Written Answers Nos. 134-167
134. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his plans in relation to consulting interested groups regarding the proposed legislation to grant access to the Workplace Relations Commission for retired workers that was deferred for 12 months in the last term of Dáil Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60258/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraGovernment agreed to a timed amendment to the Industrial Relations (Provisions in Respect of Pension Entitlements of Retired Workers) Bill 2021.
This will allow time, as I outlined on the floor of the Dáil, to examine the issues carefully and to ensure that all stakeholders are consulted.
This process will commence in the coming weeks and will involve both public consultation and engagement with organisations representing retired workers.
135. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the provisions of the payment of wages (amendment) (tips and gratuities) Bill will come into force through the primary legislation itself or through secondary legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60295/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 27th October the Tánaiste received Government approval to draft a Bill that will prohibit the use of tips and gratuities to ‘make up’ contractual rates of pay and will require employers to clearly display their policy on how tips, gratuities and service charges are distributed. This will ensure that tips and gratuities are additional to a worker’s wage and are not subsumed by employers into the wage.
I can advise the Deputy that the new provisions are being brought in by primary legislation as they involve amendments to existing legislation as well as some new provisions. The General Scheme of the Payment of Wages (Amendment) (Tips and Gratuities) Bill was published on my Department’s website on 12th November last. The General Scheme can be found at:
enterprise.gov.ie/en/Legislation/General-Scheme-of-the-Payment-of-Wages-Amendment-Tips-and-Gratuities-Bill.html
Department officials are currently finalising the draft Heads of Bill in conjunction with the Office of Parliamentary Counsel. The Tánaiste will then seek Cabinet approval to publish the Bill early in the New Year.
136. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when a work permit will issue in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60350/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Employment Permits Section of my Department inform me that a General Employment Permit application in respect of the individual (details supplied) was received on 22nd November 2021.
Applications for employment permits are dealt with in date order. Employment Permits Section are currently processing standard applications received on 11th August 2021.
Applicants can keep track of current processing dates for Employment Permit applications 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 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 .
137. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position regarding payments to parents who take time off work (details supplied);; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60500/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware the public health response to COVID-19 is constantly monitored, including approaches to testing, contact tracing, isolating, outbreak management, surveillance and sequencing.
From the outset of Covid-19, many employers have taken the initiative, in line with subsequent requests from the Government, to be as flexible as possible in allowing staff time off to look after their children who are not attending school or crèche. Employers have a general duty of care towards their workers and that care is often expressed in the form of understanding, compromise and flexibility. Some of the options to be considered for workers with caring responsibilities that preclude them from working their normal hours may include -
- Offering paid compassionate leave,
- Allowing employees to work from home,
- Altering shifts, so that employees can coordinate caring between themselves and partners, or another person,
- Allowing employees to rearrange holidays,
- Allowing employees to rearrange parental leave,
- Allowing employees to take paid time off that can be worked back at a later time etc.
- Allowing employees to take unpaid leave until they can return to work full or part-time.
I would also encourage all employers to be as flexible and supportive as possible with parents of sick children with a view to maintaining good employment relationships over the long term.
138. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if a work permit will be expedited in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60563/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Employment Permits Section of my Department inform me that a Critical Skills Employment Permit application was received for the person concerned (details supplied) on 16th November 2021.
Applications for employment permits are dealt with in date order. The Employment Permits Section of my Department are currently processing standard applications received on 11th August 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 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 .
139. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his Department will investigate if topsoil can be classed as gardening material as opposed to waste; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60532/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Waste Framework Directive (WFD) provides that, in certain circumstances, a material may be considered as a by-product rather than a waste, and the circumstances in which a material may achieve “end-of-waste” status. The Environmental Protection Agency has statutory responsibility for decision making in relation to by-products and end-of-waste notifications.
140. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide a list of the staff to be funded for local authorities through his Department; when this funding will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59810/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn January 2018, the Department provided funding to the local authority sector to establish four Climate Action Regional Offices (CAROs) in recognition of the commitment by local government to develop and implement its own climate action measures, as well as the need to build capacity within the sector to respond and adapt to climate change. The CAROs work with local authorities in their respective regions to both facilitate and monitor implementation of local climate actions undertaken under local adaptation strategies, and the climate charter developed under the 2019 Climate Action Plan. The CAROs are operated by a lead local authority in each region (Mayo County Council, Cork County Council, Dublin City Council, and Kildare County Council respectively), and play an important role in ensuring that cross-sectoral issues are identified and addressed, and that communities are engaged. They also played a key role in coordinating the development of the local authority adaptation strategies, and ensuring their alignment with sectoral adaptation plans.
My Department is currently working with the CAROs, the EPA, and other stakeholders to develop appropriate guidelines for the preparation of local authority climate action plans as required under the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development(Amendment) Act 2021. My Department engages with all four CAROs and stakeholders through participation in the National Local Authority Climate Action Steering Group.
Staffing issues are a matter for each CARO to consider in line with the budget available to them and the approved CARO business case. The CARO website is available at www.caro.ie
My Department is also funding the implementation of the new local authority climate action training programme. This programme is increasing knowledge of climate change, and the need for action by all local authorities in the areas of both climate mitigation and adaptation.
My Department is currently considering proposals for additional resources for the CAROs and for local authorities to support climate action.
141. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of the RESS-2 scheme. [59901/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis final Terms and Conditions for the second auction under the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) was approved by the Government on 27 October 2021 and is available here: www.gov.ie/en/publication/7f0bb-renewable-electricity-support-scheme-2-ress-2/
A revised, accelerated timetable was also approved, and was published by EirGrid in their role as auction operator.
The RESS 2 auction process commenced on 23 November with EirGrid publishing the Qualification Information Pack. The current timetable indicates that the Qualification Application process will open on 7 December with the auction scheduled to take place in May 2022 and final auction results due in June 2022.
142. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of the engagement he has had to date with the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage with regard to supporting and promoting efforts at local government level on climate action, particularly in relation to County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59902/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn July 2021, the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act was enacted. Ireland is now on a legally binding path to climate neutrality by no later than 2050. The Act strengthens the role of Local Authorities for effective climate action. It sets out legislative requirements for each Local Authority to prepare a Climate Action Plan, which will include both mitigation and adaptation measures, and be updated every five years. These plans will have to be consistent with national climate plans and strategies, and Local Authorities will have to liaise with each other in the preparation of these plans. My Department is currently working with the Climate Action Regional Offices (CAROs), the EPA, and other stakeholders to develop appropriate guidelines for the making of these plans.
My Department engages with all four CAROs and stakeholders, including representatives from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage on a regular basis, in particular through participation in the National Local Authority Climate Action Steering Group. Cork County Council is the lead authority of the Atlantic Seaboard South CARO. Each CARO is working with each Local Authority within its region, to both facilitate and monitor implementation of local climate actions undertaken under local adaptation strategies, and the Climate Charter developed under the 2019 Climate Action Plan. The CARO website is available at www.caro.ie
My Department is also funding the implementation of the new Local Authority climate action training programme. This programme is increasing knowledge of climate change, and the need for action by all Local Authorities in the areas of both climate mitigation and adaptation.
143. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of protected disclosures made to him concerning his Department and bodies under its aegis in 2018, 2019 and 2020. [59910/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information required by the Deputy is set out in the table below. My Department has received 8 Protected Disclosures during the period 2018, 2019 and 2020.
|
2018 |
1 |
|
2019 |
3 |
|
2020 |
4 |
144. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the level of funding to be provided by his Department in 2022 for the promotion and support of the social enterprise sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59935/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs identified in the national Social Enterprise Policy for Ireland 2019-2022, social enterprises have an important role in contributing to meeting the Department’s key policy objectives, particularly in the areas of addressing climate change and sustainability. The Department does not have any schemes that specifically support social enterprises. However, the Department, to support the effective implementation of its policy objectives, from time to time, puts in place different funding schemes to which social enterprises, as well as other types of organisations, may apply for funding.
Currently there is an open call underway under the Community Climate Action Programme funded by the Climate Action Fund. The social enterprise sector, as well as other sectors, are eligible to apply for funding under this open call.
145. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of applications under the Just Transition Fund since the scheme began; the number of applications approved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59986/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to a just transition in the Midlands region and has dedicated significant funding to supporting workers, companies and communities affected by the closure of the peat-fired power stations and the end of peat harvesting by Bord na Móna.
A Just Transition Fund, targeted at the wider Midlands region was established in my Department in 2020, and 101 applications were received under a call which closed in July 2020. Following evaluation of applications received, 47 projects have now finalised a grant agreement with the Department and are implementing their projects. The Department is providing grant funding of over €15.5 million to these projects. Funded projects include new enterprise hubs, support for local business development, research and feasibility studies, tourism and heritage projects, and opportunities for reskilling. Further details of these projects can be found at www.gov.ie/en/publication/ed10d-just-transition-fund/. My Department expects to finalise grant agreements with a small number of additional projects shortly.
146. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the amount levied on Ireland year-on-year since the issuing of the European Court of Justice judgement placed on Ireland since 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59987/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraNo levies were imposed on Ireland as a result of this judgment.
147. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when he expects to publish the National Clean Air strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60000/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is working to finalise Ireland’s first National Clean Air Strategy. While it was originally my intention to launch the Strategy alongside a public consultation on a new solid fuel regulation for Ireland, recognising the urgency of taking action to address the health impacts of domestic solid fuel burning, I chose to progress the development of enhanced solid fuel regulations in advance.
These regulations will be finalised in the coming months to be in place for the 2022/23 heating season and will be a central element of the Strategy which will also identify and promote the integrated actions across Government required to reduce air pollution. I intend to open a public consultation on the Strategy in the near future.
148. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will consider extending the deadline for the Community Climate Action Programme strand 2 funding to facilitate public participation network groups to carry out the necessary consultation with communities during the pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60066/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Climate Action Fund Community Climate Action Programme was launched by my Department on Wednesday 10 November, 2021. This programme will see €60 million from the Climate Action Fund invested in community climate action projects and initiatives, as well as capacity building, over the next three years. The overall aim of this programme is to support and empower communities to shape and build low carbon, sustainable communities in a coherent way to contribute to national climate and energy targets.
Phase 1 involves the allocation of an initial €30 million over an 18-month period for two strands of the programme. Under Strand 2 of the Community Climate Action Programme a total of €6 million is being provided to build community capacity in relation to climate action.
While €1 million of this has already been allocated to the Creative Climate Action Fund, the remaining €5 million has been allocated for an open call for projects and initiatives that facilitate community climate action through education, capacity building and learning by doing. This call is being managed by Pobal on behalf of my Department. Applications opened on 15 November and were originally scheduled to close at 3pm on 14 January 2022. However, having regard to feedback from interested organisations, including those seeking suitable partnerships and consulting with communities in developing their proposals, I have decided to extend the deadline for receipt of applications until 27 January 2021. Further details on the application process are available on Pobal’s website.
149. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of television licence fines that were issued by An Post in each of the years 2015 to 2020 and to date in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60104/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraM/ECC has no function. All functions relating to media were transferred to Dept. TCAGSM last year.
150. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his views on the future of the post office network (details supplied); his plans to avoid these closures and loss of services and jobs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60124/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra157. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will give detailed consideration to the issues raised by a representative organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60454/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 150 and 157 together. 150 and 157 together.
An Post is a commercial semi-state company and it is longstanding Government policy that postal services will not be directly subsidised by the taxpayer.
There are no plans to bring forward a public service obligation at this time.
The Government is committed to a sustainable An Post and post office network. An Post provides important services to its customers and key Government services to citizens; including through contracts with the Department of Social Protection and the National Treasury Management Agency.
The work of the Inter-Departmental Group, which was established to, inter alia, examine the feasibility of additional Government services being contracted through An Post and the post office network is at an advanced stage and the report will be submitted to Government in the near future.
151. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the projected amount of CO2 emissions in metric ton equivalent to come from the additional the planned gas fired generators that he recently announced on an annual basis when the generators are at full capacity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60169/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government Policy Statement on security of electricity supply was published on 30 November. The Policy Statement builds on policies set out in the National Development Plan and the Climate Action Plan 2021, which target the development of circa 2,000 MW of flexible gas-fired generation capacity.
The new Policy Statement also sets out that existing conventional electricity generation capacity should be retained until the new conventional capacity is developed ; during this transitional period renewable energy and efficient gas-fired power stations will be dispatched in the market first. The new plant will replace existing power stations that use coal and heavy fuel oil. This will minimise the impact on greenhouse gas emissions, while ensuring security of electricity supply. The plants are not expected to run at full capacity.
Climate Action Plan 2021 contains a provisional sectoral range to reduce emissions in the electricity sector to between two and four MtCO2eq. by 2030, while increasing the share of electricity demand generated from renewable sources to up-to 80%. These ranges will be finalised in Climate Action Plan 2022, following the legal adoption of carbon budgets and sectoral emissions ceilings in accordance with the Climate Action and Low-Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021.
152. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his views on the submission made by Inland Fisheries Ireland (details supplied) to the recent public consultation on a draft designated salmonid waters bye-law for Lough Corrib SAC and other lakes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60231/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraDuring the public consultation process earlier this year on a draft Designated Salmonid Waters Bye-Law, covering 7 distinct lakes including Lough Corrib, a very broad range of diverse views were submitted to the Department. This process included a submission by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI).
Based on consideration of all of the submissions received during the consultation and following detailed discussions between officials of the Department and the senior management of IFI, I formally asked IFI to develop a comprehensive, evidence-based management plan for the Western Lakes.
The first preliminary draft of the Plan has been submitted by IFI to my Department and is currently being examined. My Officials will work closely with IFI on this matter.
153. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of the commitment in the Programme for Government to seek to accelerate the roll-out of the National Broadband Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60239/21]
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. The NBP roll out is currently a 7 year plan under the contract and deployment is due to be complete by the end of 2026. Despite the unprecedented challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic, NBI has made steady progress on delivery of the new high speed fibre broadband network under the National Broadband Plan with over 33,000 premises available to order and pre-order across 13 counties (Carlow, Cavan, Clare, Cork, Galway, Kerry, Limerick, Louth, Monaghan, Roscommon, Tipperary, Wexford and Wicklow). NBI has advised that In total, over 282,000 premises in the Intervention Area across all counties have been surveyed, with over 140,000 premises under construction with activity now underway in all 26 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. My Department has worked closely with NBI to put in place a remedial plan under the Contract.
It remains the ambition of the Government to rollout the National Broadband Plan as quickly as possible. My Department continues to engage with NBI to explore the feasibility of accelerating aspects of the NBP rollout to establish the possibility of bringing forward premises which are currently scheduled in years 6 and 7 of the current plan to an earlier date. However, the primary focus must be on addressing the delays which have arisen and ensuring that the National Broadband Ireland build programme gets back on track and is building momentum month on month.
154. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will reappoint the just transition commissioner on an interim basis pending the establishment of the office on a statutory basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60317/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Just Transition Commissioner was appointed by the Government in November 2019 with the mandate to engage with those affected by the accelerated exit from peat for electricity generation in the Midlands region, and to recommend to Government the essential elements of a just transition for those workers and communities. The Commissioner has made an important contribution to the Government's overall just transition response in the Midlands region, helping to facilitate dialogue, and bringing forward concerns from affected communities, residents, workers, and businesses. To date, the Commissioner has produced three reports, with a final report expected before the end of the year.
The Government has dedicated significant funding to supporting workers, companies and communities affected by the closure of the peat-fired power stations and the end of peat harvesting by Bord na Móna. €108 million has been committed to Bord na Móna’s Peatlands Rehabilitation programme which will create 350 jobs in total and contribute to Ireland’s target of being climate-neutral no later than 2050. Further funding of €14 million has been provided in 2021 to the National Parks and Wildlife Service to fund peatlands restoration on protected raised bogs in the Midlands region. Through the national Just Transition Fund, over €15.5 million is being provided in grant funding to 47 projects in the wider Midlands region. Further significant funding will also be available through the EU Just Transition Fund over the coming decade to support the most affected territories and workers concerned, and to promote a balanced socio-economic transition.
My Department has responded to the recommendations in the Commissioner's reports through an Implementation Plan for the Midlands, detailed in the recently published 2021 Climate Action Plan. The work of the Commissioner continues to be supported by Government to ensure the successful implementation of just transition measures. Given the significant progress that has already been achieved, I do not propose to continue the Commissioner's term beyond the end of his current mandate which concludes at the end of this year.
I also note the commitment of the Midlands local authorities to continue to support the work of the Midlands Regional Transition Team (MRTT), which worked closely with the Just Transition Commissioner to develop and coordinate regional and local strategic partnerships in order to advance the delivery of actions for a Just Transition within the region. My Department will continue to engage with and support the work of the MRTT into the future as the Midlands Implementation Plan is delivered.
Given the broad nature of the challenges associated with the transition to a climate neutral economy and society, the Climate Action Plan 2021 commits the Government to the establishment of a Just Transition Commission to provide strategic advice to Government, building on research, engagement through the National Dialogue on Climate Action, and the annual review from the Climate Change Advisory Committee, on how Government policy can further a just transition. I anticipate that this will be a standing body, with a different mandate to that of the Just Transition Commissioner for the Midlands.
155. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the funding being allocated to local authorities to combat littering and fly-tipping; the initiatives that have been introduced to combat fly-tipping; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60400/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe two grant schemes of direct relevance are the Anti-Dumping Initiative (ADI) and the Anti Litter & Anti Graffiti Awareness Grant Scheme (ALAGS).
The annual ADI was introduced in 2017 to encourage a collaborative approach between local authorities, communities and other State Agencies to tackling the problem of illegal dumping. Details regarding projects supported and funding for the years 2017 - 2020 are available at the link below. Delivery of the ADI is co-ordinated by the three Waste Enforcement Regional Lead Authorities (WERLAs) and supported projects are selected on the basis of their impact on four key criteria - prevention, abatement, enforcement and awareness. €3m has been allocated to local authorities under the ADI in 2021 and details of the scheme are set out at the attached link www.gov.ie/en/publication/e27ac-anti-dumping-initiative/
Under the Anti-Litter & Anti-Graffiti Awareness scheme, grants are provided to city and county councils to fund a wide range of measures aimed at raising public awareness of litter issues and promoting anti-litter and anti-graffiti activity at a local level. €750,000 has been allocated to local authorities under the scheme in 2021.
My Department is also providing an additional €4m to local authorities in 2021 under the Litter Infrastructure Support Grant Scheme. This scheme was established to support the provision of additional litter infrastructure by local authorities in the context of the Government's emphasis on an outdoor summer.
The Department also continues to invest significantly in the local authority waste enforcement network under the annual Local Authority Waste Enforcement Measures Grant Scheme. Over €7.7m was provided to local authorities under the scheme in 2021, in order to support the recruitment and retention of over 150 local authority waste enforcement staff across the country.
156. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of litter wardens in each local authority in tabular form; his plans to increase the numbers in each local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60401/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department does not collate statistics on litter staffing levels.
158. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the steps that have been taken to support a community (details supplied) impacted by the move from brown to green; the investment that has been made to the community; the efforts that have been made to replace jobs lost by the wind down of peat production; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60455/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to a just transition in the Midlands region and has dedicated significant funding to supporting workers, companies and communities affected by the closure of the peat-fired power stations and the end of peat harvesting by Bord na Móna.
The Government has committed €108 million to Bord na Móna’s Peatlands Rehabilitation programme which will create 350 jobs in total and contribute to Ireland’s target of being climate-neutral no later than 2050. Further funding of €14 million has been provided in 2021 to the National Parks and Wildlife Service to fund peatlands restoration on protected raised bogs in the Midlands region.
Through the national Just Transition Fund over €15.5 million is being provided in grant funding to 47 projects in the wider Midlands region. Funded projects are diverse and cover a range of opportunities throughout the region including: new enterprise hubs, supporting local business development, research and exploratory studies, tourism and heritage projects, and opportunities for reskilling. Three of these projects will support economic opportunities in the community referred to. Further details of these projects can be found at www.gov.ie/en/publication/ed10d-just-transition-fund/.
The EU Just Transition Fund is a newly established fund which seek to address the adverse effects of the climate transition by supporting the most affected territories and workers concerned, and promoting a balanced socio-economic transition. The Fund will be used to alleviate the socio-economic impacts of the low carbon transition in the most affected regions across the EU. Ireland is set to receive up to €84.5 million from the EU Just Transition Fund (2021-2027).
In order to access the EU Just Transition Fund, Member States are required to prepare Territorial Just Transition Plans which cover the period up to 2030 and identify the most negatively impacted territories which need support, and the programmes and channels through which that support may best be delivered. My Department is currently preparing a draft Territorial Just Transition Plan and I intend to launch a public consultation on this shortly.
159. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Transport the status of the commitment in the Programme for Government to ensure sufficient investment in the local and regional road network to maintain roads to a proper standard, deal with road safety challenges and improve regional accessibility in relation to County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60240/21]
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. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities' own resources supplemented by State road grants.
The primary focus for capital investment under the National Development Plan (NDP) continues to be the protection and renewal of the regional and local road network which plays a critical role in supporting economic and community links throughout the country and is used by buses, cyclists, commercial vehicles, HGVs as well as private cars.
The NDP will enable a spend of €5.35 billion on the protection and renewal of regional and local roads over the 10 year period until 2030. This funding will help fund measures including road pavement resealing and strengthening works across the network, bridge rehabilitation projects, climate adaptation and safety measures, drainage works together with community involvement schemes on less trafficked roads. Allocations will continue to be made at the start of each year to individual local authorities, such as Mayo County Council, based on the overall regional and local grant budget for the year in question.
In addition to protecting and renewing the regional and local road network, it is a priority to carry out targeted improvements to sections of the network and €677 million is earmarked for such improvements on new regional and local roads over the next 10 years. Road improvement projects proposed by local authorities for consideration for funding will be assessed by the Department on a case-by-case basis. All projects put forward by local authorities for consideration must comply with the requirements of the Public Spending Code (PSC) and my Department's Capital Appraisal Framework (CAF).
160. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Transport if there are plans to expedite the promised extension of the C2 bus route into Adamstown, Lucan, County Dublin; the timeframe for the delivery of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59791/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra161. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Transport the reason the direct bus route from Dodsboro, Lucan, County Dublin into Dublin city centre at non-peak hours has been removed; if there are plans to reinstate this service to ensure that persons in Dodsboro are serviced at off-peak times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59792/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 160 and 161 together.
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 the BusConnects programme.
Noting their responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
162. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport if he will advise on the training requirements for a person (details supplied). [59800/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe validity period of Initial Basic Training Certificates is set out in legislation. Making a change to the validity of an existing certificate requires a change in law. The recent extensions were made depending on when an IBT cert was issued, for certs issued between the 01 March 2018 - 30 June 2019. No further extensions are being considered at this time.
I appreciate the cut-off point for the extensions mean that some people will miss out on them by a relatively small amount, but this would always be the case, whatever date was set.
163. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport the protocols for ferry services from the mainland to the islands when reporting by radio to the Irish Coast Guard stations the numbers of passengers being carried by passage prior to departure. [59822/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe regulatory requirements for registration of persons onboard passenger ships operating on domestic voyages do not prescribe mandatory reporting to the Irish Coast Guard (IRCG). The European Union (Registration of Persons Sailing on board Passenger Ships) Regulations 2019 require that such information must be lodged ashore with a passenger registrar, responsible for the transmission of information on persons who have embarked on a company passenger ship. In case of an emergency, this information is made available to the IRCG. New requirements for reporting are due to take effect by 20/12/23, whereby this information must either be submitted directly to the SafeSeasIreland web portal or be promulgated via a vessel’s Automatic Identification System (AIS).
164. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to breaches in a protocol (details supplied); the oversight on reporting; the body that has responsibility for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59823/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe regulatory requirements for registration of persons onboard passenger ships operating on domestic voyages do not prescribe mandatory reporting to the IRCG.
The European Union (Registration of Persons Sailing on board Passenger Ships) Regulations 2019 require that such information must be logged ashore with a passenger registrar, responsible for the transmission of information on persons who have embarked on a company passenger ship.
In case of an emergency, this information is made available to the IRCG. New requirements for reporting are due to take effect by 20/12/23, whereby this information must either be submitted directly to the SafeSeasIreland web portal or be promulgated via a vessel’s Automatic Identification System (AIS).
All seafarers including ferry operators are encouraged to communicate voyage details to Coast Guard Marine Rescue Coordination Sub-Centres at Malin Head and Valentia and the Marine Rescue Coordination Centre at Dublin. This information can assist the Coast Guard in coordinating incidents or emergencies including compilation of data with regard to overdue reports. IRCG policy is to remind all vessels on passage to transmit voyage reports via their nearest coastal radio station.
165. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Transport the number of protected disclosures made to him concerning his Department and bodies under its aegis in 2018, 2019 and 2020. [59922/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe number of allegations received by my Department which invoked the Protected Disclosures Act 2014 in each of the years 2018 to 2020 are set out in the table below. The table indicates the total number of allegations received, the number of these which were found, following assessment, to be not relevant or not a protected disclosure and the number investigated.
|
Year |
Number of allegations receivedRecd |
Number assessed as not being Protected Disclosure |
Number subject toInvestigation |
|
2018 |
8 |
3 |
5 |
|
2019 |
5 |
3 |
2 |
|
2020 |
4 |
1 |
3 |
166. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he will clarify the situation in relation to the awarding of a State contract for the provision of air sea rescue cover; the companies currently tendering for such contracts; the cost of the full contract; the body and the persons responsible for deciding the winning bid; the criteria being used; if a company (details supplied) remains in the process; if minimum standards of staffing, aircraft and so on are stipulated in the contract; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59923/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 27 July 2021, the Government agreed to commence the formal procurement process for a new Coast Guard aviation service. The decision was based on a detailed appraisal and business case prepared in accordance with the Public Spending Code.
The procurement process will will be undertaken in line with the Government Decision of 27 July 2021 and with EU procurement law, most notably European Union (Award of Public Authority Contracts) Regulation 2019 (Statutory Instrument No. 284/2016.
The project will also follow the governance structures as set out in the Public Spending Code, which will ensure Government approval is sought at key stage gates. The Public Spending Code requires there to be an Approving Authority and a Sponsoring Agency for the appraisal and delivery of public investment projects. For this project, the Government undertakes the role of the Approving Authority under the Code, while the Sponsoring Agency role will be undertaken by the Department of Transport.
The first stage of the process, the release of an Information Memorandum and a Pre-Qualification Questionnaire, will be undertaken shortly. This will set out certain criteria to determine which Operators have the capacity to perform the contract. Under stage 2 of the process, the Contracting Authority will issue a request for tenders setting out the minimum requirements and award criteria.
A project team has been assembled which includes expertise in Aviation, Procurement Law, Project Management and Financial advice. The team also includes senior officials from the Coast Guard/Department of Transport. The process is being overseen by an independent external process auditor, who is providing assurances that all is in order from a procurement compliance point of view.
167. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport the State regulatory body that is responsible for ensuring that companies operating services on behalf of the State in relation to air, sea rescue operations have fully qualified personnel to operate aircraft and other emergency vehicles; the oversights and safeguards this body has over the persons operating such contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59924/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) exercises safety oversight of the aviation Search and Rescue operator through its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) and a National Search & Rescue Approval. The role of the IAA concerning Search and Rescue covers both the aviation safety regulation and oversight of Search and Rescue operations performed by air, the operator, and the aircraft, as well as oversight and operational responsibility for Search and Rescue aviation coordination centres and sub-centres.
An AOC is a certificate that allows an operator to perform specific operations of commercial air transport and to obtain an AOC an operator must complete a thorough process to satisfy the IAA that it is competent to secure the safe operation of aircraft. The National Search & Rescue Approval provides for alleviation/exemptions that are necessary to operate outside of the requirements used to conduct commercial air transport without which some of the search and rescue operations would not be possible. There are safety cases (documented assurance of the achievement and maintenance of safety) for all alleviation/exemptions, and these are reviewed by the IAA on a yearly basis.
The IAA regularly audits the SAR operator on all aspects of its operation including its safety management system, assets, and personnel. The audits are based on compliance type assessment, as well as risk-based assessment.
As part of its oversight programme, the IAA will track how safety recommendations from the AAIU's Final Report into the R116 accident directed at the operator are addressed and ensure that they are appropriately implemented.
In terms of contract performance issues, contract changes, high level safety matters and any financial issues are managed through regular Contract Operation meetings between the Coast Guard and the operator’s management personnel.
