Patricia Ryan
Ceist:31. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the status of the Athy food hub; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30326/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFood Industry
Ceisteanna (31)
Freagraí scríofa
The Regional Enterprise Development Fund supports regions throughout Ireland to build on their unique strengths to support enterprise capability and job creation. 68 projects throughout Ireland were approved funding under this initiative, a key pillar of Enterprise Ireland’s Powering the Regions Strategy which contributes to the Governments regionalisation policy The Regional Enterprise Development Fund is administered by Enterprise Ireland as an open competitive fund. The details of the fund, including eligibility and project evaluation was detailed in the fund’s reference document published on Enterprise Ireland’s website.
The Athy Food Hub applied for funding under Call 3 of the Regional Enterprise Development Fund and regretfully was not successful. It is my understanding however that this group received funding under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund which falls under the remit of my colleague, Ms. Heather Humphreys TD, Minister for Social Protection, Community and Rural Development and the Islands.
Local Enterprise Offices
Ceisteanna (32)
Jennifer Murnane O'Connor
Ceist:32. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications if the criteria for the local enterprise office trading online voucher will be broadened to include social media (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29613/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Trading Online Voucher Scheme is managed by my Department and delivered nationwide in partnership with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, the Department of Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht, Enterprise Ireland, the 31 Local Enterprise Offices and Údarás na Gaeltachta. The Scheme offers advice and peer-to-peer support and a grant of up to €2,500 to help small and micro-businesses to develop their ecommerce capability.
The Scheme was launched nationally in mid-2014. By end 2019, some 6,400 small and micro businesses had completed, or were in the process of completing their trading online projects. In addition, 19,000 or so business owners-managers had benefitted from advice and peer-to-peer support through their participation in the information seminars delivered by the Local Enterprise Offices under the Scheme.
In response to Covid-19, funding for the Scheme in 2020 was increased from €2.3m to €39.8m, and new flexibilities were introduced 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.
The primary intent of the Scheme is to assist businesses to develop their own website to deliver the longer term benefits of e-commerce. However this does not preclude a business that does not operate a website but promotes their service or product through social media platform from applying under the Scheme.
Electric Vehicles
Ceisteanna (33)
Jennifer Whitmore
Ceist:33. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications the county councils that have applied for the electric vehicle public charge point grant; the reasons for the low uptake of the grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29693/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Public Charge Point Scheme has been in place since September 2019 to provide funding to local authorities for the development of on-street public chargers. The primary focus of this scheme is to provide support for the installation of infrastructure which will facilitate owners of EVs, who do not have access to a private parking space but rely on parking their vehicles in public places near their homes, to charge their EVs.
My Department, via the SEAI, currently provides a grant of up to €5,000 to support the installation of these charge points and this support will continue into 2021. Since the launch of the scheme, the SEAI has received requests from twelve local authorities for applications under the scheme with two local authorities submitting applications, which are currently being assessed for approval, to install a total of 24 charge points within their respective jurisdictions. In addition, the four Dublin local authorities are examining their approach for a network of charging infrastructure in the metropolitan area.
Local Government has been to the forefront in recent times in addressing the climate challenge and the sector will have a key role to play in helping to decarbonise our national fleet through facilitating the provision of EV charging infrastructure in appropriate locations at both the local and regional level.
In this regard it should be noted that my Department is working closely with a number of key stakeholders, including Local Government, on developing a strategy to ensure electric vehicle charging infrastructure stays ahead of demand. This includes developing appropriate guidance for local authorities in line with the Programme for Government and will ensure we can continue to expand our national charging network through the relevant SEAI supports for on street chargers.
Electric Vehicles
Ceisteanna (34, 41)
Steven Matthews
Ceist:34. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications if he will investigate the existing grants that are available to assist in purchasing electric commercial vehicles through SEAI in view of the fact this only applies to vehicles such as vans; and if it has been considered to expand this to include cars for commercial use. [30103/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Alan Farrell
Ceist:41. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications the incentives being designed to encourage greater commercial uptake of electric vehicles in the private and public sectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29943/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 34 and 41 together.
My Department currently provides a generous range of supports available through the SEAI to support the purchase of electric vehicles and related charging infrastructure. The priority of the Government, at this time, is to target supports where they can have the most effect in aiding Ireland's transition to a low carbon economy.
In order to qualify for the electric vehicle purchase grant, the electric vehicle must be classified as M1 (private passenger vehicle) or N1 (light commercial vehicle). Commercial Grants for battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) in the M1 class were discontinued last year. While the Department continues to review the EV support schemes on an on-going basis there are no plans currently to reinstate this grant.
It should be noted that there is a generous benefit-in-kind tax relief available to support the purchase of battery electric vehicles by businesses. Other incentives available include:
- motor tax of €120 for battery electric vehicles;
- a discount on tolls of 50% for battery electric vehicles and 25% for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (up to a maximum amount of €500 per year with greater reductions off-peak on the M50); and
- grants of up to €12,500 to support the purchase of electric vehicles in the taxi/hackney/limousine sector.
More information is available at .www.drivingelectric.ie.
National Broadband Plan
Ceisteanna (35)
Michael McNamara
Ceist:35. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications if a person (details supplied) will be facilitated for broadband connection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29578/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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 6 October, design work is complete or on-going in target townlands across 24 counties and steady progress is being made with almost 103,000 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 Clare surveys have commenced in the areas of Cratloe, Ballycannan, Ballyglas and Cloghrea and further surveys are due to commence in the areas of Kilkishen before the end of this year.
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 51 of these are now connected with high speed publicly accessible broadband, through a service provider contract managed by the Department of Rural and Community Development. It is anticipated that 275 BCP sites will be connected by the end of the year. Further details can be found at https://nbi.ie/bcp-locations/.
BCPs connected in County Clare include Cree Community Centre, Loop Head Lighthouse and Michael Cusack Visitor Centre, with other locations at Caherconnell and Flagmount to be connected in the coming months.
In addition some school BCPs will be provided with high speed broadband, for educational use only, through a service provider contract managed by the Department of Education and Skills. 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. My Department will work with Department of Education and Skills to prioritise the remaining schools to be connected over the term of the NBP.
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.
Better Energy Homes Scheme
Ceisteanna (36)
Joan Collins
Ceist:36. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question No. 483 of 3 December 2019, when the review of the climate action plan will be completed, in particular, the recommendation in relation to the issue of revisits for additional works under the warmer homes scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29666/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme is funded by my Department and administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). The scheme delivers a range of energy efficiency measures free of charge to low income households vulnerable to energy poverty. The aim of the scheme is to deliver efficiency measures in a way which represents the best possible use of Exchequer funding.
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. The Warmer Homes Scheme budget allocation for 2020 is €52.8 million - a record level of funding for this scheme.
The Climate Action Plan includes a commitment to review ways to improve how current energy poverty schemes target those most in need. Recommendations in relation to the implementation of changes to the scheme including the issue of repeat upgrade visits will be finalised shortly.
I will outline 2021 funding for the scheme following the Budget.
National Broadband Plan
Ceisteanna (37)
Thomas Gould
Ceist:37. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications if his attention has been drawn to a situation regarding houses on either side of an address (details supplied) whereby one house is covered by high-speed broadband but the other is not; if a timeline for full implementation of broadband at this address will be provided; and if he will expedite the implementation. [29841/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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 6 October, design work is complete or on-going in target townlands across 24 counties and steady progress is being made with almost 103,000 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 Cork, surveys have been completed in the areas of Carrigaline and Midelton. NBI crews have started initial works for the build of the fibre network 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 in Carrigaline.
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 51 of these are now connected with high speed publicly accessible broadband, through a service provider contract managed by the Department of Rural and Community Development. It is anticipated that 275 BCP sites will be connected by the end of the year. Further details can be found at https://nbi.ie/bcp-locations/.
BCPs connected in County Cork include community centres at Whitechurch, Aghabullogue, Ballindangan, Castletownkenneigh and Lissavard with other locations at Aubane, Courtbrack, Mealagh Valley, Glash and Sherkin and Bere Islands to be connected with high speed broadband in the coming months.
In addition some school BCPs will be provided with high speed broadband, for educational use only, through a service provider contract managed by the Department of Education and Skills. A number of schools including Clogagh and Ballycroneen National School will be connected to high speed broadband as part of the BCP initiative. My Department will work with Department of Education and Skills to prioritise the remaining schools to be connected over the term of the NBP.
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.
Warmer Homes Scheme
Ceisteanna (38)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:38. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications if his attention has been drawn to the delay in the provision of the warmer homes grants due to increased demand; his views on whether this increased demand is due to a change in criteria; if he will allocate funding to meet the additional demand; if he will review a case and expedite an application for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29909/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The 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.
Although the budget for the scheme has been significantly increased in recent times, the current very high level of demand does directly impact waiting times with the duration between applying for the scheme and having works carried out averaging at 18 – 24 months. This is partly due to changes to the scheme introduced in June 2018 which expanded and enhanced the range of energy efficiency measures available as well as an extension of the eligibility rules. Waiting times were also negatively impacted by the COVID-19 related restrictions. SEAI are continuing to work through applications on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Climate Action Plan includes a commitment to review ways to improve how current energy poverty schemes target those most in need, including how to reduce waiting times. Recommendations in relation to the implementation of changes to the scheme will be finalised shortly.
I will outline the 2021 funding allocation for the scheme following the Budget.
Individual applications to the Warmer Homes Scheme are an operational matter for the SEAI and as Minister I have no role. However in reference to the case raised by the Deputy, officials in my Department have been in contact with the SEAI and I have been informed that the application was made on 14 October 2019 and the homeowner is currently awaiting survey allocation.
The Deputy may wish to note that there are other grants and schemes available from Government that could assist their constituent if there is an urgent need. These include the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection (DEASP) Urgent Needs Payment available through the Community Welfare Service at local DEASP offices and the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government Housing Aid for Older People Grant Scheme which is administered by the Local Authorities.
Environmental Policy
Ceisteanna (39)
Alan Farrell
Ceist:39. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications the status of the banning of single-use plastics here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29941/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
EU Directive 2019/904 commonly referred to as the Single Use Plastics Directive, seeks to reduce the impact of certain plastic products on the environment. In keeping with the provisions of this Directive l will ban a range of single use plastic products from being placed on the market in Ireland from 3rd July 2021. The following single use plastic items will be banned:
- Straws
- Plates
- Cutlery
- Beverage stirrers
- Polystyrene food and beverage containers
- Cotton bud sticks
- Balloon sticks
- All oxo-degradable products.
On 4 September I launched the Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy. This Plan outlines ambitious plans for the banning of a further range of single use plastic products including, but not limited to, non-medical wet wipes, hotel toiletry bottles and sugar and condiment sachets. The plan also contains a range of measures to tackle disposable coffee cups including a levy, actions to ban their unnecessary use and an eventual full ban.
Climate Action Plan
Ceisteanna (40)
Alan Farrell
Ceist:40. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which his Department is examining the need for increased involvement in local community groups to engage with climate action initiatives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29942/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Programme for Government recognises that the transformation to a low-carbon, digital economy, requires the mobilisation of every element of Irish society, and will require fundamental changes in how we live our lives.
The Climate Action Bill, which I published last week, strengthens the role of Local Authorities in climate action. It sets out legislative requirements for each Local Authority to produce a Climate Action Plan, on the request of the Minister for Climate Action, within eighteen months of the enactment of the Bill, and subsequently, at least once every five years. These plans will have to be consistent with national climate plans and strategies, and Local Authorities will have to liaise with each other and their stakeholders in the preparation of these plans.
Preparation is also underway to develop an effective citizen engagement model which will motivate changes in behaviour, and create structures at local, regional and national levels to support the generation of ideas and their translation into appropriate cost-effective actions. Work on stakeholder engagement is in progress across a number of sectors, and my Department is currently developing a policy paper for the future of this new engagement model which will draw together various initiatives, as well as work by the Environmental Protection Agency, and engagement activities undertaken by Local Authorities and the Climate Action Regional Offices.
Given their close relationship with the community, Local Authorities are uniquely positioned to facilitate effective climate action, and provide local leadership through various community networks, including Age Friendly Ireland, the Public Participation Networks, Tidy Towns and the GAA. Under the new engagement model, Local Authorities will continue to explore options for additional strategic partnerships supporting climate action, and the roll-out of the pilot projects, community workshops and training courses, similar to “Let’s Talk Climate Action” town hall meeting, the “Community-led Climate Action” workshop, and the free ‘Communities 4 Climate Action’ training course, all of which were delivered in late 2019.
Question No. 41 answered with Question No. 34.
Wind Energy Guidelines
Ceisteanna (42)
Alan Farrell
Ceist:42. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications the status of wind energy production and projections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29944/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government is committed to the rapid decarbonisation of the energy sector and will take the necessary action to deliver at least 70% renewable electricity by 2030.
At present, there is approximately 4.1GW of wind energy operational in Ireland, and wind supplied approximately 32% of total electricity demand in 2019. Ireland is a world leader at incorporating large amounts of wind-generated electricity onto the network and there is substantial future growth potential for wind power in Ireland. The Climate Action Plan included a commitment to deliver at least 3.5 GW of offshore wind by 2030 and up to 8.2 GW of onshore wind; the Programme for Government commits to a further increase in offshore wind deployment to 5 GW by 2030.
To support the delivery of the national ambition to further decrease our dependence on fossil fuels my Department has developed the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) which will assist Ireland in meeting its renewable energy contribution out to 2030 by providing supports to a range of technologies including onshore and offshore wind projects.The first RESS auction results were approved by Government in September 2020. 479MW of additional onshore wind energy projects were successful in this first RESS auction and these projects are expected to become operational by 2022.
Ireland’s National Energy and Climate Plan (Table 6 of the Plan) sets out estimated trajectories by renewable energy technology in order to achieve the overall and sectoral trajectories for renewable energy from 2021 to 2030. These technology levels are indicative and for electricity the level of each technology will be driven by technology costs and competitive auctions under the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) as well as major private sector funding through Corporate Power Purchase Agreements.
Energy Efficiency
Ceisteanna (43)
Paul Kehoe
Ceist:43. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications if commercial grants are available to assist a business in becoming more energy efficient and environmentally friendly such as upgrading of in-store refrigeration units and installation of solar panels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29950/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
There is a range of supports provided by my Department via the SEAI that can enable businesses to become more energy efficient. This includes the Better Energy Communities and Excellence in Energy Efficient Design (EXEED) programmes which together were allocated €24 million in funding for 2020.
Other supports provided by my Department via the SEAI that enable businesses to become more energy efficient include:
- SEAI's Energy Academy which is a new online resource that gives businesses free access to high quality energy training.
- The provision of information and advisory services to businesses including briefings, workshops, workplace resources, access to energy auditing services and case studies of best practice.
- The Large Industry Energy Network which accounts for over 20% of Ireland’s energy use and works together to improve energy performance and share experiences.
- Accelerated Capital Allowances which allow businesses to reduce their taxable profits by the full level of expenditure on energy efficient equipment in the year the investment is made.
- The Support Scheme for Renewable Heat financially supports businesses in the adoption of renewable energy for heat including heat pumps and heating systems that use biomass or biogas.
Further information on these supports is available at https://www.seai.ie/business-and-public-sector/.
Energy Prices
Ceisteanna (44)
Darren O'Rourke
Ceist:44. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications if he has contacted electricity and gas providers in relation to proposed increases in prices during the Covid-19 pandemic; the providers he has made contact with; the outcome of these discussions; his views on not increasing energy prices during the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29962/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister I meet on an ongoing basis with a range of energy stakeholders, including electricity and gas retail providers. As part of those engagements, I have met with senior management of ESB and SSE and discussed a wide range of issues relevant to my current portfolio.
The electricity and gas retail markets in Ireland operate within a European Union regulatory regime wherein electricity and gas markets are commercial, liberalised, and competitive. Operating within this overall EU framework, responsibility for the regulation of the electricity and gas markets is solely a matter for the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU), which was assigned responsibility for the regulation of the Irish electricity and gas markets following the enactment of the Electricity Regulation Act (ERA), 1999.The CRU is an independent statutory Regulator and is accountable for the performance of its functions to the Oireachtas, and not to me as Minister. The Deputy may wish to note that CRU provides a dedicated email address for Oireachtas members, which enables them raise questions on energy regulatory matters to CRU at oireachtas@cru.ie for timely direct reply. As regards CRU's role in price determination, in line with long standing policy on deregulating price setting, CRU ended its regulation of retail prices in the electricity market in 2011, and in the gas market in 2014. Given that prices are no longer regulated, they are set by all suppliers as entirely commercial and operational matters by them. Each such company has its own different approach to pricing decisions over time, in accordance with factors such as their overall company strategic direction and developments in their cost base. The position of successive Governments, for almost twenty years, has been that competitive energy markets result in greater choice for consumers and businesses, in terms of suppliers, products and prices and to support competition to drive down prices. Data from approved price comparison sites shows that consumers can make significant savings by switching energy suppliers and this can mitigate for consumers the impact of price rises. While there have been a number of recent price increases, one supplier has frozen both electricity and gas prices until March 2021 and another has reduced its price for gas by 10%, underscoring the importance of switching to avail of the most competitive offer in the market. The Government is acutely aware of the financial challenges faced by families and businesses during these exceptional times and has accordingly introduced and continues to provide an unprecedented suite of supports for households, businesses and individuals including via social welfare schemes overseen by my colleague the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection. These welfare supports include specific schemes aimed at those at risk of energy poverty including the Household Benefits Package and the fuel allowance. Additionally, my Department provides extensive supports for household energy costs, via energy efficiency grants provided via the SEAI with specific schemes aimed at those at risk of energy poverty. In this regard the July Stimulus package 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. Additional detail on other new and expanded schemes as well as an increased allocation for the Warmer Homes Scheme will be announced after the Budget.
Public Service Obligation Levy
Ceisteanna (45)
Darren O'Rourke
Ceist:45. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications if his attention has been drawn to the impact the large increase in the PSO will have on electricity customers during the Covid-19 pandemic in view of the fact hundreds of thousands of persons are already struggling financially. [29963/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The 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 as stated in Ireland's National Energy and Climate Plan, Climate Action Plan and the Programme for Government.
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 in 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 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 electricity customers, 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 and both are matters for the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection.
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, the largest ever budget allocation for the scheme. Additional detail on other new and expanded schemes as well as an increased allocation for the Warmer Homes Scheme will be announced after the Budget.
The PSO is only one part of the monthly electricity bill. Electricity customers can save on the variable part of the bill by switching electricity supplier or engaging with their suppliers. Price comparison websites, approved by the CRU, can assist consumers to switch. As of 6 October 2020, depending on the tariff they are on, consumers could save up to €307 annually by switching suppliers, and thereby help mitigate the PSO increase.
An Clár Rialtais
Ceisteanna (46)
Catherine Connolly
Ceist:46. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Catherine Connolly den Aire Comhshaoil, Aeráide agus Cumarsáide cén uair a chuirfear tús leis an Acht Forbartha Mianraí 2017; cén uair a bheidh sé ar fáil i nGaeilge; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [30055/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department is working to commence Part 8 of the Minerals Development Act 2017 regarding the Minamata Convention on Mercury before year end. Rannóg an Aistriúcháin within the Oireachtas provides official translations of the Acts of the Oireachtas; unfortunately a precise timeframe for the translation of the Minerals Development Act 2017 is not currently available.
Tá mo Roinn i mbun oibre i dtreo tosach feidhme Cuid 8 (maidir le Coinbhinsiún Minamata maidir le Mearcair) den Achta um Forbartha Mianraí 2017 roimh dheireadh na bliana. Cuireann Rannóg an Aistriúcháin aistriúcháin oifigiúla ar fáil ar Achtanna an Oireachtais. Níl tráthchlár cruinn le haghaidh an aistriúcháin seo ar fáil faoi láthair.
Better Energy Homes Scheme
Ceisteanna (47)
Paul McAuliffe
Ceist:47. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications his plans for an expansion of the SEAI better energy warmer homes scheme; his plans to allow persons that have availed of the scheme to be eligible again.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30081/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme is funded by my Department and administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). The scheme delivers a range of energy efficiency measures free of charge to low income households vulnerable to energy poverty. The aim of the scheme is to deliver efficiency measures in a way which represents the best possible use of Exchequer funding.
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. The Warmer Homes Scheme budget allocation for 2020 is €52.8 million - a record level of funding for this scheme.
The Climate Action Plan includes a commitment to review ways to improve how current energy poverty schemes target those most in need. Recommendations in relation to the implementation of changes to the scheme including the issue of repeat upgrade visits will be finalised shortly.
I will outline 2021 funding for the scheme following the Budget.
Energy Efficiency
Ceisteanna (48)
Paul McAuliffe
Ceist:48. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications the status of the national retrofitting scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30082/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Programme for Government and the Climate Action Plan set ambitious targets to retrofit 500,000 homes to a Building Energy Rating of B2 / cost optimal equivalent and to install 400,000 heat pumps in existing buildings over the next 10 years. The retrofitting of homes delivers a range of important benefits including reductions in greenhouse gas emissions; the creation and retention of jobs in communities across the country; as well as warmer, more comfortable and healthier homes for citizens.
The development of a new retrofit plan to achieve these targets is well underway. This process has included reviewing the experience of existing schemes in Ireland, consultation with stakeholders and an analysis of relevant international experience.
SEAI grant schemes will be a central element of the Government’s approach to achieving our 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: www.seai.ie.
By announcing this additional funding as part of the July Stimulus, the Government provided 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 following the Budget.