Written Answers Nos. 181-200
181. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health the number of nurses and midwives who have been recruited into the HSE since 1 June 2022; the measures that he is undertaking to recruit and retain nurses and midwives in the short, medium and long-term, including measures to bring Irish nurses back from abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52375/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
182. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the dangerous under-staffing and overcrowding conditions in the Mater Hospital recently highlighted by an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52399/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of the current pressures facing the Mater hospital and I wish to acknowledge the distress overcrowded Emergency Departments cause to patients, their families, and frontline staff working in very challenging conditions in the hospital.
The question of staffing of acute hospitals is a service matter, as such, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
183. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health the number of children's disability network teams in both CHO6 and CHO7; the locations in which each team is based; the numbers of staff, in WTE terms, approved for each team; the numbers currently assigned to each team; the number of vacant positions on each team; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52185/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
184. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Health the steps that he is taking to address GP shortages. [51610/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraGPs are self-employed practitioners and therefore may establish practices at a place of their own choosing. There is no prescribed ratio of GPs to patients and the State does not regulate the number of GPs that can set up in a town or community.
Under the GMS scheme, the HSE contracts GPs to provide medical services without charge to medical card and GP visit card holders. Currently there are 2,529 GPs contracted to provide services under the GMS Scheme.
The Government is aware of the workforce issues currently facing general practice, including the limited access to GP services in certain areas, and has implemented a number of measures to improve recruitment and retention in general practice.
Under the 2019 GP Agreement the additional annual expenditure provided for general practice has to date been increased by €206.6m and is set to increase to €211.6m per annum next year when the Agreement is fully rolled out. This provides for significant increases in capitation fees for participating GMS GPs, and new fees and subsidies for additional services. Improvements to GP’s maternity and paternity leave arrangements, increased rural practice supports and a support for GPs in disadvantaged urban areas, have also been provided for.
In addition, a steady increase has been seen in the number of doctors entering GP training over recent years, rising from 120 in 2009 to 258 in 2022. Following the transfer of GP training from the HSE to the Irish College of General Practitioners (ICGP), the ICGP aims to have 350 training places available for new entrants per year by 2026.
These measures will see an increase in the number of GPs working in the State, improving access to GP services for patients throughout the country.
Furthermore, preparatory work has commenced on a strategic review of GP services to examine how best to ensure the provision of GP services in Ireland for the future. The review, with input from key stakeholders, will examine the broad range of issues affecting general practice and will set out the measures necessary to deliver a sustainable general practice.
186. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide a schedule of the meetings that he and or his officials have had with a company (details supplied) to date in 2022; the schedule should include online, phone conference and in-person meetings, date of meeting and topics that were discussed; and if he and or his officials have plans to or will schedule further meetings in the coming weeks with the company. [52551/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy may be aware of recent media coverage that Intel is considering a reduction in its global headcount. I sought clarity on this issue through my officials. IDA Ireland has informed my Department that the senior leadership team in Leixlip are not aware of any plans at present to reduce the workforce in Ireland.
Companies regularly meet with officials in my Department on a range of issues. A schedule of all meetings held in 2022 is set out below.
Earlier this year I visited the United States as part of a trade and investment mission to the US West Coast Region. During the visit I met with senior executives of a number of IDA client companies, including a one hour visit to Intel Corp. on Tuesday 26th April. During this visit we discussed Ireland’s post-pandemic economic recovery, the impacts of the war in Ukraine on FDI, Ireland’s value proposition for future investment and a general discussion of client’s operations in Ireland. I also met Intel’s CEO Pat Gelsinger as part of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland in May. News of any potential job cuts is a cause of great uncertainty for workers and their families, and I have asked officials at IDA Ireland to keep me informed of any developments in this regard.
Schedule of DETE Meetings with Intel 2022
|
Unit |
Date |
Meeting Type |
Topics Discussed |
|
Climate Action Unt |
08/02/2022 |
Virtual |
Climate Action PlanF-gas regulation and additional measures to reduce F-gas emissions |
|
An Tánaiste and Secretary General during US West Coast Trade Mission |
26/04/2022 |
In person |
Ireland’s value proposition for potential future investment; Irish government policy in areas of interest to international investors; Ireland's economic progress post COVID-19; Impacts of the war in Ukraine on FDI. |
|
Climate and Infrastructure Unit and Secretary General |
19/05/2022 |
In person |
Energy price increases and operational issues |
|
An Tánaiste as part of World Economic Forum visit |
23/05/2022 |
In person |
General discussion on impact of rising energy prices on competitiveness for businesses,EU Chips Act, American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM). Hosted by Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger. |
|
Inward Investment Unit |
01/06/2022 |
In person |
EU Chips Act |
|
Employment Permits Unit |
03/10/2022 |
In person |
Overview of Employment Permit system |
|
Inward Investment Unit |
13/10/2022 |
Virtual |
EU Chips Act Single Market Emergency Instrument |
|
Safety, Health and Chemicals Policy Unit |
18/10/2022 |
Virtual |
To discuss a proposal from the European Chemicals Agency for a restriction under the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) Regulation |
187. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his Department's policy in respect of supporting data centres in Ireland in the context of the decarbonisation and digitalisation of Ireland's economy and society; and the steps that he has taken to ensure that these transitions are complimentary and in harmony with environmental policy. [52555/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis summer my Department published a revised policy statement on data centres. I fully agree with the Deputy's assertion that we must ensure that the decarbonisation and digitalisation of Ireland's economy and society are complimentary and in harmony with environmental policy. The 'Government Statement on the role of Data Centres in Ireland's Enterprise Strategy' sets out how we intend to do that, and I would encourage the deputy to review the full Statement which is on my Department's website.
As the deputy alludes to, data centre operations are at the very centre of these transformational twin transitions in our economy and society.
Data centres serve a key infrastructure role in our society. Digitalisation can unlock decarbonisation opportunities and present opportunities for reducing carbon emissions in areas such as increased remote working, reduced business travel and in the digitalisation of our supply chains. However, I am also very conscious that in the short to medium term, the capacity of Ireland’s electricity grid, security of supply concerns, and our determination to decarbonise our electricity system, means that not all demand for data centre development can be accommodated sustainably.
The revised Statement advises that the recently published sectoral emissions ceilings will be a constraint on growth of the data centre sector, and the measures outlined in the Statement are aimed at requiring the sector to invest in decarbonised energy solutions, embrace demand-flexibility and increase efficiency.
The principles for sustainable data centre development outlined in the Statement provide clear guidance for planning decision makers and system operators as to the Government’s priority for sustainable future developments, ensuring that data centres in Ireland contribute positively towards the green and digital transformation in our society and economy.
We see measures such as ‘demand flexibility’ as a pathway to decarbonisation. Demand flexibility will incentivise and enable Data centres to avoid consumption of electricity from the power system during times of system stress. Helping mitigate their impact on security of supply to some extent, with the power system less likely to face generation shortages at peak times.
Its important to acknowledge that some data centre operators are corporate leaders in decarbonising data, many of have committed to net zero carbon and 100% renewable energy goals. It is this Government’s intention to harness this ambition where possible, and for data centres to contribute to our national objectives by facilitating investment in renewable energy, energy storage, ‘energy parks’ and other efficient and sustainable development opportunities.
188. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if there is a possibility of mobile phone and broadband blackouts this winter which could leave people unable to make emergency calls in the event of power cuts and if he has consulted the telecommunications industry on risks and mitigation. [52470/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraOperators of public communications networks or publicly available electronic communications services are obliged under S.I. No. 333/2011 – European Communities (Electronic Communications Networks and Services) (Framework) Regulations 2011 to take appropriate technical and organisational measures to appropriately manage the risks posed to security of networks and services. In particular, measures shall be taken to prevent and minimise the impact of security incidents on users and interconnected networks.
I understand that ComReg engaged with operators of public communications networks and publicly available electronic communications services in October 2021 as a consequence of the risk of possible power outages last winter. The purpose of this engagement was to ensure operators were factoring into their risk assessments the increased risk of power outages across the national grid. ComReg continues to engage with such operators, particularly in light of the European energy crisis. From this engagement, ComReg understands that operators have and continue to factor the risk of power outages into their business continuity plans (BCPs) and risk management. The Emergency Call Answering Service has on-site diesel generators in its call centres in Ballyshannon and Navan for use in case of a power outage. My Department has set up an Energy Security Emergency Group under the National Energy Security Framework. This group ensures that emergency plans are in place, are stress-tested and are up-to-date. Emergency training exercises (to test these plans) have been ongoing over many years, as part of regular and ongoing contingency planning.
189. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will intervene in a case to allow a family (details supplied) in County Kerry whose house has been without heating and hot water for over three weeks due to the lack of availability of the services of Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland registered technical assessors assess a better energy home grant for a replacement heat pump; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52489/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe administration and management of applications under the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) grant schemes are an operational matter for the SEAI. As Minister, I have no function with regard to individual grant applications. However, in view of the urgency of the matter outlined in the Question, I have asked officials in my Department to contact the SEAI to expeditate matters.
The SEAI has established a specific email address for queries from Oireachtas members so that such queries can be addressed promptly, in line with SEAI’s objective to deliver services to the highest standards. The email address is oireachtas@seai.ie.
190. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will indicate the way that the energy credit can be claimed if a person uses so little that the credit rests in their account and cannot be applied to their gas bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52508/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraGovernment is acutely aware of the impact that the recent increases in global energy prices is having on households. This is why a €2.4 billion package of supports was implemented during 2022, and a package of once off measures worth €2.5 billion included in Budget 2023.
The Budget package 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.The payment will be applied to domestic electricity accounts, including those with Pay As You Go meters, 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). 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 mechanism allowed payments to be made automatically to 2,138,939 domestic electricity accounts, over 99.36% of eligible accounts, under the first scheme which operated between April and June of this year.
The scheme is operated by the electricity Distribution System Operator, ESB Networks, and electricity suppliers, with oversight by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU). If the Electricity Costs Emergency Benefit payment exceeds the balance on an electricity account, the resulting credit will be carried forward on that account. It is not being applied to domestic gas accounts on the basis that it is intended to be a universal support. Not all consumers use gas but electricity is supplied to all households.
191. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of data centres in Ireland that are not connected to the grid and that use on-site fossil fuel to generate power. [52554/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe management of connections to the electricity grid, including data centres and other large energy users, is a matter for the system operators, EirGrid and ESB Networks, under rules determined by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU). Matters relating to gas network connections are an operational issue for Gas Networks Ireland (GNI) and for the Board and management of that company, and are not ones in which I, as Minister, have any statutory function.However, my officials have engaged with GNI regarding this matter. GNI have advised that, based on the information currently available to them, there are no data centres in Ireland that are currently using natural gas on-site to generate power which are not connected to the electricity grid. Moreover, in July of this year, Government published a new ‘Statement on the Role of Data Centres in Ireland's Enterprise Strategy’ with the aim of ensuring alignment with Ireland’s renewable energy targets, sectoral emissions and climate priorities. The Statement notes that “‘Islanded’ data centre developments, that are not connected to the electricity grid and are powered mainly by on-site fossil fuel generation, would not be in line with national policy”. My Department and I have been engaging with the CRU, GNI and EirGrid to that effect.
192. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the amount (GWh) of electricity produced from coal at Moneypoint power station in the period January to September 2021, all of 2021, and the nine-month period from January to September 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52576/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn line with the Government's policy statement on security of electricity supply published in November 2021 it is appropriate that existing conventional electricity generation capacity, including existing coal fired electricity generation, should be retained until new conventional electricity generation capacity is developed in order to ensure security of electricity supply.
Conventional capacity will only operate if and when needed, with renewable energy and efficient gas-fired power stations always being supplied to the market first. This approach will minimise the impact on greenhouse gas emissions, while ensuring continued security of electricity supply.
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) publish a monthly report on electricity generation in Ireland and report that for the period January to September 2021, 1,919 GWh of electricity was produced from coal. Electricity generation from coal for all of 2021 totalled 2,781GWh. The September 2022 figure is not available yet but from January to August 2022, 1,783 GWh of electricity was produced from coal. For comparison the January to August 2021 figure was 1,645 GWh. Moneypoint is Ireland’s only coal fuelled power plant in operation. More detail on monthly figures for electricity generation by fuel type can be found on the SEAI website.
193. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the details of the engagement he had with (details supplied) prior to their withdrawal from the Irish wind energy market; if he will include dates of any meetings he participated in with them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52577/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn my role as Minister I periodically meet with offshore renewable energy developers and representative bodies to discuss Government policy and future prospects for offshore renewables in Ireland, as do my officials. Additionally, my Department hosts a regular offshore renewables workshop, in which stakeholders are updated on recent policy developments. In this instance, however, I have not met with either of the companies referenced in the Question (Shell and Equinor) in respect of offshore renewables, but have met their Irish Partners.
194. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport if he will extend the three-month grant draw-down period for eSPSV scheme grants given the wait times for new electric vehicles (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52474/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Electric Small Public Service Vehicle (eSPSV) Grant Scheme is in place to support the greening of the SPSV, or taxi, sector. It is aimed at improving air quality in urban areas, reducing the CO2 emissions of a sector which typically has very high mileage, and also can positively influence the uptake of zero emission passenger cars by improving general perception and awareness of the benefits of electric vehicles.
The SPSV industry is regarded as a champion in the normalisation of electric vehicle use. The Scheme is funded by the Department of Transport and administered by NTA acting as agents of the Department with delegated authority and as the licensing authority for SPSVs. €15m was allocated in 2022 to enable owners of small public service vehicles, such as taxis, hackneys and limousines, to buy electric vehicles.
In accordance with the terms and conditions of the eSPSV grant scheme, applicants may be granted one extension for a three-month period in which to complete and finalise their application. Given the difficulties in obtaining vehicles, extensions have been granted on a case by cases basis, but only up to three months; and where proof is provided that a vehicle is on order and the date it will become available. No further extensions are available after this time period on the original application. If the application process is timed out an individual is able to reapply to the scheme and will be considered a new applicant for the purpose of the scheme. No extensions will be granted past 2022. Applicants can apply under the new scheme in 2023.
Queries on any individual cases should be directed to the NTA as the scheme administrators.
195. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Transport the reason for the need for bus and lorry drivers to sit a CPC course on a yearly basis and to pay for the courses themselves; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52544/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraA holder of a certificate of professional competence (CPC) is required by EU and national law to undertake periodic training to maintain their qualification. Article 7 of Directive 2003/59/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 July 2003, on the initial qualification and periodic training of drivers of certain road vehicles for the carriage of goods or passengers, states that periodic training shall consist of training to enable holders of a CPC to update the knowledge which is essential for their work, with specific emphasis on road safety, health and safety at work and the reduction of the environmental impact of driving.
The EU Directive was transposed into national law by the European Communities (Vehicle Drivers Certificate of Professional Competence) (No. 2) Regulations 2008 (SI 359 of 2008), as amended. Drivers are required to complete a periodic retaining course of at least 35 hours every 5 years, to be taken in 7-hour tranches per year for each 5-year period.
As with any driver training (such as driving lessons) and many other professional qualifications, it is the responsibility of the CPC holder to provide for and maintain their qualification if they wish to continue their professional driving career.
196. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Transport if the strategic assessment report submitted by Kilkenny County Council for the next phase of the ring road will be expedited and approved; if approval will be given to the Council to appoint consultants to examine the route options; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52559/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities' own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the local authority.
The major cuts to funding for regional and local roads during the post 2008 recession resulted in the build-up of a substantial backlog of works across the country. The estimated cost of the backlog is in excess of €5 billion. Because of the pressures on the regional and local road network, approximately 90% of available Exchequer grant assistance to local authorities for regional and local roads is being directed to maintenance and renewal works rather than for new roads or for road realignments.
Any road improvement projects proposed by local authorities for consideration for funding are assessed by the Department on a case-by-case basis. All projects put forward by local authorities for consideration must comply with the requirements of the Public Spending Code and my Department's Capital Appraisal Framework.
The revised Public Spending Code requires a Strategic Assessment Report (SAR) for all projects with an estimated expenditure of €10 million or more. The SAR is now a key deliverable at the first decision stage in the project appraisal process. A draft SAR has recently been received from Kilkenny County Council concerning options in relation to a proposed Kilkenny Northern Ring Road Extension. The SAR will be reviewed for compliance under the Public Spending Code.
197. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Transport if he will commission a full feasibility study into light rail for Galway, including very light rail; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52575/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Transport Authority (NTA) expects to commence a review of the 2016 Galway Transport Strategy and the development of a new Galway Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy by the end of the year. The NTA will appoint a specialist team through open tender to assist them, in conjunction with Galway City and County Councils, in undertaking this work.
The programme of works will include a comprehensive review of all transport options. This will examine walking, cycling, bus, rail, park and ride, and traffic management, including management of goods movement. It will specifically include a feasibility assessment for light rail in Galway city. This approach will allow for a multi-modal perspective and integration within an overall land-use plan, and to identify the optimal modal solutions to meet the transport needs of Galway.
I understand that the 'very light rail' project that is being undertaken in the United Kingdom is currently at testing stage. I believe that the potential, or otherwise, of very light rail can be considered as part of the development of the Galway Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy.
The NTA will undertake a comprehensive public consultation exercise on a draft strategy as part of the development process with an expected publication of a final strategy before the end of 2023.
198. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Transport if he will ensure that the reduction in public transport costs for students will also be applicable to students who are resident in this State who are travelling to and studying at third level institutions in Northern Ireland. [52605/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts.
In light of the Authority's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy’s specific question in relation to discounted public transport costs for students resident in this State who are travelling to and studying at third level institutions in Northern Ireland, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
199. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide the usage statistics for the individual stations of the Limerick bike scheme that are available between 2016 and 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52621/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra200. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the membership figures of the public bike scheme in counties Limerick, Galway and Cork in each year between 2016 and 2022. [52622/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra201. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the total cost per annum between 2016 and 2022 to run the public bike scheme in counties Limerick, Clare and Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52623/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra202. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the current membership figures for the Waterford public bike scheme; and the total cost to date of the scheme and details on the operational contractor for this scheme. [52624/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 199 to 202, inclusive, together.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to cycling and public transport infrastructure. The management of the public bike schemes is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA), which works closely with the relevant local authorities.
Noting the NTA's role in the matter, I have referred your question to that agency for a more detailed reply.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
