Written Answers Nos. 1-22
1. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Taoiseach the position regarding, and reason for, the new requirements on census enumerators having to scan in barcodes on census forms; the impact this has on their workload; and if his attention has been drawn to the way this significantly increases the number of hours worked without increasing their remuneration. [16891/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Central Statistics Office (CSO) require a barcode on each census form to support the enumerator in the delivery and collection phase of the Census field operation. This barcode acts as a unique identifier for each census form delivered. The enumerator is required to scan the census form when delivering the form to a household / establishment and again when collecting the census form. Should the barcodes not match, the enumerators are required to undertake additional checks as to why a discrepancy exists. The aim of this check is to ensure each enumerator can account for all forms they delivered.
The enumerator is trained and instructed to scan the bar code using the field application. However, if the enumerator has any difficulty, they can avail of the option of typing in the 8 digit barcode. In cases where difficulties arose, further support is available to enumerators from their supervisors.
2. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Taoiseach the position in relation to the pay of census enumerators, which is deferred for the first two weeks; and if he will examine expediting this in view of the current cost of living crisis. [16892/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnumerators are paid by way of a combination of fees (based on the number of households in their assigned work area), fixed allowances, and a terminal payment payable on satisfactory completion of all assigned duties. While the total payments to individual Enumerators will vary, the average gross payment (incl. allowances) is expected to be in the region of €3,200. This is based on 22 hours per week for approx. 10 weeks.
Gross fees, allowances and terminal allowance due will be calculated when all duties have been satisfactorily completed. A weekly advance of €140.00 gross (payable weekly in arrears and deductible from the final net amounts due) is made in the interim. Appropriate deductions for PAYE and PRSI will apply. Enumerators are paid a pre-determined travel allowance of which 50 percent is paid in week 5 of their contract term.
Enumerator fees and allowances have been sanctioned by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and the Enumerator payments are part of the approved budgetary allocation to the Central Statistics Office.
3. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will consider the work permit application issues raised in correspondence by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16743/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn order to work in Ireland a non-EEA National, unless they are exempted, must hold a valid Employment Permit. All applications for employment permits are processed in line with the Employment Permits Acts and associated Regulations which lay down in legislation the criteria in relation to the application, grant and refusal of an employment permit.
The Employment Permits Section of my Department inform me that, on 26 June 2021, a General Employment Permit application for the employer concerned (in the details supplied) was received. On 6 October 2021 the application was refused for a number of reasons. The applicant was informed of this decision on 6 October 2021 and of their right to request a review of the decision within 28 days from the date of the refusal letter that issued. No request for a review was received.
All employment permits granted are employer and employee specific and therefore cannot be transferred from one employer to another. This means that if a permit holder ceases employment with a company, they must first obtain a new employment permit before entering new employment.
It is understood that the employment permit previously held by the employee concerned was in respect of a different employer, and has since expired. If that employment permit was still valid, it cannot be used to enable the employee to be employed by a different employer as they are not the employer specified on the permit. It therefore would have been necessary for a new employment permit to be applied for in the new employer’s name, which in this case was not done. It is not possible to change the name of an employer on an employment permit that has issued. Therefore, it appears that the employee was working for the new employer for a number of months without a valid employment permit.
Information in relation to changing employers is available on the Department’s website and can be accessed through the following link:- enterprise.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Workplace-and-Skills/Employment-Permits/Changing-Employer/.
Details in relation to changing employers is also contained in a FAQ document on my Department’s website which answers the majority of questions in relation to employment permits and it can be accessed through the following link:- enterprise.gov.ie/en/Publications/Publication-files/Employment-Permits-FAQs-2020.pdf.
It is noted that the employee concerned had issues with the employer named on the employment permit and that he had made a complaint to the WRC in relation to these issues in March 2021 during the Covid 19 pandemic. However due to the restrictions it was not possible for the WRC to carry out an inspection on this employer.
Therefore, it is recommended that a new application be submitted for a general employment permit. Such an application should comply with all of the legislative requirements for the particular employment permit type by addressing the reasons for the refusal of the application submitted in June 2021.
4. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the Government’s position on the proposed TRIPS waiver on mRNA Covid-19 vaccines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16951/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraUniversal and equitable access to safe, effective and affordable vaccines, diagnostics and treatments is crucial in the global fight against COVID-19.
International Trade is a competence of the EU under the Treaties and in exercising that competence, the European Commission engages fully with the Member States, including Ireland, through a variety of Committees and Working Parties/Groups, including on Intellectual Property.
The EU is of the view that there is no single solution and that a multi-pronged approach is needed and that discussions should concentrate on how the Intellectual Property system can contribute towards increasing the manufacturing capacity and the equitable access to vaccines around the world.
In recent months, the EU has participated in the informal discussions on the intellectual property element of the WTO response to the COVID-19 pandemic with representatives of South Africa, India, and the US, known as the ‘Quad’ group. These discussions were difficult and protracted and have resulted in a potential compromise outcome that aims to offer the most promising path toward achieving a meaningful outcome among all WTO Members. The outcome was put forward by the WTO Secretariat last week.
This draft proposal has not yet been presented to the full WTO membership for consideration. As these consultations are still ongoing, I am not in a position to provide details of the draft proposal.
In the meantime, the EU will continue to engage constructively in discussions in the WTO in order to reach a compromise as soon as possible.
Global production of COVID-19 vaccines reached 12.6 billion doses by February 2022 and is expected to be between 18 and 19 billion by mid-2022. This means that by mid-2022 we will have sufficient vaccines for everybody in the world, including for booster campaigns. As vaccine production is no longer an issue, the focus has now shifted to vaccinations and how strengthening health systems and their preparedness is pivotal in the achievement of the 70% vaccination target.
In 2021, the EU was the largest donor of doses through COVAX and is the largest donor and exporter of vaccines globally. Team Europe has shared more than 400 million vaccine doses and exported over 1.8 billion vaccines to 165 countries and is committed to sharing 700 million doses by mid-2022, with a focus on supporting Africa where vaccination rates are lower than in other parts of the world. Team Europe is also investing €1 billion to ramp up mRNA production capacity in Africa.
In addition to dose donation and exports of vaccines, the EU, with its Member States, has committed over €3 billion to COVAX in support of the equitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccines.
The Irish Government has to date committed to the donation of €13.5 million and five million COVID-19 vaccine doses to the COVAX facility. Over 1.8 million doses have already been delivered to recipient countries including almost 1.5 million doses delivered to African countries including Uganda, Nigeria, Ghana, and Burkina Faso, with further deliveries expected to follow shortly.
5. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when the proposed carbon budgets will be discussed in Dáil Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16747/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021 commits Ireland to a legally binding target of a climate neutral economy no later than 2050 and a reduction in emissions of 51% by 2030, compared to 2018 levels. As part of an enhanced governance framework to reach this target, the Act also sets out the processes and timelines for settling the carbon budgets and sectoral emissions ceilings.
Following the process set out in the Act, in October 2021, the Climate Change Advisory Council submitted to myself, and published, the first proposed carbon budget programme. In December 2021, I caused a copy of this proposed carbon budget programme to be laid before both houses of the Oireachtas. Dáil Eireann then agreed to refer the carbon budget programme to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Environment and Climate Action for their consideration. On the 1st of February, the Committee voted to support the proposed carbon budgets and on the 7th of February it published its report recommending that the proposed budgets be adopted by both Houses of the Oireachtas. On the 22nd of February I brought a Memorandum for Government to the Cabinet and received approval for the carbon budgets as proposed by the Climate Change Advisory Council. On the 24th of February the carbon budgets were laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas for their consideration and approval as soon as may be. They are due be discussed in both Houses in the first week in April.
Once the economy-wide carbon budget programme has been approved by the Government and both Houses of the Oireachtas, I will prepare proposed sectoral emissions ceilings for Government consideration and approval.
6. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if there are any plans from within Government to pay for electricity that is returned to the grid by domestic solar units to encourage more people to invest in solar energy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16803/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe introduction of the Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) tariff represents the first phase of a comprehensive enabling framework for micro-and small-scale generators in Ireland which allows them to receive payment from their electricity supplier for all excess renewable electricity they export to the grid, reflective of the market value of the electricity. The CEG became available upon the transposition of Article 21 of the Renewable Energy Directive (RED II) into Irish law on 15 February 2022, to both new and existing micro and small-scale generators.
The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) published a decision on an interim enabling framework for the CEG which outlines the interim arrangements for implementation including eligibility criteria and remuneration methodology. The CRU has decided that suppliers will set their individual CEG tariffs on a competitive market basis. Some suppliers have advertised their CEG tariff rates and the CRU is advising micro-generators to contact their supplier for further details. The CRU is not setting a date or deadline for the timing of the first payment. People can expect an initial payment or credit from their supplier within a reasonable time after June 2022. The CRU has asked suppliers to communicate their decision on when initial CEG payments will be made – at the earliest opportunity. The supplier may offer back-payments in the form of a credit to customers accounts, if this approach is considered to be the most appropriate. The CRU also expects back-payments to be communicated clearly to customers of each supplier. Furthermore, a tax disregard of €200 was introduced in Budget 2021 in respect of personal income received by households who sell residual renewable electricity, which they generate, back to the grid.
7. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his Department will reinstate the battery grant for solar PV, which will remove a further cost of approximately €600 for those considering installing solar panels; if he will urgently ensure that households with solar PV installed will be reimbursed for excess electricity given back to the grid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16836/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn the 15 February this year I signed the Regulations that transpose Articles 21 and 22 of the recast Renewable Energy Directive which brings these Articles into force. These Regulations mean the Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) tariff is now available for new and existing micro-and small-scale generators so that they will receive payment from their electricity supplier for all excess renewable electricity they export to the grid, reflective of the market value.
The Micro-generation Support Scheme (MSS) domestic solar PV grant scheme commenced on the 16th February. Domestic applicants can apply to the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) for a grant towards the cost of installing solar PV equipment, up to a maximum of €2,400 in 2022. Changes to the MSS scheme include the removal of the minimum post-works Building Energy Rating (BER) C requirement, homes built pre-2021 are now eligible. There is no need to install a battery to avail of the maximum grant and, with the introduction of the CEG, residual electricity not consumed on the premises is now eligible for an export payment which further supports the investment.Following a public consultation, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) published a decision on an interim enabling framework for the CEG on 1 December 2021. This decision outlines the interim arrangements for the implementation of the CEG, including eligibility criteria and remuneration methodology. The CRU has decided that suppliers will set their individual CEG tariffs on a competitive market basis. Furthermore, a tax disregard of €200 was introduced in Budget 2021 in respect of personal income received by households who sell residual renewable electricity, which they generate, back to the grid.
8. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the National Oil Reserves Agency will be requested to maintain a reserve supply of AdBlue for hauliers in the event of a major interruption in supply due to current events; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16845/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Oil Reserves Agency, NORA, is the State Agency with responsibility for ensuring that Ireland meets its obligations in relation to maintaining a minimum of 90 days reserve stocks of petroleum products which may be utilised in the event of a physical shortage of supplies. These obligations arise as a result of European Union legislation and the rules of the International Energy Agency (IEA), of which Ireland is a member. Responsibility for NORA falls under the remit of the Department of Environment, Climate, and Communications.
AdBlue is an additive which is added to diesel engines in order to reduce Nitrogen Oxide emissions. It is not a petroleum product which may be counted towards the State’s stockholding obligations and accordingly there is no statutory basis or obligation for NORA to hold this additive.
9. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide a full list of the names of the persons that comprise the membership of the first national climate stakeholder forum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16878/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Climate Stakeholder Forum (NCSF) is part of the Government's commitment to engage policy makers, state bodies, and key stakeholders on co-creating climate actions through the National Dialogue on Climate Action (NDCA). The first forum was held on March 22, 2022. It took the form of a one-day deliberative workshop chaired by Professor Alan Barrett.
The first forum examined a number of areas where immediate or expedited action is possible, because of the availability of existing technologies, as follows:
1. Offshore renewables
2. Retrofitting
3. Sustainable Mobility: including active transport and modal shift
4. Engagement, Communications and Climate Literacy
Recommendations were presented to the Minister and will help inform the next Climate Action Plan, and provide insights for sectoral policy.
Further policy priorities will be explored in future meetings of the forum which will meet 3 times a year, and relevant stakeholders will be invited to attend in line with the policy areas chosen for deliberation.
The NCSF is led by the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, supported by the Environmental Protection Agency.
The following is a list of stakeholder organisations which attended the forum. Some organisations had more than one member in attendance.
|
MaREI |
|
Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications |
|
Union of Students in Ireland |
|
Friends of the Earth |
|
Cork Environmental Forum / SWAN |
|
National Youth Assembly of Ireland - National Participation Office |
|
Department of Education |
|
Change by Degrees |
|
Department of Transport |
|
Science Foundation Ireland |
|
TASC |
|
Community Work Ireland |
|
ESRI |
|
Irish Local Development Network |
|
Wind Energy Ireland |
|
SIPTU Trade Union |
|
An Taisce |
|
CRU |
|
Environmental Protection Agency |
|
Chartered Accountants Ireland |
|
Kildare County Council |
|
Shannon Foynes Port Company |
|
Electricity Supply Board |
|
Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage |
|
Wind Energy Ireland |
|
ICTU Energy Sector Group |
|
Killybegs Fishermen's Organisation |
|
IDA Ireland |
|
Marine Renewable Industry Association |
|
National Economic and Social Council |
|
Shannon Foynes Port Company |
|
Renewable Energy Ireland |
|
Connect Trade Union |
|
ESB |
|
NPWS Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage |
|
Port of Waterford |
|
Sustainable Water Network (SWAN) |
|
Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment |
|
Marine Institute |
|
CRU |
|
National Youth Assembly, Fridays For Future |
|
Port of Galway |
|
Stop Climate Chaos |
|
KORE Retrofit |
|
Dublin City Council |
|
National Youth Assembly |
|
Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland |
|
Community Law and Mediation (Centre for Environmental Justice) |
|
Codema |
|
EAPN Ireland |
|
Irish Rural Link |
|
Dept of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science |
|
Irish Congress of Trade Unions |
|
Irish Water |
|
Electric Ireland Superhomes |
|
Banking and Payments Federation of Ireland |
|
Threshold |
|
Department of Finance |
|
Society of St Vincent de Paul |
|
Churchfield Home Services |
|
UCD |
|
National Insulation Association of Ireland |
|
HEVAC Group/HPA Ireland |
|
The Irish Green Building Council |
|
Meath County Council |
|
ESRI |
|
NTA |
|
TU Dublin |
|
Irish Congress of Trade Unions |
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An Taisce Environmental Education Unit |
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An Tasice |
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Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland |
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CARO Atlantic Seaboard South |
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Smart Dublin |
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Delegates from National Youth Assembly on Climate |
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National Transport Authority |
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Cyclist.ie |
10. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if a breakdown of the current and capital budget allocations for each programme under each subhead of the Revised Estimates for 2022 will be provided. [16914/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra11. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if a breakdown of the current and capital budget allocations for each programme under each subhead of the Revised Estimates for 2021 will be provided. [16915/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 10 and 11 together.
The breakdown of the current and capital budget allocations for each programme under each subhead for the revised estimates in 2021 and 2022 for my department is set out at the following link.
12. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if a breakdown of the budget allocations for each programme for each of the subheads B4 and B11 of the Supplementary Estimate for 2022 will be provided. [16916/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe total capital amount available for Residential/Communities Energy Efficiency measures in 2022 is €267.2 million. The below table summarises the breakdown of the revised allocations for Subheads B.4 and B.11 following the Supplementary Estimate. Breakdown of Subheads B.4 and B.11 - Revised Estimates 2022 (€000)
|
Breakdown of Subheads |
- |
- |
|
B.4 Original Allocation |
254,868 |
|
|
Less amount Transferred to Electricity Credit |
-128,626 |
126,242 |
|
Plus Capital carryover |
57,917 |
|
|
plus allocation from EENF |
83,041 |
|
|
New Allocation |
267,200 |
|
|
B.11 Original Allocation |
1 |
|
|
Transfer from B.4 |
128,626 |
|
|
Additional Exchequer Funds |
271,373 |
|
|
Total Allocation |
400,000 |
The table below provides the full detail of each programme area within these Subheads in 2022 following the Supplementary Estimates.
DECC Subheads B.4 and B.11 2022 REV after Supplementary Estimate (€000s)
|
Subheads |
Current |
Capital |
Total |
|
Programme B - Energy Transformation |
|
|
|
|
B.4 Residential/Community Retrofit Programmes |
|
|
|
|
Better Energy Warmer Homes |
820 |
109,000 |
|
|
Better Energy Warmth and Wellbeing |
|
9,000 |
|
|
Better Energy Homes |
1,600 |
38,000 |
|
|
Solar PV |
680 |
14,000 |
|
|
OSS Development |
1,015 |
40,000 |
|
|
Better Energy Communities |
300 |
43,000 |
|
|
Retrofit Development |
1,150 |
|
|
|
Deep Retrofit |
65 |
2,200 |
|
|
Sustainable Energy Communities |
200 |
|
|
|
Renewable Electricity Support Scheme - Communities |
150 |
1,000 |
|
|
Demand Generation - National Retrofit |
1,050 |
|
|
|
Data & Insights |
1,090 |
|
|
|
Microgen |
|
1,000 |
|
|
BER Supports (Capital) |
|
2,000 |
|
|
Community Activation Fund |
|
8,000 |
|
|
SubTotal |
8,710 |
267,200 |
|
|
Total |
|
|
275,910 |
|
B.11 Electricity Credit |
|
|
|
|
Electricity Credit |
|
400,000 |
|
|
SubTotal |
|
400,000 |
|
|
Total |
|
|
400,000 |
13. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will report on his Department’s efforts to develop and publish a national green hydrogen strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16940/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe role of hydrogen and the actions needed for its development were considered as part of the development of the Climate Action Plan 2021. The plan, published in November, identifies green hydrogen as having the potential to support decarbonisation across several sectors and, in particular, as a source for high-temperature heat in industry and flexible generation in electricity. A key target set out in the Climate Action Plan is to carry out a work programme to identify a route to deliver one to three terra-watt hours of zero emissions gas (including green hydrogen) by 2030. The plan includes a suite of actions relating to green hydrogen across the electricity, enterprise and transport sectors.
These actions include:
- testing the technical feasibility of safely injecting green hydrogen blends in the gas grid;
- assessing the potential for system integration between the electricity and gas networks, which will include the production, storage and use of green hydrogen;
- progressing research and pilot studies regarding the use of hydrogen in the transport sector.In addition, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) is developing a number of initiatives on the role of green hydrogen in decarbonisation. The SEAI's National Heat Study, published in February 2022, examines options to decarbonise the heating and cooling sectors in Ireland to 2050, including options for green hydrogen. In accordance with the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021, the Climate Action Plan will be updated on an annual basis to reflect ongoing developments and targets achieved. I expect a strategy focussing on the development of green hydrogen to be included in Climate Action Plan 2022.
14. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide an update on the commitment to introduce a plastic bottle deposit return scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16941/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe roadmap for the introduction of a Deposit Return Scheme for plastic bottles and aluminium cans was outlined in the Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy, published in September 2020. In November last year, I signed the Separate Collection (Deposit Return Scheme) Regulations 2021, providing the legal framework for the scheme, in particular the terms under which a scheme operator may be approved. The regulations also set out the obligations that will fall to producers, retailers and return point operators under the scheme, which will be launched later this year.
15. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will develop and fund a specific carbon removal strategy for Irish hotels as per suggestions (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16945/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government sets out a commitment to an average 7% per annum reduction in overall greenhouse gas emissions from 2021 to 2030 (a 51% reduction over the decade) and to achieving net zero emissions by 2050.
The Climate Action Plan (2021) sets out the various policies and measures for Ireland to achieve our emissions targets. While there are no plans to develop a specific strategy for the hospitality sector, my Department funds a wide range of energy efficiency and renewable energy supports for businesses and industry. These supports help educate and enable organisations to improve their energy efficiency and decarbonise their activities. Supports include:
- The Excellence in Energy Efficiency Design scheme, which supports organisations with the costs of embedding energy efficient design in their assets, to reduce lifecycle impact with lower energy use and carbon emissions.
- The Support Scheme for Renewable Heat, which provides financial support in the adoption of renewable heating systems by commercial, industrial, agricultural, district heating and other non-domestic heat users.
- The Communities Energy Grant, which is aimed at upgrading building stock and facilities to high standards of energy efficiency and renewable energy usage, thereby reducing fossil fuel usage, energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions.
- The Support Scheme for Energy Audits, which supports SMEs with a €2,000 voucher towards the costs of a professional energy audit.
The Accelerated Capital Allowance, which is a tax incentive scheme which allows businesses to reduce their taxable profits by the full level of expenditure on energy efficient equipment in the year the investment is made.
Full details on all available supports can be found at: https://www.seai.ie/business-and-public-sector/
16. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Transport if he will address a matter raised in correspondence by a person (details supplied) regarding provision of transport for refugees from Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16732/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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 developing an accessible, integrated and sustainable public transport network. 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.
I also want to assure the Deputy that my Department and the NTA are closely monitoring this evolving situation and taking appropriate steps to assist stakeholders in managing and mitigating the impact of the crisis on public transport services.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities regarding the provision of Local Link services, I have referred your question to the NTA for a direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
17. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport if he will re-examine an issue regarding motor tax (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16810/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMotor tax for private vehicles is based on either engine capacity or, for vehicles registered since 2008, carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. In both cases, motor tax rates are based on a graduated banding structure. For engine capacity, vehicles with bigger engines attract a higher rate of motor tax. Where motor tax is based on CO2, which is 83% of the private vehicle fleet, vehicles with higher emissions attract a higher rate of motor tax than those with lower emissions. Any changes to the motor tax structure would need to be considered in the overall budgetary and policy context.
Motor tax can be paid on an annual, half-yearly or quarterly basis. The rate applicable to the half-yearly option is 55.5% of the annual rate, and 28.25% of the annual rate for the quarterly option. These ratios have remained generally consistent since the 1960s. The loss of income that would arise from changing these arrangements would have a negative impact on motor tax revenue and would have to be borne elsewhere in the motor tax system or in the taxation system generally. The loss to the Exchequer that would arise from the elimination of the additional charge for these options has been estimated at just over €37m, based on the volume of transactions in 2021. Given the sum involved, any proposed change is a matter for consideration in the context of Budget preparations.
18. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Transport if he will facilitate the early renewal of driver licenses that have been extended due to Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16825/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraA driving licence cannot be renewed more than 3 months before the date of expiry of the licence, as set out in the Road Traffic (Licensing of Drivers) Regulations 2006 (SI 537 of 2006), as amended.
When the extension to the validity of driving licences was made under EU Regulations during the Covid-19 pandemic, the expiry date on the driver file for each person affected was updated to the new expiry date. Driving licences may be renewed from three months prior to that date. There are currently no plans to provide for further extensions to the validity of driving licences.
19. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport the current average waiting list for NCT appointments in each test centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16826/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe operation of the National Car Test (NCT) service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority and I have therefore referred the question 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.
20. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport if a pedestrian crossing will be provided in Castlemaine village in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16832/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
21. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider liaising with Bus Éireann to issue free travel passes to Ukrainian refugees for a set period of time in order to allow them to get from rural locations to urban centres for work and school as they assimilate into Irish society. [16840/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, a whole of Government approach is being adopted regarding the Ukrainian crisis. In line with this approach, in my own Department, we have established a high-level group to monitor and respond as appropriate to the crisis and consider the role that the transport sector could play. The group coordinates closely with other Government Departments, agencies and key transport stakeholders to ensure a coordinated response to the evolving situation.
In this context, it was agreed that free travel would be provided for newly arriving Ukrainian refugees on any Public Service Obligation (PSO) public transport service from port of entry to their end destination. This initiative is being applied across all PSO contracted services, including commercial bus services included in emergency PSO contracts, and those services that are part of the emergency commercial bus operator grant scheme. The situation is being monitored on an ongoing basis and will be reviewed at the end of April.
To avail, intending passengers should present the driver/relevant operator employee with the following:
- Ukrainian passport or other Ukrainian government issued ID and evidence of arrival in Ireland within the previous seven days, such as an airline booking email or boarding card stub, or
- confirmation of status from a coordinating group or charity involved in the Ukrainian crisis.
Consideration on whether longer term free public transport could be provided to Ukrainian refugees, either through a Leap card or a Free Travel Scheme, is on-going.
22. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the rapid increase in the price of AdBlue for hauliers in recent weeks and if steps can be taken to assist hauliers with this cost increase. [16841/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is very much aware of the increased costs that the haulage sector has been facing over recent weeks, including as a result of higher prices for the fuel additive AdBlue. That is why, on 15 March 2022, the Government approved an emergency support measure – the Licensed Haulage Emergency Support Scheme – to address cost pressures in the sector. Details on how to avail of the scheme will be communicated directly to licensed hauliers as soon as possible by my officials using the contact email address held by the Department’s Road Transport Operator Licensing Unit.
You will also be aware that on 09 March 2022, in recognition of rising fuel costs for all citizens and businesses, the Government reduced Excise duty by 20 cent per litre of petrol, 15 cent per litre of diesel and 2 cent in the excise duty charged on marked gas oil in order to reduce the cost of fuels.
Additionally, it should be noted that the Diesel Rebate Scheme offers a partial excise refund to qualifying operators when the price of diesel is high. In Budget 2020, in light of the challenges arising from Brexit uncertainty facing the industry, the marginal rate of compensation at prices over €1.32 (VAT inclusive) was doubled up to the maximum repayment rate of 7.5 cent per litre. In recognition of the vital role that the haulage sector plays in the economy, this increase has been maintained since.
The Minister for Finance has written to the European Commission to ask what flexibilities might be available on an emergency basis to reduce the tax on fuel. Currently, however, the EU Energy Tax Directive limits the possibility of further reducing the tax on fuel. Specifically, the Directive requires a minimum tax of €0.33 per litre and the measures already decided have reduced the tax on diesel to the minimum.
In general, it should be recalled that the causes of these fuel price pressures are not within the control of Government and are being directly influenced by external factors, including the Ukraine crisis.
The Government has limited resources but through the Excise measure announced on 09 March, as well as the Licensed Haulage Emergency Support Scheme approved on 15 March 2022, it has responded to help to ease the impact of these price increases. However, we must accept that it will not be possible to insulate citizens and businesses from the full impact of these fuel price increases. In providing 8 weeks emergency support with these sudden increased costs, the Government is seeking to cushion the shock of the rapid spike in fuel prices. While it remains to be seen how fuel prices evolve it is imperative that haulage businesses engage with their customers on the need for the prices for their services to reflect the increasing costs.
