Thursday, 8 Sep 2022

Written Answers Nos. 67-93

Electric Vehicles

Ceisteanna (67)

Carol Nolan

Ceist:

67. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his Department has conducted any ethical analysis of the consequences of pursuing a policy of promoting electric vehicle use given the fact that the vast majority of such vehicles require the inclusion of cobalt, the mining of which is heavily reliant on and linked to child slavery in territories such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42418/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

As Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, I have no role in relation to the importation of cobalt.  However, I will shortly be proposing to Government a Policy Statement on Mineral Exploration and Mining, seeking the adoption of a set of principles, which will serve as a frame of reference for Ireland’s contribution to the development of EU policy.  The statement has been finalised following consideration by the Advisory Group on Mineral Exploration and Mining of proposed changes in response to submissions on the consultative draft.  The membership of the Advisory Group on Mineral Exploration and Mining is drawn from the Environmental, Industry and Social Pillars as well as government departments and regulatory bodies.

Materials management and the sustainable and responsible sourcing and use of critical raw materials, including cobalt, are central to our vision for minerals and mining in Ireland and are key components of the circular economy transition.   Cobalt is included on the 2020 List of Critical Raw Materials accompanying the European Commission's Action Plan on Critical Raw Materials: ‘Critical Raw Materials Resilience: Charting a Path towards greater Security and Sustainability', which also considered the use of critical raw materials for strategic technologies and sectors from the 2030 and 2050 perspectives.  The Action Plan proposes actions to reduce Europe's dependency on third countries, diversifying supply from both primary and secondary sources and improving resource efficiency and circularity while promoting responsible global sourcing.  Discussions are also ongoing with the European Commission on how best to boost the EU’s indigenous raw material supply and processing capabilities.  There is mineral potential for cobalt in Ireland, as there has been reporting of high concentration occurrences of cobalt.

National Broadband Plan

Ceisteanna (68)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

68. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide the Oireachtas Committee of Public Accounts with the national broadband plan remediation plan (details supplied). [42467/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications

By way of letter dated 29 April last, my Department provided the Public Accounts Committee with detailed material on the Updated Interim Remedial Plan for the National Broadband Plan.

Electricity Transmission Network

Ceisteanna (69)

Seán Sherlock

Ceist:

69. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the steps that he is taking to protect the public from blackouts and brownouts this autumn and winter. [42484/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

The Commission of Regulation of Utilities which has statutory responsibility to ensure security of supply, has the duty to monitor electricity supplies and to take sure measures as it considers necessary to protect the security of supply. It is assisted in its role by EirGrid.

The CRU supported by Eirgrid and my Department currently has a programme of actions underway to ensure the security of our electricity supply over the coming winters. The Security of Supply Programme of actions contains a number of both demand and supply side mitigation measures to address the forecasted shortfall. These actions include; procurement of new, enduring capacity through a number of capacity auctions; procuring additional temporary generation; extending the availability of existing generation capacity; additional use of grid-scale batteries; and improved demand side measures. On 27 June 2022, the CRU published an update on the actions within the programme and this is available on their website.

Margins will remain tight during this coming winter period (2022/2023). The CRU is continuing to work with key stakeholders to implement additional appropriate mitigation measures to further reduce risks during this winter and lower peak demand during this period.

Energy Infrastructure

Ceisteanna (70)

Seán Sherlock

Ceist:

70. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of operations at fossil fuel power plants. [42485/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

The Commission of Regulation of Utilities which has statutory responsibility to ensure security of supply, has the duty to monitor electricity supplies and to take sure measures as it considers necessary to protect the security of supply. It is assisted in its role by EirGrid.

The CRU supported by Eirgrid and my Department currently has a programme of actions underway to ensure the security of our electricity supply over the coming winters. The Security of Supply Programme of actions contains a number of both demand and supply side mitigation measures to address the forecasted shortfall. These actions include:

- The procurement of new, enduring, capacity through a number of forthcoming capacity auctions;

- The procurement of additional temporary emergency generation capacity;

- Measures to improve the performance and availability of existing generators and Demand Side Units, and develop additional demand side responsiveness.

On 27 June 2022, the CRU published an update on the actions within the programme and this is available on their website. In addition the Eirgrid Smart Grid dashboard provides real time information on electricity generation in Ireland, including fossil fuel generation.

Energy Prices

Ceisteanna (71, 77)

Seán Sherlock

Ceist:

71. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the meetings that he has held in the past five months with energy providers on the soaring costs of bills. [42486/22]

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

77. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the Minister will raise the issue of support required for vulnerable and older energy customers to help set up paperless billing online with the Commission for Regulation of Utilities so that the regulator can liaise with energy companies on this matter (details supplied); the steps that are currently being taken in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42763/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

I propose to take Questions Nos. 71 and 77 together.  

Government is acutely aware of the impact of high electricity and gas prices, and has introduced a range of measures to mitigate their impact. The most immediate factor affecting electricity prices in Ireland and Europe is high international gas prices where we are a price taker. Gas prices are now unprecedentedly high, which feeds directly through to retail electricity prices as the wholesale price of electricity correlates strongly with the price of gas. Government has already put a €2.4 billion package of policies and measures in place to support people and continues to monitor this unprecedented and evolving situation closely to inform ongoing consideration of further action, particularly in the context of the imminent Budget 2023. As Minister, I meet with a range of stakeholders across the energy sector, where affordability of electricity and gas is a priority issue. Responsibility for the regulation of the retail electricity and gas markets was assigned to the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities under the 1999 Electricity Regulation Act and subsequent legislation. As part of its statutory role, the CRU also has responsibility for consumer protection functions with regard to electricity and gas and monitors energy retail markets to ensure that competition continues to develop for the benefit of the consumer. This requires the CRU to have detailed interaction with energy providers on an ongoing basis. On foot of this, on 25 August the CRU announced enhanced consumer protection measures to be implemented by electricity and gas providers ahead of the coming winter. The CRU is accountable directly to the Oireachtas and has a dedicated email address for Oireachtas members: [e-mail].

Energy Prices

Ceisteanna (72, 82, 102, 132, 133, 134)

Patrick Costello

Ceist:

72. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the efforts that are being made by his Department to curtail the increase in prices being charged by energy providers in the State, given the current cost-of-living crisis, to ensure citizens are not being taken advantage of by these companies, many of which are showing record profits in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42487/22]

Colm Burke

Ceist:

82. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if consideration will be given by his Department to giving the electricity and gas regulator power to regulate price increases for standing charges in order that charges do not rise in line with electricity and gas prices given that they are not linked; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42904/22]

Danny Healy-Rae

Ceist:

102. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will bring forward emergency legislation in the Oireachtas to override the powers of the CRU for the duration of the energy crisis. [43484/22]

Jim O'Callaghan

Ceist:

132. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has raised the issue of the justification that exists for energy companies to increase their standing charges with the Commission for Regulation of Utilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44008/22]

Darren O'Rourke

Ceist:

133. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his attention has been drawn to the fact that some electricity providers are increasing their standing charges at a time of record energy prices, which is compounding the financial hardship households are facing; if he has discussed the matter with the Commission for Regulation of Utilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44018/22]

Darren O'Rourke

Ceist:

134. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has discussed with the Commission for Regulation of Utilities low-usage charges on electricity customers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44020/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications (Deputy Eamon Ryan)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 72, 82, 102 and 132 to 134, inclusive, together.

The unprecedented increase in international wholesale gas prices have continued as result of the volatility in the international gas market driven by the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the on-going war. These gas increases feed directly through to retail electricity prices as the wholesale price of electricity correlates strongly with the price of gas.The Government is acutely aware of the impact on consumers of high electricity and gas prices, and has introduced a range of measures to mitigate their impact. Under the Electricity Costs Emergency Benefit Scheme, a payment of €176.22 was made to domestic electricity accounts between April and May of this year at a total cost of €376,923,830.58. The scheme was part of a €505m package of measures, which included increases in the Fuel Allowance which brought the total payment to €1139 for the 2021/22 winter compared to €735 in winter 2020/21 and a reduction in VAT on electricity bills from 13.5% to 9%. On foot of Response 6 of the National Energy Security Framework, on 25 August, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) announced enhanced consumer protection measures to be implemented by electricity and gas providers ahead of the coming winter. This means that from 1 December 2022 until 28 February 2023 no domestic customers can be disconnected while vulnerable customers cannot be disconnected from 1 October 2022 until 31 March 2022. This is in addition to the existing protections for vulnerable customers registered as being critically dependent on electrically powered assistive devices who cannot be disconnected for reasons of non-payment at any time. On energy efficiency, the Government supports are considerable. Earlier this year the government announced 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 and lower emissions. A budget allocation of €109 million has been provided for this scheme this year. This will support an increase in the number of free home upgrades, from an average of 177 per month in 2021 to 400 per month this year, helping to reduce waiting times. Responsibility for the regulation of the retail electricity and gas markets was assigned to the CRU under the 1999 Electricity Regulation Act and subsequent legislation. CRU ceased price setting for electricity and gas in 2011 and 2014. Therefore, the setting of prices and charges is a commercial matter for individual supply companies. The Government has already put a €2.4 billion package of measures in place to support people to meet the cost of energy and continues to monitor this unprecedented and evolving situation closely to inform ongoing consideration of further action, particularly in the context of the imminent Budget 2023. The best long-term approach for Ireland to insulate consumers from volatility on international wholesale energy markets is to invest in energy efficiency, renewable energy and expand interconnection with European and neighbouring markets and deepen internal market integration.

Data Centres

Ceisteanna (73)

Ged Nash

Ceist:

73. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the estimated revenue that would be raised by an additional surcharge of €1 per unit megawatt hour, €5 per MWh or €10 per MWh on data centre electricity consumption within the State (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42576/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications (Deputy Eamon Ryan)

Responsibility for the regulation of the retail electricity and gas markets was assigned to the Commission for Regulation of Utilities in the 1999 Electricity Regulation Act and subsequent legislation. It is a function of CRU to regulate the market and they may set the basis for charges for use of the transmission and distribution systems. Total metered data centres electricity consumption in 2021 was 3993 GWh (CSO, 2022). As such, based on this figure, the additional surcharges detailed above would raise the below revenue: - 3,993,000 Mwh x €1 = €3,993,000 - 3,993,000 Mwh x €5 = €19,965,000 - 3,993,000 Mwh x €10 = €39,930,000However, it is worth noting that a specific surcharge imposed on a specific industry sector could breach the State Aid Rules. It is also worth noting that the CRU recently (18 August) launched a two-week public consultation on proposed structural changes to Electricity Network Tariffs to apply from 1 October 2022 to 30 September 2023. The CRU is proposing the introduction of four new tariffs - Peak or Time of Use Tariffs, Increasing Block Tariffs, a System Alert Tariff and a Decarbonisation Tariff. These changes aim to encourage energy users, particularly Extra-Large Energy Users (including data centres) to reduce/shift their demand at times of high energy demand/low renewable energy. Further information can be found here: www.cru.ie/document_group/electricity-network-tariffs-2022-23-national-energy-security-framework-response-proposals/

Question No. 74 answered with Question No. 47.

Environmental Schemes

Ceisteanna (75)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

75. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the grant assistance available for businesses to install solar panels at present; if he intends on increasing these grants to expedite the roll-out of this energy source; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42749/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

Businesses that use a large amount of electricity will benefit most when they consume electricity on site from their own micro-generation. Residual electricity is eligible for a market-based export tariff. The financial business case for micro-generation for these high electricity users is already strong, with short payback periods based on self-consumption and export payments alone. The Micro-generation Support Scheme (MSS) provides capital grants for non-domestic applicants for solar PV installations up to 6.0kW primarily for self-consumption, with grant levels up to a maximum of €2,400 available. This will be administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and will become available in September. Suppliers are offering 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. More information is available at: Clean Export Tariff - Commission for Regulation of Utilities (cru.ie) In Q3 of this year the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) will consult on an implementation plan for the Clean Export Premium (CEP) tariff, a guaranteed export tariff support for new installations which is fixed for 15 years for non-domestic applicants for installations greater than 6.0kW up to 50kW in size. The Climate Action Plan commits to the development of a support scheme for small-scale generators (SSG) above 50kW to support the deployment of rooftop and ground-mounted solar PV that is expected to come into effect in 2023. A public consultation on proposed design elements of the SSG scheme is currently running until the 29th September 2022: www.gov.ie/en/consultation/353f2-consultation-on-a-small-scale-generation-support-scheme-ssg-in-ireland/

Question No. 76 answered with Question No. 57.

Question No. 77 answered with Question No. 71.

Local Authorities

Ceisteanna (78)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

78. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the totality of grant aid and-or subsidy provided to each local authority in 2019, 2020, 2021 and to date in 2022 (details supplied). [42826/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

My Department provides funding to local authorities for a large range of programmes, schemes and initiatives across its remit. This includes funding which contributes to the achievement of our climate and energy goals such as community energy projects, retrofitting, community climate action, and environmental projects such as a range of waste, dumping and anti-litter initiatives. Details of funding provided to local authorities for the years requested is currently being compiled by my Department and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Electricity Generation

Ceisteanna (79)

Ged Nash

Ceist:

79. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his views on a policy issue raised by a person (details supplied) pertaining to microgeneration; when the scheme to allow microgenerators to sell up to 30% of excess electricity produced for export to the national grid will be in place; the price at which the electricity will be sold; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42845/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

Smart meters are available through your supplier or through ESB Networks (ESBN). Their installation is not dependent on having signed up to a Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) tariff with any supplier . More information is available at: ESB Networks Smart Meter Rollout. Micro-generators should apply to ESBN for an export grid connection in order to access the CEG. More information is available at: Micro-Generators (esbnetworks.ie). Suppliers are offering the 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. More information is available at: Clean Export Tariff - Commission for Regulation of Utilities (cru.ie). I understand that information on the CEG tariff is now available from all electricity suppliers.

Over 35,000 micro- and small-scale generators have successfully registered for export and almost 25,000 of this cohort have smart meters which means they are already accruing the value of the Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) tariff for their exported electricity, and payments will be backdated to the date of eligibility or 15 February 2022, whichever is the latest.The CRU has decided that suppliers will set their individual CEG tariffs on a competitive market basis. The CRU has asked suppliers to communicate their decision to their customers on when initial CEG payments will be made at the earliest opportunity. I understand that most suppliers have advertised their rates. The CRU advises customers to contact their supplier to obtain information on their supplier's CEG tariff arrangements.

Energy Policy

Ceisteanna (80)

Cian O'Callaghan

Ceist:

80. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the measures that are being taken to prepare for potential gas shortages this winter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42892/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

The National Energy Security Framework, which was approved by Government and published in April 2022, sets out Ireland’s response to our energy security needs in the context of the invasion of Ukraine and our specific national circumstances. Within that framework, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities has the role of overseeing emergency planning, along with having statutory responsibility to ensure security of electricity supply, which includes the operation of the Gas and Electricity Emergency Planning Group and the Gas and Electricity Emergency Response Teams.

As part of our work under the Framework, Ireland has been engaging with other Member States on energy security through the formal EU bodies, including the European Energy Council, the Gas Coordination Group and the Electricity Coordination Group.

Gas supplies from Russia to Europe have been severely reduced over the last year and continue to be a cause for concern for Europe’s energy security. The continued supply of natural gas to Ireland has not to date, been reduced or interrupted as a result of the war in Ukraine. Ireland imports around three quarters of its natural gas from the UK with the remainder from the Corrib field. The UK has a diverse supply of gas including indigenous UK gas, Norwegian gas, Liquefied Natural Gas terminals in the UK, gas storage and via interconnectors with Belgium and the Netherlands. However, it is important we are prepared for every eventuality.

The National Energy Security Framework highlights the need to “review and test oil, natural gas and electricity emergency plans and procedures against scenarios of escalating severity in the context of the war in Ukraine and its impacts”. An oil emergency exercise was performed in May 2022, and separate gas and electricity emergency plans are tested on an annual basis. This year a coordinated gas and electricity emergency plan is being tested which includes oil due to its important role as a secondary fuel for gas-fired generation plants.

Energy Usage

Ceisteanna (81)

Cian O'Callaghan

Ceist:

81. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the measures that are being taken to reduce electricity and gas consumption where possible this winter to protect the national supply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42895/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

The crisis in Ukraine has brought into sharp focus the EU and Ireland’s reliance on fossil fuel imports. We must continue to accelerate the clean energy transition, focussing on energy efficiency and renewable energies. The best way to secure our energy needs is to continue to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy. Climate Action Plan 2021 sets us on a pathway to reduce our reliance on imported fossil fuels dramatically by 2030. The RePowerEU Plan launched by the European Commission on 8 March 2022 sets out a plan to make Europe independent from Russian fossil fuels well before 2030 in light of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. This communication sets out new actions to ramp up the production of green energy, diversify supplies and reduce demand, focusing primarily on gas, which significantly influences the electricity market and where the global market is less liquid.

The National Energy Security Framework sets out Ireland’s response to our energy security needs in the context of the invasion of Ukraine and our specific national circumstances. The Framework sets out Ireland's response across a number of themes including "Reducing our dependency on imported fossil fuels". A number of specific measures have been put in place to deliver upon this ambition across heating,  retrofitting, the public sector and the roll-out of the smart meter programme.

A public information campaign - Reduce Your Use - is being delivered to inform the public about the actions they can take to contribute to the national effort to reduce demand for energy and save money. The campaign will empower people to reduce their energy use and encourage long-term sustainable behaviour.

Question No. 82 answered with Question No. 72.

Environmental Policy

Ceisteanna (83)

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

83. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will outline the plans to increase the number of staff within the integrated pollution control licensing section of the Environmental Protection Agency given the Government's strategy to decarbonise industry and meet climate targets and in view the current delays which are leading to an approximate timeline of two years at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42912/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

The Environmental Protection Agency is the competent authority for granting and enforcing industrial and waste licences and is independent in the exercise of its licensing functions. Accordingly, the Agency is responsible for allocating the appropriate staffing resources and finances to ensure that it can fulfil its licensing obligations.

Departmental Strategies

Ceisteanna (84)

Steven Matthews

Ceist:

84. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the steps he will take to investigate support mechanisms for homeowners who record actionable levels of radon in their properties that require remediation. [42946/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications (Deputy Eamon Ryan)

Radon gas is recognised as a serious threat to public health and estimated to be responsible for approximately 350 cases of lung cancer annually in Ireland. In response to this issue, the Government established a National Radon Control Strategy (NRCS). The Strategy is now in its second phase covering the period 2019 to 2024.  Implementation of the Strategy is overseen by an interdepartmental and agency Group chaired by my Department.

While there are currently no financial supports in place in respect of radon testing or remediation works the development of such a scheme is one of the action points for the next phase of the NRCS which will run until 2024.

Energy Policy

Ceisteanna (85)

Paul Murphy

Ceist:

85. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will request all electricity producing companies on the island of Ireland to cease the burning of all fuels in ten years' time and to instead use Ireland’s natural resources, that is, wind, wave and solar; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42982/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

The Climate Action Plan 2021 provides a detailed plan for taking decisive action to achieve a 51% reduction in overall greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and setting us on a path to reach net-zero emissions by no later than 2050, as committed to in the Programme for Government. It will put Ireland on a more sustainable path; cut emissions; create a cleaner, greener economy and society; and protect us from the devastating consequences of climate change.  

For the electricity sector, the plan sets a target to increasing the share of electricity demand generated from renewable sources to up to 80%. The Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) is one of the major Government policies to help deliver on this ambition. The first projects from RESS 1 started commercial operation by the end of 2021. I recently announced the provisional results of the second RESS auction (RESS 2). My Department is also finalising the terms and conditions on the first of three planned auctions this decade for the offshore Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (ORESS). A roadmap of future auctions which sets out the indicative timelines and volumes for onshore and offshore auctions over the coming decade was published in December 2021.

In order to facilitate this level of renewable generation, a number of complementary targets have been set across the sector including greater interconnection, reinforced grid infrastructure, increased demand side response and renewable gas delivery. The plan also identifies that Ireland needs to deliver circa 2 GW of new flexible gas-fired power stations in support of a high variable renewable electricity system.

Waste Management

Ceisteanna (86)

Paul Murphy

Ceist:

86. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will request the packaging industry to ban the production, manufacture and use of single-use plastics apart from medical supplies use and develop an environmentally friendly alternative within the same period. [42983/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications

The Circular Economy and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2022 provides the power to introduce environmental levies and bans on certain single-use disposable items where suitable re-usable alternatives are, or could be made, readily available.   These items include single-use cups, containers and packaging. The initial focus will be the introduction of a levy on single-use disposable cups and draft regulations will issue for public consultation shortly. Further levies and bans can be introduced over time, but only following detailed analysis and consultation with all stakeholders and the public. The phasing in of measures in this way will allow industry to adapt to more sustainable business models.

A number of measures aimed at significantly reducing the amount of single-use plastics being placed on the Irish market are already in place. The Single Use Plastics Regulations 2021 includes outright bans on a number of single-use items, labelling requirements for certain products and the introduction of a number of new Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes. 

In addition, the Waste Directive Regulations 2020 introduced a new requirement for collective EPR schemes to “eco” modulate the financial contributions paid by producers. The provision incentivises producers to design products that contribute to waste prevention and facilitate recycling by taking into account their durability, reparability, re-usability and their recyclability. Essentially, recyclable packaging incurs lower fees than non-recyclable packaging; penalising non-recyclable composites and over-packaging. Since July 2021, Repak, Ireland’s packaging EPR scheme, is implementing this approach for plastics and will extend to all packaging from next year. 

Energy Policy

Ceisteanna (87)

Catherine Connolly

Ceist:

87. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when the review of the energy security of Ireland’s gas and electricity systems will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43000/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

My Department is carrying out a review of the energy security of Ireland's gas and electricity systems which is focused on the period to 2030 but in the context of reaching net zero emissions by 2050. This review considers potential risks to both our natural gas and electricity supplies and examines a range of measures to mitigate these risks. My Department has received the final technical analysis to inform the review and I expect a consultation to launch in the coming weeks. The public consultation will help inform the review and the outcome of the review will be brought to Government for its consideration.

Energy Prices

Ceisteanna (88)

Bríd Smith

Ceist:

88. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will clarify the position in relation to the previous scheme of support for electricity bills and specifically the position of some Traveller sites without individual supply; if the funding given to those individuals in these sites which was taken from an accommodation budget has or will be reimbursed to that fund from his Department; if he will further clarify whether alternative arrangements are in place to deal with this in the case of any future support scheme on electricity costs being implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43029/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

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) has been applied to all domestic electricity accounts through April, May and June, including prepay meters. The scheme is operated by the Distribution System Operator (ESB Networks) and electricity suppliers with oversight by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities. This was an exceptional measure which used the single eligibility criterion of an electricity meter point registration number (MPRN), to ensure payments to each domestic electricity account as early as possible this year, without any additional means testing. The payment has been applied to domestic electricity accounts i.e. those 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.Officials from my Department are in contact with their colleagues in the Department of Housing, Heritage and Local Government on the matter raised by the Deputy.

Inland Fisheries

Ceisteanna (89)

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

89. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question No. 248 of 12 July 2022, if the inquiry into Inland Fisheries Ireland has been completed; if he has received a copy of the report; if he will publish the report when completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43047/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

The review of the Board of Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) under section 18 off the Inland Fisheries Act 2010 has been completed and the associated report has been received in my Department.The report and recommendations made therein are currently under consideration. Once I have completed my consideration of the report, my Department will write to the Chair and Chief Executive of Inland Fisheries Ireland to communicate the findings.

National Broadband Plan

Ceisteanna (90)

Steven Matthews

Ceist:

90. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the position regarding homes that are not covered under the National Broadband Ireland roll-out but cannot avail of sufficient broadband cover on the private market due to their location; if provisions are in place to assist homeowners in this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43084/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications

The High Speed Broadband Map, which is available at www.broadband.gov.ie, indicates the areas which are included in the National Broadband Plan (NBP) state led intervention as well as areas targeted by commercial operators. The map is colour coded and searchable by address and eircode. Premises in the AMBER area will be provided with high speed broadband through the state led intervention, the contract for which was signed in November 2019 with National Broadband Ireland (NBI).  The BLUE area represents those areas where commercial providers are either currently delivering or have plans to deliver high speed broadband services.

Since 2013, the Department has engaged in an extensive Mapping Process to map broadband availability across Ireland, in order to identify which geographic areas already have, or will have, access to Next Generation Access (NGA) broadband services, i.e. a broadband service delivering at least 30Mbps download speeds and which areas required intervention from the state.  The mapping process included a number of public consultations conducted over a six year period from 2013 to 2019.  The most recent public consultation was in November 2019, which aimed to finalise the NBP Map in advance of signing the NBP contract. This public consultation confirmed the existing and planned coverage of NGA broadband services across Ireland. It relied on the most up to date information available, shared by commercial operators, of their existing and planned broadband services.

My Department defines high speed broadband as a connection with minimum speeds of 30Mbps download and 6Mbps upload.  Under State aid rules, my Department is not permitted to displace commercial investment by intervening in areas where commercial investment exists or is planned, as to do so would be an infringement of these state aid rules.

The activities of commercial operators delivering high speed broadband within BLUE areas are not planned or funded by the state and my department has no statutory authority to intervene in that regard.  Complaints about service provision are a matter to be dealt with between the consumer and the service provider in the first instance. If this avenue has been exhausted without a satisfactory resolution, the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) may be able to assist further. ComReg is the independent body that issues licences to broadband service providers and investigates complaints to ensure that companies are delivering services in line with their licence obligations.

Ministerial Staff

Ceisteanna (91)

Carol Nolan

Ceist:

91. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the expenses paid to ministerial advisers in his Department in each of the years 2020, 2021 and to date in 2022, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43152/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

The Information requested by in the Question is outlined in the table below.

Minister Richard Bruton	No. Special Advisers	Expenses Paid
2020	2	€20.60
MoS Sean Canney	No. Special Advisers	Expenses Paid
2020	1	€0
Minister Eamon Ryan	No. Special Advisers	Expenses Paid
2020 (27/6/20- 31/12/20)	3	€0
Minister Eamon Ryan	No. Special Advisers	Expenses Paid
2021	3	€0
Minister Eamon Ryan	No. Special Advisers	Expenses Paid
2022 to date	3	€4,788.96

The 3 advisors referenced above for 2020, 2021 and 2022 work across the portfolio of both this Department as well as that of the Department of Transport. As the payment is through the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications, all are included in this response.

All payments are made in line with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform Ministerial Appointments and expenses circular and guidelines.

Renewable Energy Generation

Ceisteanna (92)

Darren O'Rourke

Ceist:

92. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the actions that the Government is taking to develop Ireland’s wave and tidal energy industries; the estimated level of MW power identified for both of these energies off Ireland’s coasts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43178/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

Due to Ireland’s peripheral location at the edge of the Atlantic, with a sea area of 490,000 square kilometres that is approximately 7 times its landmass, Ireland has considerable, but as yet undeveloped, offshore renewable energy (ORE) potential.

In 2014, the first Offshore Renewable Energy Development Plan identified 27.5-31.1GW potential developable wave resource, in both shallow (10m to 100m depth) and deeper water (100m to 200m depth). In comparison, the overall potential tidal energy resource is much more constrained, ranging between 1.5GW to 3GW. Work on a revised Offshore Renewable Energy Development Plan (OREDPII) has been initiated by my Department. As part of the OREDPII process, revised estimates are being prepared to consider changes to wave and tidal technologies since 2014. The OREDPII will also guide strategic decision-making on ORE development post-2030, providing an evidence base for the identification of the most suitable areas for the sustainable development of fixed and floating wind, wave, and tidal technologies in the Irish Exclusive Economic Zone, while also considering other maritime activities and marine biodiversity.

Government is supporting the development of Ireland’s ORE industries. From a regulatory perspective, the National Marine Planning Framework, published in 2021, brings together all marine-based human activities for the first time, outlining the government’s vision, objectives and marine planning policies for each marine activity, including ORE. The Maritime Area Planning Act 2021 provides the legal underpinning to an entirely new marine planning system, which will balance harnessing our huge offshore wind potential while protecting our rich and unique marine environment.

Furthermore, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) offers a number of supports to the wave and tidal energy industries, including a joint SEAI-UCC industry access programme that provides fully-funded access to the UCC MaREI Lir National Ocean Test Facility, and calls for Research Development and Demonstration Funding.

Energy Usage

Ceisteanna (93)

James Lawless

Ceist:

93. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will examine an issue regarding energy usage (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43279/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

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.

As part of the implementation of the Climate Action Plan and National Retrofit Plan, the Government recently announced 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 and lower emissions. Included in these measures was 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 heat pump. Full details on the range of supports available can be found at www.seai.ie.

It is recommended that gas boilers are serviced once a year to ensure that they run more efficiently. This can significantly lower household running costs when the system is in full use during the colder months. Servicing should only be carried out by a Registered Gas Installer (RGI). There are no plans to introduce grant support for the repairing of gas boilers.