Written Answers Nos. 83-104
83. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the timeline of the proposed feed-in tariff for 2021; when he expects it to be in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34529/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department outlined proposals for a new Micro-generation Support Scheme in a public consultation that closed on 18 February last. A summary report of the submissions received has been published on my Department's website.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 renewables self-consumers in the second half of 2021, subject to regulatory arrangements, in line with Articles 21 and 22 of Directive (EU) 2018/2001 on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources. Intensive work is ongoing with a view to achieving transposition of the Directive into Irish law as soon as possible.The Commission for Regulation of Utilities will publish a draft framework later this year which will outline the details, including eligibility criteria and timescales for introduction, of the Clean Export Guarantee payment for exported renewable electricity, to give effect to the above-mentioned articles and allow for the commencement of export payments to micro-generators.
84. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the role his Department has in the provision of public street lighting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34662/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraProvision of public street lighting is a matter for Local Authorities and my colleague, the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage. I have no function in relation to the matter raised by the Deputy.
85. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when works under the warmer homes scheme will be carried out at the home of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34664/21]
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. To date over 142,000 homes have received free upgrades under the scheme, leaving the occupants better able to afford to heat their homes to an adequate level. The approximate average value of the energy efficiency measures provided to households under the Better Energy Warmer Homes scheme was €14,800 in 2020. A total of €221.5 million in capital funding has been provided for SEAI residential and community retrofit schemes in 2021. Of this amount, €109 million is provided to support lower income households to retrofit their homes, with €100 million allocated to the Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme. 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.
There are currently over 7,800 homes on the Warmer Homes work programme and the scheme operates nationally on a first come, first served basis. SEAI data indicates that for homes completed in 2020, the average time from application to completion was approximately 18 months. The average wait times are expected to increase significantly in 2021 due to the extensive COVID-19 public health restrictions on construction activity in 2020 and between January and April 2021 of this year when the scheme was fully paused in line with Government guidelines. Works under the scheme have since recommenced in line with activity in the residential construction sector.
Individual applications to the Warmer Homes Scheme are an operational matter for the SEAI and as Minister I have no role in such matters. However in reference to the case raised by the Deputy, I have been informed by the SEAI that the application for the home in question is awaiting an initial survey call and that the SEAI call centre will be in contact with the applicant within the next week to discuss the next steps.
86. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when the scheme to pay microgenerators for electricity exported to the national grid will be operational; the measures that are in place to ensure that accurate records are kept of the quantity of electricity being exported from the microgeneration units to the grid from 1 July 2020 in order that they can get compensated properly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34725/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department outlined proposals for a new Micro-generation Support Scheme in a public consultation that closed on 18 February last. A summary report of the submissions received has now been published on my Department's website.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 renewables self-consumers in the second half of 2021, subject to regulatory arrangements, in line with Articles 21 and 22 of Directive (EU) 2018/2001 on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources. Intensive work is ongoing with a view to achieving transposition of the Directive into Irish law as soon as possible. The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) will publish a draft framework later this year which will outline the details, including eligibility criteria and timescales for introduction, of the Clean Export Guarantee payment for exported renewable electricity, to give effect to the above-mentioned articles and allow for the commencement of export payments to micro-generators. Responsibility for determining the means of measuring the volume of exported electricity from eligible micro-generators under this framework will be a matter for the CRU.
87. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the way his Department and public bodies and agencies under his remit fulfil their obligations section 42 of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34853/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department, in its dealings with staff, stakeholders and citizens, is committed to the public service ethos of independence, integrity, impartiality, fairness and respect. To ensure that staff are aware of their roles and responsibilities in promoting Equality, Diversity and Inclusion they undertake mandatory Diversity and Inclusion training on an annual basis. The Department is currently working with its staff through its Diversity and Inclusion Group to develop a new strategic plan to identify and address the human rights and equality issues relevant to its purpose and functions. The establishment of this Group was delayed due to Covid-19. All progress and achievements will be reported annually in a manner accessible to the Public. 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.
88. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the way his Department and public bodies and agencies under his remit undertake disability impact assessments; the process by which these assessments are monitored; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34870/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe impacts on people with disabilities of policies and initiatives requiring Government approval are considered in line with the requirements of the procedures relating to Memoranda for Government as set out in the Cabinet Handbook. In addition, where relevant, they are considered in the Regulatory Impact Assessment process. In addition, the Department has a Disability Consultative Committee which provides a forum for input from relevant representative organisations on policy areas identified by them.
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.
89. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if a physical phone directory is still available to persons who request one; and if not, the provision made for access offline. [34934/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn May 2020, ComReg issued a decision whereby eir was no longer required to publish a printed telephone directory.Eir had previously been designated by ComReg to do so under the Universal Service Regulations, 2011 (Electronic Communications). The designation required eir to provide printed directories on demand rather than mass printing and production. This obligation ceased on 31 December 2019.
I understand that the decision was based on ComReg’s view that the obligation to continue to provide printed directories could not be justified in light of the alternative methods available for the sourcing of phone numbers, in particular the availability of an online directory of subscribers service (currently provided commercially by eir) and taking into account the low level of demand for the printed phonebook directory in 2019.
ComReg has also moved to ensure that the accessible directory enquiries service can be availed of by disabled-end-users who cannot access an online directory because of a disability. If a member of the public is unable to use the online phonebook due to an accessibility requirement, they can register for free directory enquires service by dialing 196. ComReg will continue to monitor and evaluate the online service provided by eir at: www.eirphonebook.ie
90. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the reason for ESB charges for rural dwellers (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34975/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraResponsibility for the regulation of the electricity sector is a matter for the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU), which is an independent regulator. The CRU was assigned responsibility for the regulation of the Irish electricity sector following the enactment of the Electricity Regulation Act, 1999 and subsequent legislation. The CRU is an independent statutory body and solely accountable to a committee of the Oireachtas for the performance of its functions. As Minister, I therefore have no function in this matter. It is a function of the CRU to regulate the electricity market.
The charges raised by the Deputy are set out in Part 3 of the ESBN Statement of Charges document available at www.esbnetworks.ie/docs/default-source/publications/approved-statement-of-charges-2020-2021.pdf?sfvrsn=224533f0_69. These charges are set under CRU regulatory oversight as set out at www.cru.ie/wp-content/uploads/2004/07/cer04300.pdf. In rural areas the length of the of the network per customer is relatively high and consequently it costs more to install, maintain and operate than in areas with a higher density. Additionally, the Deputy may wish to note that CRU provide a dedicated email address for Oireachtas members, which enables them to raise day to day questions on regulatory matters directly to CRU at oireachtas@cru.ie for timely direct reply.
91. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will reopen the Climate Action Fund to nature-based projects applying for funding under the scheme; if he will be updating criteria to include nature-based solutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35005/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra92. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when he anticipates the next round of funding to be made available through the Climate Action Fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35006/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 91 and 92 together.
The Climate Action Fund 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, and for projects and initiatives in regions of the State, and within sectors of the economy, impacted by the transition to a low carbon economy. The Fund is 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.
Opportunities to secure support from the Fund will be available during 2021, including a community climate action programme currently being finalised by my Department. Development of this programme is being informed by feedback received through the recent climate conversations that took place at local level across the country. 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 relation to eligibility of nature based solutions for funding, the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Bill 2021, which was recently passed by the Dáil and is currently before the Seanad, includes provisions to allow certain nature based solutions to be eligible for support from the Fund. Following commencement of the new legislation, it is envisaged that relevant nature based projects and initiatives will be eligible for support under this community programme.
In advance of the finalisation of the community programme, Creative Ireland, in collaboration with my Department, 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 that connect people with the profound changes that are happening in our environment, society and economy arising from climate change. Applications for support from this fund are now closed. The 166 applications received are currently being evaluated. Further information is available at www.creativeireland.gov.ie.
93. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Transport the status of his work to legislate for e-scooters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34938/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy intention is to legislate for e-scooters, in accordance with the Programme for Government. Department officials are working on drafting the necessary changes to primary legislation as part of the forthcoming Road Traffic Bill. The Bill is currently undergoing pre-legislative scrutiny.
When the Bill is enacted, it will give the Minister for Transport powers to make regulations for the use of e-scooters and other forms of powered personal transporters.
94. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Transport if he has met with taxi driver unions to hear the difficulties faced by the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34275/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department and the National Transport Authority have continually engaged with the SPSV sector, including taxi driver representatives, since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. I have met with taxi unions twice in the past year. Other Ministers have also met with taxi driver representatives; the Taoiseach met with them last month and the Tánaiste met with them late last year. I have also met twice with the Advisory Committee on Small Public Services (SPSVs), a statutory committee established under the Taxi Regulation Act 2013 to advise the Minister and the NTA in relation to the SPSV sector. The Committee's membership represents a broad range of interests with four positions held by SPSV drivers.
I know from this engagement how badly the SPSV industry has been affected by COVID-19. That is why drivers have been able to avail of the Government’s wide-ranging portfolio of horizontal economic supports. Drivers are able to avail of the PUP, which has been extended to February 2022. Drivers can also earn up to €980 in a given eight week period, net of expenses, while still receiving the payment, a measure that will become increasingly important to drivers as society reopens and passenger demand returns. This has been supplemented by targeted measures to address the costs faced by drivers which cannot be easily suspended or deferred. €15 million has been allocated to grants towards the purchase of electric vehicles. Standard licence renewal fees for 2020 were waived and will be waived again in 2021. A scheme will also be established to refund NCT and Motor Tax for SPSV operators for a 12 month period. The NTA will administer these refund schemes and further details, including the commencement date and how to apply, should be available during the third quarter of this year.
95. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Transport if a person (details supplied) who has been given a test date of 5 August 2021 can have their theory test date brough forward by the Road Safety Authority given they require the licence sooner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34276/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe driving theory test is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority.
Individual cases are a matter for the Authority and the question in relation to this case is being referred to it for direct reply.
I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
96. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 26 of 15 June 2021, if he will clarify the process for deciding who the successful candidate is; when the forum election will take place; the meaning of anti-competitive collusion or collective action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34280/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the operation of the ADI Stakeholder Forum is within the remit of the Road Safety Authority, I am forwarding the Deputy's query for direct response.
If a response has not been received within 10 working days, I ask that the Deputy contact my office directly.
97. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Transport if additional bus services will be provided for Kill, County Kildare (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34290/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally.
Accordingly, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
98. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider match funding the local improvement scheme to help deal with the demand for the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34298/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe scale of the regional and local public road network continues to present a challenge in terms of funding maintenance and improvement.
In this context while the National Development Plan 2018 -2027 provides for a gradual increase in funding for regional and local roads, investment is not yet at the level needed to ensure that the public road network is being maintained adequately. This means that expenditure is still below the amount required to hold the public network in a "steady state" condition and in addition there is a backlog of works. For this reason, grant assistance from the Department continues to be focussed on the maintenance of the public road network.
99. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Transport the efforts being made to restore the services and jobs that were recently lost at a company (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34406/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, plans by Stobart Air to secure a new buyer recently failed and this resulted in the company commencing a process of voluntary liquidation.
While Stobart Air’s Franchise Agreement with Aer Lingus was terminated with immediate effect, I was pleased to see that the market immediately moved to fill some of the lost routes, with Aer Lingus and BA city flyer now operating temporary replacement services, which cover most of the affected routes operating out of Dublin and Belfast City Airports.
However, the termination of the franchise agreement also had immediate implications for the Government supported PSO air services, which were operated by Stobart Air on two routes serving Kerry and Donegal.
I can assure the Deputy that the restoration of these services, to ensure regional connectivity and to support employment, is of critical importance to Government. In light of this, my Department launched an emergency procurement process to replace the lost services on 21 June. The closing date for receipt of quotations from air carriers is Wednesday 30 June and the evaluation of submissions will commence directly afterwards.
It is my hope that this procurement can be concluded by early July with a view to services re-commencing by the new operator(s) as soon as possible thereafter. The contract(s) will be subject to a maximum term of 7 months and will operate in accordance with EU law.
To mitigate against any further disruption to these services, my Department will shortly launch a procurement process for the continued provision of the services after the temporary arrangements have expired. This procurement process will provide for contracts of up to 4 years, in line with EU law, and will ensure the continuation of services to Donegal and Kerry Airport as they recover from the impacts of Covid.
100. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Transport the reason the NDLS centre in Clifden, County Galway remains closed; when it will reopen; and the conditions that must be met before it can reopen. [34407/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis is a matter for the Road Safety Authority. I have referred the question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 days.
101. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Transport if he will examine the rules surrounding the erection of a rider safety sign; if the rules can be amended in order that signs can be provided for and funded for by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34409/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra107. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Transport if new rider safety signs can be created and erected to show that a distance of two metres is needed between a driver and a horse to pass at a safe distance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34422/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 101 and 107 together.
Traffic signage on Irish roads is designed and installed in accordance with the Traffic Signs Manual (TSM), which is a Ministerial directive published by the Department of Transport and is the standard for signing and road marking in this country. All traffic signs must be in conformance with the Traffic Signs Manual.
The existing edition of the Traffic Signs Manual, which was updated in 2019, provides guidance to road authorities on the design and implementation of signage and includes provision for warning signs indicating the possibility of animals on the road, including Accompanied Horses. There are no plans at present for the creation of signage to show that a distance of two metres is needed between a driver and a horse to pass at a safe distance.
The Rules of the Road require that drivers should always take other users of the road into account and look out for pedestrians, cyclists and animals. While traffic signs play an important part in contributing to road safety, signs are only effective when deployed in a consistent and strategic manner. The provision of an excess of traffic signs would ultimately lead to clutter on roadsides and dilute the value and impact of traffic signs.
102. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Transport if he plans to make the wearing of protective clothing mandatory for cyclists and road users of powered personal transporters. [34410/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra103. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Transport if cyclists and road users of powered personal transporters will be liable for road tax. [34411/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra104. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Transport if consideration has been given to insurance for cyclists and road users of powered personal transporters; and if this will be made compulsory. [34412/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra106. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Transport if consideration has been given to ensuring bicycles and powered personal transporters have a built in sounder to aid road safety for users of these vehicles and pedestrians. [34414/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 102, 103, 104 and 106 together.
My intention is to legislate for e-scooters, in accordance with the Programme for Government. Department officials are currently working on drafting the necessary changes to primary legislation as part of the forthcoming Road Traffic Bill.
To permit the safe use of e-scooters on public roads, it is intended to introduce a new category of vehicle - powered personal transporters. Once the new category has been defined, these vehicles can be incorporated into the existing legislative framework, where a range of powers and offences already exist. This will permit regulation for the use of and standards for different types of powered personal transporters, including technical specifications such warning and and safety requirements. As these vehicles will not be classed as mechanically propelled vehicles, it is not currently intended that they be subject to road tax or that insurance will be mandatory, although users may take out private insurance and will be strongly encouraged to do so. However, it should be noted that these matters have not yet been finalised.
In addition, the existing powers of An Garda Síochána in road traffic legislation concerning offences such as careless or dangerous driving, driving under the influence of an intoxicant or driving an unroadworthy vehicle, can be extended to users of powered personal transporters where required.
Question No. 104 answered with Question No. 102.
