Written Answers Nos. 18-37
18. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if universities and third level institutions are bound by SI 146 of 2000 Industrial Relations Act 1990 (Code of Practice on Grievance and Disciplinary Procedures); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29187/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe main purpose of this Code of Practice is to provide guidance to employers, employees and their representatives on the general principles which apply in the operation of grievance and disciplinary procedures and the promotion of best practice in giving effect to such procedures. While the Code outlines the principles of fair procedures for employers and employees generally, it is of particular relevance to situations of individual representation.
While arrangements for handling discipline and grievance issues vary considerably from employment to employment depending on a wide variety of factors including the terms of contracts of employment, locally agreed procedures, industry agreements and whether trade unions are recognised for bargaining purposes, the principles and procedures of this Code of Practice should apply unless alternative agreed procedures exist in the workplace which conform to its general provisions for dealing with grievance and disciplinary issues.
19. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if third level education employers who willingly fail to provide for SI 146 of 2000 in their grievance and disciplinary procedures are failing to ensure that their employees’ rights to natural justice and fair procedures are upheld. [29188/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe main purpose of this Code of Practice is to provide guidance to employers, employees and their representatives on the general principles which apply in the operation of grievance and disciplinary procedures and the promotion of best practice in giving effect to such procedures. While the Code outlines the principles of fair procedures for employers and employees generally, it is of particular relevance to situations of individual representation.
While arrangements for handling discipline and grievance issues vary considerably from employment to employment depending on a wide variety of factors including the terms of contracts of employment, locally agreed procedures, industry agreements and whether trade unions are recognised for bargaining purposes, the principles and procedures of this Code of Practice should apply unless alternative agreed procedures exist in the workplace which conform to its general provisions for dealing with grievance and disciplinary issues.
20. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the measures being taken to help businesses that have no income to alleviate the pressures of commercial rents that have remained the same. [28966/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand this is a difficult time for many businesses, especially those heavily impacted by the crisis who are facing an uncertain future. I know that some firms are concerned about how they are going to continue to pay the rent due for their business premises. Throughout this crisis, the Government has been encouraging commercial tenants and landlords to engage with each other and have asked landlords to show forbearance in these extraordinary times. Ultimately, it is in the best interest of both parties to come to a reasonable arrangement.
To date the Government has provided enhanced provisions to a value of almost €20 billion including the €7.4 billion July Stimulus Package. The July Stimulus Package was, as promised, a package of measures of sufficient scale that demonstrates the commitment this Government has to save enterprises, limit the damage to our economy wreaked by this pandemic and get our people back to work. Indeed, it is bigger in scale than most budgets and it is being deployed at speed. It includes:
- A new Employment Wage Support Scheme that will succeed the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme and run until April 2021;
- Restart Grants of up to €25,000 available to a broad category of businesses such as hairdressers, sports clubs, cafes, restaurants, B&Bs, and independent hotels to help cover the costs incurred during closure and reopening costs;
- The ‘Stay and Spend’ initiative will see consumers benefit by up to €125 each for expenditure on hospitality activities during the traditional ‘off peak’ for this sector;
A €10 million Restart Fund for the Tourism Sector;
- The new €2 billion COVID-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme to provide Irish businesses with access to low cost loans as they respond to the impacts of COVID-19. This is the biggest ever state-backed loan guarantee in Ireland;
- The recently reopened Microfinance Ireland Covid-19 Loan scheme; and
- Several other initiatives to provide vital liquidity to all impacted firms have been introduced including rates waivers, temporary VAT reductions, delayed payment of PAYE and VAT debts, in part or in full, for a set period with no interest or penalties, and the early carry back of trading losses providing immediate cash-flow support to previously profitable companies.
Recognising the economic impact of Covid-19 on pubs, bars and nightclubs, and to assist planning and adaptation for their re-opening, an additional €16 million support package for this sector was announced at the end of August. This included a 40% Restart Grant Plus Top Up for pubs, bars and nightclubs that remain closed to help them to reopen, a waiver of court fees and associated excise and stamp duties relating to the renewal of pub and other liquor licences in 2020 and a waiver of excise duty on on-trade liquor licences on renewal in 2020.
On 1 October, I published a new voluntary Code of Conduct that has been agreed with landlords and business representatives for commercial renters. The Code, which is a commitment in the Programme for Government, has been developed in consultation with relevant stakeholders, including Ibec, Retail Excellence Ireland, Chambers Ireland and Irish Institutional Property (IIP). It is based on an approach taken in other jurisdictions, including Australia, France and the UK.
The Code sets out how both parties can work together to get through these uncertain times. Landlords should be willing to do what they can to help their tenants to continue to operate rather than facing the risk of a vacant premises and inability to obtain new tenants. Equally, tenants should pay what they can and speak with their landlord when difficulties arise.
21. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 30 of 30 September 2020, the number of Microfinance Ireland rescheduled 616 performing loans which were restructured in March and April 2020 had their payment break restructured or further extended beyond 15 October 2020. [28984/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Microenterprise Loan Fund, operated by Microfinance Ireland assists businesses with fewer than ten employees. It provides much-needed funding to help microenterprises meet payments for stock, working capital requirements and other overhead expenses through the provision of low-cost lending facilities.
Microfinance Ireland provides vital support to microenterprises by filling the lending gap in the market by lending to business that cannot obtain loans from other commercial lenders. It lends to business that do not meet the conventional risk criteria applied by commercial lenders and applies interest rate charges for its lending which are not reflective of its credit risk.
Microfinance Ireland rescheduled 616 Performing Loans during March and April 2020. These loans were rescheduled to commence payments in October 2020. Repayments are collected monthly on the 15th of each month. The terms of the restructure were six months repayment free without any additional interest accruing, and the loan extended by six months.
Of these 616 loans, 114 loans as at 31 September have been further restructured beyond 15 October.
22. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the details of all meetings with social partners with regard to proposals for statutory sick pay since taking office; the details of all social dialogue forums in which he has participated, in which statutory sick pay proposals were discussed; the details of all Government members and social partner representatives present for each such meeting; the schedule for remaining meetings in 2020 regarding the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29030/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have publicly stated my intention to establish a Statutory Sick Pay Scheme in full consultation with employers and unions. This will build on the various improvements that have been made to social protections for workers over the last five years, including paternity benefit, parental leave benefit and the extension of social insurance benefits to the self-employed and those in the gig economy. In addition, further significant benefits, including enhanced illness benefit, have already been introduced by the Government in response to Covid-19.
I presented a draft Issues Paper on statutory sick pay to the Labour Employer Economic Forum (LEEF) Sub-Group on Employment Legislation/Regulation on Wednesday 30th September with a view to commencing a consultation process. I requested that the social partners consider the range of issues and policy options set out in the paper and submit their views on the paper by 14th October. Representatives from ICTU, IBEC, Chambers Ireland and the Construction Industry Federation attended the meeting.
The views of the Social Partners will be taken on board and the revised Paper will then be discussed at a further meeting of the LEEF Sub-Group. It will then be presented to the plenary LEEF for agreement in advance of launching a full public consultation in November to complement the unions and employer groups input.
23. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if research has been conducted by his Department on the potential excess office space under development in Dublin city; his views on whether such developments could be repurposed; and the plans in place to support businesses in the city centre in which footfall may never return to pre-Covid-19 levels due to a more permanent switch to remote working for some. [29083/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFootfall is an indicator of trading and as we continue to adhere to public health guidelines in order to protect ourselves and each other, it has declined. Businesses and traders in Dublin city, and all across the country, are facing challenges at the present time and I understand this is a difficult time for many who are facing an uncertain future.
Remote working is a flexible working solution with significant potential for Ireland although it is not without its challenges. The current incidence of people working from home, as a result of the global pandemic, is at a scale unprecedented in our country. The public health advice for people to work from home, where possible, is in the best interest of our nation. The priority of the Government continues to be the well-being of our people and communities and the best economic policy is to put public health first.
To date the Government has provided enhanced provisions to a value of almost €20 billion including the €7.4 Billion July Stimulus Package. The July Stimulus Package was, as promised, a package of measures of sufficient scale that demonstrates the commitment this Government has to save enterprises, limit the damage to our economy wreaked by this pandemic and get our people back to work. Indeed, it is bigger in scale than most budgets and it is being deployed at speed. It includes:
A new Employment Wage Support Scheme that will succeed the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme and run until April 2021;
Restart Grants of up to €25,000 available to a broad category of businesses such as hairdressers, sports clubs, cafes, restaurants, B&Bs, and independent hotels to help cover the costs incurred during closure and reopening costs;
The ‘Stay and Spend’ initiative will see consumers benefit by up to €125 each for expenditure on hospitality activities during the traditional ‘off peak’ for this sector;
A €10 million Restart Fund for the Tourism Sector;
The new €2 billion COVID-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme to provide Irish businesses with access to low cost loans as they respond to the impacts of COVID-19. This is the biggest ever state-backed loan guarantee in Ireland;
The recently reopened Microfinance Ireland Covid-19 Loan scheme; and
Several other initiatives to provide vital liquidity to all impacted firms have been introduced including rates waivers, temporary VAT reductions, delayed payment of PAYE and VAT debts, in part or in full, for a set period with no interest or penalties, and the early carry back of trading losses providing immediate cash-flow support to previously profitable companies.
Recognising the economic impact of Covid-19 on pubs, bars and nightclubs, and to assist planning and adaptation for their re-opening, an additional €16 million support package for this sector was announced at the end of August. This included a 40% Restart Grant Plus Top Up for pubs, bars and nightclubs that remain closed to help them to reopen, a waiver of court fees and associated excise and stamp duties relating to the renewal of pub and other liquor licences in 2020 and a waiver of excise duty on on-trade liquor licences on renewal in 2020.
Having come through the initial economic shock with unprecedented levels of State intervention stabilising the economy, the focus is now on sustaining the recovery in the face of uncertainty and disruption while seeking to minimise permanent loss of economic activity and employment. As such, the next steps in our recovery journey will be mapped out in the October Budget and the subsequent National Economic Plan.
As per the recent Budget 2021 Strategy announcement, Budget 2021 will see additional crisis-related supports tailored to those sectors and workers who are most in need.
The National Economic Plan will set out a vision for what our post-Covid economy will look like. The plan will set longer term objectives for the economy post crisis and identify policies and strategies to achieve those objectives. While the focus of Government action up to now has been on protecting workers, households and firms, the plan will need to look to the future and show how our economy can be positioned to exploit opportunities for growth in emerging sectors and in areas such as new ways of working, while also addressing how we will prepare for the transitioning of enterprises and workers in response to technology and climate change developments. Ireland’s flexible and skilled labour force has traditionally been a strength of the country and reskilling and upskilling of the labour force in response to anticipated future skills needs a core element to be progressed under the plan.
The plan will be progressed over the coming weeks and I would expect it to launch in November.
24. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the supports which an enterprise can receive for reopening; and the way in which it varies for enterprises in areas in which level 3 restrictions have been applied. [29161/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraEarlier this week we announced that as of 6th October at 12 midnight all parts of the country will move to Level Three of the Government’s Framework for Restrictive Measures for a period of three weeks. I understand that these restrictions will have a significant impact on businesses and employment around the country.
In recognition of the impact of these restrictions on businesses, a 30% top-up to the Restart Plus grant will be provided to help support those affected through the three-week period. In addition, in recognising that Level 3 is being extended in Dublin and Donegal beyond the three-week period, businesses in these counties will be eligible for a further 20% and 10% top-up respectively.
The Restart Grant Plus provides direct grant aid to businesses with up to 250 employees to help them with the costs associated with reopening and re-employing workers following COVID-19 closures. The grant is a contribution towards the cost of re-opening or keeping a business operational and re-connecting with employees and customers. The grant could also be used to defray ongoing fixed costs during closure, for example, utilities, insurance, refurbishment or for measures to ensure employee and customer safety.
In most cases the grant will be the amount of the rates assessment for the premises for 2019, with a minimum grant is €4,000 and the maximum grant is €25,000 (or maximum of €15,000 for businesses that received the maximum of €10,000 under the original Restart Grant Scheme). Top-ups were previously introduced in August and September for eligible businesses in Kildare, Laois, Offaly, Dublin and Donegal in respect of a further period of restrictions, for ‘wet’ pubs, bars and nightclubs nationwide that re-opened on 21 September, and for ‘wet’ pubs, bars and nightclubs in Dublin that remain closed.
Businesses that accessed funding through the original round of the Restart Grant Scheme are eligible for a top-up payment to a total combined value of the revised maximum grant level. Applications are made through the Local Authorities. Full details and application forms are available on the websites of all Local Authorities until 31st October 2020.
The Restart Grant Plus is just one part of the wider range of schemes available to firms of all sizes, which includes the wage subsidy scheme, low-cost loans, write-off of commercial rates and deferred tax liabilities, all of which will help to improve cashflow amongst SMEs.
The Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) are there to help small and medium-sized businesses during this crisis. They are a ‘first-stop-shop’ for businesses providing advice and guidance, financial assistance and other supports to business owners throughout the country. The LEOs also offer a business mentoring service, where they can assist enterprises in identifying what supports are appropriate and can also assist with the completion of applications for those schemes.
Additionally, the LEOs have moved training programmes, workshops and networking meet-ups online, covering areas such as cash management in a crisis, leading your business through COVID-19 and advice for employers impacted by the crisis. The LEOs also launched the LEO Client Training Initiative which is a new ‘Lunch & Learn’ live training webinar series. This is open and accessible to all LEO client companies and prospective clients across the country, with no registration or sign-up required.
The LEOs also provide Trading Online Vouchers to assist micro-enterprises to establish an on-line presence quickly. New flexibilities to the Scheme were introduced in April including reducing the requirement for co-funding from 50% to 10% and allowing businesses to apply for a second voucher of up to €2,500 where they have successfully utilised their first one. There has been a positive response to these changes and significant uptake of the Scheme.
On 14th September last I announced the Micro-Enterprise Assistance Fund which will help businesses with fewer than 10 employees, which are ineligible for existing grants, with a grant of up to €1,000 to help them adapt and invest to rebuild their business. Businesses impacted by a 30% reduction in turnover due to COVID-19 restrictions or downturn in trade will be eligible provided they commit to reopening and to hiring and sustaining employment. It is estimated that about 2,000 businesses nationwide will benefit.
All COVID-19 Business Schemes are under constant review in terms of the evolving situation and will be adapted as circumstances dictate. In that regard, I can assure the Deputy that I will continue to work with my colleagues across Government and all stakeholders to examine how best to further assist businesses impacted by COVID-19 as part of the forthcoming Budget and National Economic Plan.
25. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the estimated timeframe for the delivery of a development task force for north Kerry (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29224/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government has committed to ensuring that local development plans are developed to stimulate economic activity for those areas that were expecting economic development arising from new fossil-fuel infrastructure. As part of this, the Government will consider the potential of the Shannon Estuary in terms of regional economic development across transport and logistics, manufacturing, renewable energy and tourism, and develop a strategy to achieve this potential, with support from the Exchequer.
I can however assure the Deputy that jobs and enterprise in the regions is a priority of Government and I want to have a situation where all regions are enabled to realise their potential as contributors to economic growth.
The Deputy will be aware that the Programme for Government provides that as Ireland moves towards carbon neutrality it does not make sense to develop LNG gas import terminals importing fracked gas.
The Deputy will be aware that my Department’s nine Regional Enterprise Plans to 2020 were launched by my Department in early 2019 with the South-West Regional Enterprise Plan which covers counties Kerry and Cork being launched in February of that year. These Plans play a central role in supporting the delivery of balanced regional enterprise development and in ensuring that employment growth is spread across all regions. The Plans are also maintained as ‘live’ agendas which aim to be agile and responsive to both new opportunities and new challenges, for example: Brexit, Climate Action, Digital Economy, and most recently, the COVID-19 pandemic economic impacts.
At the end of June this year my predecessor as Minister, Heather Humphreys TD met with the Chairpersons of the nine Regional Enterprise Plan Committees including the Chair of the South-West Committee on a conference call and invited them to work with their Committees to identify proposals that would help to address economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic in their region. These groups are meeting in virtual format over the coming weeks to focus on this and will report back to my Department, with a view to contributing to the development of the National Recovery Plan in due course.
I can advise the Deputy that the South West Regional Steering Committee met on 28th July last and considered the range of COVID-19 and wider economic challenges for the South West region and indeed issues arising in relation to vulnerable jobs and sectors. They are currently developing options for additional measures that can be taken for the region.
It is worth noting that the Government has put several funding streams in place to support regional development and the South-West has seen a number of successes under my own Department’s regional funding streams. These include over €17.5m under the Regional Enterprise Development Fund (REDF) and €987,478 under the Regional Technology Clustering Fund, with €581,138 being awarded to IT Tralee.
Guided by the Regional Enterprise Plan, and with all regional stakeholders working together, the South-West region is well positioned to realise its enterprise potential and see better quality, sustainable jobs and investment.
26. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications if consideration will be given to an increase in the annual budget for the recently opened support scheme for renewable heat which encourages farmers to change from fossil-based fuel sources to renewable heat sources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29042/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Support Scheme for Renewable Heat was developed to financially support the adoption of renewable heating systems by commercial, industrial, agricultural, district heating and other non-domestic heat users.
The scheme has an annual budget cap, which is set with the agreement of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. The annual budget cap, which is currently set at €5 million, is the total in annual operation payments that can be made for all projects under the scheme. Projects can continue to be approved by SEAI until the annual budget cap is reached.
To date, the total annual operational payments for all projects that have been approved is circa one-quarter of the annual budget cap. Therefore, it is not proposed to review the annual budget cap at this stage.
I intend to allocate sufficient funds from my Department's budget in 2021 to cover all expected payments under the scheme.
27. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications if consideration will be given to increasing the just transition fund by 20% from €6 million to €7.2 million allowing for the use of the micro-loan scheme to incentivise investment on farm for energy generation and conversion of business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29046/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe objective of the Just Transition Fund 2020 call is to fund innovative projects that contribute to the economic, social and environmental sustainability of the wider Midlands region, and which have employment and enterprise potential. Funding of up to €11 million is available in 2020, financed by Government through an allocation of €6 million from carbon tax revenue and by an additional €5 million committed by ESB. My Department's call earlier this year invited applications from private, public, and community and voluntary organisations in the following eight counties: East Galway, Kildare, Laois, Longford, North Tipperary, Offaly, Roscommon and Westmeath. On foot of this call, my Department published an initial list of sixteen successful projects on 9 September and additional projects will be approved in the next few weeks. Projects approved for funding under this call must be completed by the end of 2023.
Under the terms of the call, funding of up to 85% of the total cost of a project will be provided to successful applications, which must be in a position to confirm their ability to provide matching funding prior to entering into a grant agreement with the Department. Projects may, if they choose to and if they are eligible, seek funding from the Government's Microenterprise Loan Fund, which is administered by Microfinance Ireland, on behalf of the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation. It should be noted, however, that this entails a separate application process which is distinct to that for the Just Transition Fund.
28. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications if consideration will be given to increasing the number of rural 44KW and 50KW charging points for electric vehicle users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29052/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn line with the Programme for Government and the Climate Action Plan 2019, this Government is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the electric vehicle charging network over the coming years. There are currently circa 650 standard public charge points and over 100 fast charge stations (the majority of which are operated by the ESB) in Ireland. An interactive map showing ESB charger locations and their status can be found at www.esb.ie/ecars .
We have committed €10 million from the Climate Action Fund to promote the charging network and this has leveraged a further €10 million investment from ESB. This intervention alone will result in:
90 additional high power chargers (150kW), each capable of charging two vehicles
52 additional fast chargers (50kW), which may replace existing 22 kW standard chargers
264 replacement standard chargers (22kW) with more modern technology and with each consisting of two charge points
The high powered and fast chargers will be mainly concentrated on or near national roads and motorways to enable longer journeys to be completed. Three multi charger sites have been delivered, one each in Galway (M6), Kildare (M9) and Laois, while the programme to upgrade 50 22kW chargers to 50kW has already commenced with 10 installations now in place.
Further upgrades are planned in the coming months. More information on these upgrades can be found at https://esb.ie/ecars/our-network/high-power-charging-hubs.
It should also be noted that my Department, in line with the Programme for Government, is working with a number of key stakeholders, including Local Government, to develop a strategy to ensure electric charging infrastructure stays ahead of demand. In meeting this key criterion the strategy will need to look at appropriate locations for the infrastructure which will include consideration of both rural and urban settings.
Combined with an effective public charging network, Ireland's home charging policy will help sustain and service the expected growth of electric vehicles on Irish roads. Charging at home accounts for around 80% of electric vehicle charging in Ireland and it is best practice, internationally, to promote home charging as the most common and cheapest form of charging. To support home charging, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), on behalf of my Department, administers an EV Home Charger Grant of up to €600 towards the purchase and installation of an EV home charger unit.
29. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications if his attention has been drawn to concerns the impact of a 130% increase in public service obligation levy will have on households of reduced socioeconomic means; his plans to support households that may not be able to afford an increase of this magnitude; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29148/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe PSO levy has been in place since 2001, and is a charge on all electricity customers without exception. It consists of a set of support schemes designed to facilitate national electricity policy objectives for renewables and security of supply. From a policy standpoint, the PSO has been and will continue to be a vital policy support for the development of renewable electricity and to enable Ireland to reach EU renewable energy targets and our own national energy and climate targets. Under the PSO legislation, the calculation of the Levy is strictly a matter for the Commission for Regulation of Utilities, the independent electricity and gas regulator. The legal basis for the PSO levy and its method of calculation are set out in regulations made under the Electricity Regulation Act 1999 and the Public Service Obligations Order 2002 (S.I. 217 of 2002) under which the CRU is assigned responsibility for calculation of the levy each year. The methodology for determining the PSO levy charge is set out in Public Service Obligations Order 2002 (S.I. 217 of 2002).
The CRU’s decision on the PSO for 2020/21 will result in an increase in the PSO for households of €3.68 per month.
As regards impacts on households of reduced means, I am acutely aware of the financial challenges faced by households during these exceptional times. Government provides extensive supports for household energy costs via welfare schemes and energy efficiency grants, with specific schemes aimed at those at risk of energy poverty. Welfare supports include the Household Benefits Package and the fuel allowance, both operated by the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection, which provide a set of allowances to help with the costs of running household energy costs.Improving the energy efficiency of a home also represents a significant opportunity for consumers to reduce their energy costs. Energy efficiency upgrades are provided free of charge to households at risk of energy poverty mainly through the Warmer Homes scheme, operated by the Sustainable Authority of Ireland (SEAI) on behalf of my Department. In 2020 the budget allocated is €52.8 million, largest ever budget allocation for the scheme.
The PSO is only one part of the total electricity bill. The CRU emphasises that savings on the variable aspect of the electricity bill can be gained through switching electricity supplier. All supply companies offer competitive deals to customers who switch or engage with their suppliers. Data from approved price comparison websites, Bonkers.ie, Switcher.ie and Powertoswitch.ie, approved by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities, exist to assist consumers to switch; for example as of 6 October 2020, consumers could save up to €307 annually, depending on the tariff they are on, by switching suppliers. This could help mitigate the increase in the PSO.
30. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo cannot access broadband which is only 30 meters from their house. [29050/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra31. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications the status of broadband for a household (details supplied) in County Mayo. [29064/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 30 and 31 together.
The premises referred to is located in the BLUE 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 has indicated future plans to do so. My Department defines high speed broadband as a connection with minimum speeds of 30Mbps download and 6Mbps upload. The activities of commercial operators delivering high speed broadband within BLUE areas are not planned or funded by the State and my Department has no statutory authority to intervene in that regard.My Department will contact the relevant operators to query the issues highlighted at these premises and will provide an update to the Deputy in due course.
32. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications the reason an Eir customer (details supplied) cannot access broadband in their area. [29069/20]
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. 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 Mayo, 5,400 premises have been surveyed to date and network designs are being developed to deliver the new fibre network. Areas surveyed include Aghagower, Ballyhean, Breaghwy, Burren, Castlebar, Clogher, Cloonkeen, Croaghmoyle, Islandeady, Killavally, Manulla, Pontoon, Strade, Tawnynagry, Turlough, Drumsheen, and Bunnyconnellan. In addition surveyors are working on the ground in Ballina Town, Carrowntreila, Ardagh, Campbells Crossroads, Rosserk, Shanvoley, Derryhick, Kilhale, Tawnylaheen, Turlough, Ballyvary, Keeloges, Castlebar Town, Rinnaseer, Bellaburke, Killawullaun Mountain, Carn, Carnacon, Ballyglass, Belcarra, Balla and Ringarraun. 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 Mayo, Scoil Néifinn in Keenagh is installed and will be connected for educational access as part of this initiative, while the public will be able to benefit from this service at locations across the county such as Taugheen, Bofeenaun, Islandeady and Killaser Community Centres which are all installed and due for connection. 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.
33. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications if a person (details supplied) can have their house rezoned to a green zone for the purpose of accessing fibre broadband; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29076/20]
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/).
Surveys have recently commenced in the areas around Tipperary and the surrounding townlands of Aherloe, Ballinalard and Bansha with over 3,300 premises surveyed to date.
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 Tipperary, Poulacapple National School and Killeen National School will be connected to high speed broadband as part of the BCP initiative, while the public will be able to benefit from this service at locations across the county such as Aglish Community Hall, Drom Community Centre, Moyglass Community Hall, and Killurney Community Centre which are all installed and due for connection. 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.
34. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications the reason there will be a 130% increase in the PSO levy charged to all electricity customers in 2020/2021; if he has consulted with the Commission for Regulation of Utilities on the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29094/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe PSO levy has been in place since 2001, and is a charge on all electricity customers without exception. It consists of a set of support schemes designed to facilitate national electricity policy objectives for renewables and security of supply. From a policy standpoint, the PSO has been and will continue to be a vital policy support for the development of renewable electricity and to enable Ireland to reach EU renewable energy targets and our own national energy and climate targets. Under the PSO legislation, the calculation of the Levy is strictly a matter for the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU), the independent electricity and gas regulator. The legal basis for the PSO levy and its method of calculation are set out in regulations made under the Electricity Regulation Act 1999 and the Public Service Obligations Order 2002 (S.I. 217 of 2002) under which the CRU is assigned responsibility for the calculation of the levy each year. The methodology for determining the PSO levy charge is set out in the Public Service Obligations Order 2002 (S.I. 217 of 2002).
The CRU issued its proposed decision paper on the 2020/21 PSO levy for consultation on 8th June 2020 in accordance with its annual process of determining the PSO levy in line with its function above. This document is available in the public domain here https://www.cru.ie/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/2020-21-PSO-Proposed-Decision.pdf.
The CRU then published its decision on the amount of the PSO for 2020/2021 on 31st July 2020 and it is also available in the public domain here
https://www.cru.ie/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/CRU20086-PSO-Decision-Paper-2020-21.pdf .
The CRU’s decision on the PSO for 2020/21 will result in an increase in the PSO for households of €3.68 per month. The decision paper includes detailed material on reasons for the increase, under the headings upward and downward drivers of the levy.
Under the Electricity Regulation Act, the CRU is directly responsible for the performance of its functions to a Joint Committee of the Oireachtas, and not to me as Minister. The Deputy may wish to note that CRU provide a dedicated email address for Oireachtas members, which enables them raise questions directly to CRU at oireachtas@cru.ie for timely direct reply.
35. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications the grant levels available for works under the various SEAI schemes for householders that is warmer homes, better energy homes, solar grants and so on; the impact on the take up of these schemes as a result of Covid-19; and his plans to increase the payment levels for particular works in order to stimulate activity In the months ahead. [29166/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe SEAI operates a number of energy efficiency upgrade schemes on behalf of my Department. These schemes include partial grants for individuals that can afford to contribute to the cost of upgrades as well as schemes that provide free energy efficiency improvements for people who are in receipt of certain welfare payments. The attached document provides information on the grant levels available by scheme. Further information is available from the SEAI on 1850 250 204 or their website at https://www.seai.ie/grants.
SEAI grant schemes will be a central element of the Government’s approach to achieving our national retrofit targets. The July Stimulus commits to increasing the SEAI budget by €100 million in 2021. This additional funding will be focused on community retrofit schemes, retrofit schemes supporting those in energy poverty as well as other initiatives to support the achievement of our retrofit targets. The funding supported the first call for projects under the new National Homes Retrofit Scheme which was launched on 25 September. This scheme is suitable for one-stop-shops, residential service providers, employers, financial institutions, Approved Housing Bodies and local authorities. Details are available at: https://www.seai.ie/grants/national-home-retrofit/
By announcing this additional funding as part of the July Stimulus, the Government is providing certainty to the sector so that they can continue approved programmes of work, bid into new and expanded schemes, maintain a pipeline of retrofit activity, and sustain and create jobs. Further details on other new and expanded schemes will be announced in the coming weeks.
The schemes impacted most significantly by the COVID-19 restrictions are the Warmer Homes Scheme and Warmth and Wellbeing Scheme. Under these schemes, 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.
36. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications if he will consider the issues raised by a local authority (details supplied) on infrastructure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29216/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Broadband Plan (NBP) State led Intervention will be delivered by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) under a contract signed on 19 November last 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 2 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 before the end of the year.In Monaghan surveys have commenced, with over 4,300 premises surveyed to date. Surveyors were working in areas such as Cornacassa, Cortolvin, Ballybay and Stranooden and other areas which will be surveyed include Mullinahinch, Bellanode, Drumhilock, Tydavnet, Cloughnart, Scotstown and Killymarley. This involves physically walking the routes and documenting images, notes and measurements of the poles, cables and underground ducts in each area. 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 Monaghan where the public will be able to benefit from this service including Corcaghan, Carn, Saint Alphonsus and Mullyash Community Centres, Tannagh Outdoor Education centre, the Corduff and Latton Resource Centres as well as the Monaghan GAA centre of Excellence and Geraldines GAA Club. Further details can be found at https://nbi.ie/bcp-locations/.A number of schools including Drumcorrin and Drumgossatt National Schools will also be connected to high speed broadband for educational access as part of the BCP initiative. My Department will work with the Department of Education and Skills to prioritise the remaining schools to be connected over the term of the NBP.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.
37. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications if he will request that the national broadband plan provider set out a scheduled installation timeframe on a postcode basis; if he will establish when a property (details supplied) might expect to receive a service under the National Broadband Plan. [29220/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraNBI 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/). This provides anyone living in the NBP intervention area with a mechanism through which they can ensure they will be updated when the network is being built out in their area. The 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 Clare, 4,891 premises have been surveyed to date and network designs completed to deliver the new fibre network. Surveys have commenced in the areas of Cratloe, Ballycannan, Ballyglas and Cloghrea and further surveys due to commence in the areas of Kilkishen before the end of this year. This will enable design solutions for the provision of a fibre network to premises in the Intervention Area.
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 Clare including at Caherconnell, Cree Community Centre, Loop Head and Michael Cusack Visitor Centre. A number of schools including Kilmurry McMahon, Shragh, Ennistymon and Stonehall National Schools will also be connected to high speed broadband as part of the BCP initiative. Further details can be found at https://nbi.ie/bcp-locations/ . The Department will work with DES to prioritise the remaining schools to be connected over the term of the NBP.
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.
