Written Answers Nos. 62-85
62. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide details of the nominating bodies and appointees to the early years service joint labour committee. [47749/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraRepresentative members are, in accordance with Section 2 of the Fifth Schedule to the Industrial Relations Act, 1990, appointed to all Joint Labour Committees (JLC’s) by the Labour Court. The Labour Court carries out its functions in this regard independently of the Minister and Government. The Minister nominates an independent Chair and Deputy Chair.
The Labour Court, before appointing representative members to a JLC, is required by section 3 of the fifth schedule to the 1990 Act, as far as is reasonably practical, to consult any organisation of employers or, as the case may be, workers concerned.
I understand that the Court has appointed six representative members to this JLC who, in the opinion of the Court, represent employers in relation to whom the committee is to operate. I also understand that the Court has appointed an equal number of representative members to this JLC who, in the opinion of the Court, represent workers in relation to whom the committee is to operate.
I understand that the persons currently standing appointed to the JLC by the Court are:
|
Alec Flood |
Employer representative member |
Deborah Reynolds |
Worker representative member |
|
Regina Bushell |
Employer representative member |
Elish Balfe |
Worker representative member |
|
Dearbhla Cox |
Employer representative member |
Timms Crotty-Quinlan |
Worker representative member |
|
Conor Ryan |
Employer representative member |
Amy Dowd |
Worker representative member |
|
Darragh Whelan |
Employer representative member |
Diane Jackson |
Worker representative member |
|
Elaine Dunne |
Employer representative member |
Darragh O’Connor |
Worker representative member |
It is my understanding that five Employer Representative members were identified to the Court by IBEC and one such member was identified to the Court by the FECP (the Federation of Early Childhood Providers)
I also understand that six Worker Representative members were identified to the Court by ICTU.
63. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will extend the remit of the eligible countries for work permits in order to attract bus drivers from third countries, given the acute shortage of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47818/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland operates a managed employment permits system maximising the benefits of economic migration and minimising the risk of disrupting Ireland’s labour market. The regime is designed to accommodate the arrival of non-EEA nationals to fill skills and labour gaps for the benefit of our economy, in the short to medium term, and is managed through the operation of the Critical Skills and Ineligible Occupations Lists which determine roles that are either in critical short supply or are ineligible for an employment permit. The system is vacancy led and eligibility is not determined by either sector or country of origin.
The role of Bus Driver is on the Ineligible Occupations List and, as such, an employment permit cannot be granted for this occupation.
Issues relating to mutual recognition and validation of driving licences should be addressed to the Department of Transport and the Road Safety Authority who have policy responsibility for this sector.
64. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if a State agency has been granted work permits for drivers from a third country (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47819/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Employment Permits Section of my Department informs me that there are no permit applications in the system in respect of the company concerned for drivers from the country specified. In the past, however my Department issued 6 permits for the role of driver in respect of the nationality concerned, the most recent having issued in 2009.
The role of a bus driver is currently listed on the Ineligible List of Occupations for Employment Permits, positions in respect of which an employment permit shall not be granted. Details of the Ineligible List of Occupations for Employment Permits is available on the Department's website and can be accessed through this link: Ineligible List of Occupations - DETE (enterprise.gov.ie).
The role of a HGV driver is an eligible occupation for an employment permit provided the legislative criteria for the permit type is met and the individual concerned is in possession of a valid CE or C1E driving licence. Information in relation to HGV drivers is also available on the Department's website through this link: Employment Permits for HGV Drivers - DETE (enterprise.gov.ie).
65. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the length of time an application has been with his Department (details supplied); when it is going to be finalised in view of the current energy crisis in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46980/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe application referred to in the question was received 28 March 2022 and is under consideration by my Department. As is the case for any such application, it is assessed against a number of criteria, including the technical competence of the applicant and the financial resources available to it in order to undertake the work programme and any other commitments pursuant to the relevant petroleum authorisation. It is important to note that this assessment process is informed only by financial and technical considerations and not by energy security or broader energy policy matters.
My Department does not publish information on individual applications for authorisations whilst they are under consideration.
66. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the channels through which persons with turbary rights can continue to sell turf beyond the end of October 2022; the financial supports that will be made available to self-employed persons whose livelihood is wholly dependent on turf sales; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47623/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe new regulations on the sale of solid fuels for domestic heating in Ireland will take effect from 31 October 2022. They will 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 and to assist the public in transitioning to less polluting alternatives. There are no financial supports planned for any sector distributing solid fuels which are subject to the standards and provisions provided for in the new regulations.Enhanced measures are required to improve air quality and protect public 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. The regulations are a critical element of addressing this public health and environmental challenge and will serve to improve the quality of the air that we breathe, and the health of the public that we serve. People with turbary rights and all other customary practices in respect of turf will be unaffected by the regulations. They will continue to be able to cut turf for their own use and will retain the ability to gift or sell turf provided this is not done by way of the internet or other media, or from a retail premises (including shops, garages and filling stations, fuel yards, and public houses and other public places). All other channels will remain open to them.
67. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide details on the resourcing and staffing of the Environmental Protection Agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47634/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2022 the EPA is expected to draw down Exchequer funding of €51 million and has an approved staffing level of 454.
68. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his views on the future of the waste-to-energy sector in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47635/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra69. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his views on whether further subsidies for the waste-to-energy sector will be necessary to facilitate a route to market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47636/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra70. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his views on the appointment of a regulator for the waste-to-energy sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47637/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 68 to 70, inclusive, together.
While there are no plans to introduce subsidies specifically directed at the waste to energy sector, the Renewable Energy Support Scheme (RESS) presents a possible route to market for renewable generators and is technology neutral. The RESS is open for participation to waste to energy projects. However, to date no waste to energy projects have applied to the scheme as the €120 price cap in the auction likely makes the RESS an unviable prospect for that particular technology. The use of waste heat in district heating is supported by the 2018 Energy Efficiency Directive and district heating has an important role to play in improving energy efficiency and reducing emissions. The waste to energy sector offers potential as a heat provider for district heating projects, as can be seen from the proposed Dublin District Heating System, which will take waste heat from the Dublin Waste to Energy plant and pipe it into homes and businesses in the Poolbeg, Ringsend and docklands areas of Dublin city. My Department has been progressing the matter of the regulation of district heat networks as an essential basis for its expansion and S.I. No. 350/2022 - European Union (Renewable Energy) Regulations (2) 2022 now designates the Commission for Regulation of Utilities as the Regulator of District Heat Networks. Furthermore, a District Heating Steering Group was established earlier this year and has met on eight occasion so far. Among other things, the Steering Group will oversee research to inform Government policy on district heating going forward. This will include mapping heat demand together with identifying potential heat sources including those from the waste to energy sector.
71. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide an update on the development of a national hydrogen strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47638/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraTo inform the development of a hydrogen strategy for Ireland, stakeholder views were sought on the broad landscape of potential hydrogen supply, infrastructure, storage, and demand in Ireland, as well as the potential export opportunities for hydrogen. The consultation paper set out various areas of interest to be considered in the development of the hydrogen strategy and invited stakeholders’ responses on specific questions to be answered in this regard. Preparation of the strategy document has begun, with a view to publication of the strategy before year-end. Analysis is ongoing of the 122 responses that were received during the public consultation and the submission from the Joint Committee on Environment and Climate Action.
72. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his views on a recovery levy as it relates to the landfill levy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47639/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraSection 29 of the Circular Economy Act 2022 provides for the introduction of a recovery levy, in line with the commitment set out in the Waste Action Plan for A Circular Economy, published in September 2020. My officials are now working on the development of supporting secondary legislation to allow for the introduction of the levy in early 2023. The final amount of the levy is to be determined but the landfill levy will be increased commensurately so as to avoid incentivising disposal to landfill which is at the bottom of the waste hierarchy.
73. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his views on the exemption of some waste products under the landfill levy that can be used in energy production; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47640/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Waste Action Plan for A Circular Economy (WAPCE) sets out a commitment to 'analyse the impact of the landfill levy exemption for bio-waste and whether it should be removed’. A working group has recently been established to progress this matter and will complete its work in Q1 2023. There is currently no plan to review other landfill levy exemptions.
74. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he proposes to introduce a ban on the installation of new oil and gas boilers in existing homes as early as 2025; the way this will work in practice for homeowners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47663/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Energy Security Framework (NESF) provides a single overarching and initial response to address Ireland’s energy security needs in the context of the war in Ukraine. It coordinates work connected to energy security across the electricity, gas and oil sectors and sets out a ‘whole-of-Government’ response to the challenges posed to energy security and energy affordability. The Framework takes into account the need to decarbonise our society and economy as set out in recent reports by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and Ireland’s targets to reduce emissions by 51% over the decade to 2030 and reach net zero emissions by 2050 as set out in the Climate Action Plan 2021.
Under Response 17 of the NESF, the Government committed to building on the detailed sectoral analysis of the National Heat Study to develop proposals for regulatory options to accelerate the phase-out of fossil fuels for space and water heating in all new buildings, with limited exemptions such as industrial processes. This reflects the ambitions already set out Action 183 of the Climate Action Plan 2021.
The National Heat Study, published by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) in February 2022, is a comprehensive analysis of the options for reaching net zero emissions from the heating sector by 2050 and contains the detailed analysis that will inform the development of options, policies and measures to decarbonise the heating and cooling sectors to 2050. All options are currently under consideration, including the requirement to ensure a just transition to any alternative heat sources. As a consequence, there has been no commitment made thus far by Government to phase out oil and gas boilers in existing homes by 2025.
75. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he intends to amend the feed-in tariff (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47664/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraResponsibility for the regulation of the Electricity market is a matter for the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU), which is an independent regulator accountable to a committee of the Oireachtas. The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) published a decision for the Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) tariff which outlines arrangements for implementation of the tariff, including eligibility criteria and remuneration methodology. As part of this, the CRU decided that suppliers will set their individual CEG tariffs on a competitive market basis which must be reflective of the market, or wholesale, value of the electricity, in line with the requirements of Article 21(2)(d) of the recast Renewable Energy Directive. I am aware that suppliers have published a range of CEG tariffs from €13.5c/kWh up to €20c/kWh which allows customers to shop around and switch suppliers to obtain the best rates for selling and purchasing electricity. I understand that the CRU propose to undertake a review of the Interim CEG arrangements after one year, including analysis of export tariffs to ensure that remuneration reflects market value, as required by the Renewables Energy Directive (RED II) and the Irish legislation which transposes RED II. It is important to note that maximising the consumption of self-generated renewable electricity will provide the most benefit to offset rising electricity costs, as well as shorten the payback period for the micro-generation investment. This can be achieved by actively matching home energy use against the peak generating times of your Solar PV system, whenever possible. Thereafter this can be supplemented with the CEG payment for excess renewable electricity exported to the grid. CRU provides a dedicated email address for Oireachtas members, which enables them to raise questions on general energy regulatory matters to CRU at oireachtas@cru.ie for timely direct reply.
76. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the grants, if any, that are available for a house (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47684/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 level and the installation of 400,000 heat pumps in existing homes 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% of the cost of a typical deep retrofit to a B2 BER standard (up from 30%-35% grants currently).
- Establishment of a network of registered One Stop Shops to offer a new, start-to-finish project management service, including access to financing, for home energy upgrades.
- Increases in grant levels for certain measures under the Better Energy Home scheme and Community Energy Grant scheme in line with those in the new Scheme.
- 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.
These grants are available to homeowners for upgrading older developments, subject to certain criteria. More detailed information on the different routes available to homeowners planning a home energy upgrade can be found on the SEAI website at: www.seai.ie/grants/.
77. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the reason the persons who are living in stone-constructed homes are being refused the warmer homes scheme; the steps he is taking to permit some remediation measures on such homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47687/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 line with the Scheme guidelines and technical guidance, the Warmer Homes Scheme does not support insulation works on homes older than 1940, traditional or older buildings, specifically stone, random rubble and single-leaf brick walls.
Older stone-build buildings (generally those built up until around the 1940s) usually fall into the category of traditionally built buildings. Such stone-built structures were designed to be vapour permeable. It is important that the materials and techniques used in energy efficiency upgrades of such buildings are suitable for the buildings in question including for use with vapour permeable construction where applicable. For example, a stone wall with lime-based mortar will need a lime-based plaster render to remain vapour permeable. Otherwise vapour becomes trapped leading to problems which can cause harm to the building and its occupants.
SEAI support the insulation of buildings using materials and products which are appropriate and have been determined fit for use in the Irish climate by National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI). SEAI has no role in the certification of products used in Ireland but is aware that very old homes which are constructed using stone and lime-based mortar are more complicated to insulate for the reasons outlined above.
To support the proper upgrade of traditional buildings a new technical Guidance Document - “Energy Efficiency in Traditional Buildings” is being developed led by the Department of Housing Local Government and Heritage. My Department and the SEAI are participating in the steering group overseeing the project. The objective is to finalise the guidance having regard to submissions received in the pubic consultation with a view to publishing it this year. Once available this guidance will be an important resource to support contractors in the appropriate energy efficiency upgrade and renovation of older stone-build buildings while ensuring compliance with the appropriate building regulations.
78. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he plans to address the matter of energy suppliers and the extortionate standing charges that in some cases have increased dramatically, given many tens of thousands of smart meters are currently being installed, which should lower any standing charge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47693/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe unprecedented increase and volatility in international wholesale gas market prices has continued as a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. This in turn has led to increases in energy bills given the link between the wholesale price of gas and electricity prices.
The electricity and gas retail markets in Ireland operate within a European Union regulatory regime wherein electricity and gas markets are commercial, liberalised, and competitive. Operating within this overall EU framework, responsibility for the regulation of the electricity and gas markets, including the matters raised by the Deputy, is solely a matter for the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU), which was assigned responsibility for the regulation of the Irish electricity and gas markets following the enactment of the Electricity Regulation Act (ERA), 1999. The CRU is an independent statutory regulator and is accountable for the performance of its functions to the Oireachtas, and not to me as Minister. In line with long standing policy on deregulating price setting, CRU ended its regulation of retail prices in the electricity market in 2011, and in the gas market in 2014. Given that prices are no longer regulated, they are set by all suppliers as entirely commercial and operational matters by them. Each such company has its own different approach to pricing decisions over time, in accordance with factors such as their overall company strategic direction and developments in their cost base.
The National Smart Metering Programme will roll out and install 2.3 million meters by 2025 and in the process make available new products and services to energy consumers. It is co-ordinated by the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities (CRU) with ESB Networks (ESBN) delivering the electricity meter rollout.
The meter rollout is taking place on a phased basis, with around 40,000 meters installed monthly and over 950,000 smart meters installed to date to mainly domestic and small commercial customers. This means that the smart metering programme is now reaching a critical mass of installations. The next step will be for customers to be able to access their metering data directly from ESB Networks through a customer portal which is due to become available in November. This will be an important step in the process of activating the benefits of smart metering. The CRU provides a dedicated email address for Oireachtas members, which enables them raise questions on energy regulatory matters, such as the matter raised in this question, to CRU at oireachtas@cru.ie for timely direct reply.
79. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the way persons who require a constant power supply for life-saving home treatments or persons with serious medical conditions or disabilities can obtain guarantees from their energy provider that their homes will not experience electricity blackouts this winter; the measures that are being taken to alleviate these concerns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47714/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Commission of Regulation of Utilities (CRU), 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 people in the situations referred to by the Deputies would appear eligible to be registered as vulnerable customers. A vulnerable customer is defined as a household customer who is critically dependent on electrically powered equipment, which includes, but is not limited to, life protecting devices, assistive technologies to support independent living and medical equipment or who is particularly vulnerable to disconnection during the winter months for reasons of advanced age or physical, sensory, intellectual or mental health. It is important that people who are in such a situation contact their energy supplier to register with them as a vulnerable customer. Their electricity supplier will then notify ESB Networks. ESBN maintains a Vulnerable Customer Register based on the information provided to them by suppliers. Furthermore, the CRU has in place a range of protections against disconnection that are set out in the Supplier Handbook. Vulnerable customers registered as being critically dependent on electrically powered assistive devices cannot be disconnected for reasons of non-payment at any time.
80. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the average cost of grid connection for farmers intending to take part in the microgeneration support scheme to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47764/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraGrid connections for up to 6kW (single phase, usually domestic) and up to 11kW (three phase, usually small farm or commercial settings) follow ESB Network’s simple and free of charge "Inform and Fit" process, using the Microgeneration Installation notification form (NC6). This is normally completed and submitted by your registered Solar PV or Safe Electric installer. ESB Networks introduced a new pilot grid connection application process for generators between 6kW and 50kW on 17 December 2021, costing approximately €1,000. Customers can apply by submitting the Mini-Generation Application Form (NC7). This initial phase of the pilot process has been completed and approximately 150 applications are being processed by ESBN. A second phase of the pilot is underway since 1 July 2022 and will run for six months, enabling a further 500 Mini-Generation applications to be processed. Learnings from the pilot phases will be taken into account in advance of the role out of the enduring process. As of 9th September, ESB Networks has processed 39,912 NC6 applications (the average installation is ~3kW , giving a total of ~120MW of microgeneration installations on the network) and 143 NC7 applications as part of pilot 1 and is awaiting customer declaration installation certificates from a number of customers. There is a total of 5.7MWs under mini-gen pilot 1. As of the same date, ESB Networks has received a further 320 NC7 applications as part of pilot 2, which are currently being processed. There is a total of 9.5MWs under mini-gen pilot 2.
81. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications targets that apply to the adoption of solar energy; the targets as they relate to farmers and agriculture; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47765/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraTo facilitate switching to renewable energy sources I bought forward the final design of the Micro-Generation Support Scheme (MSS) which was approved by the Government in December 2021. The MSS is targeting support for 380MW of installed micro-generation capacity, to contribute to the revised target of up to 5.5GW of solar renewables by 2030 under the Climate Action Plan and the recent Government agreement on sectoral emissions ceilings. This includes over 60,000 small microgeneration connections less than 6 KW and 10,000 connections between 6 kW and 50 kW. Overall, this will play an important role in creating opportunities for domestic, school, farming and small commercial customers to take the first steps towards investment in renewable technologies, by generating and consuming their own electricity; which in turn can play a key role in shaping electricity demand and decarbonising homes and businesses. The MSS provides capital grants for both domestic applicants and non-domestic applicants, such as farms, for solar PV installations up to 6.0kW primarily for self-consumption. Grant levels up to a maximum of €2,400 are available and are administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). Businesses, including farms, will benefit most when they consume electricity on site from their own micro-generation. Shorter payback periods are available by matching generation with on-site demand; and with the Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) tariff now available, investments in microgeneration can be further supplemented with payments for excess renewable electricity exported to the grid. The Climate Action Plan also commits to the development of a support scheme for small-scale generation (above 50kW). This scheme will enable larger businesses, farms and community projects to maximise their participation in the energy transition. The design of the scheme is being progressed, with a public consultation process open until 13th October.
82. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if groups of farmers are prohibited from bidding jointly in the renewable electricity support scheme; if he has considered modifying such parameters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47766/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) is the primary policy for the delivery of renewable electricity in a sustainable, cost effective and secure framework, in the context of Ireland’s up to 80% renewable electricity target by 2030.
RESS includes a dedicated community category developed specifically to allow communities and citizens to participate in and benefit from the development of renewable electricity generation.
There are a number of eligibility criteria to participate in RESS competitions, including; planning consents, specific technologies, site control and grid connection. Any application into the RESS must be associated with a single RESS project at a contiguous or near-contiguous site which is primarily driven by grid connection arrangements.
The management of and arrangements for connections to the electricity grid is a matter for EirGrid and ESB Networks under rules determined by the Commission for Regulation Utilities (CRU).
83. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he intends to conduct a review of legislation with regard to direct line energy connections between renewable energy sources such as on-farm solar to meet local demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47767/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Climate Action Plan 2021 includes a commitment to review the policy position on the development of private networks/direct lines (Action 115). A consultation paper on policy options for private wires was due to be published in Q1 of this year. Unfortunately, the consultation has been delayed, however work on progressing this matter is ongoing within my Department and a consultation will issue shortly.I appreciate that private wires/direct lines are an issue that is of interest and importance to many stakeholders. Publishing a consultation and, ultimately, providing a clear policy position on the issue of private wires/direct lines is a priority for my Department. My officials look forward to engaging with interested stakeholders as they continue to develop this important policy area.
84. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of former employees of the Department of Posts and Telegraphs prior to its separation into An Post and Telecom Éireann who can check if their pension contributions yield any pension benefits; if they can recover pension contributions from their years at the State body; and the agency and body responsible for the administration of such funds and queries. [47781/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 1st January 1984, “Vesting Day”, the Department of Posts and Telegraphs was disbanded and 2 limited companies were formed, namely An Post and An Bord Telecom.
Staff of the Department of Posts and Telegraphs had 3 options:
1. They could remain as civil servants and accept transfers to another existing government Departments;
2. They could remain and become employees of An Post or An Bord Telecom; or
3. They could opt into a redundancy arrangement. Those that selected this option retained their civil service status and were entitled to a preserved civil service pension on reaching minimum retirement age.
The National Shared Services Office administer the pensions for ex P&T staff at group 3 above as well as any employees who left employment in the Department of Posts and Telegraphs prior to 1 January 1984.
All queries relating to pensions and preserved pension entitlements should be referred to Resignations and Retirements, National Shared Services Office, Block 5, Belfield Office Park, Beech Hill Road, Clonskeagh, Dublin 4, D04 A9P2.
The Group at 2 above i.e. anyone who became employees of An Post or An Bord Telecom and subsequently retired after 1 January 1984, became members of the Pension schemes for those companies, and should refer any queries to An Post or Eir as appropriate.
85. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will outline the terms and conditions of the new grant scheme for businesses installing solar panels; if businesses are prohibited from installing more than 6 kW of panels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47828/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Micro-generation Support Scheme (MSS) is targeting support for 380MW of installed micro-generation capacity, to contribute to the revised target of up to 5.5GW of solar renewables by 2030 under the Climate Action Plan and the recent Government agreement on sectoral emissions ceilings. This includes over 60,000 small microgeneration connections less than 6 KW and 10,000 connections between 6 kW and 50 kW. The first phase of the scheme, consisting of a Domestic solar PV grant, commenced on the 16th February and homeowners can apply to the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) for a grant towards the cost of installing solar PV equipment. In 2022 and 2023 the maximum grant is €2,400. The second phase of the scheme, announced on 22nd September, sees Solar PV grants being extended to the non-domestic sector, for installations up to and including 6 kW. Grants will also be administered by SEAI and are up to a maximum of €2,400. This new phase of the scheme provides an opportunity for small businesses, farms and community groups to not only reduce their electricity bills but to visibly demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and Ireland’s broader climate action goals. Moreover, with the recent introduction of the Clean Export Guarantee (CEG), any residual renewable electricity not consumed on the premises of these microgenerators is now eligible for an export payment; which further supports the investment. The final phase of the MSS will involve the introduction of a Clean Export Premium (CEP) feed-in tariff, to support non-domestic applicants for installation sizes greater than 6kWp up to 50kWp. The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) will consult on an implementation plan for the CEP tariff, which will consist of a guaranteed export tariff support for new installations, that is fixed for 15 years.
