Written Answers Nos. 178-192
178. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications when a location (details supplied) will have access to fibre broadband in view of the instruction to work from home where possible and the rising number of Covid-19 cases the roll out of same needs to be expedited. [28093/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Question refers to a premises which is located in the AMBER area on the National Broadband Plan (NBP) High Speed Broadband Map which is available on my Department's website at www.broadband.gov.ie. The AMBER area represents the area to be served by the network to be deployed under the NBP State led intervention, the contract for which was signed in November last with National Broadband Ireland (NBI). The NBP network will offer users a high speed broadband service with a minimum download speed of 500Mbps from the outset. This represents an increase from the 150Mbps committed to under the Contract. The deployment plan forecasts premises passed in all counties within the first 2 years and over 90% of premises in the State having access to high speed broadband within the next four years.
As of 28 September, design work is complete or ongoing in target townlands across 23 counties and steady progress is being made with over 98,000 premises surveyed to date. This activity is increasing week on week and NBI expects to have completed some 120,000 surveys by the end of the year. This activity involves physically walking the routes and documenting images, notes and measurements of the poles, cables and underground ducts in each area. This is informing design solutions for provision of the fibre network. This detailed design is then used to initiate the ‘make ready’ project with eir for the area, where eir ensure any poles and ducts being reused are fit for purpose. It is also used to initiate works with the subcontractors deploying the actual fibre in the area. The laying of fibre should commence shortly with the first fibre to the home connections expected around December this year.
NBI provides a facility for any premises within the AMBER area to register their interest in being provided with deployment updates through its website (https://nbi.ie/map/ ).In County Westmeath, 4,109 premises have been surveyed to date and network designs are in the process of being completed to deliver the new fibre network. NBI crews are currently surveying in the areas of Mullingar.
Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) are a key element of the NBP providing high speed broadband in every county in advance of the roll out of the fibre to the home network. Some 155 BCP sites have been installed by NBI and the high speed broadband service will be switched on in these locations through service provider contracts managed by the Department of Rural and Community Development for publicly available sites and by the Department of Education and Skills for schools. In County Westmeath, the public will be able to benefit from this service at locations across the county such as Milltown Emper Community Centre, Sean Doolin Park and Moyvougly Community Centre. Further details can be found at https://nbi.ie/bcp-locations/ .
In addition, a number of schools will also be connected to high speed broadband as part of the BCP initiative. In Westmeath 5 schools will be connected this year namely Scoil Naisiunta Bhride, Downs National School, Dalystown National School, Scoil Naisiunta Naomh Michael and Scoil Aogha Naofa.
While substantial progress has been made to date, the Covid 19 pandemic has had an impact on the delivery of the fibre network. The extent of this impact is currently being assessed and NBI has committed to put in place measures to mitigate the impact in as far as possible. The Covid 19 pandemic has also highlighted the importance of good reliable broadband to ensure that citizens across Ireland can avail of remote working, education and other essential online facilities. This is reflected in the commitments in the Programme for Government where delivery of the National Broadband Plan will be a key enabler to many of the policies envisaged particularly around increased levels of remote working.
The Programme for Government has committed to seek to accelerate the roll out of the National Broadband Plan. In this regard, my Department continues to engage with NBI to explore the feasibility of accelerating aspects of this rollout to establish the possibility of bringing forward premises which are currently scheduled in years 6 and 7 of the current plan to an earlier date. Exploring the potential to accelerate the network rollout is being undertaken in parallel with the measures required to mitigate delays arising as a result of Covid-19.
179. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications if the smart meters being rolled out by the ESB under the smart meter programme are capable of differentiating between night and day; if not, if this will impact on the ability of the meter to register for night-time discounts for electricity users or on the feasibility of feed-in tariffs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28181/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government commits to ensuring that the energy efficiency potential of smart meters starts to be deployed in 2021 and that all mechanical electricity meters are replaced by 2024. The Smart Meter Upgrade is a meter replacement programme to modern, smart-ready technology. New generation electricity meters are being rolled out across Europe and internationally and when the programme completes in Ireland in 2024, all domestic and business premises will have a new modern meter installed. The programme is being coordinated by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities with ESB Networks responsible for rolling out the smart-ready electricity meters.
The installation of smart meters is a key enabler for the energy transition to a decarbonised system as outlined in the Climate Action Plan. In addition the move to upgraded digital meters will bring many benefits for energy customers by enhancing competition, making bills more accurate, providing customers with better information on their energy consumption and empowering them with new tools to make more informed choices about their energy needs.
Smart Meters are configured to record consumption in day, night and peak time periods, as well as in shorter half-hour intervals. Smart Meters are also configured to record any electricity feeding into the grid. Customers with a Smart Meter will be able to avail of new tariffs and services which will be available from electricity supply companies from 2021.
Since September 2019, when ESB Networks commenced the replacement of over 2 million electricity meters, over 150,000 electricity meters have been installed to end September 2020.
180. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications if a grant is available for persons generating their own energy; if not, his plans to introduce a grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28209/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government commits to prioritising the development of micro-generation, letting people sell excess power back to the grid by June 2021. The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) launched a pilot micro-generation grant scheme in July 2018 to help domestic customers who install rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) equipment on their homes. As of end September 2020 there were 3,837 applications who received grant support over the lifetime of the scheme with some €9.5 million spent to date, saving approx. 3 kilotonnes of CO2 per annum. Action 30 of the Climate Action Plan commits to the delivery of a framework for micro-generation from renewable technologies, whilst ensuring principles of equity, self-consumption and energy efficiency first are incorporated. A Micro-Generation working group chaired by my Department is examining an enabling framework for micro-generation which tackles existing barriers and establishes suitable supports within relevant market segments. This work is an integral part of our emerging Photovoltaic Solar Strategy.
The proposed support mechanism will be outlined in a public consultation in the coming months. A suitable support payment for excess electricity generated on site and exported to the grid will be available to all micro-generators by 2021 in line with the transposition of the recast Renewable Energy Directive (2018/2001) into Irish law.
181. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications the status of the review by his Department of the security of supply of natural gas and electricity networks here; if he is satisfied with the security of supply arrangements in view of the potential implications caused by Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28270/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is carrying out a review of the security of energy supply of Ireland’s electricity and natural gas systems which is focusing on the period to 2030 in the context of ensuring a sustainable pathway to 2050. The review will include a technical analysis of the security of supply challenges together with a public consultation. I expect the formal procurement process for the technical analysis to commence in the coming weeks. The outcome of the review will inform future policy considerations with regard to Ireland’s security of energy supply. The upcoming review will have due regard to the UK no longer being part of the European Union.
My Department is in on-going engagement with industry and stakeholders to ensure high levels of awareness of the implications of Brexit on energy matters. We continue to engage with the European Commission on possible contingency measures and solutions in relation to impacts of Brexit on energy supply in Ireland, including natural gas security of supply and trading through the electricity interconnectors.
182. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question No. 153 of 22 September 2020, if a decision has been made on the resumption of works on the homes of the persons over 70 years of age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28289/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer to the reply to Question No 153 of 22 September 2020. As indicated in the reply, SEAI have been reviewing how to ensure that the progression of works under the warmer homes scheme aligns with the recently published 'Plan for Living with Covid-19'. My officials have been informed by the SEAI that a communication to contractors in this regard is imminent.
183. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications if the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland will permit a contractor to commence works under the better energy warmer homes scheme in the house of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28290/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme is funded by my Department and administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). To date over 142,000 homes have received free upgrades under the scheme, leaving the occupants better able to afford to heat their homes to an adequate level. Earlier this year, in line with public health and Government guidelines in place to stop the spread of COVID-19, all works under SEAI funded schemes were advised to pause for a period of time. On June 29th SEAI advised contractors working on the Warmer Homes scheme, in line with the Government’s Roadmap for reopening society and business and Return to work safely protocol, that works in homes that could be classified as lower risk under the scheme could resume. This allowed works to resume/commence in a small number of homes, subject to the parameters set out by SEAI and a thorough risk assessment of the property and all occupants by the contractor. The aim at all times was to minimise the risks for the homeowners and property occupants, contractors, their employees and the wider community.
On July 20th SEAI broadened these parameters, enabling contractors to carry out more works in more homes, again subject to risk assessments taking into account COVID-19 risks associated with engaging with any occupants during instances such as but not limited to, induction meetings, visits, customer service tasks, heating system guidance and key handover tasks at the start and end of works. It remains the case however that approximately 50% of the homes allocated to contractors are deemed ‘very high risk’, and therefore activity has not returned to pre COVID-19 levels.
Officials in my Department have contacted SEAI regarding the constituent referred to by the Deputy. SEAI has confirmed that this application has been assigned to a Contractor, who will contact the homeowner directly in relation to when works will commence on the home. SEAI also confirmed works taking longer than one day to complete remain postponed on all homes where any occupant is in the ‘very high risk’ group, as defined by the HSE. This is due to the intrusive nature of the works on the schemes, with multiple crew members in homes working in close proximity and often over long periods.
SEAI is mindful of the concerns that homeowners have with winter approaching and this is taken into account in its decision making as to how soon the scheme can move to the next phase. This must be balanced, however, with the continuing risks of COVID-19 for applicants, contractors and the wider community. SEAI have been reviewing how to ensure the scheme aligns with the recently published 'Plan for Living with Covid-19'. My officials have been informed by the SEAI that a communication to contractors in this regard is imminent.
184. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications if a definitive timeline for the rollout of high-speed broadband in County Cork will be provided. [28516/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Broadband Plan (NBP) State led Intervention will be delivered by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) under a contract signed on last November to roll out a high speed and future proofed broadband network within the Intervention Area which covers 1.1 million people living and working in the nearly 540,000 premises, including almost 100,000 businesses and farms along with 695 schools. The NBP network will offer users a high speed broadband service with a minimum download speed of 500Mbps from the outset. This represents an increase from the 150Mbps committed to under the Contract. The deployment plan forecasts premises passed in all counties within the first two years and over 90% of premises in the State having access to high speed broadband within the next four years.
Design work is complete or ongoing in target townlands across 23 counties and steady progress is being made with over 98,000 premises surveyed as of the 28 September. This survey work is feeding into detailed designs for each deployment area and laying fibre should commence shortly with the first fibre to the home connections expected around December.
In Cork 12,000 premises have been surveyed in the areas of Carrigaline and Midelton. NBI crews have started initial works for the build in the circa 4,000 premises in the Carrigaline area, including Cullen, Templebreedy, Carrigaline, Ballyfolye, Douglas, Ballyphehane, Glasheen, Mahon, and Kilpatrick. Laying of fibre should start shortly with the first fibre to home connection expected around December 2020 in Carrigaline.
NBI provides a facility for any premises within the AMBER area to register their interest in being provided with deployment updates through its website (https://nbi.ie/map/).
Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) are a key element of the NBP providing high speed broadband in every county in advance of the roll out of the fibre to the home network. Some 155 BCP sites have been installed by NBI and the high speed broadband service will be switched on in these locations through 'service provider' contracts managed by the Department of Rural and Community Development for publicly available sites and by the Department of Education and Skills (DES) for schools.
There are a number of BCPs located across County Cork including at Aubanem, Mealagh Valley, Whitechurch, Glash, Courtbrack. Sherkin Island, Ballindangan and Lissvard Community Centres and Bere Island Heritage centre. A number of schools including Clogagh and Ballycroneen National School will also be connected to high speed broadband as part of the BCP initiative. The Department will work with DES to prioritise the remaining schools to be connected over the term of the NBP. Further details can be found at https://nbi.ie/bcp-locations/.
While substantial progress has been made to date, the Covid 19 pandemic has had an impact on the delivery of the fibre network. The extent of this impact is currently being assessed and NBI has committed to put in place measures to mitigate the impact in as far as possible.
The Covid 19 pandemic has also highlighted the importance of good reliable broadband to ensure that citizens across Ireland can avail of remote working, education and other essential online facilities. This is reflected in the commitments in the Programme for Government where delivery of the National Broadband Plan will be a key enabler to many of the policies envisaged particularly around increased levels of remote working.
The Programme for Government has committed to seek to accelerate the roll out of the National Broadband Plan. In this regard, my Department continues to engage with NBI to explore the feasibility of accelerating aspects of this rollout to establish the possibility of bringing forward premises which are currently scheduled in years 6 and 7 of the current plan to an earlier date. Exploring the potential to accelerate the network rollout is being undertaken in parallel with the measures required to mitigate delays arising as a result of Covid-19.
185. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications the options available to persons (details supplied) that are included in the national broadband plan but are currently receiving an inadequate service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28518/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Question refers to a premises which is located in the AMBER area on the National Broadband Plan (NBP) High Speed Broadband Map which is available on my Department's website at www.broadband.gov.ie. The AMBER area represents the area to be served by the network to be deployed under the NBP State led intervention, the contract for which was signed in November last with National Broadband Ireland (NBI). The NBP network will offer users a high speed broadband service with a minimum download speed of 500Mbps from the outset. This represents an increase from the 150Mbps committed to under the Contract. The deployment plan forecasts premises passed in all counties within the first 2 years and over 90% of premises in the State having access to high speed broadband within the next four years. As of 28 September, design work is complete or ongoing in target townlands across 23 counties and steady progress is being made with over 98,000 premises surveyed to date. This activity is increasing week on week and NBI expects to have completed some 120,000 surveys by the end of the year.
This activity involves physically walking the routes and documenting images, notes and measurements of the poles, cables and underground ducts in each area. This is informing design solutions for provision of the fibre network. This detailed design is then used to initiate the ‘make ready’ project with eir for the area, where eir ensure any poles and ducts being reused are fit for purpose. It is also used to initiate works with the subcontractors deploying the actual fibre in the area.
In Cork 12,000 premises have been surveyed in the areas of Carrigaline and Midelton. NBI crews have started initial works for the build of circa 4,000 premises in the Carrigaline area, including Cullen, Templebreedy, Carrigaline, Ballyfolye, Douglas, Ballyphehane, Glasheen, Mahon, and Kilpatrick. Laying of fibre should start shortly with the first fibre to home connection expected around December 2020 in Carrigaline.
NBI provides a facility for any premises within the AMBER area to register their interest in being provided with deployment updates through its website (https://nbi.ie/map/).
Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) are a key element of the NBP providing high speed broadband in every county in advance of the roll out of the fibre to the home network. Some 155 BCP sites have been installed by NBI and the high speed broadband service will be switched on in these locations through 'service provider' contracts managed by the Department of Rural and Community Development for publicly available sites and by the Department of Education and Skills (DES) for schools.There are a number of BCPs located across County Cork including at Aubanem, Mealagh Valley, Glash, Sherkin Island, Ballindangan, Lissvard Community Centres and Bere Island Heritage centre. In addition, there are two BCPs close to the premises referred to in the Question, namely Court Brack Community Centre and Whitechurch Community Centre. A number of schools including Clogagh and Ballycroneen National School will also be connected to high speed broadband as part of the BCP initiative. My Department will work with DES to prioritise the remaining schools to be connected over the term of the NBP. Further details can be found at https://nbi.ie/bcp-locations/. I understand that there can be instances where premises remain unconnected, although close to premises that are passed by eir’s fibre network. eir’s rural deployment of high speed broadband is a commercial undertaking and, as such, decisions regarding the areas and premises served are made by eir. My Department has no role in the matter and has no statutory authority to intervene in decisions of commercial operators as to where they build infrastructure and provide services. Throughout rural Ireland, eir’s fibre deployment is primarily focussed on towns and villages and the premises on their outskirts. Where that network ends is where the National Broadband Plan in effect commences to ensure that nobody is left behind. I appreciate people's frustration when they are living so close to a fibre network but cannot get a connection to that network, particularly given the heightened importance of connectivity during the Covid-19 pandemic. The NBP will ensure that in all such cases a future proofed high speed broadband network will be built to serve these premises and work to deliver on this is underway.In April 2020, all major telecommunications providers committed to a number of measures to help people stay in touch and work from home during the Covid-19 pandemic, with one particular commitment relating to the zero-rating of various educational and health related resource platforms. Since then, a number of operators have implemented further supports for consumers, such as for students in education, who require a high data usage package, by increasing data limits on many existing packages and by the introduction of new packages with very high, or unlimited data offerings. The market for mobile packages with very high, or unlimited data offerings, is becoming increasingly competitive and this is positive for all consumers.
186. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications if he will request a company (details supplied) to establish a more accessible contact facility by phone or email to better facilitate queries in relation to the national broadband rollout. [28562/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Broadband Plan (NBP) State led Intervention will be delivered by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) under a contract signed last November. I am advised that NBI operate a contact centre for customer queries which is accessible Monday to Saturday 9am – 6pm with agents available to answer phone queries. The contact number for this facility is 0818 624624.
NBI also has a dedicated email address to which queries can be addressed, contactus@nbi.ie. The same hours apply to the email service and I understand NBI endeavour to reply to emails within 3-5 days. Queries are also answered on their social media platforms, Facebook and Twitter, during these hours.
In addition, NBI provides a facility for any premises within the NBP State led intervention area to register their interest in being provided with deployment updates through its website, https://nbi.ie/map/.
187. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications the cost to his Department to date of all fines paid by Ireland for non-transposition of EU directives into Irish law; the breakdown, by directive of the lump sum cost and the daily cost of each fine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28610/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are currently no cases where fines have been levied or are being paid resulting from non-compliance with EU Directives by my Department.
188. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications if he will give consideration to the recommendations in the report prepared for an organisation (details supplied) in relation to the need to provide an annual public service obligation for the post office network of €17 million; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28671/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am considering the content of the report published last Wednesday in the context of Government policy. The Programme for Government recognises that a modernised post office network will provide a better range of financial services and e-commerce services for citizens and enterprise, as part of our commitment to a sustainable nationwide post office network.
While it is longstanding Government policy that postal services will not be directly subsidised by the Government, we remain fully committed to a sustainable post office network as a key component of the economic and social infrastructure in both rural and urban areas.
An Post's social value has been particularly evident during the current Covid crisis. It has played a valuable role in its commitment to rural communities and to the elderly and vulnerable in our society.
In response to the structural challenges facing the postal sector generally and An Post, the company put in place a Strategic Plan for the medium-long term future of the company. The Plan covers the period 2017 – 2021.
In order to implement the Plan, the cost of which was estimated to be in the region of €150m, the Minister for Finance provided a loan of €30m to the company in December 2017 to support the renewal of the post office network (€15m) and the continued fulfilment of a 5 day per week mails delivery service (€15m).
An Post is continuing to undergo vital transformation as part of the delivery of its strategic plan which has seen the company split into two distinct business units, An Post Mails and Parcels and An Post Retail.
An Post is transforming its retail network by delivering new products and new formats. This includes, among other things, diversifying and growing the financial services products it provides for individuals and SMEs to include loans, credit cards and more foreign exchange products; local banking in association with the major banks and a full range of State Savings products. Two new dedicated sub-brands, An Post Money and a new business-to-business brand, An Post Commerce, were launched. Investment by An Post of €50 million in the network is about getting communities to use the enhanced services in their local post office.
The strategic plan put in place to transform the company has resulted in An Post recording an operating profit of over €41m for 2019, the third consecutive year of significant financial improvement bringing the Group out of its loss making position of 2016.
Government believes An Post has untapped potential to do more and make a further significant contribution across many areas of public, business and community life in Ireland. With an evolving mandate An Post can emerge as a central hub for a wide variety of valuable community focused services.
189. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications if he will consider legislative measures in which workers and students are not at a loss in terms of light, heat and waste bills due to having to work and study at home in view of such a scheme in Spain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28747/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe initiative in Spain, referred to by the Deputy, appears to relate to the costs of working from home for employees. Workplace relations and employee rights are a matter for the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation. Grant supports for students are the responsibility of the Minister for Education and the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.
190. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications if a person (details supplied) will be connected with a high-speed broadband connection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28784/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Question refers to a premises which is located in the AMBER area on the National Broadband Plan (NBP) High Speed Broadband Map which is available on my Department's website at www.broadband.gov.ie. The AMBER area represents the area to be served by the network to be deployed under the NBP State led intervention, the contract for which was signed in November last with National Broadband Ireland (NBI). The NBP network will offer users a high speed broadband service with a minimum download speed of 500Mbps from the outset. This represents an increase from the 150Mbps committed to under the Contract. The deployment plan forecasts premises passed in all counties within the first 2 years and over 90% of premises in the State having access to high speed broadband within the next four years. As of 28 September, design work is complete or ongoing in target townlands across 23 counties and steady progress is being made with over 98,000 premises surveyed to date. This activity is increasing week on week and NBI expects to have completed some 120,000 surveys by the end of the year. This activity involves physically walking the routes and documenting images, notes and measurements of the poles, cables and underground ducts in each area. This is informing design solutions for provision of the fibre network. This detailed design is then used to initiate the ‘make ready’ project with eir for the area, where eir ensure any poles and ducts being reused are fit for purpose. It is also used to initiate works with the subcontractors deploying the actual fibre in the area. The laying of fibre should commence shortly with the first fibre to the home connections expected around December this year in Cork. In Tipperary, surveys have recently commenced in the areas around townlands of Aherloe, Ballinalard and Bansha, and over 4,200 premises have been surveyed. NBI provides a facility for any premises within the AMBER area to register their interest in being provided with deployment updates through its website (https://nbi.ie/map/).
Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) are a key element of the NBP providing high speed broadband in every county in advance of the roll out of the fibre to the home network. Some 155 BCP sites have been installed by NBI and the high speed broadband service will be switched on in these locations through service provider contracts managed by the Department of Rural and Community Development for publicly available sites and by the Department of Education and Skills for schools. There are a number of BCPs located across County Tipperary where the public will be able to benefit from this service including at Aglish Community Hall, Drom Community Centre, Moyglass Community Halll, Killurney Community Centre. These BCPS have been installed by NBI and are scheduled for connection this year. Further details can be found at https://nbi.ie/bcp-locations/. In addition, there are a number of schools in Tipperary which will be connected for educational access as part of this initiative. These include Poulacapple National School and Killeen National School. I understand that there can be instances where premises that are close to eir’s fibre network remain unconnected. eir’s rural deployment of high speed broadband is a commercial undertaking and, as such, decisions regarding the areas and premises served are made by eir. My Department has no role in the matter and has no statutory authority to intervene in decisions of commercial operators as to where they build infrastructure and provide services. Throughout rural Ireland, eir’s fibre deployment is primarily focussed on towns and villages and the premises on their outskirts. Where that network ends is where the National Broadband Plan in effect commences to ensure that nobody is left behind. I appreciate people's frustration when they are living so close to a fibre network but cannot get a connection to that network, particularly given the heightened importance of connectivity during the Covid-19 pandemic. The NBP will ensure that in all such cases a future proofed high speed broadband network will be built to serve these premises and work to deliver on this is underway.
191. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications if it is the case that works on the SEAI warmer home scheme were suspended or are suspended due to Covid-19; the number of homes affected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28793/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme is funded by my Department and administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). To date over 142,000 homes have received free upgrades under the scheme, leaving the occupants better able to afford to heat their homes to an adequate level. In 2019, €39.8 million was allocated to the Scheme with over 3,000 homes upgraded. Budget 2020 announced a budget allocation for the scheme of €52.8 million. This represents the biggest ever budget for the Warmer Homes Scheme.
Earlier this year, in line with public health and Government guidelines in place to stop the spread of COVID-19, all works under SEAI funded schemes were advised to pause for a period of time. On June 29th SEAI advised contractors working on the Warmer Homes scheme, in line with the Government’s Roadmap for reopening society and business and Return to work safely protocol, that works in homes that could be classified as lower risk under the scheme could resume. This allowed works to resume/commence in a small number of homes, subject to the parameters set out by SEAI and a thorough risk assessment of the property and all occupants by the contractor. The aim at all times was to minimise the risks for the homeowners and property occupants, contractors, their employees and the wider community.
On July 20th SEAI broadened these parameters, enabling contractors to carry out more works in more homes, again subject to risk assessments taking into account COVID-19 risks associated with engaging with any occupants during instances such as but not limited to, induction meetings, visits, customer service tasks, heating system guidance and key handover tasks at the start and end of works. It remains the case however that approximately 50% of the homes allocated to contractors are deemed ‘very high risk’, and therefore activity has not returned to pre COVID-19 levels.
SEAI has been reviewing how to ensure the scheme aligns with the recently published 'Plan for Living with Covid-19'. This must be balanced with the continuing risks of COVID-19 for applicants, contractors and the wider community. My officials have been informed by the SEAI that a communication to contractors in this regard is imminent.
There are currently over 8,000 homes on the scheme waiting list. This includes homes currently undergoing works, those that have been allocated to contractors for works, those awaiting allocation to a contractor and those awaiting the initial survey of their home.
192. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications if he has engaged a third-party company in each of the years 2017 to 2019 and to date in 2020 to conduct online and or social media monitoring and or provide reports on social media coverage of his Department; if so, the cost of same; and if the name of the social media platforms being monitored will be provided. [28915/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has not engaged a third party company to conduct online or social media monitoring or provide reports on social media coverage.
