Written Answers Nos. 47-77
47. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will seek an update on the provision of an advanced building solution in Drogheda's new IDA landbank; if he will seek a technical brief on the proposed development; the expected timelines for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48724/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2021 IDA Ireland acquired a new landbank at the Mell in Drogheda, Co Louth. This landbank will form part of IDA’s long term strategic plans to position Drogheda and the wider Mid-East region to compete for FDI investment.
Since acquiring the landbank IDA has undertaken an infrastructure review with respect to servicing considerations and how to best position the landbank to potential FDI investment opportunities.
IDA is committed to building an advanced building solution on the new lands. This building project is at concept review stage. A multi-disciplinary design team has been appointed by IDA and this review is ongoing and progressing well.
The timely provision of appropriate, cost-effective property and infrastructure solutions to meet the needs of MNCs remains essential to winning Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). IDA’s regional property programme ensures the continued supply of land, buildings and infrastructure in regional locations to meet the needs of current and prospective clients. A robust property and infrastructure ecosystem can be the key differentiator in winning FDI projects. IDA Ireland is pleased to have acquired these two landbanks enhancing the offering in the Mid-East. Over the last five years, IDA’s Regional Property Programme enabled the winning of capital-intensive projects of significant scale to regional locations. IDA will continue to work with commercial property developers and Local Authorities to market other property solutions across all regions where they exist.”
The FDI performance in the Mid-East Region, which comprises counties Kildare, Louth, Meath and Wicklow, has been strong over the past five years with employment growing among IDA clients within the Engineering & Industrial Technologies, Medical Technologies, Technology, International Financial Services and Life Sciences sectors. There are 103 IDA Ireland client companies in the Mid-East Region employing 18,894 people directly and an additional 15,115 indirect jobs supported. IDA Ireland client employment in the region grew by 5% in 2021 with an additional 933 net jobs created. In recent years, IDA Ireland supported companies including WUXI, Wasdell, Almac, PCI Pharma Services, Amazon Web Services and Simply NUC who have announced investments and expansions for Co. Louth which have driven the demand for property solutions.
48. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of persons within his Department who are working remotely on a part-time or full-time basis in County Clare in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48732/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment finalised its Blended Working policy on the 30th June 2022. The application process was subsequently opened on 12th September, and the Department has received 433 applications up to the 30th September. More are expected and the Department is currently processing these applications.
There are currently 11 officers working in our Office in Ennis, County Clare, with 2 vacant positions. Some of the officers would have occasion to work remotely from time to time given the nature of their duties (they conduct the business of the Workplace Relations Commission and include Labour Inspectors). The Officers are also eligible to apply for blended working.
My Department is currently processing applications for blended working, and will be in a position to provide statistics of the number of persons within my Department who are approved a blended working pattern in due course, including those within our Office in Ennis, County Clare. While applications are being processed, these statistics are not available.
49. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the details of any contracts or services procured by his Department with top security, including any that are subcontracted to top security; the value of such contracts since 2015 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48995/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department nor any of its Offices, which include the Companies Registration Office, the Intellectual Property Office of Ireland, the Labour Court and the Workplace Relations Commission, has not procured any services from the company referred to over the period concerned.
50. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if all his Department’s buildings have recycling arrangements in place; if not, the steps that are being taken to ensure that the recycling of workplace waste is facilitated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49556/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFor the past number of years there has been an extensive recycling regime across the buildings occupied by my Department and it’s Offices, which include the Companies Registration Office, the Intellectual Property Office of Ireland, the Labour Court and the Workplace Relations Commission.
Through a dedicated internal “Green Team”, and in conjunction with the facilities management units across the buildings, the recycling focus includes paper, cardboard, plastics, cans, glass and food/ compost waste.
My Department reports on waste consumption and associated recycling gains amongst a host of other green initiatives to the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications via the annual Resource Efficiency Action Plan (REAP) process.
51. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number and cost of each website that falls under his remit; the number of unique visitors per month to each website; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48714/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department’s digital content migrated to a central platform, gov.ie, in September 2020. As users, my officials receive monthly analytics reports from the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO), who have responsibility for the platform and its operations. My Department is not liable for any costs related to the operation of gov.ie. Across 2022, our average number of unique visitors, by month, was 108,968. Details of costs related to other websites maintained by my Department are currently being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
The information requested in relation to the agencies under the aegis of my Department is an operational matter for each agency. My Department will request the relevant agencies to reply directly to the Deputy with the information requested in respect of their organisations.
The following was received on 22 November 2022
|
Website |
Total Unique Visitors to date in 2022 |
Average Unique Visitors per month in 2022 |
Cost to the Department in 2022 |
|
www.ncsc.gov.ie |
150,366 |
16,393 |
€5,531 |
|
www.egovernance.ie |
991 |
108 |
|
|
www.explorationandmining.com |
5,770 |
629 |
€32,000.00 |
|
www.mineralsireland.ie |
21,544 |
2,349 |
|
|
www.gsi.ie |
401,103 |
43,728 |
|
|
www.gsishop.ie (temporarily closed due to CoviD19) |
0 |
0 |
|
|
gsiseabed.ie |
7,895 |
861 |
|
|
Total |
1,568,381 |
173,036 |
€37,531 |
52. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his Department has issued a directive or guidance to local authorities in respect of festive lights being erected in towns and cities across Ireland during the forthcoming Christmas period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48715/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Public Sector has a very strong track record in energy efficiency, having achieved the ambitious 2020 target of a 33% energy efficiency improvement, compared to an overall economy wide target of 20%. Given the ongoing situation in relation to energy prices and supply, there is now a concerted effort across the public sector to continue this leadership role in reducing energy use.
In line with the National Energy Security Framework, a ‘Reduce Your Use’ energy efficiency campaign is being delivered to public bodies by the SEAI and the OPW. Government recently took the decision that all public sector bodies will lead by example in lowering energy consumption and costs by signing up to implementing and commencing in September the SEAI / OPW campaign.
Public sector organisations are now implementing a number of measures including; setting temperatures to a guideline 19 degrees where appropriate, turning off heat in office buildings at least 1-2 hours before the building closes, ensuring no non-security/safety lighting is in use after 8:00pm, and organisations will also seek to reduce unnecessary lighting at other times.
While no directive has issued in respect of festive lights, there are existing examples of steps that have been taken in relation to festive lighting. For example, I am aware that the city centre business group Dublin Town, which operates Dublin’s Christmas lights intends to operate shorter hours than previous years, with the lights switching on at 4pm and off at 2am. It is expected that public sector organisations might consider this, and similar, examples of voluntary demand reduction in line with both national and European targets.
I will ask OPW and SEAI to actively promote this as a consistent approach in their role in coordinating energy efficiency across the Public Sector.
53. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of persons within his Department who are working remotely on a part-time or full-time basis in County Clare in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48733/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder Ag Obair Le Chéile – a comprehensive action plan for 2022 arising from our Statement of Strategy Le Chéile 23 - my Department is committed to developing its' organisational capacity and investing in staff to ensure they are equipped to meet future challenges. Embracing and implementing a Blended Working policy is part of my Department's key strategic actions and represents an opportunity to transform how the Department works and delivers results. It is envisaged that blended working will facilitate and drive the Department and staff to deliver on the Department's vision as set out in our Statement of Strategy Le Chéile 23 for a climate neutral, sustainable, and digitally connected Ireland. My Department’s formal blended working policy was developed in line with the Civil Service Framework for Blended Working and sets out blended working arrangements at minimum 2 days per week or 40% overall monthly office attendance, depending on business needs as determined by the Head of Function. The formal policy was launched in July 2022, and the application process has commenced 1st September 2022. All staff can apply, however, my Department has assessed the suitability for blended working of all roles in our organisation and identified a small number of roles where blended working is not feasible and staff will be required to work fully on site. In general, fully remote working is not available unless under medical or reasonable accommodation needs, in line with medical guidance. To ensure the health and safety of all staff when working from home and in the office, a process has been put in place for all staff applying for blended working to ensure their remote workstation meets the health and safety requirements set out in the Department’s policy. Blended working arrangements are also supported by comprehensive training, guidance, and communications.
54. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the measures that have been carried out to remove man-made waste from the rivers Liffey, Tolka and Dodder in each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48755/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra55. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if there are measures in place along the rivers Liffey, Tolka and Dodder to prevent rubbish and general waste entering into Dublin Bay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48756/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 54 and 55 together. I propose to take Question Nos 54 and 55 together.
Under the Litter Pollution Act, 1997, the primary responsibility for management and enforcement responses to litter pollution lies with local authorities.
It is a matter for each Local Authority to determine the most appropriate course of action to tackle litter pollution within the legislation provided. This includes determining the most appropriate staffing, public awareness, enforcement, infrastructure provision and clean-up arrangements in relation to litter, taking account of local circumstances and priorities.
My Department provides support to local authority efforts in tackling litter on a number of fronts primarily through the Anti-Dumping Initiative (ADI), which was introduced in 2017 to encourage a collaborative approach between local authorities, community groups and other State Agencies to tackling the problem of illegal dumping. Funding of over €12m has been provided by my Department under the Initiative, which has supported the delivery of over 1,250 projects nationwide. An allocation of €3 million was provided through the ADI in 2022.
Details of the specific actions undertaken in individual local authority areas should be sought from the relevant local authorities.
56. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if a matter raised in correspondence by a person (details supplied) in relation to standing charges on electricity bills will be examined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48771/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 CRU provides a dedicated email address for Oireachtas members, which enables them raise questions on energy regulatory matters, to CRU at oireachtas@cru.ie for timely direct reply.
57. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the further retrofitting funding measures that are included for Approved Housing Bodies in Budget 2023. [48788/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra65. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of the 13,800 homes forecasted to be brought to a building energy rating of B2 as part of the Budget 2023 allocation will be delivered under the better energy warmer homes scheme, the better energy homes scheme, the community energy grant scheme and the national home energy upgrade scheme; and the average cost of bringing homes to a BER of B2 for each of the schemes that has been used to underpin the overall target B2 output of 13,800. [48840/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra66. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of the 6,000 target free upgrades under the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland energy poverty scheme announced as part of the Budget 2023 allocation are forecasted to be brought to a building energy rating of B2. [48841/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 57, 65 and 66 together.
The 2023 allocation compares to €244.2 million in funding in 2022 (allocation following the Supplementary Estimate in July) and equates to an increase of €93 million.
This overall allocation is the highest ever and means that the Warmer Homes Scheme, National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme, Better Energy Homes, Community Energy Grant Scheme and the Solar PV Scheme and Microgen will each have record budget allocations for 2023 to support homes, businesses, and community organisations including approved housing bodies, helping to protect them against energy cost increases into the future, while also reducing our emissions.
This investment will deliver over 37,000 home energy upgrades including over 13,800 homes to a Building Energy Rating (BER) of B2 and 6,000 free upgrades under the SEAI energy poverty scheme.
In recent years, strong partnerships have been developed between the Approved Housing Bodies and the One Stop Shops under the National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme as well as with the Project Co-ordinators under the Community Energy Grant Scheme. I am confident that these partnerships will be maintained and further developed in 2023.
The delivery of the residential and community energy efficiency schemes will be considered as part of the SEAI business planning process for 2023 which will finalised before the end of this year.
58. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his Department conducted a feasibility study regarding the reopening of Derrybrien windfarm considering that this windfarm is able to provide additional power into the national grid within a matter of weeks once recommissioned; the additional measures that are being taken to alleviate the risk of electrical blackouts or controlled grid shutdown this winter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48790/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Derrybrien wind farm development has been the subject of European Commission infringement proceedings pursuant to infringement case 2000/4384 and judgements of the Court of Justice of the European Union in cases C-215/06 and C-261/18. On 4 February 2022, An Bord Pleanála (ABP) decided to refuse to grant substitute consent for the wind farm development at Derrybrien having conducted an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). ESB paused the operation of the wind farm at Derrybrien, on 15 February 2022, following the decision by ABP. On 16 March 2022, ESB confirmed that they have decided to close the Derrybrien wind farm on a permanent basis and ESB will not be seeking to challenge the decision of ABP by way of judicial review to the High Court. On foot of the refusal by ABP to grant substitute consent for the wind farm, the EIA regularisation process for the Derrybrien wind farm has ended.
The Commission for the Regulation of Utilities (CRU) has responsibility for ensuring security of electricity supply and is directly responsible for the performance of its functions to a Joint Committee of the Oireachtas. The CRU currently has a programme of actions underway to ensure the security of our electricity supply over the coming winters, with the support of EirGrid and my Department. The programme, which was published in September 2021, contains a number of both demand-side and supply-side mitigation measures to address any potential shortfall. On 27 June 2022, the CRU published an update on the actions within the programme and this is available on their website. The CRU is continuing to work with key stakeholders to implement additional appropriate mitigation measures to further reduce risks this winter and lower peak demand during this period. In the extreme event that electricity demand exceeds supply, EirGrid and ESB Networks have emergency plans in place with detailed procedures to safely operate the system.
59. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will consider taking steps to ensure that those gas and electricity customers who have pay-as-you-go meters will not have their electricity or gas cut off this winter and therefore avail of the moratorium on disconnections; the consultation that his Department has had with the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities on the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48797/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraGovernment is acutely aware of the impact that the recent increases in global energy prices is having on households. This is why the Government introduced a €2.4 billion package of supports 2022 and a package of one off measures worth €2.5 billion in the Budget 2023 cost of living package. This includes a new Electricity Cost Emergency Benefit Scheme through which €550.47 (exclusive of VAT) will be credited to each domestic electricity account, including Pay as You Go accounts, in three payments of €183.49 through the November/December 2022, January/February 2023 and March/April 2023 billing cycles.This is in addition to an extension of the 9% VAT rate on electricity and gas until February 2023 and lump sum payments to social welfare recipients of schemes such as the Fuel Allowance, the Living Alone Allowance, and the Working Family payment.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. As part of its statutory role, the CRU also has consumer protection functions and sets out the obligations on suppliers in the Electricity and Gas Suppliers Handbooks (further detail is available at www.cru.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/CRU21111a-Electricity-and-Gas-Suppliers-Handbook-2021.pdf). As part of Responses 6 and 7 under the National Energy Security Framework CRU have announced enhanced consumer protection measures for implementation this winter. For pay as you go customers these strengthened protections include:- increased emergency credit of no less than €20- an obligation on suppliers to advise their prepayment customers in debt, of other payment options available to them, including billpay- an obligation on suppliers to place their customers who are on financial hardship meters on the most economic tariff
The obligations set out in the Supplier Handbooks include special provisions for vulnerable customers on billing and disconnection. 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. This category of vulnerable customers cannot be disconnected for non-payment at any time.
Vulnerable customers are also defined as those who are particularly vulnerable to disconnection during the winter months for reasons of advanced age or physical, sensory, intellectual or mental health. The moratorium on disconnections for this group has been extended to 6 months (1 October to 31 March). The moratorium applies to billpay customers. 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.The Deputy may wish to note that 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.
60. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the date that the first electricity credit will be paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48825/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra72. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the way in which the €600 energy credits will be funded in 2022 and 2023; the spending programme through which these funds will be transmitted; if there will be supplementary estimates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49033/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra73. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if there will be measures this winter to claw-back the energy credit from those with holiday homes and second or third properties; if any consideration has been given to a clawback mechanism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49034/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 60, 72 and 73 together.
Government is acutely aware of the impact that the recent increases in global energy prices is having on households and throughout 2022 introduced a €2.4 billion package of supports and as part of Budget 2023 has introduced a package of once off measures worth €2.5 billion. This includes a new Electricity Cost Emergency Benefit Scheme through which €550.47 (exclusive of VAT) will be credited to each domestic electricity account in three payments of €183.49 (exclusive of VAT) in each of the following billing periods - November/December 2022, January/February 2023 and March/April 2023. The estimated cost of this scheme is €1.211 billion and will be provided to my Department through a Supplementary Estimate. The payment will be 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). This includes accounts with pre-pay meters. The scheme uses the single identifier of the Meter Point Registration Number (MPRN) to ensure it can be administered automatically and without an application/approval process. This means that it is not possible to omit certain types of residence that fall within these distribution groups. The Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications with the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, will transfer monies, provided by the Oireachtas for the purpose of the scheme to ESB Networks,the electricity distribution system operator, upon notification by ESBN of the estimated total number of MPRNs. The scheme will be operated by ESBN by virtue of its existing interface with all electricity suppliers. ESBN will make payments to the individual energy suppliers, who will then credit individual domestic electricity accounts. The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU), will be charged with oversight of the scheme.
61. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question No. 90 of 28 September 2022, if a response will issue to same (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48830/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are no grants available through my Department for the purchase of generators powered by diesel, petrol or other non-renewable fuels. Providing grant support of this type does not align with the climate ambitions of Government, does not reduce primary energy demand or CO2 emissions and would not assist with Ireland’s key Climate Action Plan target of increasing the share of electricity demand generated from renewable sources to up to 80% by 2030. However, the Government does fund a number of grant schemes to support homeowners to generate renewable electricity to meet part of their electricity demand, and to improve the energy efficiency of their properties. These are administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and further details are available at www.seai.ie
62. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will outline the capital, current and total 2023 budget allocation for the Energy Transformation Programme; the capital, current and total 2022 budget allocation for the Energy Transformation Programme, and the percentage difference compared to the Budget 2023 allocation; the capital, current and total allocation under the 2022 Revised Estimates for the Energy Transformation Programme, and the percentage difference compared to the Budget 2023 allocation; the capital, current and total allocation under the 2022 March Supplementary Estimates for the Energy Transformation Programme, and the percentage difference compared to the Budget 2023 allocation. [48837/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra63. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the capital, current and total 2023 budget allocation for residential and community retrofit programmes; the capital, current and total 2022 budget allocation for residential and community retrofit programmes, and the percentage difference compared to the Budget 2023 allocation; the capital, current and total allocation under the 2022 Revised Estimates for residential and community retrofit programmes, and the percentage difference compared to the Budget 2023 allocation; the capital, current and total allocation under the March Supplementary Estimates 2022 for residential and community retrofit programmes, and the percentage difference compared to the Budget 2023 allocation. [48838/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra64. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the breakdown of the 2023 Budget allocations for each programme under subhead B4. [48839/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 62, 63 and 64 together. The 2022 Revised Estimates Volume allocation and the Budget 2023 allocation for the Energy Transformation Programme area broken down by Current and Capital allocations and details of the 2022 allocation for the Residential and Community Retrofit Programmes are set out in Table A below. The 2023 allocation for the Residential and Community Retrofit Programmes will be published in the 2023 Revised Estimates Volume
A further €57m of capital carryover was also allocated to the Residential and Community Retrofit Programmes in 2022. This brings the total funding allocated to these programmes in 2022 to €403m an increase of 53%.
TABLE A
|
Programme |
Revised Estimates Volume 2022 (€m) |
Expenditure Report 2023 (€m) |
% Change |
||||
|
- |
Current |
Capital |
Total |
Current |
Capital |
Total |
|
|
B - ENERGY TRANSFORMATION |
51 |
329 |
380 |
60 |
453 |
513 |
35% |
|
Residential & Community Retrofit Programmes |
9 |
255 |
264 |
- |
- |
346 |
31% |
Table B below shows the 2022 allocation post the March Supplementary Estimate and the Budget 2023 allocation for the Energy Transformation Programme area broken down by Current and Capital allocations. Details of the 2022 (post March Supplementary Estimate) allocation for the Residential and Community Retrofit Programmes Band is also set out in the table below. The 2023 allocation for the Residential and Community Retrofit Programmes will be set out in the 2023 Revised Estimates Volume
In addition to the €57m in capital carryover allocated, a further €83m was allocated to the Residential and Community Retrofit Programme from the EENF, committing total funding to the programmes in 2022 of €275m.
TABLE B
|
Programme |
Post the March Supplementary Estimate (€m) |
2023 (€m) |
% Change |
||||
|
- |
Current |
Capital |
Total |
Current |
Capital |
Total |
|
|
B - ENERGY TRANSFORMATION |
51 |
601 |
652 |
60 |
453 |
513 |
-21.3% |
|
Residential & Community Retrofit Programmes |
9 |
126 |
135 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
* includes one Supplementary Estimates totalling €271m
67. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the average cost of bringing a home to a BER of B2 under the better energy warmer homes scheme in 2022, inclusive of VAT. [48842/22]
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.Latest data provided to my Department by the SEAI indicates that, for homes which have achieved a post works Building Energy Rating of B2 (or better) in 2022 through the Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme, the average cost is €24,914 (incl. VAT).
68. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if an investigation which was carried out on a board (details supplied) has been completed; if so, the outcome of the investigation; if he will provide a copy of the investigation to this Deputy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48862/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe review of the Board of Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI), carried out by Mr Conleth Bradley SC, under Section 18 of the Inland Fisheries Act 2010, has been completed and the associated report has been received in the Department. Following consideration with my officials, the report and the findings and recommendations made therein were communicated to the Chair of the Board on 26 September.
I have asked the Board to consider the report and prepare an implementation plan on its recommendations ahead of a meeting with officials from my Department later this month.
69. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his attention has been drawn to a matter (details supplied); if he will provide details of any engagement that he or his Department has had with the Commission for Regulation of Utilities with regard to the classification of customers as urban domestic customers or rural domestic customers; the methodology used in this classification; if he will provide details of any engagement that he or his Department has had with the CRU, or energy providers, concerning the reason that rural domestic customers pay higher standing charges than urban domestic customers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48915/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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. I understand, electricity customers are allocated to a Distribution Use of System (DUoS) Group. This is done and set out as part of the connection agreement. The allocation of a customer to a particular group can be based on several factors including the type of use, the voltage a premises is connected at, the type of meter installed, or if electricity is exported. In this regard it is of note that a domestic customer, for the purpose of electricity supply, can be defined as any premises whose main purpose is that of a single residence and where the connection agreement is with a private individual, with an MIC (Maximum Import Capacity) up to 29KVA. ESB Networks, the electricity Distribution System Operator, published with the approval of CRU, ‘Rules for Application of DUoS Tariff Group’. This document outlines the rules for applying the correct Distribution Use of System (DUoS) tariff (DUoS Group) to a customer premises or connection point and is available at: https://www.cru.ie/wp-content/uploads/2004/07/cer04300.pdf. 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.
70. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the details of any contracts or services procured by his Department with top security, including any that are subcontracted to top security; the value of such contracts since 2015 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48996/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has not entered into contracts with Top Security since 2015 to date.
71. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the average household energy bill expected in 2022; the estimated energy bill for a household in 2023; the analysis that his Department has carried out to determine this; if he will publish that analysis; if he will confirm the rationale that informed the decision to set the credit at €600; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49032/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe most immediate factor affecting electricity prices in Ireland is sustained high international gas prices with the unprecedented increase and volatility continuing 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.In September 2022 the Estimated Annual Bill for a domestic electricity consumer was €2,100 and for domestic gas €1,819. These are 84% higher than estimated annual bills for this time last year, and since then there have been further price increase announcements. Due to the extreme volatility seen this year in wholesale gas markets and the related uncertainty over future wholesale prices, predicting future energy bills in the current environment is extremely challenging. Nevertheless, given current gas futures further increases in household electricity and gas bills must be expected over the coming months and throughout next year.In light of this continued rise in energy costs Government decided to introduce a new Electricity Cost Emergency Benefit Scheme through which €550.47 (exclusive of VAT) would be credited to each domestic electricity account in three payments of €183.49. This level of payment was identified as appropriate to manage the impact of the increase in estimated annual bills.
74. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if all his Department's buildings have recycling arrangements in place; if not, the steps that are being taken to ensure that the recycling of workplace waste is facilitated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49101/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department's Statement of Strategy 2021-2023 includes the goal of protecting and restoring our environment through sustainable resource use as part of the transition to a Circular Economy.
The Circular Economy and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2022 underpins Ireland’s shift from a "take-make-waste" linear model to a more sustainable pattern of production and consumption, that retains the value of resources in our economy for as long as possible and that will to significantly reduce our greenhouse gas emissions.
My Department has recycling arrangements in place for many years now. Actions taken to date include:
- Replacement of single waste bins in the canteen and kitchenettes of with segregated bins for organic waste, recycling and general waste
- No more individual bins in offices
- Desk top paper recycling trays provided to all staff
- Multiple recycling points for paper and printer cartridges on every floor
- Single use plastic beverage and water cups eliminated from the canteen
- All staff provided with a reusable ‘keep cup’ and a reusable water bottle
- The non purchase of single use plastic utensils, plates or straws since the Government Decision of the 3 January 2019.
- Redundant IT equipment is also recycled.
Actions supported by an education and awareness raising programme that included lunch and learn sessions, features in the weekly Department newsletter, signage and information emails. The work of my Department’s Green Team has and will continue to make a real impact across the Department through a wide range of practical actions led by staff themselves. My Department also has a Resource Efficiency Action Plan which sets out targets to be achieved in each of the three key areas; waste, energy and water.
75. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport if he will liaise with the National Transport Authority to have a village (details supplied) in County Cork included in the Local Link service on an existing run; if he will direct them to provide funding in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48671/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. The NTA also has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including the Rural Transport Programme management, which operates under the TFI Local Link brand.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for public transport services, including in County Cork, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
76. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the current number of driving test testers in County Wexford; the current number of driving tester vacancies in County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48675/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe operation of the national driving test service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority (RSA), and the information requested is held by them.
I have therefore referred this question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
77. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the current number of persons awaiting a driving test in County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48676/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe operation of the national driving test service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority (RSA), and the information requested is held by them.
I have therefore referred this question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
