consultees. The legislation also provides for a period of public consultation.
In addition, the legislation governing aquaculture licensing provides for an appeals mechanism. Appeals against licence decisions are a matter for the Aquaculture Licences Appeals Board (ALAB) which is an independent statutory body. Full details of the appeals process can be obtained at:
http://www.alab.ie/appealsprocess/.
The person referred to by the Deputy submitted a number of applications for the cultivation of Pacific Oysters on sites in Castlemaine Harbour. Negative determinations were made in respect of these licence applications in Autumn 2018. The reasons for these determinations are set out on my Department’s website at the following link.
My Department understands that the applicant appealed two of the licensing determinations in question to ALAB. As the Board is currently considering the appeals as part of a statutory process, it would not be appropriate for me to comment further on the matter pending the conclusion of that process.
197. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of persons in counties Cavan and Monaghan and nationwide by county waiting for GLAS payments; the number of part payments issued in tabular form; and his plans to process the outstanding payments. [17927/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has processed 47,474 GLAS 2018 advance payments since 2018 payments commenced last November. This represents over 97% of scheme participants. The bulk of remaining cases have an outstanding issue on the participant's side. My Department continues to work with both farmers and their advisors to ensure that issues are resolved and outstanding payments are made as quickly as possible.
In respect of both counties Cavan and Monaghan, 98.70% of participants have received a 2018 Advance payment. The table below outlines the number of farmers actively participating in GLAS that have received a payment in respect of the 2018 scheme year.
Payments will continue to issue on a weekly basis as cases are finalised and compliance achieved by applicants.
|
|
GLAS 1 |
2018 |
GLAS 2 |
2018 |
GLAS 3 |
2018 |
|
County |
Cases |
Advance |
Cases |
Advance |
Cases |
Advance |
|
Carlow |
269 |
266 |
123 |
117 |
125 |
118 |
|
Cavan |
898 |
890 |
424 |
417 |
525 |
516 |
|
Clare |
1,593 |
1,566 |
682 |
673 |
784 |
771 |
|
Cork |
2,101 |
2,033 |
979 |
954 |
916 |
879 |
|
Donegal |
1,907 |
1,838 |
981 |
939 |
1,390 |
1,349 |
|
Dublin |
56 |
53 |
17 |
16 |
17 |
16 |
|
Galway |
3,021 |
2,928 |
1,269 |
1,215 |
1,559 |
1,501 |
|
Kerry |
1,747 |
1,683 |
862 |
830 |
748 |
722 |
|
Kildare |
237 |
222 |
74 |
71 |
111 |
106 |
|
Kilkenny |
417 |
406 |
203 |
191 |
184 |
174 |
|
Laois |
364 |
353 |
189 |
181 |
225 |
220 |
|
Leitrim |
1,011 |
986 |
415 |
411 |
518 |
513 |
|
Limerick |
1,032 |
1,006 |
293 |
287 |
395 |
384 |
|
Longford |
509 |
493 |
336 |
329 |
325 |
315 |
|
Louth |
144 |
139 |
77 |
75 |
91 |
87 |
|
Mayo |
2,521 |
2,458 |
1,304 |
1,263 |
1,638 |
1,603 |
|
Meath |
416 |
402 |
194 |
189 |
241 |
234 |
|
Monaghan |
569 |
562 |
142 |
142 |
327 |
321 |
|
Offaly |
469 |
462 |
272 |
270 |
283 |
275 |
|
Roscommon |
1,503 |
1,479 |
541 |
531 |
704 |
690 |
|
Sligo |
924 |
903 |
356 |
348 |
484 |
476 |
|
Tipperary |
1,105 |
1,080 |
489 |
477 |
483 |
471 |
|
Waterford |
348 |
331 |
123 |
115 |
116 |
113 |
|
Westmeath |
635 |
624 |
257 |
255 |
273 |
265 |
|
Wexford |
741 |
722 |
254 |
245 |
302 |
286 |
|
Wicklow |
322 |
309 |
150 |
145 |
196 |
188 |
|
TOTAL |
24,859 |
24,194 |
11,006 |
10,686 |
12,960 |
12,593 |
198. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the contingency steps being taken to limit the impact of a no-deal Brexit on the agriculture sector. [17928/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile ratification of the Withdrawal Agreement is still the Government's primary focus, and preparations are continuing for all scenarios, greater priority has, of course, been given recently to preparations for a no-deal Brexit.
My Department, as part of the whole-of-Government approach, has been very active in relation to preparedness for the import controls at our ports and airports that will be required when the UK becomes a Third Country. In this regard, the focus has been on allowing the Department to fulfil its legal obligations as efficiently as possible, while also ensuring the minimum possible disruption to trading arrangements.
My Department has also sharpened its Brexit communications strategy in order to keep stakeholders informed and to encourage them to take the necessary steps to allow their trading arrangements with the UK to continue. Key elements here include an updated website, call centre and central e-mail address, streamlined registration arrangements and increased presence on social media.
In order to help mitigate the impacts on the sector, I have introduced a number of budgetary measures over the last three years aimed at helping farmers and fishermen to improve competitiveness, and to support market and product diversification.
Furthermore, in anticipation of a no-deal Brexit, I have met with both Commissioner Hogan and Commissioner Vella to discuss the potential impact of a disorderly Brexit on the agrifood and fisheries sectors, and have stressed the need to be ready to deploy a range of measures to mitigate the potential impacts on farmers, fishermen and processors.
While the immediate prospect of a no-deal Brexit has waned, my officials are continuing to deepen and broaden preparatory arrangements in order to ensure that our state of readiness is maintained and enhanced against the backdrop of what continues to be an uncertain political environment.
199. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will address a health and safety hazard (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17953/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe management of the Coillte forest estate and operational matters such as the issue raised by the Deputy are a matter for, and the responsibility of, Coillte as a commercial State Body.
I have accordingly referred the Deputy’s question to Coillte and have requested that a response issues directly to you.
200. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the ongoing delay in securing final approval for a number of Irish companies from authorities abroad to commence export of their product; and if he will assist these companies by communicating with the authorities abroad (details supplied). [17954/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy officials continue to work towards opening and enhancing access to as many markets as possible. This is a key part of our response to the challenges and uncertainty posed by Brexit, and in line with the market development theme of the Food Wise 2025 strategy.
The opening of the Chinese market for Irish beef in 2018 was the culmination of significant work over a number of years. Exports of Irish beef to China commenced during the summer 2018. Six Irish beef plants were approved to export beef to China in 2018 and an additional beef plant has been approved by the Chinese authorities this week, thus bringing the number of Irish plants now approved to export beef to China to seven.
According to CSO trade statistics, Ireland exported approximately €2.8 million (1,400 tonnes) to China in 2018. In addition, Ireland has had beef access to Hong Kong Special Administrative Region for some time, and exported €62 million (19,000 tonnes) to that market in 2018.
In relation to the outstanding beef plants applications, updated applications and further details were requested by the Chinese authorities last year and these were submitted during a technical meeting between officials from my Department and the Chinese authorities last November.
Every effort has been made by my Department in coordination with the Irish Embassy in Beijing to progress these applications. Indeed, earlier this month, I met with the outgoing Chinese Ambassador to Ireland and raised this matter with him while next month, I am leading a major agrifood Trade Mission to China, during which I aim to seek progress on the issue of these plant approvals with my Ministerial counterparts in China.
The Deputy will appreciate, however, that ultimately the timeline for these approvals remains a matter for the Chinese authorities.
201. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views regarding the operation of the foal levy and the legality of same; and his plans to change it. [17996/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraHorse Racing Ireland (HRI) is a commercial state body established under the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act, 2001, and is responsible for the overall administration, promotion and development of the horse racing industry.
The current Foal Levy scheme, which was introduced in 2000 on a statutory basis, applies to all thoroughbred foals registered in Ireland. The Foal Levy is currently calculated with reference to SI 735 of 2011, which is the governing legislation.
HRI's Foal Levy Committee reviews the rates, bands and structures of the levy on an annual basis and has also considered potential alternative methodologies to calculate the levy due. They have concluded that the current banded/tiered approach represents the most equitable and appropriate way of securing the vital funds needed for the breeding sector. I understand that the majority of foals registered fall into the two lower bands of €35 and €50, and that there is a very high compliance rate of circa 98.3%.
The levy generates vital funding for the Irish Equine Centre, Irish Thoroughbred Marketing and the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders Association. Without the levy funding, these organisations would be unable to provide the services that they do.
As such, I have no plans to alter the current arrangements for the levy.
202. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the details and criteria on the new Brexit €50 million towards farmers for capital investment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17997/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI was pleased to launch the "Future Growth Loan Scheme" recently. The initiative has been developed by my Department and the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation in partnership with the Department of Finance, the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) and the European Investment Fund (EIF). It will be delivered through participating finance providers and make up to €300 million of investment loans available to eligible Irish businesses, including farmers and the agrifood & seafood sectors.
This is a long-awaited source of finance for young and new entrant farmers, especially the cohort who do not have high levels of security. It will also serve smaller-scale farmers, who often do not have the leverage to negotiate for more favourable terms with their banking institution.
The loans will be competitively priced at 4.5% or lower, will be for terms of 8 to 10 years and will support strategic long-term investment in a post-Brexit environment.
There is a minimum loan amount of €100,000 for SMEs or €50,000 for primary agriculture. The maximum loan amount is €3,000,000 and loans of under €500,000 will be made on an unsecured basis. There will be €50 - €60 million in loan funding available initially for farmers, within an overall agrifood package of €120 million. Should demand exceed these levels, this can be reviewed.
The Scheme features a two-stage application process whereby initial application is made through the SBCI website. Successful applicants are issued an eligibility reference number, which can then be used in an application to one of the participating finance providers. Approval of loans is subject to the finance providers’ own credit policies and procedures.
The Scheme will open for loan eligibility applications through the SBCI from 17th April. Further information including a FAQ document may be accessed on my Department’s website at the following link.
203. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the measures in place to combat climate change and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to keep global warming within the temperature goals of the Paris Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17856/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra204. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if climate change is a priority for him; his views on whether there is demand from persons to tackle the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17859/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 203 and 204 together.
I am currently preparing an All of Government Climate Plan which will set out the actions which must be taken to make Ireland a leader in responding to climate change. I am working with colleagues across Government to develop new initiatives across electricity, transport, heat, and agriculture, as well as a range of other sectors.
The All of Government Plan will have a strong focus on implementation, including actions with specific timelines and steps needed to achieve each action, assigning clear lines of responsibility for delivery. It will also be informed by successful approaches in other countries, where such approaches could be adapted for implementation in Ireland, and by the recently published report of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action.
The Plan will build on the previous actions and framework put in place by both the National Mitigation Plan and the National Development Plan, and is to be completed shortly.
205. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to work with local and international businesses such as insurance companies to address the issue of climate change (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17860/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraGovernment has a key role in enabling, facilitating and supporting private sector adaptation through policies, regulation and other supportive measures such as information sharing and awareness raising. It is important, however, that private sector and business in general take a lead themselves in considering climate impacts in their long term strategic planning and investment decisions, and assess climate risks to their own assets and activities. Ireland’s first statutory National Adaptation Framework (NAF) represents our national policy response to the challenges posed by the impacts of climate change. The Framework sets out the context to ensure Local Authorities, regions and sectors can assess the key risks and vulnerabilities of climate change, implement climate resilience actions, and ensure climate adaptation considerations are mainstreamed into local, regional and national policy making. The National Adaptation Framework (NAF) identifies the need for Government to engage with the private sector in shaping and developing their adaptation strategies and plans and also identifies the need for further research into the impacts of climate change on enterprise.
The National Adaptation Framework (NAF) recognises that the availability of accurate, consistent and authoritative data, information and analysis specific to Ireland is crucial to how effective we are in developing climate resilience. Information platforms such as Climate Ireland, which was developed under the EPA Research Programme, can help to provide business with more accurate information on the projected impacts of climate change and encourage them to take action to lower their exposure to the impacts of climate change. My Department is currently developing proposals in relation to the future of Climate Ireland in conjunction with the EPA.
Local Authorities will also have an important role to play in engaging with businesses on climate change at local level. In 2018, my Department provided €10 million to establish and fund four Climate Action Regional Offices (CAROs). The CAROs will provide a focal point for businesses and communities to partner and collaborate with Local Authorities in delivering on meaningful climate action initiatives at a local level.
I'm currently working with my Government colleagues across all Departments to develop an All of Government Climate Plan. The Climate Plan will set out a detailed road map ensuring a whole of government integrated strategy and including a review of the challenges associated with the availability of property (home and business) insurance and possible responses. The All of Government Plan will require mobilisation across all sectors - including buildings, heat, transport, industry and agriculture to step up Ireland's response to climate change.
206. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the initiatives in place to reduce the vulnerability and exposure of Ireland to expected climate change problems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17861/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland’s first statutory National Adaptation Framework (NAF), published in January 2018, represents our national policy response to the challenges posed by the impacts of climate change. The Framework sets out the context to ensure Local Authorities, regions and sectors can assess the key risks and vulnerabilities of climate change, implement climate resilience actions, and ensure climate adaptation considerations are mainstreamed into all local, regional and national policy making. Under the Framework, seven Government Departments with responsibility for twelve priority sectors are required to prepare sectorial adaptation plans in line with the requirements of the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015. The deadline for the submission of sectorial adaptation plans to Government for approval is 30 September 2019.
Local understanding is also crucial to getting adaptation right. Under the National Adaptation Framework, each Local Authority is required to develop a local adaptation strategy. Local Authorities have been set a deadline for the completion of local strategies by 30 September 2019. In January 2018, my Department entered into a funding commitment of €10m over 5 years to establish four Climate Action Regional Offices(CAROs). A key priority for the CAROs in 2019 will be to support the Local Authorities within their region to develop their local adaptation strategies and ensure they align with national adaptation policy and sectorial priorities.
Adaptation planning is an iterative process, with the National Adaptation Framework to be reviewed at least once every five years in line with the 2015 Climate Act. This will ensure that we adopt a dynamic approach to adaptation planning which is informed by the latest scientific evidence thus enabling Departments, Agencies and Local Authorities to modify or escalate adaptation actions as appropriate as climate projections are updated.
207. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to increase warning signals for climate change storm mitigation in the future in order to reduce exposure to damage from storms such as Storm Ophelia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17862/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraMet Éireann, Ireland’s National Meteorological Service, comes under the remit of the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, as a line division of that Department. Met Éireann is the leading provider of weather information and related services in the State with its mission to monitor, analyse and predict Ireland’s weather and climate and to provide a range of high quality meteorological and related information to the public and to specific customers in, for example, the aviation and agricultural sectors. Questions in relation to Government policy on severe weather alerts are a matter for Met Éireann.
Ireland’s National Adaptation Framework (NAF) which was published in January 2018 identifies Met Éireann as a key provider of technical and advisory support and climate services at national level. Met Éireann is also represented on the national adaptation steering committee, which is chaired by my Department and which coordinates climate adaptation policy at both national and local level. My Department will continue to liaise with Met Éireann and be guided by their expertise in relation to all areas that come under their remit.
208. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the discussions or communications he or his officials have had with An Post regarding the relocation of the post office in Thurles; the details of such discussions or communications; the dates, times, attendees and locations of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17876/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn Post is a commercial State body with its own Board. Decisions relating to the post office network, including plans for individual post offices, are an operational matter for the Board and management of An Post.
An Post provided a note to politicians and the media on the relocation of the post office in Thurles, a copy of which was received by officials in my Department on 13 March. A copy of this communication will be provided to the Deputy.
209. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the timeframe for the introduction of a scheme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17888/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Support Scheme for Renewable Heat has been developed to financially support the adoption of renewable heating systems by commercial, industrial, agricultural, district heating and other non-domestic heat users not covered by the EU Emissions Trading System. Under Project Ireland 2040, the National Development Plan sets out an allocation of €300 million for the roll-out of the scheme for the period up to 2027. The first phase of the scheme, an installation grant for heat pumps, opened for applications in September 2018. This phase of the scheme will support ground, air and water source electric heat pump installations providing grant-aid of up to 30% of the installation cost. This phase of the scheme was implemented under the State aid General Block Exemption Regulation and did not require prior approval from the European Commission.
The second phase of the scheme, an operational support for biomass boilers and anaerobic digestion heating systems followed the full State aid notification process. Earlier this week (15 April) , the European Commission published a notification that it had approved the scheme under State aid rules. The Terms & Conditions of the scheme are in the process of being finalised and will ensure full compliance with the requirements set out in the State aid approval.
While no date has been set, the completion of the State aid approval process is a key step and I expect to be in a position to announce the opening of the second phase of the scheme in the near future.
Further details of the scheme are available on my Department's website at the following link.
210. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of a report and its findings and outcome (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17902/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraA report into the stability of the mine workings along part of the LP4900 has been completed by Gyproc’s consultants, SRK. This has recently been submitted to the three authorities, Monaghan County Council, the Environmental Protection Authority and my Department. My Department's independent consultants, Wardell Armstrong, have been engaged to review the SRK Report and this will take place over the coming weeks.
