Mairéad Farrell
Ceist:61. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Taoiseach the total spend on external contractors, consultancy services and other outsourcing in 2018 and 2019. [46935/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraDepartmental Expenditure
Ceisteanna (61)
Freagraí scríofa
The total expenditure on external contractors and outsourcing for my Department was €543,161.31 in 2018 and €389,863.51 in 2019. There was no expenditure on consultancy services in this period.
This expenditure is for a wide range of services including foreign travel management services; IT support providers; managed print services and cleaning services.
My Department liaises closely with the Office of Government Procurement (OGP) on all matters related to public procurement and avails of OGP framework agreements, where appropriate, when engaging external contractors. All areas of expenditure are monitored on an ongoing basis to ensure that value for money is being achieved.
Departmental Expenditure
Ceisteanna (62)
Mairéad Farrell
Ceist:62. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the total spend on external contractors, consultancy services and other outsourcing in 2018 and 2019. [46924/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I understand that the Deputy has clarified that she is seeking details of the total amount spent by my Department on external consultancy contracts and legal services in the years in question.
In 2018, the total spent on external consultancy contracts in the Department was €1,112,563. The total spent on external legal services was €1,419,612.
In 2019 the total spent on external consultancy services was €902,646. The total spent on legal services was €1,679,625.
Work Permits
Ceisteanna (63)
Paul Kehoe
Ceist:63. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the measures being taken to increase numbers of employment permits for qualified HGV drivers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47019/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The State's employment permit system is designed to supplement Ireland's skills and labour supply over the short to medium term by allowing enterprises to recruit nationals from outside the EEA, where such skills or expertise cannot be sourced from within the EEA at that time. The system is, by design, vacancy led and managed through the operation of the critical skills and ineligible occupation lists. These lists are subject to twice yearly evidence-based review, taking account of labour market research, a public consultation and contextual issues such as Brexit and Covid 19.
With effect from 2017, the occupation of heavy goods vehicle (HGV) driver has been eligible for a General Employment Permit, subject to a quota initially of 120 employment permits. In January 2020, this quota was increased to 320 in anticipation of the impact of Brexit on the sector and evidence of EEA-wide labour shortages. To date ,175 employment permits have issued to HGV drivers, leaving 145 permits remaining and available.
My Department, working with the Department of Transport is keeping this matter under review. A review of the Occupation Lists is currently underway, with submissions received, including submissions from the HGV sector, under consideration. It is expected that the current review will be finalised in the coming weeks.
Work Permits
Ceisteanna (64)
Mattie McGrath
Ceist:64. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the immediate efforts that are being made to fast-track the employment permits for the meat processing industry and the pig slaughtering plants in particular to avoid the imminent crisis facing the industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47043/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The employment permits system is designed to facilitate the entry of appropriately skilled non-EEA nationals to fill skills and/or labour shortages, in circumstances where there are no suitably qualified Irish/EEA nationals available to undertake the work and that the shortage is a genuine one.
In order to maintain the relevance of these lists of occupations to the needs of the economy and to ensure the employment permits system is aligned with current labour market intelligence, these lists undergo twice-yearly evidence-based reviews which are guided by research undertaken by the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN), the Skills and the Labour Market Research Unit (SLMRU), SOLAS and involves public/stakeholder consultation. Account is taken of education outputs, sectoral upskilling and training initiatives and known contextual factors such as Brexit and, in the current context, COVID-19 and their impact on the labour market. Consideration is also taken of the views of the Economic Migration Interdepartmental Group, chaired by the Department and of the relevant policy Departments.
In May 2018, a pilot quota-based scheme was introduced to remove certain agri-food occupations from the ineligible occupations list. The scheme provided for 2,500 General Employment Permits for the meat processing industry, 500 for horticulture and 150 for the dairy sector to address the immediate needs of the sectors in sourcing labour. In addition, a quota of 300 permits was granted in respect of meat deboners. To date this pilot scheme has proved very successful for a range of employers in the sector. All quotas expired in December 2019.
A review is currently underway with 26 submissions received, including from the meat and pig processing sectors, under consideration. It is expected that the review will be finalised in early Autumn.
Energy Conservation
Ceisteanna (65)
Neasa Hourigan
Ceist:65. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his plans to address the fact that there are no approved insulation products under the warmer homes scheme to retrofit brick and stone-built houses; if the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland can identify suitable insulation products that can be included in the scheme so that qualifying residents of brick and stone-built houses can benefit from the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46886/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The 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 lower income households vulnerable to energy poverty. A range of home energy improvements can be funded under this scheme. The upgrades that are recommended for any given property depend on many factors including the age, size, type and condition of the property.
In line with the Scheme guidelines and technical guidance, the Warmer Homes Scheme does not support insulation works on homes older than 1940, traditional or older buildings, specifically stone, random rubble and single-leaf brick walls. There are currently no plans to change this criteria. However, the matter will be kept under review in the context of the development of new guidance for the retrofitting traditional buildings which are being prepared by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
Inland Fisheries
Ceisteanna (66)
Thomas Pringle
Ceist:66. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of the development of a new policy and regulatory framework for inland fisheries in Ireland; the way that stakeholders and the wider public will be involved in developing this framework; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46904/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
A range of draft policy papers is currently being prepared in my Department to feed into the goal of building a new modern policy framework for the inland fisheries sector with a focus on conservation. All of the draft papers will be subject to full public consultation and stakeholder engagement.
Consultation and contribution arrangements are set out at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/17099-towards-a-policy-framework-for-inland-fisheries-in-ireland-a-roadmap/
Broadband Infrastructure
Ceisteanna (67)
Duncan Smith
Ceist:67. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when a community (details supplied) in County Kildare will receive fibre broadband considering it is passing within 500 metres of their road and is in use by their neighbours. [46917/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Question refers to an area located in the AMBER area on the National Broadband Plan (NBP) High Speed Broadband Map which is available on my Department's website www.broadband.gov.ie. The AMBER area represents the area to be served by the network to be deployed under the NBP State led intervention.
I appreciate people's frustration when they are living so close to a fibre network but cannot get a connection to that network, particularly given the heightened importance of connectivity during the Covid-19 pandemic. The NBP will ensure that in all such cases a future proofed high speed broadband network will be built to serve these premises and work to deliver on this is underway.
I am advised by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) that, as of 17 September, over 257,000 premises across all counties have been surveyed. Surveys are complete or underway in County Kildare in Killashee, Oughterard, Naas Rural, Rathmore, Kill, Kilteel, Carnalway, Gilltown, Ballymore Eustace, Bodenstown, Naas Urban, Newtown, Donaghcumper, Athy, Coneyboro, Aughaboura, Ballinapark, Castlemitchell, Bert, Kilberry, Kilkea, Leixlip, Celbridge and Maynooth. Areas which are close to the Wicklow border have commenced build works as part of the Blessington Deployment Area.
Further details are available on specific areas within County Kildare through the NBI website which provides a facility for any premises within the intervention area to register their interest in being provided with deployment updates through its website www.nbi.ie. Individuals who register with this facility will receive regular updates on progress by NBI on delivering the network and specific updates related to their own premises as works commence. NBI has a dedicated email address, reps@nbi.ie, which can be used by Oireachtas members for specific queries.
Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) are a key element of the NBP providing high speed broadband in every county in advance of the roll out of the fibre to the home network. As of 17 September, 373 BCP sites have been installed by NBI and the high speed broadband service will be switched on in these locations through service provider contracts managed by the Department of Rural and Community Development for publicly accessible sites and the Department of Education for school BCPs. BCP’s are connected at Crookstown Further Education and Training and Community Centre (4.8km from premises), Bigstone Community Hall, and Lullymore Heritage Park. Further details can be found at nbi.ie/bcp-map/.
Saint David's National School, Piper's Hill Campus, and Rathmore National School have been installed by NBI for educational access. My Department continues to work with the Department of Education to prioritise schools with no high speed broadband, within the Intervention Area, for connection over the term of the NBP. In this regard, an acceleration of this aspect of the National Broadband Plan was announced in December which will see some 679 primary schools connected to high speed broadband by 2022, well ahead of the original target delivery timeframe of 2026. Further details are available on the NBI website at nbi.ie/primary-schools-list/.
Departmental Expenditure
Ceisteanna (68)
Mairéad Farrell
Ceist:68. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the total spend on external contractors, consultancy services and other outsourcing in 2018 and 2019. [46925/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Department is responsible for a diverse range of functions covering the communications, climate action, environment, energy and natural resources sectors and the procurement of specialist services is necessary to support the delivery of policies and programmes in these areas. In 2018 and 2019 expenditure by my Department on external services amounted to €55.4m as shown in the following table.
|
2018 |
2019 |
Total |
|
€27,174,434 |
€28,187,442 |
€55,361,876 |
A more detailed breakdown is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Waste Management
Ceisteanna (69)
Claire Kerrane
Ceist:69. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will advise on requirements for commercial waste companies to offer compost bins to customers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47051/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under the European Union (Household Food Waste and Bio-waste) Regulations 2015, household waste collectors are required to provide, or arrange for the provision of, a separate collection service for food waste for all households situated in population agglomerations of greater than 500 persons.
The Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy, published in September 2020, contains some 200 measures which will be delivered on a phased basis over the 5 year lifetime of the Plan, including a number of specific measures which will support the expansion of the brown bin service to all households in the State, including:
- Continuing to commit resources nationally to the prevention of food waste and to the regulation of optimal food waste collection and treatment practices;
- Making the provision of an organic waste bin mandatory as part of a waste collection service for all households;
- Through changes to waste collection permits, and working with the Local Authority sector, ensuring that every householder and business has access to a reliable, clean and sustainable way of managing food waste;
- Working to improve waste segregation in the commercial sector, including an awareness campaign and enforcement actions requiring segregated bins and incentivised charging to ensure waste minimisation and proper segregation;
- Using National Waste Collection Permit Office and other ‘brown bin’ data to develop strategies and investigate how new technology can support greater usage.
My officials have already commenced the process of engaging with the key stakeholders, including the waste collection industry, with a view to delivering on these commitments in as short a time frame as possible. Part of the work will ensure that delivery of the national rollout of organic bins is consistent with other measures in the Waste Action Plan.
Data Centres
Ceisteanna (70)
Claire Kerrane
Ceist:70. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if there has been a review of the use of data centres particularly with regard to the protection of electricity supplies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47053/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Firstly, responsibility for water supply lies with the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
In respect of electricity supplies, earlier this year, EirGrid carried out a public consultation on 'Shaping our Electricity Future'. The aim is to make the electricity grid stronger and more flexible so that it can carry significantly more renewable generation as well as meeting increasing demand from high volume energy users such as data centres. This may include potential geographic restrictions or incentives to locate large demand customers closer to the generation of power, potentially giving a more regional balance of locations. Publication of the outcome of the consultation is expected this year.
In addition, in June 2021, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) published a proposed Direction to the electricity system operators related to Data Centre grid connection, for consultation. This included a number of options for managing data centre connection demand. A final decision will be issued by the Regulator in due course.
Coast Guard Service
Ceisteanna (71)
Michael Ring
Ceist:71. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Transport the up-to-date position regarding a project (details supplied); the status of this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46855/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Irish Coast Guard Building Programme is managed by the Office of Public Works and funded by my Department. The proposed Coast Guard Station for Westport is number 2 on the priority list for this programme.
The OPW and Mayo County Council are in the final stages of transferring the site. Provisions are currently underway to remove all boats in order to obtain vacant possession.
The tendering process is at the post tender assessment phase and it is hoped that the contract will be awarded during Q4 of this year.
Road Signage
Ceisteanna (72)
Peter Burke
Ceist:72. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider erecting two new signs (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46885/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under section 19 of the Roads Acts, as amended, TII in conjunction with the relevant Road Authority manages the provision of signage on national routes.
Section 95 of the Road Traffic Act 1961 provides for the Minister for Transport to stipulate the type and composition of traffic signs. Under this legislation the Department publishes a Traffic Signs Manual. This Manual sets out what should be included on road signs and the circumstances in which they should be provided. There is a limit to the number of destinations that can be accommodated on any road sign to convey information effectively to road users and the adoption of a consistent approach to the design and provision of road signs is considered important from a road safety point of view to reduce the potential for distracting drivers.
All directional road signage, including signs on national routes, should comply with the Traffic Signs Manual. There are no plans to amend the Traffic Signs Manual to require Road Authorities to provide additional destinations on directional signs at junctions.
Departmental Expenditure
Ceisteanna (73)
Mairéad Farrell
Ceist:73. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Transport the total spend on external contractors, consultancy services and other outsourcing in 2018 and 2019. [46937/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In keeping with our transparency objectives, my Department has published details of expenditure on external services (including contractors, consultancy services and other outsourcing for 2018 and for 2019 on its website in full at www.gov.ie/en/collection/30ae9c-expenditure-on-external-services/.
Electric Vehicles
Ceisteanna (74)
Darren O'Rourke
Ceist:74. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if an electric taxi must be bought within three months of the approval of the eSPSV grant; if this means that a taxi driver who applies for a grant and experiences delivery delays, this could result in him or her losing the eligibility for a grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47004/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The aim of the Electric Small Public Service Vehicle (eSPSV) Grant Scheme 2021 is to increase the uptake of fully electric SPSVs and zero-emission capable wheelchair accessible SPSVs. It is aimed at improving air quality in urban areas, together with influencing the uptake of zero emission passenger cars by improving general perception and awareness of the benefits of electric vehicles. The SPSV industry is regarded as a champion in the normalisation of electric vehicle use. The Scheme is funded by the Department and administered by NTA acting as agents of the Department with delegated authority and as the licensing authority for SPSVs.
Per the Terms and Conditions of the eSPSV Grant Scheme 2021 any Grant Offer Letter issued to an applicant is valid until the earliest of three calendar months from the date of the Grant Offer Letter, the Scheme End date or 31 December 2021. The three calendar month period has been selected to allow reasonable time for vehicle delivery and completion of the vehicle licensing process.
Where evidence of vehicle delivery delay is provided by an applicant, consideration will be given to extending the Grant Offer Letter validity period subject to the extension period not exceeding the Scheme End date or 31 December 2021.
Haulage Industry
Ceisteanna (75)
Paul Kehoe
Ceist:75. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Transport the status of the request by him to the Logistics and Supply Chain Skills Group to examine the issue of driver shortages in the haulage sector and to make recommendations as to actions that can be taken by the State and industry to improve the supply of qualified drivers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47012/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The National Logistics and Supply Chain Skills Group is chaired by my Department and has been working on this issue since the Group was established in 2019. In July I asked the Group to examine the HGV driver shortage issue and to make recommendations as a matter of urgency. All relevant Departments and agencies, as well as the haulage and logistics sector, are represented on the Group.
A detailed discussion paper was circulated to the Group in August and a number of submissions received. The Group met last on 8 September to discuss the matter. My Department is currently considering the submissions received and I expect to receive the report shortly.
Pesticide Use
Ceisteanna (76)
Steven Matthews
Ceist:76. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the use of chemical pesticide weed killers to clear rail tracks; if he will investigate this policy and consider the use of alternative methods of weed removal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47108/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the 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 operation and maintenance of public transport infrastructure.
The issue raised is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Driver Licences
Ceisteanna (77)
James Lawless
Ceist:77. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Transport the status of a request for information from the National Driver Licence Service (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47140/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) is provided by the Road Safety Authority (RSA). I have forwarded the Deputy's query to the RSA for direct reply. If he has not heard from them in 10 working days I would ask that he contact my office directly.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Driver Test
Ceisteanna (78)
Pearse Doherty
Ceist:78. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport if a driving test can be expedited for a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47154/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under legislation, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) is the body responsible for the operation of the Driving Test. The protocol for scheduling appointments is an operational matter for the Road Safety Authority.
This question is therefore being referred to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
Road Projects
Ceisteanna (79)
Brendan Smith
Ceist:79. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport if the further development of a route (details supplied) will take place in preparation for upgrading under the next National Development Plan, which is essential for economic development in the central Border area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47181/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Proposals to deliver an upgraded East-West route linking Dundalk to Sligo, taking in Cavan, involve linking elements of the national road network and regional roads along as direct a route as possible. Essentially the route involves upgrade/realignment works on the regional routes from Dundalk to Cavan and on national routes from Cavan to Sligo.
As regards the regional road aspect of the proposal, the improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of the relevant local authority in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from the Council's own resources supplemented by State road grants.
My Department provided funding to Cavan County Council (acting as lead authority with Monaghan and Louth County Councils) with over €2m in the period 2007-2014 to progress the regional road element of the project to preliminary design.
As indicated previously, the Department is currently liaising with the Council in relation to carrying out a risk based analysis for the route between Dundalk and Cavan. The analysis is expected to be completed in 2021. Future options in relation to the scheme will then be considered.
As regards the national road element of an east-west link, I have referred the question to Transport Infrastructure Ireland for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Greenways Provision
Ceisteanna (80)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:80. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the efforts currently being made to approve and install only gates that allow universal access to persons with disabilities and users of non-standard bikes by specifying access for bicycle vehicles in accordance with the UK LTN 1/2020 Cycle Infrastructure Design along popular greenways and prominent cycle routes throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47188/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, I have overall responsibility for setting Guidelines for the Construction and Maintenance of Road infrastructure, including for Greenways and Active Travel. Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) have certain powers for National Roads and the National Transport Authority (NTA) have certain powers for the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) in relation to traffic and public transport.
As part of the increased rollout of such infrastructure I have convened a group to oversee and co-ordinate overall guidelines and standards. This includes work under way by my Department in relation to the Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets (DMURS) and the Traffic Signs Manual, by the NTA in relation to the National Cycle Manual and the TII in respect of Greenways. It should be noted that a review of the National Cycle Manual is being undertaken by the NTA and that the revised document will incorporate/reference all relevant cycle design standards for both urban and rural areas. This group will engage with stakeholders as part of it work.
A specific element of the work of the oversight group is a request, by me, to examine the issue of access controls on Greenways and other Cycle Infrastructure. I will pass on the suggestion to consider the UK guidelines in this regard to the group. It is my aim to provide Universal Access to Greenways and thus to ensure that people on wheelchairs, people on all types of bicycles as well as people with buggies can access the great outdoor amenity that Greenways provide.
Customs and Excise
Ceisteanna (81)
Pa Daly
Ceist:81. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Finance if he will investigate issues arising between An Post and the Revenue Commissioners related to the calculation and collection of VAT and duties on parcels; the steps he will take to establish a clear process for handling such issues that avoids parcels being returned to the originator; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46908/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am advised by Revenue that across the European Union electronic customs import declarations are now required for all parcels/packages coming from non-EU countries including those coming through the postal system regardless of the value of the goods being sent. This includes parcels/packages coming from the UK. While goods valued at less than €150 may not be liable to a customs duty charge, since July 1st all goods imported to the Union, regardless of their value, are liable to VAT. It is important to emphasise that the rules apply to all non-EU country imports by economic operators in Ireland whether postal authority or otherwise. This is important in terms of ensuring a level competitive playing field between all economic operators. It is important to note that without a customs declaration, goods cannot be imported in compliance with the Union Customs Code.
I am also advised by Revenue that in the context of parcels and packages, while customs declarations are often submitted by the courier business or postal operator on behalf of the recipient (importer) in Ireland, the information required to complete the declaration is generally supplied by the exporting party although the importer (the recipient in Ireland) may also provide information to the postal operator or courier business that is needed to complete the declaration. Where the postal operator or courier business does not have the necessary information, it may contact the exporting party or the importer to gather the necessary information to enable them to complete the declaration. This highlights the challenge for each economic operator and the importance of each economic operator considering and examining their supply chain to ensure that they are in possession of the necessary information to enable timely and accurate completion of the customs declaration. Alternatively, where sufficient information to complete the customs declaration in not available, the postal operator or courier business may choose to return the goods to the sender. It is a matter for the relevant postal operator or courier business to determine, based on its business model, how to deal with instances where they do not have the data needed to complete the necessary customs declaration.
I would like to assure the Deputy that Revenue provided extensive guidance and assistance on the customs rules and requirements, particularly leading up to and after 1 January 2021, when the UK left the EU, to both businesses and consumers and also followed this up with relevant advice and information relating to the changes that came into effect from the 1st of July last. I know that Revenue works very closely with individual businesses that may be experiencing particular challenges in meeting their customs obligations in order to assist the businesses in understanding what is required and I know that Revenue is fully committed to continuing that collaborative and positive engagement with affected businesses.