Pa Daly
Ceist:156. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Taoiseach when he last spoke to the British Prime Minister. [23921/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraTaoiseach's Communications
Ceisteanna (156)
Freagraí scríofa
I had an extensive discussion with Prime Minister Johnson on Tuesday 10 May. During our call, I urged the Prime Minister to engage in intensified EU-UK discussions to address issues relating to the implementation of the Protocol. I set out clearly my serious concerns at any unilateral action at this time, which would be destabilising in Northern Ireland and erode trust.
I pointed out that the EU has engaged constructively in the Protocol discussions, addressing the issue of medicines, and last October putting forward a substantial package of flexibilities and mitigations on customs and SPS arrangements.
I stressed to the Prime Minister that the way forward should be through agreed EU-UK solutions that address the practical issues arising around implementation of the Protocol.
I have subsequently written to the Prime Minister to outline my views on this matter.
Constitutional Convention
Ceisteanna (157)
Carol Nolan
Ceist:157. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Taoiseach the amounts paid, either on the basis of a contract or as gratuities or expenses to each of the chairpersons, speakers, facilitators, researchers or other persons in respect of the Constitutional Convention in 2012 and all citizens assemblies that were held from 2012 to date. [23976/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Convention on the Constitution and the Citizens’ Assemblies to date were established by Resolutions of the Houses of the Oireachtas and operated independently of the Government, albeit they were assisted by my Department which provided Secretariat and other supports.
Details of expenditure for the Convention on the Constitution are set out in the following table:
Constitution Convention 2012 - 2014
|
Subhead |
€ |
|
Salary, Wages and Allowances |
€605,736 |
|
Travel, Subsistence and Accommodation Costs |
€260,632 |
|
Incidental Expenses including Catering, translations and Conferences |
€243,894 |
|
Postal & Telecommunications |
€11,686 |
|
Office Equipment and Supplies |
€175,767 |
|
Office Premises Equipment Total |
€37,144 |
|
Consultancy Services Total |
€31,829 |
|
€1,366,688 |
The Chair of the Convention received a salary (as a serving public servant) and was paid travel expenses amounting to €1,905 covering the period January to October 2013. Experts did not receive payment.
No payments were made to academic speakers or advocates during the Convention and facilitators were paid from the payroll of my Department.
Payment was made to various educational institutions to cover the cost of hiring teaching replacements required as a result of the participation of staff members in the Convention and Assemblies.
Details of expenditure in relation to the Citizens' Assemblies 2016-2018 and 2020-2021 are set out in the following tables.
Breakdown of costs for the Citizens' Assembly 2016-2018
|
Category |
Totals to end June, 2018 |
|
Conference/Catering and accommodation |
€544,461.43 |
|
Reimbursement of Travel and other Expenses |
€218,214.56 |
|
Irish Translation Services/Provision of Sign Language Services |
€69,381.60 |
|
Broadcasting/Media Services/Photography |
€249,258.01 |
|
Recruitment of Members/ Facilitation and Note taking Services |
€244,016.14 |
|
Website/Advertising |
€65,950.55 |
|
Research |
€23,746.20 |
|
Legal/Advisory/Support Services |
€47,274.79 |
|
Technical Services |
€43,657.62 |
|
TOTAL |
€1,505,960.90 |
Breakdown of costs for the Citizens' Assembly on Gender Equality 2020-2021
|
Category |
Totals to end August 2021 |
|
Conference/Catering and accommodation |
€75,019.61 |
|
Reimbursement of Travel and Member Related Expenses |
€80,571.84 |
|
Irish Translation Services/Provision of Sign Language Services |
€11,409.89 |
|
Broadcasting/Media Services/Photography |
€46,869.38 |
|
Recruitment of Members/ Facilitation and Note taking Services |
€229,021.15 |
|
Website/Advertising |
€30,329.57 |
|
Legal/Advisory/Support Services |
€61,008.36 |
|
Research |
€43,603.78 |
|
Technical Services |
€50,564.42 |
|
Total |
€628,398.00 |
In the case of each of the Citizens’ Assemblies the Chairs waived any fees. The Assembly Members were not paid for attendance; however, they were reimbursed for expenses incurred in attending meetings, including travel costs and a contribution towards childcare. All members of the Citizens’ Assembly on Gender Equality (including the Chair) received a voucher for €500 in recognition of their time and civic commitment. This had been recommended by the Chair of the previous Assembly and provided for in the Resolution establishing the Citizens’ Assembly on Gender Equality. The Assemblies did not pay fees to guest speakers for their attendance; however, travel expenses were covered, and a modest fee was paid on two separate occasions to moderators in respect of the 2020 -2021 Assembly.
Services for the Citizens’ Assemblies are procured in line with the National Procurement Framework and public procurement guidelines, and competitive tendering processes have been operated in respect of all key contracts, including facilitation services, membership recruitment, hotel and conference facilities, audio-visual services, Irish translation, Irish Sign Language translation and media liaison services.
Members of the Expert Advisory Group on the Eighth Amendment received a once-off honorarium payment to a total of €39,500 and members of the Expert Advisory Group for the Citizens' Assembly on Gender Equality received a once-off honorarium to a total of €34,000 with the exception of one member of the group who, being self-employed, received the payment by way of a fee as well as a modest fee for some additional moderation and research.
Equal Opportunities Employment
Ceisteanna (158)
Holly Cairns
Ceist:158. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Taoiseach the way that his Department and public bodies and agencies that operate under his remit meet their obligations for reasonable accommodation under the Employment Equality Acts 1998-2015. [24315/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department and the National Economic and Social Development Office (NESDO) - the only body under my Department's aegis - actively support diversity and inclusion in the workplace including the employment of people with disabilities and the provision of reasonable accommodations to employees where required.
Recruitment to my Department and NESDO is, in the main, undertaken through the Public Appointments Service which plays a central role in recruiting diverse talent to take up public service employment opportunities and who recently launched their Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy 2021-2023 which aims to develop recruitment and selection processes to attract and welcome candidates from diverse backgrounds. For the past number of years, my Department has actively participated in AHEAD’s Willing, Able, Mentoring Programme, a graduate internship opportunity for persons with a disability.
My Department and NESDO follow the Code of Practice for the Employment of People with a Disability in the Irish Civil Service in relation to raising disability awareness, providing workplace supports, the provision of training and career progression.
My Department has a designated Disability Liaison Officer (DLO) with a specific brief to provide training, support and guidance to managers and staff for the provision of reasonable accommodations. New staff are made aware of the existence and role of the DLO at induction. My Department acts on advice from the Civil Service Occupational Health Department on workplace accommodations necessary for the successful integration of employees who have disabilities / medical conditions and on the workplace rehabilitation of staff who are on sick leave including the provision of temporary accommodations.
Departmental Surveys
Ceisteanna (159)
Violet-Anne Wynne
Ceist:159. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Taoiseach the estimated cost of producing a labour force survey in County Clare; the estimated household sample size required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23946/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Labour Force Survey (LFS) is the official source of employment estimates in the State. The most recent figures available are for Q4 2021.
The Labour Force Survey is one of a group of household surveys collected by the CSO’s field force of 100 nationwide interviewers, who contact about 2,000 households per week at an annual cost of approximately €5 million. These interviewers also collect data for the annual Survey of Income and Living Conditions, the General Household Survey and regular surveys on health, transport and a variety of other topics.
The Labour Force Survey (LFS) has been collected quarterly, under EU Regulation, since 1998 and provides a break-free series for employment, unemployment and labour market participation going back to Q1 2012 at NUTS3 regional level. The survey has been designed to provide accurate estimates for the NUTS3 regions. It is not possible to produce robust county level estimates from the survey.
The design of statistical surveys like the LFS does not involve economies of scale and the cost of a survey designed to provide county-level estimates would be a multiple of the present annual survey cost of €5 million. Achieving representative samples at county level on which to base labour market estimates would require an increase in the number of households interviewed and the number of field interviewers required to interview them.
The five-yearly Census of Population provides detailed geographical breakdowns of the population and some labour market characteristics at small area level, including counties. The CSO is also developing estimates based on administrative data, including the Revenue PAYE Modernisation (PMOD) system, to provide more detailed future estimates without increasing survey costs or burden on respondents .
Central Statistics Office
Ceisteanna (160)
Violet-Anne Wynne
Ceist:160. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Taoiseach the estimated cost of producing a survey on income and living conditions for County Clare; the estimated household sample size required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23950/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The main function of the Survey of Income and Living Conditions (SILC) is the collection of information on the income and living conditions of different types of households in Ireland, in order to derive indicators on poverty, deprivation and social exclusion. The most recent figures available are for 2021.
The Survey of Income and Living Conditions is one of a group of household surveys collected by the CSO’s field force of 100 nationwide interviewers, who contact approximately 2,000 households per week at an annual cost of approximately €5 million. These interviewers also collect data for the quarterly Labour Force Survey, the General Household Survey and regular surveys on health, transport and a variety of other topics.
The survey is carried out on an annual basis under Regulation (EU) 2019/1700. The survey has been designed to provide accurate estimates for the NUTS2 regions. It is not possible to produce robust county level estimates from the survey.
The design of statistical surveys like the SILC does not involve economies of scale and the cost of a survey designed to provide county-level estimates would be a multiple of the present annual survey cost of €5 million. Achieving representative samples at county level on which to base estimates on poverty, deprivation, and social exclusion indicators would require a significant increase in the number of households interviewed and the number of field interviewers required to interview them. It would also impose a large additional response burden on households.
Census of Population
Ceisteanna (161)
Sorca Clarke
Ceist:161. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Taoiseach if a review of Census 2022 is planned; and if so, when this is expected to take place. [24374/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The operational phase of Census 2022 is winding down and the collected census forms are currently being returned to the CSO where they will be scanned and processed. Preparations and planning for Census 2027 are already underway and these will involve a review of all aspects of the Census 2022 project. This will ensure the experiences and learnings picked up by the CSO over the last number of years in preparing for and executing the Census are used to inform the design of the next census and any requirement for procedural or methodological changes. Under EU regulation the CSO is also required to provide Eurostat with a Quality Report on Census 2022 and this will include information about the Census, with a particular focus on the quality of the data collected. EU regulation also requires member states to conduct a population coverage study which will provide further information on the completeness of the data collected in the census. Both the quality report and the results of the coverage study will be submitted to Eurostat no later than the end of March 2024 and both will be made publicly available after this date.
Commissions of Investigation
Ceisteanna (162)
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:162. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Taoiseach the status of the NAMA Commission of Investigation; and the plans that are in place to produce a final report. [24826/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The NAMA Commission was established in June 2017 following consultations with Oireachtas parties to investigate the sale by NAMA of its Northern Ireland portfolio, known as Project Eagle.
The Commission is fully independent and other than what is published in its Interim Reports I have no information as to how its investigation is progressing.
Its original deadline for reporting was 30 June 2018 but following several requests from the Commission and consultation with Oireachtas parties, its timeframe for reporting has been extended a number of times. Most recently, in March 2022, I granted a further request for an extension, this time until the end of June 2022.
The Sole member of the Commission was Judge John D. Cooke, a retired judge of the High Court who, sadly, passed away last month.
It is understood from the Commission’s most recent Interim Report that its investigation is well advanced. It was due to circulate its draft report (or parts of it) to relevant parties as required by section 34 of the Act to allow a period for submissions to the Commission or applications to Court before the report is finalised. Due to the death of Judge Cooke, I am currently considering, in consultation with the Attorney General, the issue of appointing a new Sole Member of the Commission to replace Judge Cooke.
When appointed, the new member of the Commission will obviously need some time to become familiar with its work and decide how to best to proceed. It appears likely that the Commission will need a further extension of its timeframe for reporting to conclude its work but this will be a matter for the new Sole Member to consider in the first instance. An application for such an extension, if deemed necessary by the new Sole Member, would have to be made before the end of June 2022.
Information and Communications Technology
Ceisteanna (163)
Denis Naughten
Ceist:163. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the protocol that is in place for the re-use of computer hardware when it is replaced or upgraded within his Department and the bodies under the aegis of his Department; his plans to ensure that this complies with the forthcoming Circular Economy and Waste Management (Amendment) Act 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24146/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department contracts an accredited electronic waste disposal service provider to securely collect all old computer hardware. The service provider is committed to continuously working to reduce the environmental impact of electronic waste. Where possible, old computer hardware is refurbished and offered for resale. When this is not possible, all components are recycled in accordance with the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive. My Department will ensure that the current service provider, or any similar future service providers, will also comply with any relevant aspects of the forthcoming Circular Economy and Waste Management (Amendment) Act 2022.
My Department does not keep details of the computer hardware waste management practices in place in the agencies under the remit of my Department. I have asked those agencies for those details, and will forward them to the Deputy separately.
Work Permits
Ceisteanna (164)
Carol Nolan
Ceist:164. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 71 of 4 May 2022, the number of work permits granted to chefs and to each other category which applies to the restaurant sector in each of the years from 2016 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24142/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The tables attached show the number of employment permits that have been granted to Chefs in each of the years from 2016 to 11 May 2022 inclusive, and the number of employment permits that have been granted to the other areas of the hospitality sector during the same period of time.
Work Permits
Ceisteanna (165)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:165. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the decision to refuse a critical skill permit in the case of a person (details supplied) can be refused given that similar applications made by their employer have since been granted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24157/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Employment Permits Section of my Department inform me that, on 10 December 2021, a Critical Skills Employment Permit application for the person concerned (in the details supplied) was received.
On 19 April 2022 the application was refused as the annual remuneration on offer was less than €64,000 for a 39 hour working week when the job on offer is not listed on the Critical Skills Occupations List, which is a requirement for this permit type. When considering if the occupation specified is eligible for a Critical Skills Employment Permit, consideration is given to both the job title and the description of the proposed employment provided in the application.
The Critical Skills Employment Permit application was also refused as the 50/50 rule was not met. At date of application, it was indicated on the application that the company has no employees. A Critical Skills Employment Permit may only be considered in respect of a company with no employees if the company is a start-up company within 2 years of establishment and is supported by Enterprise Ireland or IDA Ireland and which will contribute to the further development of employment in the State.
The applicant was informed of the refusal reasons and of their right to request a review of the decision within 28 days from the date of the refusal letter that issued. On 20 April 2022 a request for a review of the refusal decision was received. The Reviewing Officer is currently considering reviews received on 18 February 2022.
Each employment permit application is assessed on its own merits and is required to meet the legislative requirements for the permit type.
Applicants can keep track of reviews current processing dates at enterprise.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Workplace-and-Skills/Employment-Permits/Current-Application-Processing-Dates.
Equal Opportunities Employment
Ceisteanna (166)
Holly Cairns
Ceist:166. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the way that his Department and public bodies and agencies that operate under his remit meet their obligations for reasonable accommodation under the Employment Equality Acts 1998-2015. [24304/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under the Employment Equality Acts 1998-2015 employers are obliged to provide reasonable accommodations to both employment candidates and employees with disabilities, unless these measures would impose a disproportionate burden on them. The factors to be taken into account in assessing whether a reasonable accommodation request would impose a disproportionate burden on the employer include, in particular:
- The financial and other costs entailed in providing the accommodation
- The resources available to the employer’s business
- The possibility of obtaining public funding or other assistance
My Department as a public service employer has a legal obligation under the Disability Act 2005 to, insofar as practicable, take all reasonable measures to promote and support the employment of people with disabilities.
The Department has in place a dedicated Disability Liaison Officer who acts as a proactive contact for staff with disabilities, to assist and support them, and to assist in the implementation of best Human Resource practices in line with equality legislation.
The Department is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to staff with disabilities who require this in order to work in this Department. We are also committed to addressing the health and safety needs of all employees, including employees with disabilities.
For this purpose, staff may be asked to indicate if they have any needs for reasonable accommodation related to a disability. Staff may also be asked to indicate if they require any particular health and safety supports relating to a disability, for example assistance or arrangements in relation to evacuating a building.
The Department has a needs assessment procedure to help identify workplace accommodations required by staff with a disability. There is a work assessment team which consists of Disability Liaison Officer, Health and Safety Officer, Access Officer, ICT unit for assistive technology/IT equipment. This team are available to provide support to any staff member with a disability in areas such as: access throughout the building, workstation, access to toilet and canteen facilities, evacuation procedures.
The day to day operational matters of the Agencies are a matter for their Board and CEO's and beyond the Minister's direct remit.
Work Permits
Ceisteanna (167)
Peter Burke
Ceist:167. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if an urgent review of the work permit system will be instigated by his Department with a view to including hospitality staff, including chefs in the critical skills criteria who would then be eligible to apply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24779/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The State's employment permit system is designed to supplement Ireland's skills and labour supply over the short to medium term by allowing enterprises to recruit nationals from outside the EEA, where such skills or expertise cannot be sourced from within the EEA at that time. The system is, by design, vacancy led and managed through the operation of the occupation lists: the critical skills list in respect of skills that are deemed to be critically important to growing Ireland’s economy and the ineligible list for which a ready source of labour is available from within Ireland and the EEA.
Changes to the employment permit occupations lists are made where there are no suitable Irish/EEA nationals available, development opportunities are not undermined, a genuine skills shortage exists rather than a recruitment or retention problem and Government education, training and economic development policies are supported.
The lists are reviewed twice a year to ensure their ongoing relevance to the State’s human capital requirements, guided by available research undertaken by the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN), and the Skills and the Labour Market Research Unit (SLMRU) in SOLAS. Cognisance is also taken of education outputs, sectoral upskilling and training initiatives and contextual factors such as Brexit and more recently COVID 19 and their impact on the labour market.
The Department works with other Government Departments via the Economic Migration Interdepartmental Group to promote an integrated approach to address labour and skills shortages in the longer term. Where shortages are clearly evidenced, the employment permit system is flexible enough to address them in real time.
As part of this review process, the Department also invites submissions from industry representatives and stakeholders. The submission process is an opportunity for stakeholders to provide evidence, additional information and potentially different perspectives on the nature and extent of skill shortages. Stakeholder submissions are a vital source of information, helping inform the Department’s final assessment of the status of occupations.
In response to requests from the hospitality sector over the last number of years my Department introduced a number of changes to widen access to the General Employment Permit for occupations in the sector. All grades of Chef have been eligible for the General Employment Permit since 2019, with restrictions such as a quota or limit per establishment also removed. Experienced Executive Chefs, Head Chefs, Sous Chefs, Chefs de Partie and Commis Chefs can apply for a General Employment Permit to work in a restaurant establishment, at a remuneration level of at least €30,000.
The most recent review of the Occupations Lists concluded towards the end of last year, and in response to further requests from the hospitality sector a quota of 350 General Employment Permits was established for managerial roles; namely Catering Managers, Bar Managers, Hotel Managers and Accommodation Managers. The quota is subject to a framework requiring a recognised third level qualification and five years’ experience in the role.
The General Employment Permit is the primary vehicle used by the State to attract third country nationals in occupations with remuneration thresholds of generally €30,000. The General Employment Permit is also subject to a Labour Market Needs Test (LMNT), demonstrating that the employer was unable to fill the position from the Irish and EEA labour market. For occupations included on the Critical Skills occupations list it is a requirement for the foreign national to hold a relevant degree where the annual remuneration is €32,000 or €64,000 without a degree.
The next review of the occupations lists is expected to commence with a public consultation in Q2 2022. When open, submissions will be invited from sector representative bodies and interested parties via the Public Consultation Form which will be accessible on the Department’s website.
Work Permits
Ceisteanna (168)
Peter Burke
Ceist:168. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to the critical staff shortages in the hospitality sector in both skilled and unskilled levels; the steps that have been taken to address these skills shortages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24780/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The State's employment permit system is designed to supplement Ireland's skills and labour supply over the short to medium term by allowing enterprises to recruit nationals from outside the EEA, where such skills or expertise cannot be sourced from within the EEA at that time. The system is, by design, vacancy led and managed through the operation of the occupation lists: the critical skills list in respect of skills that are in critical shortage in the labour market and the ineligible occupations lists for which a ready source of labour is available from within Ireland and the EEA.
The lists are reviewed twice a year to ensure their ongoing relevance to the State’s human capital requirements, guided by available research undertaken by the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN), and the Skills and the Labour Market Research Unit (SLMRU) in SOLAS. Cognisance is also taken of education outputs, sectoral upskilling and training initiatives and contextual factors such as Brexit and COVID-19 and their impact on the labour market. The views of the relevant policy Departments are taken into account as well as those of the Economic Migration Interdepartmental Group which my Department chairs and on which a number of Departments, including the Department of Health are represented.
Access to employment permits was widened for all grades of Chef in 2019, with restrictions as to quota or limit per establishment also removed; experienced Executive Chefs, Head Chefs, Sous Chefs, Chef de Partie and Commis Chefs can apply for a General Employment Permit to work in a restaurant establishment, at a remuneration level of at least €30,000.
The next review of the occupations lists is expected to commence with a public consultation in Q2 2022. When open, submissions will be invited from sector representative bodies and interested parties via the Public Consultation Form which will be accessible on the Department’s website.
My Department experienced a significant increase in applications for employment permits in the past year, impacting on processing times. From the start of January to the end of December 2021, some 27,666 applications were received, representing a 69% increase over the same period in 2020 (16,293) and a 47% increase on 2019 (18,811), which itself represented an 11 year high in applications.
My Department issued 16,275 employment permits in 2021, and processed a total of 17,968 applications which represents a significant volume of activity. In addition, the extension of categories of employment permits following the latest Review of the Occupational Lists has increased the availability of employment permits.
My Department recognises the impact delays in the processing times for work permits has for businesses and their workers and significant resources have been allocated to processing times. An internal plan of action has been implemented which has increased resources and introduced more efficient methods of processing applications in the permits system. The processing team has trebled in size and daily output has more than tripled compared to 2021 levels.
Living Wage
Ceisteanna (169)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:169. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps he intends taking to implement the undertakings in the Programme for Government on the Living Wage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24500/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In 2021, I asked the Low Pay Commission to examine the Programme for Government commitment to progress a living wage over the lifetime of the Government and to make recommendations to me on how best we can achieve this commitment. Following this request, the Low Pay Commission commissioned a team of researchers in the National University of Ireland, NUI Maynooth to conduct research on the living wage.
The research was to consider the policy, social, and economic implications of a move to a living wage and the process by which Ireland could achieve it. This research was to examine international evidence on living wages, different calculation methods available, the policy implications of moving to a living wage and ultimately outline options for moving to a living wage in Ireland.
In January 2022, the Low Pay Commission received this living wage research report from the researchers at NUI Maynooth. The Low Pay Commission then met with a number of stakeholders and representative groups with an interest in the introduction of a living wage.
The Low Pay Commission submitted its Living Wage Report to me at the end of March 2022, along with the accompanying research report from NUI Maynooth. Along with my officials, I am currently reviewing the Commission’s report and recommendations. I am considering the next steps required and intend to bring proposals to Government shortly, including the publication of the Commission’s report and the accompanying research report.
While the living wage initiative is being considered, the Government will continue to be guided by the recommendations of the Low Pay Commission with regard to any future changes in the minimum wage. The Low Pay Commission is required to submit its annual recommendation on the National Minimum Wage to me on or before the third Tuesday in July.
Renewable Energy Generation
Ceisteanna (170)
Brian Leddin
Ceist:170. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his plans to develop trade links with other relevant countries in the offshore wind sector with a view to Ireland becoming a major clean energy exporter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22996/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Programme for Government and the Climate Action Plan highlight the key role that offshore renewable energy will play in achieving Ireland’s increased energy and climate ambition and include the objective of achieving 5GW of offshore wind by 2030. The Programme for Government further commits to developing a longer-term plan to take advantage of up to 30GW of offshore floating wind power in our deeper Atlantic waters, which would enable Ireland to become a major regional generator and exporter of offshore renewable energy.
Work on a revised Offshore Renewable Energy Development Plan (OREDP II) is currently in progress and will be completed this year. This will set out the pathway for the development of offshore renewable energy beyond 2030. A cross-departmental Offshore Wind Delivery Taskforce has been established to accelerate delivery of offshore wind actions and ensure alignment of activities in progress across Government. One of the key objectives of the Taskforce is to ensure the longer term economic and business opportunities associated with the development of offshore renewables are captured.
To facilitate this overarching ambition, my Department will continue to support development of regional offshore electricity grids and engagement with viable proposed new offshore infrastructure projects, including electricity interconnectors. The Climate Action Plan further requires that my department will this year update the National Policy Statement on Electricity Interconnection of 2018, in order to provide for further connectivity with our neighbours.
In addition to the above, it is important to highlight the technical discussions focused on the establishment of European offshore grids that are taking place in working groups within the North Seas Energy Cooperation (NSEC), of which Ireland holds the rotating Presidency during 2022.
Energy Prices
Ceisteanna (171)
Pauline Tully
Ceist:171. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if a person who lives above their place of business but does not have a separate domestic electricity meter will be eligible for, and receive, the €200 electricity credit payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24120/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Electricity Costs (Domestic Electricity Accounts) Emergency Measures Act 2022 established a scheme for the making in 2022, of a once-off Electricity Costs Emergency Benefit Payment to each domestic electricity account, having regard to the exceptional rise in energy prices. The credit of €176.22 (excluding VAT) is being applied to all domestic electricity accounts from April and includes prepay meters.
This scheme is in addition to: the Government’s ongoing measures to address energy poverty and the protection of vulnerable customers, the measures introduced in the Budget; and, those set out in the recently published National Energy Security Framework.
The Scheme is operated by the Distribution System Operator (ESB Networks) and electricity suppliers with oversight by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities.
This is an exceptional measure which uses the single eligibility criterion of a meter point registration number, to ensure payments to each domestic electricity account as early as possible this year, without any additional means testing. As such, it is being applied automatically to all domestic electricity accounts which were held with suppliers on 29 March. The payment is being applied to domestic electricity accounts which are subject to distribution use of system charges at the rate for urban domestic customers (DG1) or the rate for rural domestic customers (DG2), as set out in section 1 of the Act. The Deputy may also wish to note that Frequently Asked Questions on the electricity credit, which include the matter raised here, are available on gov.ie at: www.gov.ie/en/publication/4ae14-electricity-costs-emergency-benefit-scheme/.
Environmental Policy
Ceisteanna (172)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:172. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the proposals or recommendations in view of his concern over pollution being created by turf smoke (details supplied) that he might have with regard to trying to deal with the issue of the tonnes of CO2 entering our atmosphere; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24128/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
While peatlands in their natural state act as long-term sinks for atmospheric CO2 and are recognised by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change as the most important long-term carbon store in the terrestrial biosphere, the purpose of the draft solid fuel regulations is to protect human health.
It is estimated that each year, some 1,300 people die prematurely in Ireland due to air pollution from solid fuel burning and that there are over 16,200 life years lost. In addition, many people also experience a poor quality of life due to the associated short-term and long-term health impacts of this form of pollution. New regulations are a critical element of addressing this public health and environmental challenge and are currently being developed in order to introduce minimum standards that will apply across all solid fuels, to ensure that the most polluting can no longer be made available on the Irish market.
Government recognises that turf cutting by citizens for use in their own homes is a traditional activity across many peatlands and that measures are required to reduce the emissions associated with burning peat, but which respect these traditions. No ban on the sharing of peat will be introduced for those with rights to harvest sod peat, but measures are required to reduce its usage in more urban areas where the greatest harm can be caused. This approach will facilitate those with turbary and customary rights and traditional rural usage to continue to cut and burn sod peat for their own domestic purposes, while also reducing the use of sod peat in urban areas.
The final regulations that will be agreed by Government will ensure that while measures are introduced to enhance the quality of our air, they will not impinge upon traditional local practices associated with sod peat.
Departmental Schemes
Ceisteanna (173)
Seán Canney
Ceist:173. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will adjust the SEAI grant scheme to allow the technical assessment and the BER assessment to be done by the same specialist to help reduce the cost of preparing the technical assessment for the retrofit programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24130/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Earlier this year, Government approved a package of supports as part of the delivery of Ireland’s residential retrofit programme. These measures are aimed at making it easier and more affordable for homeowners to undertake home energy upgrades, for warmer, healthier and more comfortable homes, with lower energy bills.
Included in these measures is the establishment of the new National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme, offering increased grant levels of up to 50% of the cost of a typical B2 home energy upgrade with a heat pump (up from the current level of 30-35%).
Technical assessments are carried out prior to heat pump system installation by SEAI-registered Technical Advisers. It would be expected that this assessment should include an assessment of the ventilation heat losses in the dwelling based on certain characteristics, e.g. number of chimneys, wall vents etc. Technical advisers are permitted to publish pre-works and post-works Building Energy Ratings (BERs).
Post Office Network
Ceisteanna (174)
Pauline Tully
Ceist:174. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will enact the private members' motion previously passed in Dáil Éireann 16 November 2016 regarding the future of the Post Office network as a matter of urgency to ensure the sustainability of the existing community Post Office network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24136/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
An Post is a commercial State body with a mandate to act commercially and it is long-standing Government policy that postal services will not be directly subsidised by the taxpayer. An Post has statutory responsibility for the State’s postal service and the post office network. In addition, Irish post offices are typically independent businesses that are run by postmasters. Decisions relating to the network, including those in relation to the size, distribution and future of the network are operational matters for the Board and management of the company. The Government is committed to a sustainable An Post and post office network as a key component of the economic and social infrastructure throughout Ireland. The company fully understands the Government position and a sustainable, viable and customer-focused post office network is a key strategic priority for the company.
Since the November 2016 Private Members' motion referred to by the Deputy was debated, a lot of work has been done to ensure An Post and the post office network remain viable.
The transformation programme that was agreed with the Irish Postmasters Union in 2018, was impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. An Post introduced the pandemic recovery fund in 2021, which was worth €8.5 million over an 18-month period. This commenced on 1 July 2021 and will continue until the end of this year. The Government recognises the importance of the high value and high quality post office network to our citizens right across the country, as well as the central and trusted role of postmasters in our communities. An Post, including through the post office network provides important services to its customers and it is contracted to provide key Government services to citizens.
The work of the interdepartmental group, which was established to consider the feasibility of the new Government services, is being considered at present and the report of the Group will be brought to Government when all options have been considered. While decisions relating to the network are matters for the board and the management of the company, they continue to engage with the IPU on operational matters. The Government is committed to ensuring that An Post continues to play a vital role.
Officials in my Department have ongoing engagement with the company, with other Departments and with key stakeholders to explore all options, in line with this commitment.
Renewable Energy Generation
Ceisteanna (175)
Brendan Griffin
Ceist:175. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if grant aid is available to community centres for the installation of solar pv panels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24172/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Micro-generation Support Scheme (MSS) was approved by Government on 21 December 2021 and is opening on a phased basis in 2022. Under the MSS, farms, businesses, sports and community organisations generating up to 6.0kW will be eligible for a Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) grant at the same levels as domestic customers (max €2,400). This grant will become available later in 2022.
Additionally on 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 create an obligation on suppliers to offer the Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) tariff to new and existing micro-and small-scale generators so that they will receive payment for excess renewable electricity they export to the grid, reflective of the market value. I am aware that some suppliers have already advertised their CEG tariffs.
Solar PV is also one of a range of measures funded under the SEAI Communities Energy Grant Scheme which makes grant funding available to improve the energy efficiency of the building stock and is open to domestic and non-domestic applications including from community organisations.
Energy Conservation
Ceisteanna (176)
Jackie Cahill
Ceist:176. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if grants are available for a person to replace an existing stove in their home with a new stove thus increasing energy and heat efficiency; if there is also a grant available to assist with the relining of a chimney; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24178/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021 commits Ireland to reach a legally binding target of net-zero emissions no later than 2050, and a cut of 51% by 2030 (compared to 2018 levels).
The Climate Action Plan set a goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the residential sector from 7 Mt CO2 eq. in 2018 to between 3.5-4.5 Mt CO2 eq. in 2030.
The Programme for Government and Climate Action Plan set ambitious targets to retrofit the equivalent of 500,000 homes to a Building Energy Rating (BER) of B2/cost optimal or carbon equivalent and the installation of 400,000 heat pumps in existing homes to replace older, less efficient heating systems by end-2030. This represents approximately 30% of the housing stock and is among the most ambitious retrofit programmes worldwide.
Recognising that the achievement of these targets will require a step-change in the pace and scale of delivery Ireland’s residential retrofit programme, the Government has approved a package of supports to make it easier and more affordable for homeowners to undertake home energy upgrades, for warmer, healthier and more comfortable homes, with lower energy bills. The key measures include:
- A new National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme providing increased grant levels of up to 50% (up from 30%-35%) of the cost of a typical deep retrofit to a B2 BER standard.
- Significantly increasing the number of free energy upgrades for those at risk of energy poverty, up to 400 per month from an average of 177 per month in 2021.
- A special enhanced grant rate, equivalent to 80% of the typical cost, for attic and cavity wall insulation for all households, to urgently reduce energy use as part of the government’s response to current exceptionally high energy prices.
To support the overarching policy objectives, the grant rates to homeowners are focused towards those measures which will be most effective in reducing energy use and reducing carbon emissions. Therefore, grant supports will not be available for stoves or relining chimneys under the SEAI residential energy upgrade schemes.
Departmental Schemes
Ceisteanna (177)
Seán Crowe
Ceist:177. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the current average waiting time for the home surveys that are required to access SEAI free energy upgrades. [24203/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme delivers free energy upgrades for eligible homeowners in low-income households who are most at risk of energy poverty. It is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). Since the start of the scheme in 2000, over 145,000 free upgrades have been supported by the scheme. In 2021, the average cost of the energy efficiency measures provided per household had increased significantly to €17,620.
Activity under the scheme, and the associated expenditure, were significantly impacted in both 2020 and 2021 by the COVID pandemic, when construction activity was paused for approximately 12 months in total. Furthermore, access to properties during restricted periods, in line with Government guidelines, was often challenging. SEAI data indicates that for homes completed in Quarter 1 2022, the average cycle time from application to completion was approximately 27 months. While this delay was largely driven by COVID related issues, the deeper measures being provided under the scheme since 2018, also involve more substantive works.
SEAI data indicates that for the homes completed in Q1 2022, the average time waiting for a survey was 13 months.
It is important to note that the SEAI received 2,388 applications for the scheme this year, to the end of April, compared with 2,874 for the whole of 2022. The increased publicity around the launch of the new SEAI scheme and revisions to the Warmer Homes Scheme, together with increased energy costs are driving demand for this very important, targeted scheme.
Delivering free energy upgrades to low income households and reducing the waiting times on the Warmer Homes scheme waiting list is a top priority for my Department and SEAI. In order to reduce this timeline to completion and target a monthly average of 400 completions this year, the following actions have already been taken:·
- The budget, at €109 million, is nearly three times the 2021 outturn (€38 million) and funding has also been sought through the European Regional Development Fund;·
- SEAI has been allocated additional staff for the Warmer Homes Scheme;·
- SEAI is working to Increase contractor output through active contract engagement and management.
Any necessary further measures identified as required by SEAI to increase output under this key Scheme will also be taken and progress is kept under ongoing review. I understand the number of completions under the scheme in April 2022 rose to 376 which represents real progress.