Written Answers Nos. 15-34
15. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Taoiseach the details of all fees paid by the Office of the Attorney General and the Chief State Solicitor's Office to barristers and solicitors in each of the years 2014 to 2019 and for the first six months of 2020, in tabular form. [31792/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFees paid 2014 – 2020:
16. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Taoiseach the number of barristers broken down by junior and senior counsel who submitted applications to the Office of the Attorney General to be nominated as counsel for State work in each of the years 2014 to 2019; the actual number of barristers broken down by junior and senior counsel who received instructions or briefs from the Office of the Attorney General in each of the years 2014 to 2019; and the criteria by which barristers are nominated to receive instructions or briefs from the Office of the Attorney General. [31794/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe number of both junior and senior counsel that submitted applications to the Office of the Attorney General to be nominated as counsel for State work in each of the years 2014 to 2019 are detailed below.
- 2014: 10 applicants - 9 BL and 1 SC
- 2015: 35 applicants - 33 BL and 2 SC
- 2016: 34 applicants - 33 BL and 1 SC
- 2017: 70 applicants - 65 BL and 5 SC
- 2018: 33 applicants - 31 BL and 2 SC
- 2019: 30 applicants - 28 BL and 2 SC
The actual number of barristers by both junior and senior counsel that received instructions or briefs from the Office of the Attorney General in each of the years 2014 to 2019;
Figures below detail junior and senior counsel that received instructions or briefs:
|
- |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
|
Senior Counsel |
105 |
106 |
103 |
112 |
100 |
119 |
83 |
|
Junior Counsel |
254 |
244 |
232 |
261 |
234 |
265 |
206 |
The Attorney General is guided by criteria that includes: knowledge, skills, experience and suitability as well as the distribution of work amongst counsel, the resource requirements of the AGO and the needs of Government. The Attorney General as the constitutional office-holder has the final say in determining which counsel he wishes to have represent the State.
17. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the redundancy situation regarding travel agency workers whose employer may not be insolvent, but in view of the cash flow problems in the sector may have to make some staff redundant; the impact workers who have been placed on various State income support schemes or who have already been temporarily laid off earlier in 2020 could have on this; if he will provide clarity in this area for workers in this sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31888/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFirstly, I wish to acknowledge the difficult time that the travel industry is currently facing. Many sectors and industries have been badly affected during the emergency period and my sincere thoughts are with all employers and employees in these situations at this time.
Much of our focus since March was to try to ensure that employees were not laid-off and did not lose that all important link with their employer – as experience shows that the maintenance of the link with an employer is critical to the prospects of a person resuming that employment. Budget 2021 will help companies deal with Covid-19 and provides for additional supports tailored to those sectors who are most in need. The new CRSS programme will provide closed or effectively closed business a payment based on their turnover up to €5,000 per week. This will make a really big difference and will be paid in addition to the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme.
In March 2020 the Government introduced an emergency amendment to the Redundancy Payments Act 1967 which effectively suspends an employee’s entitlement to claim redundancy from their employer following certain periods of lay-off or short-time work due to Covid-19. The Government was concerned that the financial impact of significant redundancy claims at this time would have a serious impact on the potential for businesses, and the economy as a whole, to recover which in turn could result in significant insolvency and bankruptcy situations, with further permanent job losses. The decision to extend this emergency measure to 30th November was a difficult one. I know many employees who have been laid off are experiencing great uncertainty.
Apart from the above measure all other existing redundancy provisions remain unchanged and in force. If an employer is in a position where they have to make employees redundant the employer is obliged to comply with existing provisions and employee protections such as notice periods and the payment of a redundancy lump-sum to eligible employees.
In situations where an employer has to make staff redundant but their business cannot sustain the cost of redundancy payments either due to financial difficulties or insolvency, the Department of Social Protection provides a safety net for employees and can make the statutory redundancy payment to eligible employees from the Social Insurance Fund on behalf of the employer. The employer does not have to be insolvent for such a payment to be made. When a redundancy payment is made from the Social Insurance Fund a debt is raised against the employer. That Department will engage with employers to establish their financial situation on a case by case basis and will seek to recover the debt on a mutually agreed, phased basis, repaying by instalment, as appropriate.
Finally, the Workplace Relations Commission is the organisation mandated to secure compliance with employment rights legislation and it remains fully operational. If employees have concerns or complaints regarding their employment rights they should contact the WRC directly on their telephone helpline at 1890 808090. Further information is also available at www.workplacerelations.ie.
18. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position in relation to the case of an employee who pre-Covid-19 was on maternity leave then worked from home and is now being told they have to return to the office to work but feels this is unsafe and during the current situation are capable of working from home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31993/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFrom the outset of Covid-19, many employers have taken the initiative, in line with subsequent requests from the Government, to be as flexible as possible in allowing staff to manage their family responsibilities. Employers have a general duty of care towards their workers and that care is often expressed in the form of negotiation, compromise and flexibility.
It is for the employer to decide, in the first instance, whether remote working arrangements are practicable in meeting the business’s needs and to decide on what work can be done from home, while at all times taking account of the latest Public Health advice and the level of restriction operating within the County.
In instances where employees have returned to the physical workplace the employer must ensure that the public health measures set out in the Return to Work Safely Protocol are being fully adhered to. The Protocol operates in parallel with existing workplace health and safety statutory requirements and sets out in very clear terms for employers and employees, in all business sectors, the steps that they must take on an ongoing basis to mitigate against the transmission of COVID-19 in the workplace.
The Protocol states that, “office work should continue to be carried out at home, where practicable and non-essential work. The employer should develop and consult on any working from home policy in conjunction with workers and/or Trade Unions.
The Workplace Contact Unit of the HSA can be contacted in confidence by anyone with concerns regarding workplace health and safety matters including matters relating to the Return to Work Safely Protocol by phone (1890 289 389) or email (wcu@hsa.ie) and the matter will receive the appropriate attention.
Any industrial relations dispute arising, whether of a collective or individual nature, may be referred to the Workplace Relations Commission. In the context of the former, either party (workers or employer) may refer the issues in dispute for conciliation with a view to reaching a mutually agreeable resolution with the assistance of an Industrial Relations Officer.
19. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if an anomaly in the restart grant and restart plus grant will be rectified in which group self-catering businesses are not eligible for same (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32029/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI empathise particularly with businesses in the tourism sector that have suffered devastating consequences as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
As the National Tourism Development Authority, Fáilte Ireland has been working with the tourism and hospitality industry throughout the pandemic to help businesses navigate the crisis.
The Restart Grant Plus for B&Bs is an additional grant programme for tourism businesses contained in the July Jobs Stimulus and is administered by Fáilte Ireland on behalf of this Department. My officials are engaging with colleagues in Fáilte Ireland on the scheme and its coverage of self-catering businesses. The Restart Grant schemes were designed to provide support towards the cost of staying open or reopening in relation to normally commercially operating businesses.
The grants are available to businesses that operate from rateable premises and which meet the qualifying criteria. The rates system was used as a proxy for the level of business activity. In addition, payment of grants through the rates system was also seen as an efficient way to provide the grants in question.
The Government has also announced €55 million for a Tourism Business Support Scheme and €5 million for Tourism Product Development alongside its extensive tax measures. In this regard, the VAT rate for the hospitality and tourism sector will also be cut from 13.5% to 9% with effect from 1 November 2020.
Budget 2021 provides a significant package of tax and expenditure measures to build the resilience of the economy and to help vulnerable but viable businesses across all sectors.
As part of Budget 2021, the New Covid Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS), to be operated through Revenue from 13 October 2020, will offer a targeted, timely and temporary sector-specific support to businesses forced to close or trade at significantly reduced levels due to COVID of up to €5,000 per month. The Government is also providing more and cheaper loan finance through MicroFinance Ireland, SBCI and the new €2bn Credit Guarantee Scheme.
All COVID-19 Business Schemes are closely monitored in terms of the evolving situation and will be adapted as circumstances dictate. In that regard, I can assure you 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 National Economic Plan.
Details of the wide range of COVID-19 supports available are noted on my Department’s website at https://dbei.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/COVID-19-supports/.
With specific regard to the tourism sector, the Fáilte Ireland COVID-19 Business Support Hub (https://covid19.failteireland.ie/) is targeting its supports to respond to the most urgent challenges and threats tourism businesses are now facing.
20. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to international news reports of Covid-19 public health breaches at a location (details supplied); if the issue will be referred to the HSA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32030/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAll employers must comply with the Return to Work Safely Protocol which is designed to put measures in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace,
The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) is the lead Agency in relation to oversight and compliance with the Protocol. It ensures compliance through a range of measures including advice, guidance, inspection and enforcement action as appropriate and as provided for in the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005. Since the 18 May 2020 the HSA has carried out over 3,956 inspections across a range of sectors to enforce compliance with the Protocol. In total over 17,500 inspections assessing compliance with the COVID-19 RTWSP have been carried out by the various State Agencies.
The Health and Safety Authority's workplace contact unit (WCU) is available to answer any queries employers, workers or members of the public may have regarding all occupational safety and health matters including compliance with the Protocol.
Any worker with concerns about compliance with the Protocol can contact the WCU, in confidence, by phone at 1890 289 389 or (01) 6147000 or at any time by email at wcu@hsa.ie.
It should be noted Section 27 of the Health, Safety and Welfare Act, 2005 prohibits an employer from penalising or threatening to penalise an employee with respect to any terms or condition of his/her employment, where the employee is exercising any right under safety and health legislation. The enforcement of Section 27 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 is a matter for the Workplace Relations Commission. Any employee who feels that their health and safety, or employment rights, have been breached has recourse to the industrial mechanisms of the State.
I would, however, also highlight the fact that concerns a worker might have around adherence to the Protocol can, and should be, brought to the attention of the designated lead COVID-19 worker representative. The Protocol emphasises that collaboration, communication and exchange of information between employers and employees is vital and both employer and employee have a role to play and have responsibilities towards each other.
21. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he is satisfied that the Health and Safety Authority has the necessary enforcement powers to ensure business premises are safe. [31783/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 employers have specific duties to ensure the safety, health and welfare at work of all employees. These duties include the managing and conducting of all work activities to ensure, as far as reasonably practicable, the health and safety of those employees.
Employees themselves also have duties and responsibilities under the 2005 Act and must take reasonable care of themselves and other people who may be affected by the work they are doing. This duty includes co-operating with their employer and following instructions and procedures put in place by their employer.
The Health and Safety Authority has a full range of statutory powers to oversee compliance with occupational safety and health legislative requirements and to take enforcement action where breaches of compliance occur.
In relation to the specific issue of COVID-19, the national Return to Work Safely Protocol should be used by all workplaces to adapt their procedures and practices to comply fully with the COVID-19 public health measures identified by the HSE and the Department of Health. It operates in parallel with existing statutory occupational safety and health requirements. While COVID-19 is first and foremost a public health issue, the infectious nature of the virus and the way in which it is easily transmitted through human contact, makes it a health and safety issue which must also be managed within the workplace. The Protocol clearly sets out for employers and employees the steps that they must take both before a workplace reopens and on an ongoing basis. I would emphasise that, in the first instance, employers and workers have a joint responsibility for adhering to the procedures and practices in the Protocol which are designed to protect the health and safety of all concerned.
I am satisfied that in terms of overseeing adherence to the Protocol, there are sufficient legislative powers under existing occupational safety and health legislation to ensure full compliance with the Protocol where necessary. I would add that, overall, the Health and Safety Authority has noted a high level of compliance with the Return to Work Safely Protocol, to date, across all sectors which is a positive indication that the majority of employers and employees are taking a responsible and proactive approach to compliance with the Protocol. From 18 May 2020 to 16 October 2020 the Health and Safety Authority has undertaken 5,813 inspections/investigations of which 3,956 addressed COVID-19 compliance.
In addition to inspections, the Health and Safety Authority continues to provide advice and support to employers and employees on how best to implement COVID-19 measures in the workplace through its helpline and website. It has also developed checklists and templates for use by employers, workers and worker representatives, and further material is being developed.
Any employee who has concerns about compliance with COVID-19 issues, or any other workplace health and safety issue, can contact the Health and Safety Authority Workplace Contact Unit (WCU) on a confidential basis at 1890 289 389 or by sending an email to wcu@hsa.ie. If following such a complaint, there are serious concerns about a particular workplace, the Health and Safety Authority, or another agency tasked with inspecting workplace compliance with the Protocol, will follow-up as appropriate.
22. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if manufacturing industries will be allowed to continue to operate if Ireland goes to level 5 restrictions as some of these manufacturers would have overseas contracts to fulfil with strict timeframes attached to these contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31791/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government has decided that, as of midnight on Wednesday 21st October, all of the country will be placed on Level 5 of the Plan for Living with COVID with a small number of exceptions.
This action is based on current public health advice, the deteriorating situation with the disease across the country and the Government’s objectives to support families by keeping schools and childcare facilities open, maintaining non-Covid health services and protecting the vulnerable.
Level 5 restrictions will remain in place for a period of 6 weeks.
Essential retail and essential services will remain open.
Guidance published by the Department of the Taoiseach on what comprises Essential Services includes the following services relating to Manufacturing:
(a) the manufacture, production or processing of food and beverage products;
(b) the manufacture, production or processing of animal feeds;
(c) the manufacture of work-wear apparel, personal protective equipment or footwear;
(d) the manufacture of wood pulp, paper and paperboard;
(e) the operation of sawmills and the processing of wood and cork;
(f) the printing and reproduction of newspapers and other media services;
(g) the distillation of coke and refined petroleum products;
(h) the refining of alumina;
(i) the manufacture of chemicals and chemical products;
(j) the manufacture of pharmaceutical products and preparations;
(k) the manufacture of products necessary for the supply chain of essential services;
(l) the manufacture of products necessary for national and international supply chains, other than such supply chains referred to in subparagraph (k);
(m) the manufacture of computers, electronic and optical products (including semi-conductors);
(n) the manufacture of electrical equipment, machinery and other equipment (including agricultural and forestry machinery);
(o) the manufacture of medical devices or appliances;
(p) the manufacture of medicinal, health, dental and other personal hygiene products, equipment, appliances and supplies.
Physical attendance at workplaces is only permitted for those providing essential services where such services can only be provided in person and cannot be delivered remotely. It does not include administrative and other support for such businesses and services unless specified in section 13 and the physical presence of a worker is required.
Essential purposes for travel (permitted outside 5k limit) includes travel to and from work, where work involves providing an essential service.
Full details are available at https://merrionstreet.ie/MerrionStreet/en/News-Room/News/Ireland_placed_on_Level_5_of_the_Plan_for_Living_with_COVID.html.
23. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position of non-essential workers travelling from a number of different counties, including across the Border who wish to work from home but whose employers are refusing; the protections in place for such employees whose employer is insisting on employees working in their workplace or they may face being laid off; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31929/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Framework for Living with Covid-19 plan sets out how businesses should operate at each level of the Restrictive Measures Framework. The current advice under level 5 is that only essential workers should attend the workplace and individuals should restrict travel to 5 kms apart for reasons of essential work, education and other essential purposes. What is deemed to be essential services or work during level 5 restrictions is set out on the Government website www.gov.ie.
Under previous level restrictions, where employees returned to the physical workplace the employer was required to ensure that the public health measures set out in the Return to Work Safely Protocol (RTWSP) are being fully adhered to. The RTWSP operates in parallel with existing workplace health and safety statutory requirements and sets out in very clear terms for employers and employees, in all business sectors, the steps that they must take on an ongoing basis to mitigate against the transmission of COVID-19 in the workplace.
The Protocol states that, “office work should continue to be carried out at home, where practicable and non-essential work. The employer should develop and consult on any working from home policy in conjunction with workers and/or Trade Unions."
While recognising the Level 5 restrictions, it should be noted that the Living with COVID-19 Plan, and Return to Work Safely Protocol, do not create an automatic entitlement or an employment right to work from home. Employers and employees should engage on this matter and seek to come to an agreement. If this is not possible, it is for the employer to decide, in the first instance, whether remote working arrangements are practicable in meeting the business’s needs and to decide on what work can be done from home, while at all times taking account of the latest Public Health advice.
The Workplace Contact Unit of the HSA can be contacted in confidence by anyone with concerns regarding workplace health and safety matters including matters relating to the Return to Work Safely Protocol by phone (1890 289 389) or email (wcu@hsa.ie) and the matter will receive the appropriate attention.
Any industrial relations dispute arising, whether of a collective or individual nature, may be referred to the Workplace Relations Commission. In the context of the former, either party (workers or employer) may refer the issues in dispute for conciliation with a view to reaching a mutually agreeable resolution with the assistance of an Industrial Relations Officer.
24. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications the number of homes which have been connected with fibre broadband since National Broadband Ireland took control of the roll out of the National Broadband Plan by county, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31804/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Broadband Plan (NBP) State led Intervention will be delivered by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) under a contract signed last November 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 over 544,000 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. As of 13 October, design work is complete or ongoing in target townlands across 24 counties and steady progress is being made with over 103,000 premises surveyed to date. This activity is increasing week on week and by year end, NBI expects to have completed some 120,000 surveys. 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.
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. As of 13 October 2020, some 164 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. In addition some schools will be provided with high speed broadband for educational access only through service provider contracts managed by the Department of Education and Skills. My Department will work with Department of Education and Skills to prioritise the schools to be connected over the term of the NBP. 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/. 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 roll out 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 roll out is being undertaken in parallel with the measures required to mitigate delays arising as a result of Covid-19.
25. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications when Eir will undertake the necessary upgrades to the local cabinet point in the Knapton, York Road area in Dún Laoghaire, County Dublin, which is the only cabinet point out of the four cabinet points in the area that is not fibre enabled, in order that fibre optic internet can be accessed in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31806/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraProviding telecommunication services, including mobile phone and broadband services, is a matter for the relevant service providers operating in a fully liberalised market regulated by the Commission for Communication Regulation (ComReg), as independent Regulator. I do not have statutory authority to require commercial companies to rollout services and make specific investments in particular locations.
As set out in the Programme for Government, ensuring access to high-quality internet connections for people across Ireland is essential to the development of all parts of our country, socially and economically.
Since 2016, the Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce has been a driving force for improving access to telecommunications services nationwide. It has completed over 70 targeted actions to alleviate connectivity barriers, and continues to tackle issues impeding the rollout of essential infrastructure. The Taskforce will continue its work in the context of its inclusion in the Programme for Government, in ensuring access to high quality telecommunications connectivity across Ireland to support social and economic development.
The area mentioned in the question 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 have 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. Notwithstanding this, my Department has raised a query with the relevant service provider asking when the cabinet will be commissioned and made ready with high speed broadband access. I will revert to the Deputy when I receive their update.
Our investigations have highlighted that there may be a choice of operators offering this service in the area referred to and further information in this regard is available at www.comreg.ie/compare/#/services.
26. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications if a person who has availed of the SEAI better energy warmer homes scheme can reapply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31858/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
Budget 2021 provided €221.5 million in capital funding for residential and community retrofit programmes next year to be funded by my Department through the SEAI.
Of the €221.5 million allocation, €109 million is provided to support lower income households to retrofit their homes. This represents an increase of €47 million on the 2020 allocation for energy poverty schemes and means that almost half of the total SEAI residential and community retrofit budget will support people vulnerable to energy poverty. The funding will mean that more households can receive free energy efficiency upgrades making their homes warmer, healthier and cheaper to run, in line with the Programme for Government.
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.
27. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications if waste management companies provide information on the percentage of green domestic waste which is eventually recycled; and the systems in place to verify this information. [31899/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe EPA calculates recycling rates based on a combination of waste treatment data obtained directly from waste treatment facilities, waste generation data from waste collectors (obtained via the National Waste Collection Permit Office) and export data (obtained from the National Trans-frontier Shipping Office). To obtain more accurate information on recycling rates and to satisfy new EU reporting requirements, from 2021 the EPA is asking waste operators to report on the actual recycling / recovery rates achieved both at facilities in Ireland and abroad for exported waste. Evidence will be required to support and verify the information reported.
The most recent Waste Characterisation Study on municipal waste conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2018 found that 67% of what is placed in household recycling bins is suitable for recycling while 50% of what is placed in recycling bins in the commercial sector is suitable for recycling.
The Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy, which I launched in September this year, includes a commitment to incorporate municipal waste recycling targets as conditions of waste collection permits i.e. collectors will be required to achieve a 55% recycling rate of municipal waste by 2025, 60% by 2030 and 65% by 2035.
The Waste Action Plan also contains a commitment to deliver behavioural change campaigns for individuals, businesses and the public sector to encourage improved waste segregation and recycling which will help to ensure that all material placed in the recycling bin can actually be recycled.
28. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications the number of electric charging points in County Wexford; the location of same; his plans for further roll out of electric charging points; the timelines in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31936/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraGovernment is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of our electric vehicle charging network over the coming years.
Currently, there are 16 standard chargers (32 charge points) and four fast chargers on the ESB network in Co Wexford. Seven of the standard chargers (14 charge points) have been replaced in the last year through support provided under the Climate Action Fund where we have committed €10 million to promote the charging network across the country. The four ESB eCars fast chargers are located at:
- Gorey Services Station, M11, Gorey, Co Wexford
- Maxol Service Station, Arklow Road, Gorey, Co Wexford
- Circle K/Topaz Service Station, Rosslare Road, Drinagh, Co Wexford
- Amber/Centra Service Station, Rosslare Road, Killinick, Co Wexford
An interactive map showing ESB public chargers can be found at https://esb.ie/ecars/charge-point-map.
In addition to those charge points provided by ESB it should also be noted that private operators have installed destination chargers in locations such as hotels, shopping centres or places of employment while, private companies such as EasyGo, Ionity and Tesla are also installing charge points in various locations around Ireland.
As part of Budget 2021, the Government has provided €27 million to continue its financial support for the purchase of electric vehicles, as well as the installation of EV home chargers. In addition, my Department has allocated a further €2 million to SEAI in 2021 to facilitate the introduction of a new support scheme for destination chargers. This new scheme will complement the existing Public Charge Point Scheme which 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 the Public Charge Point 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 on public streets, to charge their EVs near their homes. A total of 75% of the capital costs is provided through a grant, up to a maximum of €5,000 per charge point.
My Department will continue to support this scheme into 2021 through the grants provided by SEAI and in parallel is also developing a charging infrastructure strategy, in line with the Programme for Government, which will ensure capacity keeps ahead of demand while also putting in place guidance for local authorities on how best to expand the network of public charge points at both local and regional level.
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 while 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, will continue to administer an EV Home Charger Grant providing up to €600 towards the purchase and installation of an EV home charger unit.
29. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications the energy activities he envisages will be included in the new definition of emissions in the proposed climate action Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31967/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe purpose of the Bill is to amend the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015 and provide for a significantly strengthened statutory framework for more effective governance of the State’s climate objectives, as well as underpinning targeted strategies, plans and actions to realise our national, EU and international climate goals and obligations.
Section 2 of the Bill, as published on 7 October, introduces into Section 1 of the Act a revised definition of ‘emissions’ which is:
“ ‘emissions’ means, in relation to greenhouse gases, emissions of those gases into the earth’s atmosphere attributable to industrial, agricultural, energy or other anthropogenic activities, in the State”.
The revised definition aims to improve the overall clarity and meaning of the existing definition - it does not change the scope of the definition.
It is important to note that energy sector emissions have been addressed through a range of sectoral actions to lower emissions under the National Mitigation Plan 2017, the Climate Action Plan 2019, and the National Energy and Climate Plan. The sector will remain a key focus of future emissions reduction efforts under actions to be included in the update to the Climate Action Plan in 2021 and, as with all sectors of the economy, will be subject to sectoral targets under carbon budgets which will be prepared and updated every 5 years.
30. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications the differences proposed for agriculture over other sectors in his categorisation of its special role in the new climate action Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31968/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government commits to an average 7% per annum reduction in overall greenhouse gas emissions from 2021 to 2030 (that equates to a 51% reduction over the decade); and to achieving net zero emissions by 2050.
The Climate Action (Amendment) Bill provides for a strengthened statutory governance framework to deliver this commitment. This includes defining a process for carbon budgeting, from which sectoral decarbonisation targets will be determined, ensuring every sector contributes to achieving the 2050 objective of climate neutrality.
Once carbon budgets are adopted, the Government, through a consultative approach, will determine the effort required of each sector and the associated sectoral target ranges in a given five-year period, as well as outlining the necessary actions for each sector in the updated Climate Action Plan. It is not possible to indicate at this time the specific policies and actions for each sector, but they will be developed through consultation, including with all relevant Ministers, having regard to the key principles set out under Section 3 of the draft Bill.
The IPCC Special Report, published in 2018, increased understanding of the global carbon budgets, and distinguished the importance of reaching and sustaining net-zero global anthropogenic COemissions, while concurrently achieving deep reductions in non-COgases such as methane and nitrous oxide. The report provides modelled emission pathways consistent with the 1.5°C goal. While the global carbon budget is focused on CO as the main driver of global warming, the report also enhanced understanding of the required emission reduction pathways for other major greenhouse gases. In pathways limiting global warming to 1.5°C with limited or no overshoot, the report shows CO emissions reduced to net zero by 2050. However, this report also points out that non-CO emissions, including biogenic methane, while being reduced, will not reach net zero globally.
While it is not necessary for biogenic methane emissions to reach net zero, nor would this be an attainable goal, the agricultural sector has an important role to play in reducing emissions as far as is technologically possible, and to contribute to carbon sequestration and fossil fuel displacement. Land use offers significant potential to sequester additional carbon and constitutes an opportunity both for farmers and for rural areas. This potential will be fully explored to curb the emissions, as well as to create jobs and diversify farmers’ income. The Government will evaluate the potential for contributions towards our climate ambition from land-use improvements, and set in train the development of a land-use plan based on its findings.
31. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications if individual farmers can apply to the Climate Action Fund under changes proposed in the climate action Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31969/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Climate Action Fund was established on a statutory basis with effect from 1 August 2020.The main objective of the Fund is to provide support for initiatives that contribute to the achievement of Ireland’s climate and energy targets in a cost effective manner and which, in the absence of support from the Fund, would not otherwise be developed. The Climate Action Fund will be resourced from proceeds from the levy paid to the National Oil Reserves Agency (NORA) in respect of relevant disposals of petroleum products, after the funding requirements of NORA have been met. In the region of €500 million is expected to accrue to the Climate Action Fund to 2027. This will ensure that substantial funding is available to progress a series of funding calls.
The recently published Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Bill, 2020 proposes that projects and initiatives that seek to increase climate resilience, and the removal of greenhouse gas, particularly through nature-based solutions that enhance biodiversity, can also be supported by the Climate Action Fund. Funding calls addressing these types of projects and initiatives may be of particular interest to the agricultural sector. The scope and eligibility criteria of any such calls, which are yet to be determined, would inform who may apply for funding.
The Deputy may also wish to note that preparations are underway to launch a second call for applications for support from the Climate Action Fund in December of this year.
32. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications if he will implement the recommendations of a report (details supplied) on the post office network; if his attention has be drawn to the concerns raised over potential closures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32048/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am considering the content of the report referred to in the Question, which was published on 30 September, in the context of Government policy. The Programme for Government recognises that a modernised post office network will provide a better range of financial services and e-commerce services for citizens and enterprise, as part of our commitment to a sustainable nationwide post office network.
While it is longstanding Government policy that postal services will not be directly subsidised by the Government, we remain fully committed to a sustainable post office network as a key component of the economic and social infrastructure in both rural and urban areas.
An Post's social value has been particularly evident during the current Covid crisis. It has played a valuable role in its commitment to rural communities and to the elderly and vulnerable in our society.
In response to the structural challenges facing the postal sector generally and An Post, the company put in place a Strategic Plan for the medium-long term future of the company. The Plan covers the period 2017 – 2021.
In order to implement the Plan, the cost of which was estimated to be in the region of €150m, the Minister for Finance provided a loan of €30m to the company in December 2017 to support the renewal of the post office network (€15m) and the continued fulfilment of a 5 day per week mails delivery service (€15m).
An Post is continuing to undergo vital transformation as part of the delivery of its strategic plan which has seen the company split into two distinct business units, An Post Mails and Parcels and An Post Retail.
An Post is transforming its retail network by delivering new products and new formats. This includes, among other things, diversifying and growing the financial services products it provides for individuals and SMEs to include loans, credit cards and more foreign exchange products; local banking in association with the major banks and a full range of State Savings products. Two new dedicated sub-brands, An Post Money and a new business-to-business brand, An Post Commerce, were launched. Investment by An Post of €50 million in the network is about getting communities to use the enhanced services in their local post office.
The strategic plan put in place to transform the company has resulted in An Post recording an operating profit of over €41m for 2019, the third consecutive year of significant financial improvement bringing the Group out of its loss making position of 2016.
Government believes An Post has untapped potential to do more and make a further significant contribution across many areas of public, business and community life in Ireland. With an evolving mandate An Post can emerge as a central hub for a wide variety of valuable community focused services.
33. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if the OPW will provide an update on construction of a bridge over the Dodder linking Bushy Park and Rathfarnham; and if plans have been delayed due to the pandemic. [31897/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), including cycling infrastructure.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
34. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if he will address a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31796/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, maintaining transport connectivity to support the movement of goods into and out of Ireland is a primary objective of Government. Hauliers play a critical role in this regard and their vital work means that essential goods and medical supplies continue to be provided. The essential work of the haulage sector has also been recognised at a European level with the publication of the “Green Lanes” Communication on 23 March 2020. In relation to safe practices for supply chain workers, the Government published COVID-19 Guidance for Supply Chain Workers on 26 March.
In relation to travel on ferries, a COVID-19 Agreed Protocol for international RoRo ships and terminal service operators has been put in place: further information is available on Covid-19 Agreed Maritime Protocol. This protocol has due regard to the national guidance in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and maintain passenger safety and aims to ensure a broadly consistent approach by maritime transport providers to facilitate maritime passenger transport as safely as possible.
On the issue of single berth cabins for HGV drivers, this is essentially a matter between the HGV drivers and the ferry companies, and one on which the relevant road haulage representative organisations should engage directly with the ferry companies.
The issue of safety on board ships is a matter for the owners and operators of the ships and the relevant flag states. There are no RoRo passenger ships on the Irish flag. Foreign-flagged RoRo passenger ships calling to Irish ports are subject to port state control for compliance with the requirements of the relevant international instruments, ref. EU Directive 2009/16, as amended. SOLAS regulations, specifically Chapter II-1 Reg. 23.9, address the issue of drivers not accessing their vehicles on board vessels.
In addition, all waterborne travel should operate in line with Para 60 of the European Commission’s Guidelines of 13 May. These Guidelines only permit passengers to remain in their vehicles during voyages if these voyages are no longer than one hour in duration and only if vehicles are on open decks, unless additional safety measures are put in place.
