Written Answers Nos. 135-154
135. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when he will be legislating for blended and flexible working arrangements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56626/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe right to request remote work is part of the Government vision to make remote working a permanent feature of Ireland’s workforce in a way that can benefit all – economically, socially and environmentally. The commitment to introduce legislation to underpin employees' right to request remote work was made in the national Remote Work Strategy published last January.
I carried out a public consultation in April and there was significant engagement. Informed by the public consultation, which included submissions from both employer and trade union representative groups and also a review of international best practice, the drafting of the General Scheme of the Bill is at an advanced stage. I will be seeking Cabinet approval for the drafting of Heads of a Bill in December and the Bill will be progressed through the Oireachtas as quickly as possible thereafter. The intention is to introduce a mechanism for employees to request remote working that is fair but does not place an undue burden on employers.
In addition, Directive 2019/1158 of the European Parliament and of the Council on work-life balance for parents and carers contains provisions in relation to flexible working arrangements. As the right to request flexible working arrangements under the Directive extends only to parents and those with caring responsibilities, the required amendments will relate to the Parental Leave Act 1998 and the Carer’s Leave Act 2001 which are not under my policy remit. Responsibility for transposition of the Directive rests with the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Roderic O'Gorman TD.
136. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the status of an application by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56681/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Employment Permits Section of my Department inform me that a standard application for a General Employment Permit for the person concerned (details supplied) was received on 14 October 2021.
Applications for employment permits are dealt with in date order. Employment Permits Section are currently processing standard applications received on 22nd July 2021.
Applicants can keep track of Employment Permit applications current processing dates at enterprise.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Workplace-and-Skills/Employment-Permits/Current-Application-Processing-Dates/Current-Processing-Dates-for-Employment-Permits.html.
137. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if a sport and cultural employment work permit will be expedited in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56693/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Employment Permits Section of my Department inform me that a standard application for a Sport and Cultural Employment Permit for the person concerned (details supplied) was received on the 2 November 2021.
Applications for employment permits are dealt with in date order. Employment Permits Section are currently processing standard applications received on 22 July 2021.
Applicants can keep track of Employment Permit applications current processing dates at enterprise.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Workplace-and-Skills/Employment-Permits/Current-Application-Processing-Dates/Current-Processing-Dates-for-Employment-Permits.html.
If a permit is urgently required, an applicant may request to have an individual application expedited. A request to have an application expedited will only be considered in exceptional cases. Such a request, which must be accompanied by a compelling business case, should be sent to dermot.kavanagh@enterprise.gov.ie.
138. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of IDA properties in Tipperary town; the number of IDA properties that have been sold in the town in the past five years; and the number of vacant IDA properties in Tipperary town. [56706/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile IDA Ireland does not own any property in Tipperary Town, they actively market the IDA Business Park in Knockanrawley, Co. Tipperary, located approximately 1km South East of Tipperary Town Centre.
The IDA in recent years sold two sites to non-IDA clients to facilitate their business expansion and support and create employment in the area. The remaining lands in the IDA Business Park, Knockanrawley, Co Tipperary comprise c.2.04 hectares and offer good potential for development subject to planning permission. The Business Park is zoned ‘IE’ (Industrial & Economic) under the current Tipperary Town & Environs Development Plan. These lands are currently for sale on the open market.
139. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the discussions he or his Department have had with the Companies Registration Office in relation to extending the deadline for the submission of company returns from 25 November 2021 in view of the recent upsurge in Covid-19 cases and the disruption this is causing to accountancy businesses; the result of these discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56726/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is in ongoing communication with the Registrar. It is important to acknowledge that the Registrar of Companies is a statutory role and the Registrar has administrative independence in the exercise of her statutory functions. The Registrar has shown considerable flexibility throughout the COVID-19 period in relation to the arrangements for filing annual returns in recognition of the additional challenges facing companies as well as their professional advisers in meeting filing obligations. These include extending the filing deadlines in respect of annual returns due during 2020 and also earlier this year at the end of February and May, and suspending prosecutions and involuntary strike-offs for failure to file annual returns. There is limited discretion however as the Registrar cannot apply flexibility on a case-by-case basis so, when an extension to a deadline is put in place, it applies broadly.
Notably, the exceptional arrangements that were put in place by the Registrar previously were in light of the circumstances prevailing at points in time where many companies were obliged to pause activity. It is the case that the level of business activity has substantially increased since then. The necessity of having a transparent and up-to-date companies register continues notwithstanding the challenges being experienced by a small number of accountancy firms. There are over 250,000 companies on the register of which approximately 25% have an annual return filing deadline of the 25th of November. The filing of annual returns by this cohort is continuing and is currently in the region of 1,500 per day. Indeed, the CRO has implemented a queueing system on the CRO IT system to manage the heavy volumes of filing between now and the deadline.
I am informed the Registrar is mindful of the particular problems being raised by some small accountancy firms as well as the limitations on the Registrar in taking a case by case approach; the broad desire among the profession to not unduly delay the filing; and the need for the CRO to introduce much sought after improvements to its customer facing IT systems which an extension could delay. Therefore, the Registrar continues to keep the situation under review and is engaging with accountancy representatives to assess the situation.
140. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his Department is making exceptions for permit holders applying for a stamp 4 support letter who were paid less than that specified on their critical skills employment permit due to the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56759/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
The Critical Skills Employment Permit is the primary permit used by the State to attract highly skilled professionals in roles that are critical to the economy. One of the benefits for Critical Skills Employment Permit holders is they can apply for a Support Letter from this Department to present to the Department of Justice in their application for a Stamp 4 immigration permission. If an individual is successful in securing a Stamp 4 they no longer require an employment permit to be employed in the State. Non EEA nationals are eligible to apply for their Support Letters from this Department only when they have completed a minimum of 21 months continuous employment in the State on foot of their Critical Skills Employment Permit. Applications can be submitted up to 12 weeks before the expiry date of their permit.
In light of the uncertainties caused by the Coronavirus pandemic, if an employee was in receipt of either the Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment or the Temporary Covid-10 Wage Subsidy Scheme, this will be taken into account when assessing a Stamp 4 Support Letter application. Supporting documentation detailing this reduced payment must be provided with all applications.
141. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when the necessary funding will be put in place to carry out the necessary works to comply with regulations in view of the EPA report that raised concerns regarding Kilgarvan and 11 other towns and villages in County Kerry in which wastewater treatment must improve to help protect freshwater pearl mussels. [56597/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have no function in relation to this issue. Policy responsibility for this issues rests with the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage with operational responsibility resting with Irish Water.
142. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of applicants that have successfully drawn down funding in relation to the support scheme for renewable heat; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56606/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Support Scheme for Renewable Heat (SSRH) is a government funded initiative designed to increase the energy generated from renewable sources in the heat sector whilst also reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The scheme is open to commercial, industrial, agricultural, district heating, public sector and other non-domestic heat users and is administered by Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland. The SSRH provides an operational support for biomass boilers and anaerobic digestion heating systems and an installation grant for renewable heating systems using heat pumps.
There have been 105 applications up to the end of October 2021 of which 62 have received a letter of offer. A total of eight of these have received payment.
143. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of legislation to allow for the use of anti-dumping CCTV by local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56656/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department published the General Scheme of the Circular Economy Bill 2021 on 15 June 2021. It is my intention under the Bill to facilitate not only the use of CCTV, but also the use of a broad range of Audio Visual Recording (AVR) equipment in order to assist local authorities in their efforts to combat litter and illegal dumping. Drafting of the Bill is well advanced, as is, I understand, the pre-legislative scrutiny process before the Joint Committee on Environment and Climate Action. The Bill will be published and enacted as soon as possible after pre-legislative scrutiny has been completed and I have considered the Report of the Committee. I look forward to receiving the Committee's recommendations. A combination of legislation and guidance will help to ensure that the processing of personal data, obtained through the use of CCTV and AVR equipment, may be carried out by local authorities tasked with enforcing both litter and waste legislation, thus providing an important deterrent in order to protect our environment from the scourge of illegal dumping, while at the same time respecting the privacy rights of citizens. The Bill can also facilitate consideration of the use of Fixed Penalty Notices for litter and waste enforcement purposes.
144. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the progress being made to ensure that there are standardised bin colours used across Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56657/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 to address the need to improve our waste segregation and recycling practices, such as standardising the colour coding of bins across the State on a phased basis.Since publication of the Waste Action Plan, however, it has emerged that the standardisation of bin colours is an area that is being assessed at a European level as part of range of measures to improve communication and engagement with EU households on waste management and recycling. An early move to standardise bin colours here in advance of any Europe-wide decision would risk confusion and unnecessary costs, if for example, we were to select colours that turn out to be different from those in any future European mandate. Accordingly, I consider it prudent at this stage to await the outcome of the European Commission's deliberations in this area before proceeding with a national initiative.
145. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when a premises (details supplied) will be connected by National Broadband Ireland; the reason the date for the completion has moved from 2021 to 2025; the reason for this delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56700/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Broadband Plan (NBP) State led Intervention will be delivered by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) under a contract to roll out a high speed and future proofed broadband network within the Intervention Area which covers 1.1 million people living and working in the over 554,000 premises, including almost 100,000 businesses and farms along with some 699 schools. I am advised by NBI that, as of 5 November, almost 274,000 premises across all counties have been surveyed or have surveys underway and over 125,000 premises have build underway. NBI has also advised that the first premises are connected in Cavan, Cork, Galway, Limerick and Monaghan and over 30,000 premises are available to order and pre-order across 12 counties.
In addition to the challenges to the delivery of the NBP due to the Covid-19 pandemic, NBI has faced a range of other challenges due to the sheer scale and complexity of rolling out fibre to the home in a rural environment. These include significant tree trimming to ensure cable can be placed on overhead poles, remediation of ducting that has been in place for many decades, the co-ordination of hundreds of contracting crews and addressing the many issues arising week on week which could not have been foreseen until the build crews commenced work on the ground. The Department has worked closely with NBI to put in place a remedial plan under the Contract. This plan addresses delays experienced by NBI, primarily arising as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, and re-baselines milestones for 2021. Work is underway to re-baseline milestones for 2022 and beyond. This has resulted in some changes to timeframes for connection for end-users.
Given the scale and complexity of delivery of the new high speed broadband network under the NBP, I am advised that any dates provided by NBI on its website are based on the best available information at the time and may be subject to change. NBI has recently published details of its full deployment schedule on its website, www.nbi.ie , which enables all premises within the intervention area to have an anticipated service activation date range.
The network rollout for the National Broadband Plan is divided into 227 Deployment Areas (DAs) across the country. These are typically an area of approximately 25km in radius and in total they cover 96% of Ireland’s landmass. Counties are generally made up of a number of DAs which means there are differing timescales for connection across county areas. My officials raised the specific issue referred to in the Question with NBI who confirmed that the associated date for anticipated service activation was published for the first time in September 2021 and no other date(s) had previously been published for this premises. There are nearby Deployment Areas in Ballinasloe and Galway City with different activation dates but this premises does not fall within these Deployment Areas.
I appreciate people's frustration when they are living so close to a fibre network but cannot get a connection to that network in the immediate term, 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.
146. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the amount applied for and drawn down to date under the encroachment element of the contingency subsidy that is capped at €100 million in the context of the National Broadband Plan; and if he has received a request to decrease or increase that capped threshold. [56719/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraNational Broadband Ireland (NBI) has not applied for or drawn down any contingency subsidy in respect of encroachment by another operator in the Intervention Area. The Department has engaged extensively with industry since 2013 through multiple public consultations to determine as accurately as possible where commercial operators have existing high speed broadband networks and where they have plans over the next 7 years to deploy high speed broadband networks. The Department's High Speed Broadband Map (available at broadband.gov.ie) shows the extent of the State Intervention area and also the areas targeted by commercial services as notified by industry to the Department through these consultations.
The NBP contract provides a mechanism for National Broadband Ireland (NBI) to apply for compensation for encroachment in the event that other commercial operators have deployed a future proofed high speed broadband service, of a fibre or equivalent high speed broadband technology, in advance of NBI's own deployment in the intervention area. This contingent subsidy can only be applied for in specific circumstances and is subject to robust governance mechanisms. The encroachment element of the contingency subsidy is capped at €100m and can only be applied for where the Department determines a commercial deployment of high speed broadband meets the requirements set out in the NBP contract, specifically a deployment of a fibre or equivalent high speed broadband technology, and that this deployment has had a negative impact on NBI's business case. The consultation on the NBP map that was carried out in the second half of 2019 in advance of contract award, which established industry’s up to date infrastructure and future plans, has reduced the likelihood of the encroachment element of the contingency subsidy being sought.
147. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when broadband will be rolled out to a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56729/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraBroadband 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. My Department has now prioritised primary schools with no high speed broadband and continues to work with the Department of Education in this regard. An acceleration of this aspect of the National Broadband Plan will see some 679 primary schools connected to high speed broadband by the end of 2022, well ahead of the original target delivery timeframe of 2026. National Broadband Ireland (NBI) estimate that 200 schools will be installed by the end of this year with all 679 schools connected by end 2022. Two schools have already been installed under this initiative in County Roscommon. While the anticipated date for installation at the school referred to in the Question had been Q4 2021, NBI has now informed my Department that due to complexities in the technical design which are being worked on presently, the revised installation date is Q1 2022.
148. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the management companies of some apartment buildings are refusing to permit the installation of electric vehicle charging points despite the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland awarding residents grants for same; the steps he is taking to address this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56664/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government’s policy regarding the increased usage of Electric Vehicles (EVs) is primarily driven by the Climate Action Plan which sets a target of 936,000 EVs by 2030.
Home charging is considered the primary method of charging for the majority of EVs in Ireland and is a convenient, cost effective and environmentally friendly means of charging, especially when using night rate electricity. It accounts for circa 80% of EV charging sessions and will continue to be the primary method of charging in the future.
The Government earlier this year introduced a requirement that new buildings and those undergoing substantial renovation works will have to include charging points for electric vehicles if they have more than 10 car parking spaces.
The EV Home Charger Grant Scheme has been in operation since January 2018 to support the installation of home chargers for purchasers of new and second-hand BEVs and PHEVs. The grant provides generous support towards the full cost of installation of a home charger up to a maximum of €600. As regards existing apartment buildings, work is currently being progressed to expand the EV home charger grant to include shared parking in apartment blocks and similar developments. My Department is working closely with the SEAI and expects a scheme for apartments to open in the near future.
149. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Transport if a disabled parking space that is not located on a public road such as in a private car park for a shopping centre or other building, is legally unenforceable if a non-disabled driver uses it; if so, his plans to address same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56611/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraDisabled parking regulations, as with every other aspect of road traffic law, can only be enforced on public roads and car parks.
The installation and enforcement of disabled bays in private car parks such as those attached to shopping centres and other commercial premises is the responsibility of the car park's owner. Neither An Garda Síochána nor local authority traffic wardens have the legal powers to issue Fixed Charge Notices (FCNs) on private property.
150. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Transport the policy in relation to dogs travelling on LocalLink bus services, regional bus services, trains and other forms of public transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56638/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
It is the National Transport Authority (NTA) which has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. The NTA also has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including management of the Rural Transport Programme which operates under the TFI Local Link brand. The NTA works with the relevant public transport operators, who have responsibility for day to day operational issues.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities in this matter, 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.
151. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Transport the progress being made with the Athy distributor road; the target date for opening the road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56639/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. State grants, where applicable, are intended to supplement the funding allocated to the maintenance and improvement of roads by local authorities from their own resources.
While there has been a significant increase in Exchequer funding for regional and local roads particularly in the last four years, funding is not yet at the level needed for the adequate protection and renewal of regional and local roads. For this reason the primary focus for capital investment under the National Development Plan (NDP) continues to be the protection and renewal of the network with some limited investment in road improvement schemes. The construction of a Distributor Road to the south of Athy connecting to the N78 is one of those schemes.
Following the conclusion of the tender process for the main construction contract for the scheme, the contract was awarded recently and the construction programme will now get underway. Kildare County Council is responsible for the implementation of the scheme and my understanding is that the estimated project completion date is 2024.
152. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Transport if he will ensure that driving instructors whose car is being used by a pupil to undertake their driving test are afforded shelter and access to a toilet at RSA driving test centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56640/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder legislation, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) is the body responsible for the operation of the Driving Test.
This is an operational matter for the RSA and one in which I have no role. 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.
153. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Transport if the young adult travel card will be extended to include privately operated bus routes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56645/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra156. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Transport if he will revisit the young adult travel card scheme in order that it includes commercial coach operators with the attendant good effects of opening up more routes and choice and increasing the opportunity for young persons to travel reliably on public over personal transport and tackle emissions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56680/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 153 and 156 together.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport, nor decisions on fares.
Following the establishment of the National Transport Authority (NTA) in December 2009, the NTA has responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services, provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts.
As part of Budget 2022, I secured €25m of funding to provide for the introduction of a youth travel card (YTC). The YTC will allow any person nationwide who is between 19 and 23 years old to avail of an entitlement for discounted travel costs and to increase the level of discount over and above the current student discount to an average discount of 50% across all services, including city, intercity and rural services.
The NTA have commenced work in relation to the implementation of the new fares structures for young adults. I have therefore forwarded the Deputies questions to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
154. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Transport if he will extend the DART+ South West Project to Newbridge, County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56646/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, as Minister for Transport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including planning and implementation of the DART+ Programme.
The DART+ Programme is a cornerstone programme of projects for the development of rail in the Greater Dublin Area. The Programme comprises of DART Fleet, as well as the DART+ West, DART+ South-West, DART+ Coastal (South) and DART+ Coastal (North) projects. Collectively these projects will extend and enhance the current DART system and services west to Maynooth and Celbridge/Hazelhatch, south to Greystones and north to Drogheda. The NTA in consultation with Iarnród Éireann is progressing the various projects which are at varying stages of planning and development.
The scope of the DART+ Programme as will be progressed through the statutory planning system is as set out in the Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area. However, the Deputy may wish to be aware that the NTA is currently consulting on revisions to the Transport Strategy and a public consultation period is open until early December. The draft Strategy published for public consultation does include proposals to extend DART services further once the DART+ Programme has been delivered and I would encourage the Deputy to make her views known on any such extensions as part of that public consultation process.
