Written Answers Nos. 96-111
96. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Taoiseach the number of freedom of information requests being processed by his Department; the number that have had the deadline for reply extended; and the number at least one week, two weeks. one month and over one month overdue, respectively. [19358/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraCovid-19 has presented a unique set of circumstances to the continuity of work carried out by Government Departments, including in relation to the processing of FOI requests, but officials in my Department continue to make every effort to ensure that all FOI requests received are answered in accordance with the statutory timeframes laid down in the FOI Act. Since the arrival of Covid-19 in Ireland this has been very challenging as, for example, there has been limited access to physical records due to the necessity for remote working. However, in processing requests during this time my officials have had particular regard to the guidance provided by the FOI central Policy Unit in the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform on general steps to maintain FOI services during the pandemic.
There are currently 38 FOI requests being processed by my Department. Of these, the deadline for reply has been extended in relation to three requests and there are six requests overdue, one of which is almost three weeks overdue while five requests are over a month overdue.
Nearly all of the cases overdue are being dealt with by officials in the Social Policy Division of my Department who are also closely involved in managing the way the pandemic is handled and as such are extremely busy dealing with other important priorities.
In relation to the cases overdue my officials have kept in touch with the requesters concerned to keep them informed about the progress being made with their requests and when they can expect to receive the decisions on their applications.
97. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the supports and or financial assistance business owners (details supplied) that have been forced to cease trading as a result of Covid-19 can avail of; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19340/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn Thursday 23 July last we announced the July Stimulus Package to help get Ireland’s businesses back on their feet, to protect jobs and to create new jobs. These new measures are in addition to those already announced since the onset of the Global Pandemic. The July Stimulus is a substantial financial package to stimulate our economy worth more than €5 billion, with an additional €2 billion in loan guarantees. It is bigger in scale than most budgets and will be deployed at speed.
With the restrictions largely lifted, it is my hope that businesses such as hairdressers can now trade and generate income. Businesses may need help to do so.
So, we introduced a reduction in VAT, going down from 23% to 21%, together with a range of additional measures designed to stimulate domestic demand.
We are providing additional finance to the Local Enterprise Offices. We are providing more and cheaper loan finance. We have extended the wage subsidy scheme, which will now run until the end of March 2021.
We are also giving companies extra assistance to reopen and stay open through an enhanced Restart Grant of up to €25,000 available to more firms and more generous.
In light of these new measures, I would urge businesses to consider the range of supports now available. My Department has a dedicated call-centre and I would encourage businesses to make contact and explore options.
For businesses such as hairdressers the extension of the waiver on commercial rates will provide relief in terms of reducing the costs of reopening. Businesses should also engage directly with Revenue and to avail of the facilities they have in place for the warehousing of tax liabilities.
I recognise that a number of businesses face the risk of closure. Ultimately, it is for a company or, depending on circumstances, creditors of the company to decide what course of action to pursue when a company finds itself in financial difficulty. For companies in financial difficulty, the examinership process provides a protective mechanism for companies that have real prospects for the future but find themselves in financial difficulty at a point in time.
I would encourage all businesses to engage with their Local Enterprise Offices on the range of assistance that is now available, including advice for businesses that are in financial difficulty.
98. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of freedom of information requests being processed by his Department; the number that have had the deadline for reply extended; the number at least one week, two weeks. one month and over one month overdue, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19344/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraDetails of the number of freedom of information requests currently being processed by this Department; the number that have had the deadline for reply extended; the number at least one week, two weeks. one month and over one month overdue, are outlined in the table below.
|
Number of FOI Requests being processed |
Number of FOI Requests that have had the deadline for reply extended |
Number of FOI Requests that have had the deadline for reply extended by at least one week |
Number of FOI Requests that have had the deadline for reply extended by two weeks |
Number of FOI Requests that have had the deadline for reply extended by one month |
Number of FOI Requests that have had the deadline for reply extended by over one month |
|
34 |
5 |
None |
None |
5 |
None |
The reasons for extensions in the instances referenced include: increased workload leading to reduced capacity to process requests, a large volume of records being sought, insufficient details being provided by the requester and further clarity sought and in one instance a request was extended due to files dating back 30+ years which needed to be brought in from offsite storage.
99. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation his views on the crisis facing workers at an airline (details supplied) in terms of redundancies and job cuts; if he is considering measures to resolve the situation; if he has been in contact with management of the company in relation to the issue since workers voted; if he has spoken to workers and unions since then; if so, the outcome of the contacts; if an attempt was made by him to intervene in the matter; if his attention has been drawn to the impact the decision the company will have on families and localities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19389/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI was sorry to hear Aer Lingus announce their intention to restructure the business in the wake of the Covid-19 crisis. I fully understand the difficulties this may bring to workers, their families and their localities, during an already difficult period. The aviation industry will be one of the most affected by this crisis and will need to alter its operations to confront the enormous challenges faced by it.
I hope that any restructuring of Aer Lingus will be temporary in nature and that all parties will engage in meaningful negotiations in order to achieve the best outcomes for employees and the long-term success of the business.
I would encourage parties wishing to negotiate in an independent and impartial manner to avail of the industrial relations services of the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) which is an office of my Department.
It is important to be clear that any industrial relations mechanism is voluntary and confidential to the parties involved. As part of its functions the WRC also provides information relating to employment entitlements/obligations and industrial relations matters by means of their telephone service. This service is manned by experienced Information Officers. The service may be contacted at Lo-call: 1890 80 80 90 and at 059 917 89 90. Further information on employment rights generally can also be accessed at the WRC’s website https://www.workplacerelations.ie/en
More generally, I recognise that this is a most challenging time for employees of Aer Lingus. Across Government, in order to assist businesses and protect employment, we have put in place a comprehensive suite of supports for companies which includes the wage subsidy scheme, grants, low-cost loans and deferred tax liabilities. These supports are designed to build confidence, to further assist businesses in terms of the management of their companies and to allow them to begin looking to the future.
I have not had direct contact with the company, but my colleague, Eamon Ryan, T.D., Minister for Climate Action, Communication Networks and Transport, has primary responsibility for the aviation sector and he may be able to provide a more specific response to your query.
100. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if the IDA plans to provide property solutions in Drogheda, County Louth for potential foreign direct investment clients; if, as part of the five year strategy and capital development programme, the IDA plan to develop a new business park and advance facilities in the town with a particular reference to the northside of Drogheda in view of the fact the remaining IDA site at the Donore Road park will be occupied by a planned new data centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19398/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, I am determined, together with the IDA, to attract further investment to Louth and the Border counties, as we seek to recover from the economic impact of COVID-19.
Whilst there are currently no plans in place by the IDA to construct advanced facilities in Drogheda, the Agency continues to review its property and land portfolio on an ongoing basis, in line with the strong emphasis it places on FDI in regional Ireland. In addition, the IDA continues to engage with local stakeholders in Drogheda and maintains an updated inventory of private sector greenfield sites zoned for development, available office accommodation and flexible working spaces.
As the Deputy will be aware, as part of its Regional Property Programme (RPP) the IDA successfully constructed an Advanced Office Building at Finnabair Business Park in Dundalk last December and this facility is being actively marketed to prospective investors. Under the second phase of the RPP, construction is expected to begin on an Advanced Technology Building in Dundalk later this year.
This combination of private sector property offerings, along with the IDA’s land holdings, places Drogheda and County Louth in a competitive position to compete for mobile FDI. The Agency continues to draw the attention of existing and prospective investors to Drogheda through its network of offices in Ireland and overseas.
More broadly, Louth has experienced year-on-year increases in employment by IDA client companies since 2012, with 486 net new jobs created in 2019. There are now 29 IDA client companies in the county employing over 4,400 people. County Louth is also home to a number of prominent multinationals - such as PCI Pharma, Almac Group and Paypal - that continue to perform well.
101. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of applications received for the restart fund for micro and small businesses in County Wexford; the amount of funding allocated to the authority; the number of businesses in County Wexford that have received funding under the fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19436/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Restart Grant scheme is just one part of the wider suite of measures for firms of all sizes, which includes grants, low-cost loans, write-off of commercial rates and deferred tax liabilities, all of which will help to improve cashflow amongst SMEs. This package is a significant step-up in assistance available for all businesses in all sectors at this very difficult time. The measures have been developed to meet the varying needs of Irish enterprise and they are very specifically targeted by size, sector and need and are targeted at vulnerable but viable companies.
As of 24th July 2020, the total number of applications for the Restart Grant throughout County Wexford amounts to 1,648, with 1,446 businesses having been approved and paid; with a further 49 applicants approved and awaiting payment.
Wexford County Council received the sum of €5,974,280 within the first tranche of funding from this Department.
102. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of applications for supports under the various schemes for businesses impacted by Covid-19 received from businesses in County Wexford; the number that have been processed to date; the number that have been successful; the amount that has been allocated to the businesses; the amount requested; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19438/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government previously introduced a €12bn package of supports for firms of all sizes, which includes the wage subsidy scheme, the pandemic unemployment payment for the self-employed, grants, low-cost loans, write-off of commercial rates and deferred tax liabilities, all of which will help to improve cashflow amongst SMEs. Full details on all COVID-19 supports for business are available at: https://dbei.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/COVID-19-supports/
On July 23rd the Government announced the July Jobs Stimulus, a €7.4bn package of measures designed to stimulate a jobs-led recovery and build economic confidence while continuing to manage the impact of Covid-19. Further details on the July Jobs Stimulus are available at: https://dbei.gov.ie/en/News-And-Events/Department-News/2020/July/23072020.html
Tables of uptake:
|
Scheme |
Number of firms / applications |
Number Processed to date |
Number of successful applicants |
Amount allocated |
Amount Requested |
|
Business Financial Planning |
12 |
N/A |
12 |
€58,395 |
N/A |
|
Lean Business Continuity Voucher |
5 |
N/A |
5 |
€12,500 |
N/A |
|
Sustaining Enterprise Fund |
2 |
N/A |
1 |
€800,000 |
N/A |
|
Sustaining Enterprise Fund Small Enterprise |
1 |
N/A |
1 |
€50,000 |
N/A |
|
Online Retail Scheme |
9 |
N/A |
4 |
€131,662 |
N/A |
|
Restart Grant |
1648 |
1621 |
1495 |
€5,974,280 |
€5,858,709 |
|
SBCI- COVID-19 WCS |
N/A |
75 |
21 |
€ 3,962,000 |
Not available |
|
Microfinance Ireland COVID-19 Loan |
42 |
Not available |
31 |
€1,019,200 |
€1,394,200 |
|
E-merge |
1 |
1 |
1 |
€2,800 |
€2,800 |
|
Emergency Business Solutions |
1 |
1 |
1 |
€2,250 |
€2,250 |
|
Business Continuity Grant |
1 |
1 |
1 |
€2,500 |
€2,500 |
|
Business Continuity Vouchers |
395 |
395 |
339 |
€494,750 (approved amount) |
Clients applied for a BCV and applications were assessed and approved up to a max. amount of €2,500 |
|
Trading Online Vouchers |
271 |
100* |
171** |
€390,112 (approved amount) |
|
*Applications/clients currently being processed
**Processed and final approval communicated to clients
The Local Enterprise Office in Wexford submitted 30 Micro Finance applications and also provided Covid-19 related Mentoring Support to 108 participants and Training Support to 816 participants.
Later this year the Government will set out a National Economic Plan, to chart a long term, jobs-led recovery. It will set out how we secure our public finances in a world where we must live with Covid-19, while driving efforts to decarbonise our economy and prepare for the next phase of technological transformation.
103. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if supports for travel agencies will be provided as part of the July stimulus package; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19442/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraRepairing the damage wrought on the economy – and keeping the virus contained – is vital for the wellbeing of our people. As such, the July Stimulus package is the next step in our national recovery effort. It is designed to help businesses which have not reopened yet and those struggling to do so. We have listened to businesses and responded with a package of scale and speed to meet their most immediate needs. Our main objective is to save jobs and create new ones.
COVID-19 has had an enormous impact on communities, businesses, families and individuals across the country. The priority of the Government remains the wellbeing of our people and communities. We are now increasing our focus on business and on getting as many people as possible back to work.
Businesses, including travel agents, will be able to benefit from many of the actions within the July Stimulus including:
- A new Employment Wage Support Scheme that will succeed the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme and run until April 2021;
- An enhanced Restart Grant for Enterprises that will be open to more businesses with the maximum amount available increasing to €25,000 and the minimum payment doubled to €4,000. Businesses that have already accessed the Restart Grant will be eligible to apply for a top up payment. Some businesses not previously included in the scheme, such as B&Bs, will now be eligible.;
- A waiver of commercial rates for the six months to end-Sept 2020;
- The €2 billion COVID-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme that will see Government provide an 80% guarantee for a wide range of credit products from €10,000 up to €1 million up to a maximum term of 6 years;
- A package of liquidity and enterprise investment measures to help small and micro companies through additional resources for MicroFinance Ireland (MFI) and the Local Enterprise Offices;
- To provide immediate cash-flow support to previously profitable companies, the early carryback of trading losses will be allowed, leading to an immediate refund of some or all of corporation tax paid;
- There will be a 6-month reduction in the standard rate of VAT from 23% to 21%, effective from the beginning of September;
- Businesses affected by Covid-19 will be able to delay payment of their PAYE and VAT debts in part of in full for a set period with no interest or penalties;
- The interest rate applying to agreed repayments of all tax debt (where agreement has been reached prior to 30 September 2020) will be reduced to 3%; and
- Businesses will also be supported to develop their online presence through a further funding call of the Online Retail Scheme of €5.5 million through Enterprise Ireland and an expansion of the Online Trading Voucher Scheme from the Local Enterprise Offices of €20 million.
Further information on these, along with the full list of actions within the July Stimulus and how to avail of them can be found at www.gov.ie/jobsstimulus.
The National Economic Plan, to be developed in parallel with the next Budget, will be the next step in the Government's approach. It will go beyond the issue of business supports and set out a range of actions to be developed across Government to realise economic recovery.
104. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the way in which the commitment of Ireland to the sustainable development goals will be reflected in the Strategy and Work Plan 2020 – 2025; the way in which progress towards achieving the goals will be monitored and reported annually; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19447/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn September 2015, 193 UN Member States, including Ireland, adopted the Sustainable Development Goals to ‘end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all’ as part of the new 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development – Transforming our World. This framework is made up of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which cover the social, economic and environmental requirements for a sustainable future. Ireland has adopted a ‘whole-of-Government’ approach to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with each Minister having responsibility for implementing individual SDG targets related to their functions.
As Tánaiste and Minister for the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation, I have lead responsibility for the implementation of a number of actions in relation to the SDGs.
These responsibilities mainly fall under three goals:
- Goal 8 - Decent Work and Economic Growth
- Goal 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
- Goal 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production
My Department's Statement of Strategy, 2018-2021, commits to contributing to Ireland’s implementation plan progressing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It has lead responsibility for six SDG targets and shares responsibility for another two targets in areas such as employment, safe and secure working environments, fostering innovation and encouraging companies to adopt and report on sustainable practices.
My Department publishes an annual report each year which outlines the broad range of actions and initiatives undertaken in delivering on its mandate and its commitments under the Programme for Government and Statement of Strategy. The Department will continue to report on its progress towards the delivery of the SDGs within the Statement of Strategy as appropriate.
The SDG National Implementation Plan 2018-2020 includes a commitment to a biennial SDG reporting cycle and Ireland’s 1st SDG progress report was produced in 2018. However, due to the extraordinary circumstance of COVID-19, and in order to ensure that Ireland’s 2nd SDG progress report reflects the full social, economic and environmental impacts of the pandemic, the 2nd report has been deferred until 2021. The national SDG reporting cycle will thereafter revert to its original schedule, with Ireland’s 3rd SDG progress report to be produced in 2022.
105. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of applicants have been received for the restart fund for micro and small businesses in Cork City Council; the amount allocated to the authority; the number of businesses in north central areas of County Cork that have received funding under the fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19490/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Restart Grant scheme is just one part of the wider suite of measures for firms of all sizes, which includes grants, low-cost loans, write-off of commercial rates and deferred tax liabilities, all of which will help to improve cashflow amongst SMEs.
This package is a significant step-up in assistance available for all businesses in all sectors at this very difficult time. The measures have been developed to meet the varying needs of Irish enterprise and they are very specifically targeted by size, sector and need and are targeted at vulnerable but viable companies.
As of 24 July 2020, Cork City Council has received a total of 2,751 applications from businesses seeking Restart Grant funding.
Cork City Council has to date received the sum of €12,014,139 in an initial funding tranche from this Department.
In response to the Deputy’s specific question in relation to the number of businesses in North Central areas of County Cork that have received funding, the Council is not in a position to respond to this query with this level of information breakdown as it has not been instructed to do so in the Service Level Agreement as agreed with my Department.
106. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of applications for supports under the various schemes for businesses impacted by Covid-19 that have been received from businesses in north central areas of County Cork; the number processed to date; the number that have been successful; the amount allocated to these businesses; the total value that was sought; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19492/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government previously introduced a €12bn package of supports for firms of all sizes, which includes the wage subsidy scheme, the pandemic unemployment payment for the self-employed, grants, low-cost loans, write-off of commercial rates and deferred tax liabilities, all of which will help to improve cashflow amongst SMEs. Full details on all COVID-19 supports for business are available at: https://dbei.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/COVID-19-supports/
On July 23rd the Government announced the July Jobs Stimulus, a €7.4bn package of measures designed to stimulate a jobs-led recovery and build economic confidence while continuing to manage the impact of Covid-19. Further details on the July Jobs Stimulus are available at: https://dbei.gov.ie/en/News-And-Events/Department-News/2020/July/23072020.html
The Table below sets out the number of applications for supports under the various schemes for businesses impacted by Covid-19 received from businesses in County Cork.
Tables of uptake County Cork:
|
Scheme |
Number of firms / applications |
Number Processed to date |
Number of successful applicants |
Amount Allocated |
Total Value sought |
|
Sustaining Enterprise Fund |
7 applications received |
N/A |
2 approvals |
€350,000 |
N/A |
|
COVID-19 Business Financial Planning Grant |
67 applications received |
N/A |
65 approvals |
€318,129 |
N/A |
|
Lean Business Continuity Support |
32 applications received |
N/A |
31 approvals |
€77,500 |
N/A |
|
COVID-19 Online Retail Scheme |
45 applications received |
N/A |
25 approvals |
€849,990 |
N/A |
|
Restart Grant - Cork City Council |
2751 |
2476 |
1796 |
€12,014,139 |
€10,292,355 |
|
Restart Grant - Cork County Council |
3129 |
2449 |
2153 |
€15,885,944 |
€9,842,457 |
|
SBCI- COVID-19 WCS |
N/A |
391 |
116 (loans currently sanctioned) |
€ 12,379,000 |
Not available |
|
Microfinance Ireland COVID-19 Loan |
89 |
Figure not available |
56 |
€1,132,000 |
Not available |
|
E-merge |
13 |
9 |
5 |
€14,000 |
€14,000 |
|
Emergency Business Solutions |
9 |
9 |
7 |
€15,750 |
€15,750 |
|
Business Continuity Grant |
14 |
14 |
14 |
€2,500 per project |
€35,000 |
|
Business Continuity Voucher – Cork North West |
426 |
426 |
322 |
688,000 |
* |
|
Trading Online Vouchers – Cork North West |
229 |
23** |
206*** |
481,342 |
|
|
Business Continuity Voucher – Cork South |
336 |
336 |
320 |
736,000 |
* |
|
Trading Online Vouchers – Cork South |
418 |
284** |
134*** |
335,000 |
|
|
Business Continuity Voucher – Cork City |
725 |
689 |
665 |
1,604,000 |
* |
|
Trading Online Vouchers – Cork City |
343 |
115** |
228*** |
563,460 |
|
* Clients applied for a BCV and applications were assessed and approved up to a max. amount of €2,500
**Applications currently being processed with clients
***Processed and final approval communicated to clients
Cork North Central encompass areas of the three Cork LEOs and the tables above provides details of supports by the three LEOs.
Please note it is only possible to provide data by County only. Enterprise Ireland do not breakdown their applications/approvals into North County Cork.
MFI applications per LEO are as follows:
|
LEO Cork City |
5 |
|
LEO Cork N/W |
8 |
|
LEO Cork Sth |
8 |
The LEOs also provided Covid related mentoring and training as per detail below:
|
LEO |
Mentoring Participants |
Training Participants |
|
Cork City |
149 |
1,117 |
|
Cork N/W |
94 |
902 |
|
Cork South |
280 |
996 |
Later this year the Government will set out a National Economic Plan, to chart a long term, jobs-led recovery. It will set out how we secure our public finances in a world where we must live with Covid-19, while driving efforts to decarbonise our economy and prepare for the next phase of technological transformation.
107. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the estimated cost of repairing water leaks in Dublin in view of the fact approximately 57% of water in Dublin is lost through leaks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19257/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have no function in this regard. I understand that this is a matter for Irish Water under Section 7 of the Water Services (No 2) Act 2013.
108. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the number of freedom of information requests being processed by his Department; the number that have had the deadline for reply extended; the number at least one week, two weeks. one month and over one month overdue, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19346/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has processed 138 Freedom of Information requests to date in 2020, 27 of which were carried forward from 2019. 84 have been answered within the statutory deadline and 26 recent requests are still under active consideration. A number of requests were also transferred to other FOI bodies, withdrawn or answered outside of the Freedom of Information process. Section 14 of the Freedom of information Act 2014, provides for an extension of up to four weeks for consideration of a request where the request either relates to a large number of records, or where there are a number of other requests relating to the same records. To date in 2020, 14 such extensions have been applied.
4 requests were answered outside of the statutory 4 week timeline without Section 14 being applied. The details are set out below. 2 requests remain to be answered and any decision will issue outside of the 4 week statutory deadline. It should be noted that the COVID-19 pandemic impacted on the processing of requests with limited access to records where offices were closed.
- 2 within 1 week
- 1 within 2 weeks
- 1 within 8 weeks
109. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the reason for intermittent access to broadband on the main street of Greystones (details supplied); when the issue will be addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19450/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe area referred to in the Question is largely located within the BLUE commercial area on the NBP High Speed Broadband Map which is available on my Department's website at www.broadband.gov.ie. BLUE areas are not included in the State intervention area covered by the National Broadband Plan as commercial operators are already providing high speed broadband or have indicated future plans to do so. Providing telecommunications services, including broadband services, is a matter for the relevant service providers operating in a fully liberalised market regulated by the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg), as independent Regulator. I do not have statutory authority to require commercial companies to rollout services and make specific investments in particular locations. There may be a choice of operators offering this service in the area referred to and further information in this regard is available at www.comreg.ie/compare/#/services.
110. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will provide the full text of his request to the Commission for the Communications Regulation on 13 February 2019 requesting a review of State fibre, the MANs and the eNet concessions; if he has received the report and recommendations sought from the commission in relation to his request or other interim advice; and if not, the date he expects to receive the report or interim report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19459/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Analysys Mason Report on the Review of Pricing and Access Arrangements for the MANs was published by the former Minister on 13 February 2019. The Report noted that in certain respects the MANs Concessionaire enet was not in compliance with the agreed Code of Practice in relation to its approach to intercompany transfer pricing. My predecessor referred the Report to the Commission for Communications Regulation in view of its acknowledged expertise in this area and requested it to carry out the following work:
Establish whether enet complied with its obligation under the Code of Practice to offer managed services on the MAN's in the context of national end to end services at non-discriminatory prices such that its related company, enet Telecommunications Networks Ltd did not obtain a material unfair advantage;
Confirm the revised intercompany transfer pricing arrangements in place are in compliance with the Code of Practice;
Confirm that the Analysys Mason recommendations are being implemented; and
Based on the findings of its review, make recommendations to the Minister.
I understand that the Commission is finalising its report and recommendations in respect of this review and will furnish same to my Department for consideration in the coming weeks.
111. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to a charter aircraft registered here (details supplied) which flew from Benghazi, Libya to Washington United States of America via Shannon Airport on 24 June 2020; if there was no transfer of passengers between the aircraft which arrived in Dublin from Washington at 12.49am and another aircraft which departed Dublin for Benghazi at 2.10am on 26 June 2020 on the west apron of Dublin Airport; the number of passengers on board the flights; the purpose of their visit; if passengers passed through immigration and US pre-clearance at Shannon Airport; his views regarding such flights in the context of UN Security Council Resolution 1970 which applies an embargo on the supply of arms and military equipment to and from Libya; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19342/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraShannon Group PLC has confirmed to my officials that a crew only private flight transited Shannon Airport on 24 June. US Preclearance for business jets is not available at this time due to US COVID-19 restrictions, and crew only transit flights are not subject to Irish immigration checks.
daa has confirmed to my officials that a GainJet Aviation 757 flew from Washington DC on 26 June with 26 passengers on board and landed in Dublin Airport. These passengers transferred to a waiting GainJet Aviation 737 which then departed for Benghazi.
As GainJet Aviation is an EU air operator, there was no requirement for it to seek air traffic rights or other flight approvals from my Department.
No application for an exemption to carry munitions of war was received by my Department for either of the above flight operations.
