Written Answers Nos. 97-116
97. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of manufacturing start-ups compared to IT companies which have been issued Enterprise Ireland grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41726/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department, working through our agency Enterprise Ireland, supports companies throughout the country to start, scale and succeed in international markets. To support companies start, a range of financial and non-financial supports are available through Enterprise Ireland, including:
- Enterprise Ireland’s New Frontiers Development Programme, the national entrepreneur development programme for early-stage startups, is run in partnership with 14 Institutes of Technology throughout the country;
- Enterprise Ireland Competitive Start Fund which supports early stage business investments of up to €50,000; and
- Enterprise Ireland’s equity support for high potential start-ups, companies with the potential to develop an innovative product or service for sale in international markets and the potential to create 10 jobs and €1m in sales within 3 to 4 years of starting up.
The table below presents the number of High Potential Start-Ups together with the number of Competitive Start Funds, for the period 2015 -2019, broken down by ICT and International Services and Manufacturing.
|
2015 -2019 |
ICT and International Services |
Manufacturing (food and industrial) |
|
HSPU |
299 |
154 |
|
Competitive Start Fund |
226 |
262 |
98. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the supports including financial grants available to small and medium sized Irish businesses to help them grow their business online including assistance to purchase equipment and training assistance to upskill staff; the supports that could be availed of by local media outlets such as newspapers and radio stations to boost their online sales and support employment in the industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41840/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Local Enterprise Offices administer the Trading Online Voucher Scheme on behalf of the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications. This scheme offers skills training, mentoring and financial support of up to €2,500 to help eligible businesses to develop their ecommerce capability, but does not cover the capital cost of equipment.
However, businesses already involved in information and communication would need to demonstrate a unique and innovative approach to their service delivery to justify their application for a Trading Online Voucher.
Enterprise Ireland implement the COVID-19 Online Retail Scheme to support Irish-owned retailers to enhance their digital capability and to develop a more competitive online offering that will enable an increase in their customer base and build a more resilient business in the domestic and global marketplace, both online and offline. Under this Scheme, the successful applicants receive funding ranging from €16,000 to €40,000 to strengthen their online offering. The average grant value is €36,800 and covers up to 80% of project costs.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Future of Media Commission is examining how public service aims can be delivered and sustainably funded through the broadcasting, print and online media in Ireland over the next 10 years, while ensuring that independent editorial oversight is maintained and Ireland’s creative and cultural sectors are supported.
99. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if media organisations that have listenership abroad and readers who consume Irish media abroad qualify for Enterprise Ireland grants on the basis that they are exporting a service, journalism that is consumed abroad and to help them grow that business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41843/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMedia organisations whose content is of international interest so that it could credibly generate revenue in non-Irish markets may seek assistance from Enterprise Ireland on the basis of its ambition to provide sales in non-Irish markets through the development of a credible business plan.
A local or regional media organisation, supplying a local market which does not provide an internationally traded service but rather is operating a locally traded service, would not be eligible for direct grant aid from EI. Such locally traded service companies may seek “soft supports” such as mentoring, training and development programme business advice from their Local Enterprise Offices.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Future of Media Commission is examining how public service aims can be delivered and sustainably funded through the broadcasting, print and online media in Ireland over the next 10 years, while ensuring that independent editorial oversight is maintained and Ireland’s creative and cultural sectors are supported.
100. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will address queries raised in correspondence (details supplied) regarding the restart grant plus scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41890/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Restart Grant Plus was introduced as part of the response to the effects on business of the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. The Scheme has been operated by the 31 Local Authorities on behalf of my Department, and closed to new applications on 31 October 2020. It was effectively replaced as part of Budget 2021 with the Covid Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS) operated by the Revenue Commissioners.
The Restart Grant Plus Scheme has been made available to a wide range of businesses and delivered in exceptionally challenging circumstances. All applications have been considered in line with clearly established eligibility criteria by the relevant officials, aiming to put this enterprise measure in place for as many eligible businesses as possible, and an appeals mechanism is in place with each Local Authority on foot of decisions made in processing and finalising grants. My Department does not have a role in individual applications and where an appeal process is ongoing it would not be appropriate to comment further. However, I can confirm that I received correspondence from the organisation in question and the matter is currently under consideration.
101. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will direct Enterprise Ireland to support companies active in the area of hemp based products in view of the recent judgement by the European Court of Justice (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42017/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnterprise Ireland is currently not in a position to support companies active in the area of cannabis-based products. Enterprise Ireland’s position is based on the fact that, while EU regulations permit a threshold of 0.2% of THC in hemp products, products containing any trace of THC are considered as a controlled drug in Ireland under the Misuse of Drugs Orders. In effect, there is no lower limit of THC permissible under national legislation.
Therefore, products which can contain even minimal levels of THC pose a reputational risk to Enterprise Ireland as the agency is not in a position to verify which companies, products and extraction methods meet the legal requirement in Ireland to contain 0.00% levels of THC.
102. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the percentage or number of staff working with a disability within his Department and the agencies under his aegis in 2018, 2019 and 2020; and the actions being undertaken by his Department to actively recruit and retain persons with disabilities. [42141/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraData on the number and percentage of persons employed in my Department who have declared a disability is currently being collated for end of 2020. This data is being prepared for submission to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform's Monitoring Committee by the 31st March 2021. This data is based on self-declaration of disability, so can only be compiled through an all-staff census which takes place at the end of each year.
The latest data available on the percentage of employees with disabilities in my Department and its agencies over 2018 and 2019, is set out below in tabular form:
|
Name of Body |
% of employees with a disability 2018 |
% of employees with a disability 2019 |
|
Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment |
5.02% |
5.07% |
|
Competition and Consumer Protection Commission |
7.84% |
7.41% |
|
Enterprise Ireland |
4.33% |
4.06% |
|
Health & Safety Authority |
2.23% |
2.76% |
|
IDA Ireland |
5.37% |
4.7% |
|
InterTrade Ireland |
4.26% |
3.85% |
|
National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) |
4.11% |
3.14% |
|
Personal Injuries Assessment Board |
2.56% |
3.95% |
|
Science Foundation Ireland |
3.39% |
3.57% |
My Department as a public service employer has a legal obligation under the Disability Act 2005 to, insofar as practicable, take all reasonable measures to promote and support the employment of people with disabilities.
In 2018 my Department established a Disability Consultative Committee (DCC), in line with the Government’s ‘National Disability Inclusion Strategy 2017-21’. The purpose of the DCC is to provide a focus for disability inclusion in respect of the policy work, schemes and initiatives of the Department. Membership of the Group includes nominated representatives of disability groups along with Departmental officials and representatives from the Department’s Offices and Agencies. The DCC also reviews my Department’s actions under the 'Comprehensive Employment Strategy for People with a Disability 2015-24'.
My Department has in place a dedicated Disability Liaison Officer who acts as a proactive contact for staff with disabilities, to assist and support them, and to assist in the implementation of best Human Resource practices in line with equality legislation. This role also includes the organisation of work placements in my Department for people with disabilities, specifically for the Willing and Mentoring (WAM) project. This project provides the opportunity for people with disabilities to gain experience in different workplaces through coaching and mentoring, as well as building the capacity of employers to integrate disability into the workplace.
Also in place is a Disability Monitoring Committee, which serves to monitor the number of employees within my Department and Agencies who have declared a disability, ensure compliance with Part 5 of the Disability Act 2005 and share best practice to support those with disabilities in our workplaces.
103. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if it will be ensured that all the requirements of the Work Safely Protocol issued on 20 November 2020 are implemented with particular reference to the contents of section D3 (details supplied) in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42600/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that my Department has national policy responsibility for health and safety in the workplace. We have been working closely with the Health and Safety Authority and across Government to ensure that the “Work Safely Protocol” is up to date and aligned with the latest public health advice and Government’s COVID-19 guidelines.
Internally, my Department has a dedicated Health and Safety (H&S) Unit with responsibility assigned at Principal Officer level. The H&S Unit works closely with our accommodation team and across our 11 locations nationally to ensure that we are adhering to national health and safety requirements and legislation. In most of these locations the Department shares the premises with other Government Departments, agencies or private sector bodies and works collaboratively to ensure best H&S practice locally.
Whilst the vast majority of Departmental staff have been working remotely in keeping with Government guidance in March, some staff are required to attend the workplace to undertake essential work. This is determined by senior management to ensure continuity of essential services for the public but at all times operating safe social distancing and complying with all other public health requirements. To assist in this some of the “free” office capacity arising due to remote working is being used as much as is reasonably practical and work is being organised to ensure physical distance between staff onsite is maintained.
Since the outset of the pandemic, the Department and each of our Offices, responded swiftly to implement a range of measures to minimise the transmission of COVID-19 to staff and visitors who may, on occasion, be onsite in our buildings. This includes: the provision of additional hand sanitising kits, wipes and PPE, enhanced cleaning regimes, signage and guidance for staff when occupying shared and communal areas, and where feasible, undertaking works to adjust the physical environment of our occupied buildings - all to support social distancing of staff.
The Department also established a cross-Department COVID-19 Working Group to oversee various issues arising as a result of the pandemic. The Working Group meets fortnightly developed our own “Working Safely” protocols ensuring its alignment, and updating as required, with the public health advice and the national “Working Safely Protocol".
A range of H&S and COVID-19 specific information is communicated frequently to all staff and is available on our internal intranet. Staff and visitors are reminded of their personal responsibility to adhere to ongoing protocols.
104. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if EPA licensing of dairy farms is being considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41314/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) already closely monitors the agriculture sector.
The Industrial Emissions Directive, 2010/75/EU (IED), is the primary instrument in place to control and mitigate the environmental and human health impacts arising from industrial emissions in Ireland. Under both the IEC and the 1992 EPA Act, activities that require an Integrated Pollution Control or an Industrial Emissions Licence include pigs and poultry operations, milk processing and slaughter houses.
To ensure consistent standards across EU Member States, licence conditions require the use of best available techniques (BAT). BAT standards are prepared by the European Commission.
When a new BAT standard is adopted all licence conditions for existing installations falling under the main activity have to be reconsidered and if necessary, updated to ensure compliance within 4 years. Plant or side operators are legally required to meet emission levels specified in the BAT standard, unless a detailed derogation request based on costs and benefits is received, assessed and formally approved by the EPA.
Before the EPA decides on a licence application under the IED, it must carry out a thorough assessment of the application. This includes, in many cases, an environmental impact assessment (EIA) as required under the EIA Directive, and an appropriate assessment as required under the Habitats Directive. The assessment process is multidisciplinary, involving specialists from different environmental areas such as noise, water quality, and air emissions. Prediction modelling is also undertaken to determine local environmental impacts.
The Office of Environmental Enforcement within the EPA is responsible for enforcement of the EPA licences. The IED contains mandatory requirements on environmental inspections and requires site visit frequencies ranging from every year to every 3 years, depending on environmental risk-based criteria.
105. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has considered a proposal (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41422/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has received a request from Eir Ltd. to consent to an increase of 0.9% to the amount paid to pension recipients, in line with existing agreements relating to this scheme. This request is currently being processed and a response will be issued shortly following consultation with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.
106. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his plans to pay for the excess electricity generated in the future by photovoltaic cells installed on the roof of a private house (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41459/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government commits to prioritising the development of micro-generation, letting people sell excess power back to the grid by July 2021. The measures set out below will assist in delivering this commitment.
The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) published a Roadmap for the Clean Energy Package’s Electricity and Renewables Directives in March this year, which provides for a public consultation on the regulatory framework for prosumer development later this year. The document is available on the CRU website www.cru.ie.A Micro-Generation working group, chaired by my Department, is examining an enabling framework for micro- generation which tackles existing barriers and establishes suitable supports within relevant market segments. The proposed support mechanism will be outlined in a public consultation later this month. A suitable payment for excess electricity generated on site and exported to the grid will be available to all microgenerators by 2021 in line with the transposition of Articles 21 and 22 of the recast Renewable Energy Directive (2018/2001) into Irish law. As regards the other Articles of the Directive, I have already given effect to the relevant provisions of Articles 4 and 6, relating to support schemes for energy from renewable sources, through the European Union (Renewable Energy) Regulations 2020 (S.I. No. 365 of 2020). It is intended that all relevant provisions of the Directive will be transposed into Irish law prior to the transposition deadline of 30 June 2021.
107. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the advice he can provide on a matter (details supplied) regarding the new regulations for the new fishing season January 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41479/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe question relates to the proposed issue of Salmon Tags for Lock Currain, Waterville, Co. Kerry, for the 2021 season.
The Wild Salmon and Sea Trout Regulations (WSSTRs) are made annually and are aimed at the conservation of fish in Ireland's 144 salmon rivers each of which has a genetically unique salmon stock and as a consequence Ireland manages salmon stocks on an individual river basis. The draft regulations are based on management advice from Inland Fisheries Ireland which is underpinned by annual review of each stock and independent scientific advice.
The distribution of tags is a matter for IFI as provided for in the draft Regulations. In circumstances where a low surplus is advised on any fishery and the number of tags is limited IFI would normally set out a fair and equitable distribution proposal and advise same to stakeholders before allocation.
The draft regulations are subject to a statutory public consultation process which commenced on 12 November and will run until 11 December during which period written submissions have been invited. The matter raised by the Deputy will be considered within that statutory consultation process.
108. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the changes that were made to the Inland Fisheries (Amendment) Bill 2017 without going through pre-legislative scrutiny which was waived for this Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41845/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAdvice from the Office of the Attorney General was received to the effect that the Inland Fisheries Act 2010 did not explicitly provide Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) with a power to prosecute in relation to certain offences under the Fisheries Acts. The 2017 Act therefore amended the 2010 Act to ensure that IFI, as a statutory prosecutor, could continue to enforce the Inland Fisheries Acts which underpin the protection, management and conservation of Ireland’s inland fisheries and sea-angling resource.
Government approved in March 2017 the priority drafting for the Inland Fisheries (Amendment) Bill, and an exemption from pre-legislative scrutiny for this Bill was sought. The Business Committee agreed to the request for exemption from pre-legislative scrutiny in respect of the Inland Fisheries (Amendment) Bill 2017. It is also important to note that the Bill was subject to the standard legislative Dail and Seanad procedures that apply to all primary legislation brought through the OireachtasI attach a copy of the 2017 Act for the Deputy’s information and it is also available on www.irishstatutebook.ie.
109. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the breakdown of the €108 million of State funding allocated to the bog rehabilitation scheme; the amount for decommissioning of power plants or peatland rehabilitation; the regularity with which this funding will be made available.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41218/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe recent Government approval of funding of up to €108 million for the Bord Na Móna Enhanced Decommissioning, Rehabilitation and Restoration Scheme (Scheme) reaffirms our commitment to addressing the climate and biodiversity crises we are facing, and to ensuring a just transition in the midlands region.
The Scheme will protect the storage of 100 million tonnes of CO2 emissions, enhance biodiversity, create jobs, and contribute to Ireland being climate-neutral by 2050. Through the implementation of the Scheme, it is also estimated that over the period to 2050, 3.2 million tonnes of CO2 emissions will be avoided (including a small amount of carbon sequestration), in comparison to a standard rehabilitation scenario.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has been established as Scheme Regulator to ensure the effective oversight of the rehabilitation and restoration works. As Scheme Regulator, the NPWS will ensure that there is no overlap between the enhanced rehabilitation works carried out under the Scheme, and the obligations that Bord na Móna have under the terms of their Integrated Pollution Control licenses granted by the EPA. The NPWS will also assess and advise my Department regarding the allowed costs for enhanced rehabilitation improvements that may be recouped by Bord na Móna under the Scheme. There are no funds committed to the cost of decommissioning of power plants.
The funding of the scheme will be on a quarterly basis, with ex-post payments for vouched costs.
110. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of the progress on environmental issues at Tailings Pond, the Silvermines, County Tipperary; if a compulsory purchase order has been completed for the site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41235/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department in co-operation with Tipperary County Council has undertaken an extensive programme of remediation works at a number of former mining sites at Silvermines. The Department continues to fund an ongoing programme of environmental monitoring at Silvermines.
Work has been substantially completed on 5 of the 6 sites with expenditure amounting to €11.19m. The Gortmore Tailings Management Facility was the largest site remediated at a cost of €6 million. The site is currently in private ownership; discussions to date to purchase the land have been unsuccessful.
However, I will shortly be publishing a draft policy statement for consultation on mineral exploration and mining. This will provide an opportunity for all stakeholders to inform the development of policy in this area, including the development of a road map for dealing with legacy mines which will address the role and responsibilities of both State and private stakeholders.
111. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if a report or costings have been carried out to ascertain the direct and indirect health costs to the State of burning petrol and diesel at ground level in towns and cities. [41237/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs part of its ongoing research funding, the EPA is supporting research at Trinity College Dublin into the impact of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) on health, with particular emphasis on vulnerable groups. NO2 is primarily a pollutant generated by traffic, and this study seeks to establish appropriate data which can determine the correlation between NO2 levels and the prescribing of drugs used to treat asthma and chronic obstructive airways disease.
At European level, the European Public Health Alliance recently completed a study into the health costs of air pollution in European cities, and the linkage with transport, which focused on 432 cities across all Member States, with populations of 100,000 upwards. The Irish cities involved in the study were Dublin and Cork. The report quantified and valued pollution-related health impacts, concluding that the total annual per capita cost is €836 in Dublin, and €756 in Cork. The overall average per capita cost across the EU was €1,276 per annum.
While Ireland compares favourably to much of Europe, we are taking the following steps to reduce the levels of traffic emissions in our cities:
- putting 180,000 electric vehicles on our roads by 2025 and almost 1 million by 2030;
- taking steps to decarbonise the public transport fleet;
- developing a 5-year cycling strategy, and the roll-out of 200km of new cycle lanes; and
- encouraging a transition to public transport through a new Park and Ride Strategy to help reduce congestion and lower journey times.
In addition, the Urban Transport-Related Air Pollution Working Group (UTRAP) was formed last year to consider and address the level of transport-generated air pollution in certain areas. This Group, which is jointly chaired by the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications and the Department of Transport, is due to publish an interim report shortly which will contain a range of recommendations to help further address transport-related emissions.
112. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if, in the interest of public health and safety, he will detail the incident which occurred on the foreshore on 22 November 2020 at the Marine Institute and SEAI’s Renewable Energy quarter scale test site in Galway Bay, in which an upright installation at the test site appeared to fall over and required to be recovered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41355/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) has informed my Department that the following events occurred from 19 to 22 November at the former quarter scale test site location off the coast of Spiddal.
At approximately 13:45hrs on Thursday 19 November 2020 the Marine Institute were notified by phone call from a member of the public that the environmental monitoring buoy, located off the coast of Spiddal at the former quarter scale test site location, appeared to be damaged and was listing, suggesting that a chain may have been broken. The Marine Institute operations team mobilised and arrived in Spiddal at 15:00hrs confirming the situation visually from the shoreline.
Upon confirmation, the offshore operations team deployed the fast response boat from Galway Docks at 16:15hrs to undertake a close inspection of the buoy. Following that offshore inspection, it was confirmed that one of the mooring eyes on the buoy had failed, but that the buoy remained securely and safely anchored in place by the other mooring line. On a precautionary basis, it was decided to recover the buoy ashore at the earliest opportunity to repair the moorings. A suitable vessel was mobilised early on the morning of Sunday 22 November 2020. The buoy and mooring lines were safely recovered back to Galway Docks by 16:00hrs on Sunday 22 November 2020.
113. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 175, 176, 177, 178, 196, 200, 202 and 203 of 24t November 2020, his views on changing the long-standing Government policy that postal services will not be directly subsidised by the Government to provide funding for post offices which perform vital economic and social functions in rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41374/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of the importance of maintaining a post office network in our society. However I also know that the serious decline in mail volumes and the impact of Covid-19 on footfall through post offices has had a severe impact on the postal network and the revenue being generated for postmasters.
A lot of work has been done over the past few years to develop the network and this has had a positive effect for both postmasters and customers. This momentum needs to be maintained and if An Post, the postmasters and Government work together we can ensure that the network can emerge as a central hub for a wide variety of valuable community-focused services.
What we are doing now is working with An Post to investigate the scope to channel additional services through the network. As with any business the post office needs develop commercial strategies to enable it to grow and maintain its relevance for its users.
In the circumstances, there are no proposals to introduce a Government funded subsidy for the post office network.
114. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his views on the future of the post office network (details supplied); and his plans to avoid these closures and loss of services and jobs. [41380/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 long-standing 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.
The importance of the post office network has been clearly demonstrated throughout the pandemic where we have seen a range of initiatives through our post offices which have helped support local communities, the elderly and vulnerable.
An Post put in place a Strategic Plan, covering the period 2017 – 2021, in response to the structural challenges faced by the postal sector. 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).
As part of the delivery of the plan the company was 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 designed to encourage communities to use the enhanced services in their local post office.
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. We will work closely with An Post to see if there is scope to channel additional services through the network. All options will be considered fully and efforts will be redoubled to give effect to our commitment to ensuring a sustainable and viable post office network.
115. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the current status of the inland and fisheries consolidation Bill. [41406/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraWork on this legislation is ongoing in my Department. The new Bill will consolidate 14 separate enactments and will include provisions in relation to, inter alia, the nature of fishery ownership as well as title and fishing rights. A significant number of drafts have been completed. In addition, I will shortly be publishing a roadmap which will set out my plans for a policy statement for the inland fisheries sector. The final Bill will be informed by this policy statement.
116. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the subsidies for electric vehicles by BEV and PHEV and by model and private or company purchases. [41529/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department continues to provide a generous support, through the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), towards the purchase of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs).
In order to qualify for the relevant supports under the SEAI scheme, the electric vehicle must be classified as M1 (private passenger vehicle) or N1 (light commercial vehicle). The scheme currently provides up to €5,000 in grant support for the private purchase of a new electric car (M1) and up to €3,800 for the purchase of a new electric van (N1) by a company or where a motor dealership is purchasing a demonstration vehicle. My Department is making an allocation of €27 million in 2021 for grants under this scheme.
In relation to PHEVs and the models to be supported under the scheme, there are criteria that need to be met in order for the vehicle to qualify for a grant. These criteria are currently defined under the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) test procedure and include a minimum range in electric mode of 50 km and a maximum emission level of 50 gCO2/km. From January 2021, the NEDC criteria will be replaced by the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) which will adjust the minimum electric range required to 40km with a maximum emission level of 65 gCO2/km. In March 2021, these will be adjusted again to minimum electric range of 50km and maximum emissions of 50gCO2/km (WLTP). These changes will affect some categories of PHEVs in terms of eligibility under the SEAI scheme. More details on purchase grant scheme and the EV models which qualify can be found at www.drivingelectric.ie.
In addition, as Minister for Transport, I was delighted to announce a 2021 allocation of €15 million to support up to 750 taxi and hackney drivers in making the transition to fully electric vehicles. An enhanced EV scrappage scheme is being made available for eligible drivers scrapping older (8 years or more) or high mileage (over 300,000km) vehicles and replacing them with zero-emission electric alternatives. Grants up to €20,000 will be made available towards the purchase of a new fully electric vehicle with higher levels of supports available for electric wheelchair accessible vehicles (both plug-in hybrid and fully electric). From 2021 onwards plug-in hybrid electric vehicles will not be supported under the eSPSV Grant Scheme, with exceptions for wheelchair accessible vehicles. More details on this grant and the EV models which qualify can be found at www.nationaltransport.ie.
Other incentives available for electric vehicles include:
- Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) relief of up to €5,000 for battery electric vehicles and low rates of VRT for plug in hybrid electric vehicles;
- Benefit-in-kind tax relief for battery electric vehicles;
- Grant support towards the full cost of installation of a home charger up to a maximum of €600;
- Lowest rate of motor tax (€120 per annum) for battery electric vehicles and generally low rates of motor tax for plug in hybrid electric vehicles; and
- 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).
