Written Answers Nos. 181-201
181. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the extent to which he continues to monitor each trade and industry to identify how they are impacted by Covid-19 and Brexit; if he remains satisfied that adequate steps can be taken to address such issues in the short and medium-term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44174/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe officials in my Department continuously monitor Ireland's latest economic data to assess the state of the Irish economy in conjunction with other relevant information such as PUP and EWSS numbers, which includes the impact that COVID-19 and Brexit have had, and continue to have, on the Irish economy.
The Government has taken steps to ensure Irish businesses are supported while dealing with the changes being imposed due to both Brexit and the pandemic. These steps have included measures that dealt with immediate issues facing businesses such as large falls in turnover and also medium term issues such as how to manage the new custom situation that exists between trade between Ireland and Great Britain.
In response to COVID-19 and the impact it has had on different businesses and sectors, the Government has intervened at unparalleled levels throughout all stages to help and support our people and businesses, as well as to limit the permanent effects of the pandemic.
Across 2020 and 2021, €38 billion has been provided for COVID-19 related supports. This includes last year's €7.4 billion July Jobs Stimulus, and an additional €12 billion in Budget 2021. These have been vital in sustaining workers and businesses through the pandemic.
These supports include loans, grants and voucher schemes including:
- The COVID-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme that facilitates up to €2 billion in lending to eligible businesses.
- COVID-19 Business Loans made available through Microfinance Ireland that can range from €5,000 to €25,000.
- COVID-19 Working Capital Scheme that supports loans from €25,000 up to €1.5 million.
- The COVID Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS) that offers support to businesses forced to close or trade at significantly reduced levels of restrictions imposed on them in response to COVID-19.
Now, with the continued re-opening of the Irish economy, we are entering a new phase of supports and policies as set out in the Economic Recovery Plan.
In this new phase, Government supports will: invest in businesses and workers; help people get back into work, training or education; provide enhanced and more targeted support for sectors that may lag behind; and, invest in infrastructure and reforms that enhance our capability and long-term capacity for growth.
It has been a similar situation for the impact the decision of the United Kingdom to leave the European Union has had on Irish businesses.
The Government has provided a range of measures to help businesses prepare and manage Brexit. This has included the Brexit Loan scheme, Microfinance Ireland Brexit Business Loan and a range of schemes being offered via Enterprise Ireland and Local Enterprise Offices.
In addition the Government has put in place a range of scheme to upskill staff in businesses to manage the challenges of Brexit which includes dealing with new custom procedures on trade between Ireland and Great Britain.
182. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the extent to which investment in employment-creating sectors continues notwithstanding the impact of Covid-19 and Brexit; if he is satisfied that industry can look to the future with optimism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44175/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2020 the domestic economy, as measured by Modified Domestic Demand (MDD) which includes investment, fell by 4.9%, while in GDP terms the economy grew by 5.9%. The strong growth recorded in GDP terms was due to the impact of the multinational sector, with both pharma and ICT performing well.
As more of the economy has re-opened in recent months the domestic economy has now started to grow again. The latest available data shows that MDD grew by 8.4% in Q2 2021, which was helped by an increase in investment. This was the second highest quarterly growth rate on record, second only to the third quarter of last year, when the economy bounced-back after the first lockdown. As a result, MDD has now surpassed its pre-pandemic level.
This growth was broad based, with almost every sector in the domestic economy recording strong growth, with the information and communication sector (6.2%) and the construction sector (22.9%) recording particularly strong growth.
Looking forward, the Department of Finance have forecast that MDD will continue to record robust growth into 2022, and expect it to increase by 7.4 percent next year.
The Economic Recovery Plan sets out through its four pillars how the Government will navigate the immediate recovery, and also the fundamental and accelerating challenges and opportunities the country faces. The plan will help build resilient, productive and profitable businesses that will attractive investment and create employment.
The steps taken by the Government in recent months and the measures outlined in the Economic Recovery Plan means we can be optimistic about building a more inclusive society and a more resilient, sustainable economy.
183. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the degree to which Irish persons overseas can be encouraged to return to Ireland in order to meet staff vacancies throughout industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44176/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand that the Department of Foreign Affairs has set out a number of actions in its Statement of Strategy 2021-2023 designed to strengthen our connections with diaspora communities and to harness the contribution from the diaspora to support economic recovery.
These include actions to support those who wish to return to Ireland to work and to address barriers facing them, to develop educational and work opportunities in Ireland for members of third and fourth generation Irish diaspora, and to focus on diaspora engagement to strengthen the contribution to economic recovery.
The deputy may wish to seek an update from the Minister for Foreign Affairs on the implementation of these actions.
184. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the extent to which particular efforts are being made to assist employers particularly hit by staff shortages in the wake of Covid-19; if specific measures are being taken to address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44177/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe past year has been a difficult year for both employers and employees. The Government is committed to creating the right environment for a jobs-led recovery and to getting people back to work. Our Economic Recovery Plan commits to ongoing support for businesses and people to provide certainty and confidence for employers to continue to operate and re-employ staff members, with enhanced support for the worst affected sectors, as well as signalling the gradual phasing out of the PUP. The Plan also sets out medium term policies to underpin a sustainable and balanced recovery and a commitment to invest in infrastructure and reforms to enhance our capability and long-term capacity for growth.
Although the numbers in receipt of the pandemic unemployment payment continues to reduce, there are still a significant amount of people who remain in receipt of this payment,with the highest numbers in the Accommodation and Food Service Activities (27,545), Wholesale and Retail Trade (22,434), Administrative and support service activities (16,504), and construction (11,725) sectors.
Extension of the Employee Wage Subsidy Scheme, which subsidises a portion of labour costs, until 31 December 2021 gives businesses the opportunity to trade profitably even when operating under ongoing constraints. Extension of the Covid Restriction Support Scheme to the end of the year, the Business Resumption Scheme, broadening of the Small Business Assistance Scheme for COVID grant and continued deferral of tax liabilities further demonstrate the Government’s efforts to help businesses to continue trading and restore employment.
Our Economic Recovery Plan set an ambitious target to exceed pre-crisis employment levels by having 2.5 million people in work by 2024 and in more productive and resilient jobs. The Plan commits to further strengthen Ireland’s Skills Framework to ensure people are supported to secure and remain in sustainable and quality employment and ensure employers can access the skills they need. As the PUP is phased out, helping people back to work and reducing the risk of labour market scarring and entrenched long-term unemployment is a priority for Government. This will be achieved through a combination of upskilling and reskilling with substantially accelerated training and skills opportunities and increased activation capacity through Pathways to Work 2021-2025.
The Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021-2025, which targets 10,000 apprenticeship registrations per annum by 2025, is an important mechanism to address skills shortages in particular sectors. Retail Ireland’s Skillnet Apprenticeship in Retail Supervision and the National Hairdressing Apprenticeship are good examples of programmes providing job-ready qualified professionals in those sectors. My colleagues, Simon Harris, TD, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, and Niall Collins, TD, Minister of State for Skills and Further Education, recently announced a further extension of the Apprenticeship Incentivisation Scheme until the end of December 2021 which provides financial support for employers who register apprentices to a national apprenticeship.
The pandemic has accelerated previously existing trends and shifts which have potential to significantly reshape business models and sectors. Many of these changes are likely to be permanent with potential to fundamentally alter Ireland’s economic outlook. Not all previous jobs will return, while capacity constraints may emerge very quickly in certain areas. The twin decarbonisation and digitalisation transition and associated behavioural changes will profoundly alter the economy.
Embracing these transitions will also open up substantial new opportunities for businesses and support significant job creation. Identifying and developing the skills required in growing sectors of the economy is critical to Ireland’s competitiveness. The Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN) advises the Government on projected skills requirements across the Irish economy and makes recommendations on how existing education and training systems and delivery mechanisms, as well as other sources of skills supply, can be improved. The education, training and research sectors will be supported to respond to the challenge.
185. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the extent to which employment has fluctuated over the past two years to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44178/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraEmployment in Ireland in Q4 2019, just before the outbreak of the pandemic, was 2.357 million. Not counting those on the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) as employed, employment then fell to a low of 1.698 million in Q2 2020 as a result of restrictions introduced to stop the spread of COVID-19. Employment recovered in Q3 2020 as restrictions were lifted but fell again in Q4 2020 and and Q1 2021 as restrictions were re-introduced. By the end of Q1 2021 employment was 1.786 million. The employment rate (share of persons aged 15-64 in employment) has fallen from 70.1% before the pandemic to 52.0% in Q1 2021.
Table 1: Employment and employment rate by quarter, 2019-2021
|
|
2019Q1 |
2019Q2 |
2019Q3 |
2019Q4 |
2020Q1 |
2020Q2 |
2020Q3 |
2020Q4 |
2021Q1 |
|
Persons aged 15 years and over in employment (COVID adjusted from Q1 2020)* |
2,298 |
2,296 |
2,323 |
2,357 |
1,953 |
1,698 |
2,033 |
1,902 |
1,786 |
|
Employment rate - 15-64 years (%) (COVID adjusted from Q1 2020)* |
69.2 |
69.0 |
69.5 |
70.1 |
57.5 |
49.7 |
59.7 |
55.5 |
52.0 |
Source: CSO, Labour Force Survey
* Since Q1 2020 the Central Statistics Office (CSO) has compiled LFS estimates to the usual ILO standards and separate COVID-19 adjusted estimates. The COVID adjusted employment is calculated by subtracting those who were in receipt of the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) at the end of each quarter. This approach preserves the methodology of the LFS while at the same time providing transparency around the impact of COVID-19 on the Labour Market within Ireland.
186. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the degree to which his Department has identified barriers to the recovery of the economy in the wake of Covid-19; his proposals to deal with such issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44180/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe pandemic has affected us all profoundly and caused a huge shock across the economy and society. Many trends and shifts that have been emerging for some time have been accelerated. Trends such as the growing digital economy; decarbonising the economy; labour market composition changes; and global developments such as Brexit, geo-political change, trade protectionism, international taxation among others. Some of the most noticeable changes include the shift to online retail and to electronic payments, and to greater levels of remote working. Each of these trends on their own has the potential to reshape businesses and lifestyles in significant ways creating new challenges and also opportunities.
The Economic Recovery Plan, which was published in June, sets out the Government’s approach to recovery in the aftermath of the pandemic and to ensure that we are prepared to realise the opportunities that these evolving trends will present. The most immediate challenge in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic is the scale of the unemployment challenge. This will require a determined and relentless focus on helping people back to work, accelerating the provision of training, reskilling and upskilling to assist people to transition to new jobs in growing sectors of the economy. The Economic Recovery Plan sets out our overall ambition of exceeding pre-crisis employment levels by reaching 2.5 million people in work by the end of 2024. Crucially these jobs will be more productive, innovative, resilient and in new areas of opportunity, aligned with the Government’s green and digital ambitions.
Central to the employment challenge is getting people back to work as quickly as possible. This will be achieved intense activation and skills development including by increasing the caseload of the Public Employment Service by 100,000 per annum; providing a new Work Placement Experience Programme, to reach 10,000 participants by the end of 2022; accelerating the rollout of 50,000 education and training places; and providing for a SOLAS Recovery Skills Response Programme to provide a range of additional education and training interventions including the SOLAS Green Skills Action programme.
The pandemic may also have exacerbated Ireland’s two-tiered economy, increasing the gap between domestic and export orientated firms. Our Economic Recovery Plan outlines a two-pronged recovery approach; a focus on domestic SMEs, whilst leveraging and reinforcing the enormous strength and resilience of the Foreign Direct Investment sector in Ireland and its indispensable contribution to communities across the country.
The Plan outlines measures to improve SME productivity, exporting activity, internationalisation and diversification, digitalisation, and business dynamism, as well as greening enterprise, in order to boost the resilience, of Irish SMEs to current and future shocks and disruptions. The SME and Entrepreneurship Growth Plan, published earlier this year, gives Government a clear set of recommendations, directly from the business community, on how to build the best business and regulatory environment possible for SMEs and entrepreneurs to come back stronger from COVID and become more resilient over the longer-term. The implementation of Enterprise Ireland’s strategic framework will further reinforce these efforts and strengthen Irish enterprise to respond to market shocks. Through the delivery of IDA Ireland’s strategy, and complementary trade initiatives, Ireland will enhance its value proposition for FDI and aim to win 800 total investments to aid job creation of 50,000 across the country.
The new Housing for All strategy, which will target of 33,000 homes every year, will not only drive considerable direct and indirect employment opportunities but will also address supply constraints in terms of housing which continues to be a challenge. Our ambitious retrofitting goals, supported by a Loan guarantee for Low-Cost Residential Retrofit Loan Scheme, will further drive employment in the construction sector.
The ambitious programmes outlined in the Plan will be underpinned by substantial capital investment under the revised National Development Plan, as well as €915 million expected in a first tranche of funding under the European Recovery and Resilience Facility. The EU’s Brexit Adjustment Reserve will also be an important vehicle to support recovery by helping to counter the adverse economic and social consequences of Brexit.
187. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the extent to which he remains satisfied that Ireland remains an attractive location for foreign direct investment notwithstanding changes to corporation tax levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44182/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra189. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the extent to which he and his Department can address any issues arising from any lack of competitiveness for foreign direct investment in the wake of changes in corporation profits tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44185/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 187 and 189 together.
Ireland remains committed to global tax reforms as the best way to resolve global tax challenges. Ireland has expressed broad support for the agreement reached by OECD countries in July 2021 to address tax challenges arising from digitalisation and globalisation.
While Ireland is not yet in a position to join the agreement and, specifically, a global minimum effective tax rate of ‘at least 15%’, the Government remains committed to the process and aims to find an outcome that Ireland can support.
The OECD proposals are of significant economic importance to Ireland and so my colleague, the Minister for Finance, and his Department, recently launched a public consultation on the OECD proposals.
Despite the changes that global tax reforms will bring, as the results of 2020 and 2021 have shown, Ireland remains a highly competitive place to do business and has much to offer prospective inward investors.
The challenges of 2020 have demonstrated the remarkable resilience of Ireland’s economy. In GDP terms, Ireland was one of the best performing economies in the world.
Even with the challenges faced in 2020, owing to both Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic, Ireland saw significant increases in foreign direct investment. In the first half of this year, with the continued hard work of IDA, Ireland has won 142 FDI investments, accounting for 12,530 jobs; this is an increase of 31% on the same figures in 2020.
Companies establishing in Ireland get the benefits of a young and highly educated workforce, a stable, business-friendly environment, and an unwavering commitment to EU Membership as well as access to the European Single Market. To complement our competitive tax rate, we will also ensure that we continue to play to our traditional strengths, including a forward-looking business environment, a whole-of-Government approach to ensure we remain agile and competitive, and importantly recognising the value of an educated and dynamic workforce who have consistently delivered innovation and profitability over many decades for businesses that have made Ireland their home.
188. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the extent to which the concept of working from home or through digital hubs is being progressed with a view to ensuring the optimum results for employer, employee and the taxpayer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44184/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is currently driving the implementation of the National Remote Work Strategy. Published on January 15th, 2021, the Strategy aims to ensure that remote work is a permanent feature of the Irish workplace in a way that maximises economic, social and environmental benefits.
The Strategy contains 15 actions to progress remote work into the future, organised into three pillars and underpinning conditions: These pillars are:
1. Create a Conducive Environment
2. Develop and Leverage Remote Work Infrastructure
3. Build a Remote Work Policy and Guidance Framework
Each action has been attributed actors to lead on delivery and is scheduled to be delivered by the end of this year. Progress on the actions is reported to the Interdepartmental Group (IDG) on Remote Work. This IDG has met three times to date this year, most recently on September 7th , 2021. At these meetings it has been established that good progress has been made in achieving most actions by their deadlines. The next meeting of the IDG will take place in November.
To further aid employers and employees with remote work adoption, on June 28th, 2021, my Department launched the ‘Making Remote Work’ campaign across broadcast, print and social media to promote the Guidance for Working Remotely webpage. This webpage acts as a central access point for employers and employees and brings together the existing State guidance, legislation and advice on remote work into one place. The webpage includes an Employer Checklist to provide employers with a quick way to successfully navigate the adoption of remote working arrangements. As we approach the return to the office, I am encouraging employers and employees to discuss the kinds of remote working arrangements that may be suitable for their organisations.
190. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has engaged with the EPA regarding its guidelines which prevent the licensing or expansion of poultry within parts of counties Cavan and Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43605/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra197. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his position on new EPA guidelines which prevent the licensing or expansion of any poultry within parts of counties Cavan and Monaghan; the length of time he expects this guidance will be in place; if a similar ban will put in place in other local authority areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43602/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 190 and 197 together.
The issues raised by the Deputy are matters for the Environmental Protection Agency as part of their environmental licensing functions. They are not matters in which I, as Minister, have a function.
Poultry farming, by its nature, can potentially adversely impact on the environment, and the EPA, in determining any licence application, may set any conditions it deems appropriate in order to control the operation of activities and prevent, reduce, and eliminate as far as possible emissions into the air, water and land arising from such activities.
191. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his Department has utilised the services of organisations (details supplied) at any time from 1 January 2015 to date; if so, the expenditure costs related to same; the purpose of any such engagements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43237/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraBetween the period January 2015 to date, my Department utilised the services of Common Purpose Ireland on one occasion. This was in relation to the participation of a staff member at Principal Officer level in the Meridian Programme 2018/2019. The expenditure for this course was €5,500.
192. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the criteria for the Western Lakes Plan as recently announced by his Department; the geographical areas it covers; the reason a lake (details supplied) in the midlands has been left out of the scheme; the actions planned under this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43250/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe new Management Plan proposed by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) arises in the context of the Programme for Government and is focussed on 7 distinctive waters. These unique limestone lakes are singularly important in terms of their distinct topographic characteristics and salmonid habitat. Established management programmes have been in place on these 7 State-owned waters for some years and the proposed plan will draw on developments in scientific data and research to create a comprehensive strategy for these waters.
The Western Lakes are under particular threat, and the Management Plan, underpinned by best available scientific data, is intended to protect and conserve the unique status and importance of these salmonid waters in the long-term. The specific criteria for the specified Western Lakes plan have not as yet been set out.
Management of fisheries generally is a day to day operational matter for IFI who have established a specific email address for queries from Oireachtas members so that such queries can be addressed promptly, in line with IFI's objective to deliver services to the highest standards. IFI will be happy to outline the situation with Lough Ennel and other Midland lakes. The email address is oireachtas@fisheriesireland.i.e.
193. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the current process of identification for the disposal of scrap metal at permitted waste disposal facilities; his plans to introduce further measures to improve the traceability of those disposing of scrap metal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43310/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile regulation of the scrap metal industry is not a matter within the remit of my Department, the regulation of waste activities is, of course, relevant to the industry. In order to improve traceability of waste received and to counter the trade in stolen metal, an amendment to the Waste Management (Facility Permit and Registration) Regulations was introduced in 2014 to require the following at all permitted facilities receiving/purchasing waste: - the production of proof of identity and current address for the person supplying the material;
- records to be kept of the registration number and waste collection permit number of the delivery vehicle;
- records to be kept describing the materials, time and date of sale, weight and amount paid; and
- the provision of a signed statement by the person supplying the material indicating that they are the lawful owner.
The Waste Enforcement Regional Lead Authorities (WERLAs) have issued guidance to all waste facility permit holders, including Authorised Treatment Facilities (ATFs) for end-of-life vehicles, advising them of their responsibilities in this regard and local authorities continue to undertake inspections to ensure compliance with the regulations. Indeed, these inspections have been included in the National Waste Enforcement Priorities for 2021 and the WERLAs are working closely with An Garda Síochána in investigating incidences of catalytic convertor theft in particular.My Department also participates in the National Metal Theft Forum, which was established in 2012 by An Garda Síochána, to bring together stakeholders, including local authorities, the Department of Justice, and industry representatives, in order to improve information sharing and to develop a metal theft prevention and crime reduction plan.
There are no plans to introduce any further measures around traceability requirements at this time, although enforcement of the existing regulations remains a priority for the WERLAs.
194. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he plans to provide extra resources to the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland to enable it to reduce the current timeline for the processing of applications under the better energy warmer homes scheme which is currently approximately 24 months; if his attention has been drawn to the amount of unnecessary burning of fossil fuel this is causing and the physical and financial distress that the delay in processing the warmer home scheme applications is having on applicants who require urgent insulation works carried out to their properties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43361/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Better Energy Warmer Homes scheme delivers a range of energy efficiency measures free of charge to low income households vulnerable to energy poverty. To date, over 143,000 homes have received free upgrades under the scheme. In the first six months of 2021, the average value of the energy efficiency measures provided per household was approximately €17,100. There are currently over 7,000 people on the Warmer Homes Scheme work programme. SEAI data indicates that for homes completed in the first half of 2021, the average time from application to completion was almost 26 months. The SEAI has advised me that wait times vary, based on the demand for the scheme at the time of application as well as other factors including the scale of works to be completed, access to the property, availability of materials and the weather.
The average wait times have increased significantly in 2021 due to the extensive COVID-19 related restrictions on construction activity in place between January and mid-April when the scheme was fully paused in line with Government guidelines. Wait times have also been negatively impacted by challenges associated with availability and longer lead times for materials.
Funding for SEAI energy poverty retrofit schemes has increased significantly to over €109 million in 2021, with €100 million allocated to the Warmer Homes Scheme. This is an increase of €47 million on the 2020 allocation 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. I have also secured additional resources this year to expand the capacity of the SEAI to deliver the scheme. In addition, delivery capacity in the supply chain has increased due to a new, broader contractor panel that commenced at the end of 2020. Every effort is being made to maximise activity now that construction activity in the residential sector has recommenced.
195. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will address a recent report (details supplied); the steps Ireland is taking to further address climate change; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43425/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report, ‘Climate Change 2021: the Physical Science Basis’ confirms the limited window there is to act to prevent devastating impacts from climate change and underlines the increasing urgency of tackling the climate crisis. The Government is fully committed to addressing this challenge. The Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021 commits Ireland to achieve a climate neutral economy by no later than 2050, and provides for a 51% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 (compared to 2018 levels). It also establishes a significantly strengthened climate governance framework to support delivery of these targets.
My objective over the coming weeks is to agree an ambitious and comprehensive set of climate actions, through the Climate Action Plan 2021, that will position us to meet our new climate targets. This will mean more renewable energy, decreased transport emissions, changes in how we heat our homes and how we grow our food and look after our land. These steps will be challenging but they will also create new opportunities.International cooperation and coordination is also needed to limit global temperature rises. In this context, I will lead Ireland’s Climate Delegation for COP26. Ireland is committed to engaging constructively in the finalisation of the Paris Rulebook and will also continue to advocate for climate action that is informed by the best available science.
196. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the measures being taken to ensure that future infrastructural energy projects are climate resilient; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43426/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act was signed into law on 10 December 2015. The Act comprises a framework designed to achieve a low carbon, climate resilient, and environmentally sustainable economy by 2050. The Act provides for a statutory plan which will guide policy in relation to climate change adaption. This plan, the National Adaptation Framework (NAF), approved by Government, was published in January 2018. Under the NAF, the Climate Action Plan 2019 and as required by section 6 of the Climate Act, a Climate Change Adaptation Plan for the Electricity and Gas Networks Sector was approved by Government in October 2019. This Sectoral Adaptation Plan identifies key climate impacts on the energy sector including flooding, changes in precipitation, temperature rise, sea level rise, changes in the energy content of wind and extreme weather events. The Sectoral Adaptation Plan identified the following key infrastructures types as being particularly vulnerable to the key climate change impacts: electricity generation plants; overhead electricity transmission and distribution lines; underground cables and stations; large wind farms; gas pipelines; and gas substations. The Sectoral Adaptation Plan, which sets outs a range of actions to further identify and adapt to key climate impacts, can be found on the Government of Ireland website, www.gov.ie/en/collection/51df3-sectoral-adaptation-planning/.
198. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the total funding allocated to compensate eel fishermen and women through a targeted support scheme announced in 2018; the person or body that administered the scheme; the amount of the fund spent on administration costs; the breakdown of administrative costs associated with the fund; the amount paid directly to fishermen and women; the average payment received by fishermen and women in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43603/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government’s Eel Fisherpersons Support Scheme was established in 2018 with projected funding of up to €3m for support of former fisherpersons. This projected maximum funding was based on the potential maximum number of applicants, considered in the context that the fishery had been closed for the previous 10 years and that former fisherpersons were free not to apply. Following consultation with the European Commission and the Revenue Commissioners, the scheme which was launched in October 2018, was administered by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI). An information booklet on the scheme, which included the basis for calculating payments, was made publically available and was circulated to applicants in advance of the application process.
The scheme was available to persons who had held a fishing licence or permit in 2007 (the base year). A tax free sum was paid to qualifying persons in respect of each of the five reckonable years (2003-2007). A further taxable payment was made to eligible persons in respect of the average of their catches, based on State held records of catches contemporaneously declared by the applicants themselves, during the five reckonable years.
There was a very wide range of payment levels in line with the significant variance in individual applicants’ track record on licence/permit holding and declared catches in the fishery. A total of €2,021,500 was paid out to 121 qualifying applicants.
A provision for the administrative costs of IFI were provided separately from the fund for payment to applicants and this amounted to €72,410 over the three years 2108 to 2020.
All payments to qualifying applicants have been made and the fund is now closed.
199. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has engaged with Inland Fisheries Ireland regarding its decision to cease the education and outreach programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43604/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe administration and management of the Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) Educational Outreach Programme is an operational matter for IFI, under the governance of its Board. I and my Department have no function in the matter. IFI has established a specific email address for queries from Oireachtas members so that such queries can be addressed promptly, in line with IFI's objective to deliver services to the highest standards. The email address is oireachtas@fisheriesireland.ie
200. Deputy Francis Noel Duffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when the legislative framework for the deposit return scheme will be introduced; when he expects the scheme to be delivered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43606/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy sets out a clear roadmap for the introduction of a Deposit and Return Scheme (DRS) for plastic bottles and aluminium cans in the third quarter of 2022. The legislative framework for the scheme will be published in the coming weeks.
201. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of SEAI EXCEED certified grant expressions of interest that were received since 1 January 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43608/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra202. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the current number of SEAI EXCEED certified grant stage 1 applications to date; the number of EXCEED stage 1 successful letters that have been issued; the number of EXCEED stage 1 grant draw-downs that have taken place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43611/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra203. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the current number of SEAI EXCEED certified grant stage 2 applications to date; the number of EXCEED stage 2 successful letters that have been issued; the number of EXCEED stage 2 grant draw-downs that have taken place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43612/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra204. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of successful grant draw-downs of SEAI EXCEED certified grant stage 2 expressions of interest that were received since January 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43613/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 201, 202, 203 and 204 together.
EXEED Certified is a standard for excellence in energy efficient design, which helps organisations take a more strategic approach to investment projects by considering asset energy performance from the design stage. The associated EXEED Certified grant scheme was re-launched in January 2021 by the SEAI. It supports organisations with the costs of embedding energy efficient design in their assets, to reduce lifecycle impact with lower energy use and carbon emissions.
I am advised by the SEAI that there have been 82 EXEED Stage 1 grant applications received since the programme re-opened in January 2021. These are applications for grant support for professional fees related to conducting a suite of pre-investment studies to identify the opportunities for embedding energy efficient design in an asset. I understand that 63 Stage 1 letters of offer have been issued this year. Of these, over 30 studies have now been completed and one grant draw down has been completed. Grant payments will be processed for the remaining projects in the coming weeks.
I am also advised that there have been 49 EXEED Stage 2 grant applications received since January 2021. These are applications for grant support for capital investment projects which will commence after a grant offer is made. Grant offers have been made for 7 projects so far this year. There have been no grant drawdowns so far for these projects. Grant drawdowns will only take place following completion of the works.
An expression of interest is not an application to the programme but a request for information and is not specific to Stage 1 or Stage 2. SEAI advise me there have been a total of 237 expressions of interest in the EXEED Certified grant scheme received since it re-opened in January 2021.
