Written Answers Nos. 192-213
192. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of Ireland’s compliance or non-compliance with each of the international greenhouse gas emissions and renewable energy targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25527/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra193. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the financial penalties Ireland has already been subject to and will be subject to from 2021-2030 for failure to meet international greenhouse gas emissions and renewable energy targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25528/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 192 and 193 together.
The 2009 Effort Sharing Decision 406/2009/EC (ESD) sets annual binding emissions reduction targets for EU Member States for the period 2013 to 2020. These targets cover emissions from sectors outside of the EU Emissions Trading System, such as agriculture, transport, buildings and waste. For the year 2020 itself, the target set for Ireland is that emissions should be 20% below their value in 2005. The latest greenhouse gas emissions report, published in January 2021 by the EPA, indicates that emissions from those sectors of the economy covered by the ESD could be around 8% below 2005 levels by 2020. The ESD allows Member States to meet their targets by means of unused emissions allowances from earlier years, or through purchasing allowances from other Member States or on international markets. According to the EPA’s latest report, Ireland will cumulatively exceed the carbon budget implied by our ESD targets by 11 to 12Mt and we will need to avail of these flexibilities in order to comply with our obligations. Pre-Covid estimates of the additional costs of purchasing carbon credits for compliance with these targets were in the region of €6 million to €13 million, depending on the price and final quantity of allowances required.
The EU Effort Sharing Regulation EU/2018/842 (ESR) established binding annual greenhouse gas emission targets for non-ETS sectors in Member States for the period 2021 to 2030. The ESR sets Ireland a target of 30% reduction in emissions by 2030 compared to 2005 levels. It is important to note that this target will be amended following the European Council’s decision to increase ambition from its existing EU-wide 2030 target of a 40% reduction to at least 55%, compared to 1990 levels. Legislative proposals to implement the new EU 2030 target, including revising Member States’ existing targets for 2030, are expected to be presented by the European Commission by July 2021.
In order to meet Ireland’s obligations for 2020 under the Renewable Energy Directive, there are mechanisms under the EU Framework that allow Member States to purchase ‘statistical transfers’ from other Member States where required to comply with their 2020 obligations. Given that existing policy measures across the electricity, transport and heat sectors will not be sufficient to achieve compliance with the 2020 target, contingency planning had been underway in my Department for some time on statistical transfers with other Member States. Intensive engagement with a number of Member States took place during 2020. This led to the successful conclusion of negotiations and terms being agreed with two Member States (Denmark and Estonia), which provide for the purchase by Ireland of specified quantities of renewable energy through statistical transfers.
The total cost of statistical transfers in 2020 was €50 million consisting of:
- The purchase of a statistical transfer of 1,000 GWh from Denmark costing €12.5 million; and
- The purchase of a statistical transfer of 2,500 GWh from Estonia costing €37.5 million.
Additional volumes may be required to be purchased under the Agreements in 2021, depending on the final energy statistics for 2020.
Under the EU’s Clean Energy Package, Member States must, from 2021 onwards, maintain the 2020 renewable energy baseline figure (16% in Ireland’s case). In addition, Member States should progress along an indicative trajectory with reference points in 2022, 2025, and 2027. If a Member State falls below its baseline, or falls below one or more of its national reference points, the Member State will be required to ensure that additional measures are implemented within one year to cover the gap. These additional measures include increasing the national deployment of renewable energy in the electricity, heating and transport sectors, as well as making a voluntary financial payment to an EU renewable energy financing mechanism, and purchasing of statistical transfers from other Member States.
It is ultimately the responsibility of each Member State to determine the cost-effective level of renewable energy it should achieve by 2030, as long as it contributes to the achievement of the Union’s 2030 target of 32% renewable energy as set out in National Energy and Climate Plans. It is expected that the EU-wide 2030 target for renewable energy will increase as part of the forthcoming revision to the Renewable Energy Directive under the EU Commission’s ‘Fit for 55 package’ to reduce emissions by at least 55% by 2030.
194. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the steps he is taking to fulfil the Programme for Government commitment to invest in the network of monitoring stations to provide scientific evidence of air quality across different parts of the country including real-time and localised air quality information; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25576/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Programme, operated by the Environmental Protection Agency, has undergone significant investment and expansion in recent years, with the number of monitoring stations increasing from 30 in 2017 to 93 today. All monitoring stations collect air quality data for a range of pollutants in order to provide information to the public, and for assessment against European legal limit values and World Health Organisation guideline values. Real-time data from these monitoring stations is available online at all times at www.airquality.ie, and the most recent report on Ireland’s air quality can be found at https://www.epa.ie/pubs/reports/air/quality/epaairqualityreport2019.html.
While Ireland has traditionally focused on measurements from monitoring stations to assess air quality, there is a need to provide more local air quality information throughout the country. The intention is that the information generated through monitoring, will be augmented by a newly developed modelling and forecasting capability, which will provide an ongoing air quality forecast service to the public.
This work is being developed as part of a new EU LIFE funded project called LIFE EMERALD, which commenced in January 2021. By 2024, this modelling project will deliver a national air quality forecast, a near real-time nowcast, and historical modelled maps along with multiple awareness raising and citizen engagement elements.
In the interim, a further expansion of the network is scheduled during 2021 and 2022 to include another 17 stations, giving a 110 station network, and serving to increase the evidential base required to inform the policy measures necessary to improve the quality of our air.
195. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the measures being considered to support investment and growth in the green economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25690/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government recognises that significant investment will be required over the next decade to support the achievement of our climate targets. To support this increased investment, an estimated €9.5 billion will be raised, with revenues ring-fenced, over the decade through annual increases in the rate of carbon tax. My Department is currently preparing a new Climate Action Plan which will set out the policy changes required across every sector to achieve the Programme for Government target of a 51% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, and that set us on the path of systemic change that is required for Ireland to become a climate-neutral and climate-resilient society and economy no later than 2050. In parallel, the Government is currently reviewing the National Development Plan, which will ensure that the State’s public investment framework, as well as individual capital investment programmes, is aligned with our climate ambition for the next decade.
To support the achievement of Climate Action Plan and Programme for Government targets, I have made substantial additional funding available in 2021, with €221.5 million provided for SEAI residential and community retrofit programmes. This represents an 82% increase on the 2020 allocation and is the largest annual amount ever made available for these schemes. This allocation has facilitated the expansion and improvement of existing SEAI grant schemes and the introduction of new initiatives.
In addition, the Climate Action Fund, which was established on a statutory basis in 2020 to provide support for projects, initiatives and research that contribute to the achievement of Ireland’s climate and energy targets, will invest at least €500 million over the period to 2027. Almost €185 million has been committed to projects to date.
My Department is currently developing proposals to provide further support from the Climate Action Fund through a community climate action programme. The design of this programme will be informed by feedback received through the climate consultation that is currently underway and open until 18 May. Information on the types of projects that may be supported, who may apply for this support, and the application process, will be published on my Department’s website when the programme is launched shortly.
In advance of the finalisation of this programme, Creative Ireland, in collaboration with my Department, has launched Creative Climate Action, a competitive fund of up to €2 million supported by the Climate Action Fund and the Creative Ireland Programme. The fund will support creative and cultural projects up to the end of 2022, connecting people with the profound changes that are happening in our environment, society and economy arising from climate change, with the objective of transforming that connection into behaviour change and climate action. Further information is available at the Creative Ireland website: www.creativeireland.gov.ie
My Department also provides funding to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for its Green Enterprise Programme, a flagship initiative of the National Waste Prevention Programme (NWPP). The Green Enterprise Programme aims to develop innovative practical applications and solutions (in new/altered products, processes, services or solutions) that prevent waste and stimulate the circular economy. Funding is provided to projects in the areas of resource efficiency, clean technology, engagement, and behaviour change - from research stage to demonstration and commercial (or community) application. The EPA currently has plans to hold a 2021 call for Green Enterprise projects to be launched in the coming weeks and has allocated €625,000 to new Green Enterprise projects, which includes €250,000 to meet expected commitments arising in 2021, with the remainder (€375,000) for commitments arising in future years. Depending on the response to the 2021 call, this funding envelope should support approximately 7 to 10 new projects.
196. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of Ireland’s Nationally Determined Contribution to the EU as part of the Paris Climate Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25691/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe EU aims to be climate-neutral by 2050. This objective is at the heart of the European Green Deal and in line with the EU’s commitment to global climate action under the Paris Agreement. The EU and its Member States, acting jointly, submitted an updated NDC on 17 December 2020, which confirmed commitment to a binding target of a net domestic reduction of at least 55% in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to 1990. This level of ambition for the next decade will put the EU on a balanced pathway to reaching climate neutrality by 2050. It is intended that both the 2030 and 2050 targets will be enshrined in the EU Climate Law. Legislative proposals to implement the new EU 2030 target will be presented by June 2021, and additional effort will be asked of all Member States, including Ireland.
Ireland fully supports the enhanced ambition at EU level to increase the EU 2030 target to at least 55% emissions reduction as set out in the Commission’s EU 2030 Climate Target Plan, and to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. To this end, Ireland is one of 12 countries who have signed a joint statement ahead of the European Council in October on strengthening EU climate ambition and agreeing on increasing the 2030 climate target to “at least 55 percent” this year.
The Programme for Government sets out significant increased climate ambition for Ireland, committing to an average 7% per annum reduction in overall greenhouse gas emissions from 2021 to 2030 and to achieving net zero emissions by 2050, the latter being consistent with the EU 2050 ambition. The next iteration of the Climate Action Plan will set out, on an economy-wide basis, how the 2030 ambition in the Programme for Government might be achieved. The Plan will also need to ensure that Ireland meets its contribution to any increased ambition in a revised Effort Sharing Regulation, the EU framework which sets Member States’ emissions reduction targets for 2030.
197. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of the engagement his Department has had within the EU with regard to emissions trading schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25692/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) operates in all EU countries plus Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. It limits emissions from more than 11,000 heavy energy-using installations (power stations and large industrial plants), and airlines operating between these countries, covering approximately 45% of the EU's greenhouse gas emissions. Over 100 stationary installations and 15 aircraft operators currently come within the system in Ireland. The Environmental Protection Agency is the competent authority for implementation of the ETS in Ireland. The ETS is currently designed to deliver a reduction of 43% of emissions on an EU-wide basis by 2030 compared to 2005 levels. The European Commission is currently preparing legislative proposals to amend the ETS, as part of a suite of measures to ensure the EU meets its increased ambition to reduce overall emissions by at least 55% by 2030 versus 1990 levels.
The Commission is expected to publish their proposed revisions to the legislation as part of their 'Fit for 55' Package, which is expected this summer. Ireland will need to consider these proposals once launched and work with the Council Presidency and other Member States to form an agreed Council position.
198. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the measures being taken to ensure existing infrastructure is being adapted so as to be climate resilient; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25693/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government has a comprehensive policy response in place to ensure that Ireland can respond effectively to the locked-in effects of Climate Change. As required in the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015, the cornerstone of this policy is the National Adaptation Framework (NAF) which my Department published in January 2018. The NAF establishes the context which ensures that Departments, key sectors, and Local Authorities can assess the risks and vulnerabilities of climate change, and effectively implement climate resilience actions. The NAF identified critical infrastructure as one of 4 key thematic areas for action. In October 2019, following Government approval, Departments with responsibility for 12 priority sectors published sectoral adaptation plans. Plans related to critical infrastructure have been prepared covering Transport Infrastructure, Electricity and Gas Networks, and Communications Networks. Other infrastructure relevant plans prepared under other thematic areas in the NAF include Flood Risk Management and Water Services Infrastructure. The Plans are available at: https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/51df3-sectoral-adaptation-planning/
At the same time, each of the 31 Local Authorities also published Local Adaptation Strategies which are now at implementation stage.
My Department collaborates with other Departments, State Agencies, Climate Action Regional Offices and Local Authorities on Climate Adaptation policy through regular meetings of the National Adaptation Steering Committee (NASC). Implementation of sectoral plans and local strategies is monitored via the NASC.
199. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the companies National Broadband Ireland is using to roll-out broadband; the amount of the work that is being outsourced; if National Broadband Ireland is actively seeking companies to roll-out broadband that are based in Ireland to ensure jobs are protected here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25734/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Broadband Plan (NBP) State led Intervention will be delivered by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) under a contract 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 to ensure all premises in the State has access to reliable high quality broadband. NBI is an Irish registered Dedicated Activity Company (DAC) whose job it is to design, build, operate and maintain the subsidised network. NBI has put together a team with significant Irish experience in large telecoms projects, as well as international industry experience to deliver the Plan.
Since January 2020, NBI has mobilised staff, many subcontractors, infrastructure and material providers that are required to deliver the new high speed broadband network under the NBP. NBI has advised that it is currently providing direct and indirect employment to over 1,000 people which includes 230 employees and over 800 indirect contractor resources. I am further advised that NBI is working in partnership with over 20 specialists, mostly Irish sub-contractors which are helping to create extensive job opportunities. These include staff employed on design activities through design subcontractors 4site, Actavo and Entegro. Further employment is being provided by build subcontractors including KN Group, Actavo, TLI and Secto, as well as technology partners such as Nokia, who are providing the broadband equipment for the project. Another key partner is Enet who are providing infrastructure and services from the State owned Metropolitan Area Networks and its wider fibre network. Openeir, the wholesale arm of eir, also has a significant number of staff and subcontractors working across the State to ensure their pole and duct network is ready for the NBI fibre build.
At the peak of the roll-out, it is expected that up to 1,800 jobs will be created as a direct result of the National Broadband Plan.
200. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the progress made to include reference in all new statements of strategy to all sustainable development goal targets for which his Department has lead responsibility as outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals National Implementation Plan 2018-2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25747/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is a significant and ambitious policy agenda that concerns all Government Departments.The first National Implementation Plan (2018-2020), published in 2018, set out Ireland’s strategy to achieve the SDGs both domestically and internationally. The Goals are mainstreamed in domestic policy and the governance structure reflects a whole-of-government approach that ensures coordination and coherence, in particular where goals cover areas of shared responsibility. 19 Actions were included in the first National Implementation Plan. Action 4 of the plan set out a commitment to include reference in all new Statements of Strategy to all SDG targets for which a Department has lead responsibility. The development of the next SDG Implementation Plan has commenced, with the intention of publication later this year. A National Progress report will be incorporated into the Plan and will assess the progress on the 19 Actions, including the commitment set out under Action 4. My Department's Statement of Strategy 2021-2023 underlines our commitment to coordinate Government action on embedding the SDGs into the programmes and policies of every Department and lead the whole-of-Government effort to foster public awareness and participation around the SDGs. In addition, the Strategy underlines our commitment to drive achievement in respect of the specific goals which we lead on, namely goals 7, ‘Affordable and clean energy’; 12, ‘Responsible consumption and production’; and 13, ‘Climate Action’. The Statement of Strategy 2021-2023 is available online at gov.ie
201. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the specific sustainable development goal targets his Department is responsible for implementing; the progress made in implementing those targets since 26 April 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25765/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe first National Implementation Plan (2018-2020), published in 2018, set out Ireland’s strategy to achieve the SDGs both domestically and internationally. An important element of this Plan is the SDG Policy Map and Matrix, which enhances the ability of stakeholders to track Ireland’s implementation of specific SDGs and associated targets, and to assess Ireland’s response to the SDGs for potential policy gaps. It also supports cross-Government engagement in implementing each of the Goals and Targets. This policy map has recently been updated and is available online at gov.ie My Department has responsibility for leading implementation of: - SDG 7 ‘Affordable and clean energy’;- SDG 12 ‘Responsible consumption and production’, with input from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE); and - SDG 13 ‘Climate Action’.
Progress across the three Goals is illustrated below:Goal 7: Affordable and clean energyAs part of our commitment to reduce emissions by 51% by 2030, and be carbon-neutral by 2050, a number of strategies are being developed by my Department to increase the share of renewable energy used across the residential, industrial, and transport sectors, ensuring affordable and clean energy for all of Irish society. These include:
- the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS);
- residential and community retrofit programmes;
- Micro-generation Support Scheme; and
- a new Solar Energy Strategy.The Central Statistics Office has prepared a progress report on Goal 7 with the Sustainable Energy Authority Ireland as part of our regular monitoring process, and highlights the progress that Ireland has made on renewable energy in recent years. The report is available on the CSO website at:
https://www.cso.ie/en/statistics/unsustainabledevelopmentgoals/unsdgsgoal7-affordableandcleanenergy/
Goal 12: Responsible consumption and productionMy Department supports a number of programmes and initiatives to underpin the strategic advancement of a circular and sustainable approach to using biological resources. Published in 2020, the new Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy sets a roadmap for achieving sustainability through shifting focus away from waste disposal to looking at how we can preserve resources by creating a circular economy. A Waste Action Plan Advisory Group has also been established, consisting of relevant stakeholders from the economic, environmental and social sectors. The Group assisted in the compilation of the new policy by guiding strategic thinking and decision making and will assist in implementing the commitments in the Plan.In April of this year, my Department also launched a public consultation on Ireland’s first Whole-of-Government Circular Economy Strategy. The draft Strategy provides a policy framework for Ireland’s ambition to become one of the leaders in relation to the Circular Economy in Europe. The consultation period will end on 11 June 2021.Ireland’s annual financial contributions to the Global Environment Facility and to the UN Environment Programme provide support to sustainability projects globally.Goal 13: Climate action
The Government is committed to an average 7% per annum reduction in overall greenhouse gas emissions from 2021 to 2030, equivalent to a 51% reduction over the decade and to achieving net zero emissions by 2050. A key aspect of delivering on this ambition will be enacting the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Bill, which will be reinforced by credible on-going policy. The Bill will define how five-year carbon budgets and related sectoral targets will be set, with every sector contributing, while also ensuring we continue to work to achieve a broad political and societal consensus on the transition to a climate neutral economy and society. Putting these requirements in legislation places a clear obligation on this and future governments for sustained climate action.The annual revision to the Climate Action Plan acts as a further review mechanism and opportunity to re-adjust or refocus actions, if required, to ensure targets are achieved. The Climate Action Plan 2021 will set out the policy, measure and actions that must be taken across every economic sector to ensure we deliver on our increased climate ambition as set out in the Programme for Government.At an international level, the Department of Foreign Affairs, with the support of my Department and the Department of Finance, are developing a new Climate Finance Strategy, with Ireland having already committed to doubling its annual contribution to the Green Climate Fund from €2 million to €4 million from 2020 onwards.
202. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has engaged a third-party company to date in 2021 to conduct online and or social media monitoring and or provide reports on social media coverage of his Department; if so, the cost of same; and the name of the social media platforms being monitored. [25783/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs part of an effective communications and media relations function, my Department is committed to ensuring that public discourse pertaining to the Department's work is understood in order to better inform policy and communications. My Department recently conducted a competitive procurement process to engage a media monitoring service. The contract was awarded to Truehawk Media Ltd. in January 2021 and is valued at €17,021 p.a. Truehawk Media Ltd. conducts monitoring for items relevant to my Department’s remit across print, broadcast and online media. Twitter is the only social media platform monitored by the service.
203. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if officials in his Department are tasked with conducting online and social media monitoring and completing reports on social media coverage of his Department and his Ministerial activities; if so, the number of staff involved; the respective grades of each; the estimated working hours committed to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25801/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is committed to providing the highest standard of communications, stakeholder engagement, and open and transparent dialogue in order to inform policy making and enhance our services for citizens. Our communications approach is designed to enhance our reputation and build trust through collaboration and engagement. Social media is a critical tool in achieving these objectives, and we place a high value on ensuring that our social media channels are actively engaged with citizens on issues that are important to them. The Communications and Media Relations Division is responsible for managing my Department’s social media accounts on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. Given the dynamic and far-reaching nature of social media, managing these five channels in an effective manner requires significant resources.
The core social media team consists of 1 Assistant Principal, 1 Administrative Officer and 1 Executive Officer. Each of these staff members carries out social media duties as one part of their wider communications function, which also encompasses strategic communications, public outreach, customer service and media relations. The social media team is responsible for content development for social media (including written, graphic and video content), social media planning, and social media promotion, monitoring and analysis, as well as customer service online where required. The team monitors engagement and notifications on each platform daily, responding where necessary. If required, the team will monitor and report on engagement and reaction to specific initiatives and announcements. The time commitment related to this work can vary depending on communications priorities, but is estimated at about two hours per day collectively.
204. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he and bodies under his aegis have engaged private investigation companies or persons in the past three years to date; and if so, the cost, duration and purpose of these engagements of this type of contractor. [25823/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has not engaged the services of any private investigation companies or persons in the past three years. The information requested in relation to the agencies under the aegis of my Department is an operational matter for each agency. The Department will request the relevant bodies to reply directly to the Deputy with the information requested in respect of their organisations.
205. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his Department has explored the concept of a mandatory recycling scheme for mattresses similar to the WEEE recycling regulations for electrical goods which ensures compliance and revenue raising via retailers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25853/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Anti-Dumping Initiative (ADI), which my Department funds, facilitates Local Authorities in hosting amnesty events to deal with difficult waste products such as bulky furniture and mattresses. I have provided €3M in funding, through the Waste Enforcement Regional Lead Authorities (WERLAS) to support this initiative in 2021. The Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy commits to examining the feasibility of introducing further EPR arrangements for other waste streams such as bulky waste, including mattresses and this will be progressed over the lifetime of the plan.
206. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the criteria for accessing the solar PV scheme will be reviewed (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25869/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) is responsible for the operation of the grant scheme to help homeowners install rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) equipment. Details of eligibility criteria and how to apply are set out on the SEAI website at www.seai.ie. To date, 5,777 applications have received grant support under the scheme with €13.5 m funding provided.
Energy efficiency is a key priority in the decarbonisation of energy and reducing emissions. A minimum Building Energy Rating (BER) requirement for access to the scheme ensures that energy efficiency first principle is followed in the allocation of supports.
There are a range of supports available to homeowners to enable energy efficiency works to be carried out to improve their BER under the Better Energy Homes scheme. The SEAI also runs the National Housing Retrofit and the Community Energy Grants schemes, which funds community-based partnerships to improve the energy efficiency of the building stock in their area. For 2021, the combined budget for these schemes is over €50 million. Under both of these schemes the central priority is building energy efficiency, and projects are required to demonstrate a building fabric first approach. Solar panels can be supported as part of wider package of home energy upgrades. Funding for energy poor homes within projects can cover up to 80% of the total costs of the upgrades.
207. Deputy Kieran O'Donnell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the further steps he will take to reduce single use plastics following the proposed ban on certain plastics in July; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25909/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy outlines the measures Ireland is taking under the Single Use Plastics Directive (EU 2019/904) to substantially reduce the amount of single use plastic items we use and to sustainably manage the waste arising from those we do. The Directive will be transposed by the deadline of 3rd July 2021 and from that date single use plastic cutlery, plates, straws, balloon and cotton bud sticks may not be placed on the Irish market. This ban will also apply to expanded polystyrene cups and food containers and all products containing oxo-degradable plastic. The Plan details our commitment to lead EU efforts in this area through working towards an eventual ban on disposable coffee cups and cold drinks cups and to set up new Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes for other plastic waste streams covered by the Single Use Plastics Directive including tobacco products, balloons, wet wipes and fishing gear.
209. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question No. 12 of 28 January 2021, if a further update was issued to his office. [26068/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs previously stated in my reply of 28 January to a Parliamentary Question on this matter, the premises referred to in the Question are 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.While 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 has, however, raised a query regarding the premises in question with the service provider to get the current status for the location.
Our investigations show that the premises referred to is a newly built premises in a green field area within an existing estate. We have sent a further query to the service provider asking them to confirm when the infrastructure is planned to be installed for the newly built premises and when the service will be available for order. We will revert to the Deputy as soon as we receive a reply.
210. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of data breaches suffered by his Department in each of the past five years and to date in 2021. [26097/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department’s data breach reporting system commenced in 2018 with the introduction of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. All data breaches are reported to and assessed by the Department’s Data Protection Officer (DPO) in accordance with guidance issued by the Data Protection Commission. In assessing the potential risk for each breach, the DPO takes into account the nature and cause of the breach, the type and volume of data exposed, the corrective steps taken and the likely impact on the individual(s) concerned.
The number of data breaches recorded by my Department since 2018 are as follows :
|
Year |
Number of Data Breaches Recorded |
|
2018 |
5 |
|
2019 |
5 |
|
2020 |
7 |
|
2021 (To date) |
3 |
211. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the progress on a multiagency enforcement programme on solid fuel use as a home heating source; if his attention has been drawn to imports of German coal to the Irish market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26131/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government includes a commitment to develop a multi-agency approach to clamping down on the sale of high-sulphur content fuel imported from the UK, with Local Authorities and the Revenue Commissioners involved. Given the links between burning of solid fuels and the health effects of air pollution, as well as the potential for market distortion for businesses properly adhering to the regulations, increased multi-agency inspections and enforcement, including the use of fixed payment notices, are required.
My Department has commenced discussions with the County and City Management Association, and other key stakeholders, with a view to developing a regional approach to air quality enforcement, in order to facilitate increased multi-agency operations. In order to progress these discussions further, I am establishing an Air Enforcement Working Group to include the various regulatory stakeholders, experienced Local Authority enforcement practitioners and representatives from existing shared service offices. The purpose of this Group is to determine the most effective enforcement approach, and to make their recommendations to my Department within the next six months.
With respect to imports of solid fuels for domestic burning, such imports are permitted under European Union trade agreements, and there is no impediment to the sale or use of such fuels provided their standards comply with the relevant regulations. It should be noted that my Department recently undertook a public consultation on the development of new legislation to regulate to a broader extent the use of solid fuels in the residential sector and prohibit the sale of the most polluting fuels.
My Department received more than 3,500 responses to the technical consultation and, once these submissions have been considered, it is my intention to publish a new, legally robust, and evidence-based framework for how we regulate all solid fuels in the near future.
212. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will introduce legislation to allow local authorities to use CCTV and drone footage to prosecute illegal dumpers; if GDPR issues arise in relation to this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26206/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe introduction of a Waste Management (Circular Economy) Bill is a commitment under the Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy, published in September 2020. My Department is currently finalising the draft Heads of the Bill, after which I intend to seek Government approval to publish the General Scheme. On the issue of CCTV, it is the view of the Data Protection Commission (DPC) that, although the Litter Pollution Act and the Waste Management Act provide local authorities with powers to prevent, investigate, detect and prosecute littering and dumping offences, the Acts do not provide for processing of images of members of the public using CCTV footage. This advice is being considered by my Department and is subject to internal legal advice.It is also my intention to facilitate the use of a range of Audio Visual Recording equipment, including CCTV and drones, under the Bill. A combination of legislation and guidance should help to ensure that the processing of personal data may be carried out by local authorities in order to assist with their litter and waste enforcement functions in order to protect our environment from the scourge of illegal dumping, while at the same time respecting the privacy rights of citizens.
213. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when the new micro-generation scheme will be introduced; the form it will take; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26298/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government commits to prioritising the development of micro-generation of electricity primarily for self-consumption. Under the Climate Action Plan, a Micro-Generation working group, chaired by my Department, is developing an enabling framework for micro-generation which tackles existing barriers and establishes suitable supports within relevant market segments. The proposed support mechanism was outlined in a public consultation launched in January (now closed) and the submissions received are currently being reviewed. While the primary aim of a micro-generation scheme is to enable a household to meet its own electricity needs, it is envisaged that a suitable payment for excess electricity generated on site and exported to the grid will be available to all micro-generators in the second half of 2021, subject to regulatory arrangements, in line with Articles 21 and 22 of the recast Renewable Energy Directive.The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) published an updated Roadmap for the Clean Energy Package’s Electricity and Renewables Directives in February, which provides for a public consultation on the regulatory framework for prosumer development later this year. The document is available on the CRU website.
