Written Answers Nos. 46-65
46. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his Department has a court hearing date for the Security Industry Employment Regulation Order High Court injunction. [53628/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs a result of the High Court Injunction of 24 August 2022, I cannot at this moment in time proceed with the Security Industry Employment Regulation Order. To this end, my officials are actively engaged with counsel to obtain legal advice on the matter.
47. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he plans to extend rights to consult on changes in pension schemes in the workplace to the representatives of pensioners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53660/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraA Public Consultation Process on retired workers access to industrial relations mechanisms for pension related issues was conducted by my Department earlier this year. The consultation document and the public submissions received have been made available on the Department's website. A summary document of the issues raised in personal submissions has been developed and is also available on the website.
The purpose of the Consultation Process was to seek views on the proposals arising from the Private Members Bill and to establish whether there is the potential for new or enhanced methods of consultation through the introduction of alternative system or networks which might assist retired workers in engaging more fully on pension related issues.
My Department officials have been examining the submissions received and the numerous issues arising. The outcome of the consultation process will feed into the Government’s response to the proposals.
48. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide an update on the supports available to businesses with the rising cost of energy in running a business. [53720/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra49. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will review correspondence (details supplied) regarding rising electricity prices and the impact that this is having on businesses; his plans on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53729/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 48 and 49 together.
I would like to thank the Deputy for raising this matter and I wish to reassure you that this Government is very aware of the difficulties that businesses are facing now due the current energy crisis.
Businesses now require help with their energy bills and that is why a significant package to help businesses with escalating energy costs and to plan for the future was announced in Budget 2023.
The Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme, which will be operated by Revenue, is designed to support eligible businesses that have experienced a significant increase in their electricity and/or natural gas costs. Qualifying businesses are entitled to claim a Temporary Energy Payment amounting to 40 per cent of its eligible cost. A monthly cap of €10,000 per trade or profession will be applied, which may increase up to a maximum of €30,000.
The new €200m Ukraine Enterprise Crisis Scheme will operate under two streams and will provide a minimum of €20,000 up to €500,000 per firm to ensure there is sufficient liquidity available in the markets, thereby addressing additional costs for firms. For energy intensive companies impacted by the exceptionally severe increases a minimum of €20,000 up to €2 million will be available per firm.
Also the reduced rate of VAT on gas and electricity from 13.5% to 9% has been extended until the 28th February 2023.
The Government is also introducing a €1.2 billion State-backed Ukraine Credit Guarantee Scheme to assist the wider business sector with liquidity and to invest in energy efficiency and a new State-backed Growth and Sustainability Loan Scheme (‘GSLS’) will be launched next year.
Further information of the schemes can be found on my Department’s website.
This is an evolving situation, and the Government will keep the energy situation under review to ensure a targeted response for the business community.
50. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 84 of 14 September 2022, the status of the report by the Low Pay Commission on universal basic income; the timeline for the publication of this report and the accompanying research report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53810/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs I advised Deputy Connolly in September, last year I requested the Low Pay Commission to report on the Programme for Government commitment to “examine Universal Basic Income, informed by a review of previous international pilots and resulting in a universal basic income pilot in the lifetime of the Government.” To inform its considerations, the Low Pay Commission asked the ESRI to conduct background technical research on a universal basic income under the terms of the Low Pay Commission – ESRI Research Partnership Agreement.
The Low Pay Commission received the ESRI’s report on Universal Basic Income earlier this year. The Low Pay Commission submitted its report and recommendations on Universal Basic to me in July 2022. Subject to cabinet approval, I intend to publish the Commission’s report on universal basic income and its accompanying research report in November.
51. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 77 of 15 September 2022, if he will provide details of any engagement that he has had at European Union-level with regard to the forthcoming corporate sustainability reporting Directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53811/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive has completed its development at EU level and political agreement was achieved between the European Parliament and the Council in June 2022. Formal approval of the Directive is anticipated before the end of this year and Member States will have 18 months to transpose the new rules.
Ireland consistently maintained a positive and supportive position on the proposal. The Directive is one of a number of measures under the European Green Deal and the Sustainable Finance Agenda. It requires large companies, banks, insurance undertakings and companies listed on main stock markets including SMEs to report annually on their performance in respect of environment, social and governance matters including human rights. The reporting itself must be done according to mandatory EU sustainability standards which are being developed by the European Financial Reporting Advisory Group (EFRAG).
Officials in my Department have commenced work on the transposition of the Directive, and it is intended that a stakeholder forum will be held in early 2023. The forum, which follows a similar event in May 2021 following the publication of the proposal, will be used to inform stakeholders further of the Directive and launch a public consultation on the transposition of Member State options.
52. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his plans in relation to daylight savings time; his views on the merits of forgoing the winter daylight saving time change given the current energy crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53664/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe issue of changing the clocks twice each year is a matter in the first instance for the Minister for Justice.
The implementation of summertime and wintertime hours each year by putting clocks forward and backward by one hour is one of many factors which influence patterns of energy usage. It is difficult to quantify its effects in isolation, as daylight savings have both positive and negative impacts. My Department is exploring evidence of the different related consumption patterns.
53. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will engage with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland in respect of its refusal to pay a grant to a person who they approved for grant aid in respect of a roof solar installation (details supplied); and the steps that the applicant may take in respect of an appeal and or a complaint. [53674/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Solar PV Scheme is funded by my Department and administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). As per the terms of the scheme, to which the applicant agrees when applying, the grant is offered subject to the final system installation meeting the requirements of the Code of Practice for the Solar PV Scheme.
This Code of Practice includes minimum performance criteria for the technology used, which are clearly outlined in Sections 4.2 and 4.3 and all registered solar Installation companies are aware of this. The minimum performance and certification criteria for components exists in the best interest of homeowners, ensuring they get the best possible product, which lasts its design lifetime, performs optimally and limits quality issues in the future.
Solar installation companies are also registered with SEAI to ensure tax and insurance compliance, and their commitment to installing the works in accordance with the SEAI Domestic Technical Standards and Specification (DTSS) and adherence to the Code of Practice and Quality Assurance and Disciplinary Procedures (QADP).
A homeowner is free to choose and engage in a contract with any of the companies registered for the scheme, which provides them with the opportunity to compare prices and system installations that best suit their needs.
Upon completion of an installation, the solar company signs a Declaration of Works (DOW) attesting that the system installed is in accordance with the code of Practice. Where SEAI identifies that this is not the case; then such companies are at risk of being deregistered from the scheme.
54. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the reason that persons in receipt of the household benefits package are not automatically eligible for a Sustainable Energy Authority Ireland fully-funded energy upgrade; if he will consider a review of the grant to ensure that persons receiving this payment automatically qualify; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53700/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Warmer Homes Scheme offers free energy upgrades for eligible homeowners who are most at risk of energy poverty. Eligibility for the Scheme is linked to receipt of certain Department of Social Protection payments.
The Household Benefits Package (HBP) helps with the cost of a household's electricity or gas bill and their TV licence. The package is available to everyone over 70. It is not means tested for this group and is therefore not a qualifying payment for the Warmer Home Scheme.
People aged between 66 and 70 may also get the HBP, if they meet the necessary conditions. People who are under 66 and get Disability Allowance, Invalidity Pension, Blind Pension. or Carer's Allowance (if you are living with the person you are caring for) may also be entitled to the HBP. These groups may also be eligible for the Fuel Allowance which is a qualifying payment for the Warmer Homes scheme.
Households who are not eligible for the Warmer Homes Scheme can apply for grants towards the cost of energy efficiency measures for their home. These include grants equivalent to 80% of the typical cost for attic and cavity wall insulation. In the case of a semi-detached home, the attic insulation grant is up to €1,300 and the cavity wall insulation grant is up to €1,200. These are highly cost-effective measures with a relatively short pay-back time.
All information is available on the SEAI website at www.seai.ie/grants/home-energy-grants/
55. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will allow those homeowners who avail of individual home energy upgrade grants, and are in management of their own upgrades, to include grant aid for windows and doors, as is the case of those using the one-stop-shop service; if not, the reason; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53716/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraEarlier this year, the Government approved a package of significantly improved supports to make it easier and more affordable for homeowners to undertake home energy upgrades, for warmer, healthier and more comfortable homes, with lower energy bills and lower emissions. The supports include a new National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme, offering increased grant levels of up to 50% of the cost of a typical B2 home energy upgrade with a heat pump (up from the previous level of 30-35%).
Many of the grant supports available under the new Scheme have also been aligned to other relevant schemes including the Better Energy Homes Scheme to support a step-by-step, self-managed approach to retrofit; and, the Community Energy Grant Scheme for homeowners that want to retrofit their homes as part of a community project.
Window and door replacements are available under the National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme, as well as under the Community Energy Grant scheme, as part of a whole house upgrade solution, as required, to achieve an energy efficient home to B2.
Replacement windows are considered on a case by case basis under the Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme which delivers free upgrades to eligible homeowners in low income households vulnerable to energy poverty. Replacement doors are not included.
Window replacements are not supported as individual measures, outside of a complete home retrofit, and as such are not available under the Better Energy Homes Scheme.
56. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of private wire and direct line applications that were made in each of the years 2018 to 2021 and to date in 2022; the number of these applications that were approved; the number that were refused; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53719/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIssues regarding the permission to construct a direct line are first and foremost an issue for ESB Networks in accordance with Section 34 of the Electricity Regulation Act 1999 (ERA), as amended.
However, in respect of the provision of permissions to construct a direct line there is an element of overlap between ESB Networks and the work of the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU). The CRU has authority, in accordance Section 37 of the ERA, to also issue permission to construct a Direct line in limited circumstance.
The issue at hand is an operational matter for both ESB Networks and the CRU and therefore not one in which I have a function. The Deputy will be aware the CRU is accountable to the Oireachtas and not to the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications. Both the ESB and the CRU have dedicated email addresses for Deputies, of which they are aware, should they wish to raise matters such as the subject of this PQ. In this instance, I have forwarded the queries raised in the questions to the ESB and the CRU for their attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
57. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his Department will examine the feasibility of harvesting the excess heat from the proposed jet engines being bought to add additional capacity; if this could be deployed in a district heating scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53726/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Commission of Regulation of Utilities which has statutory responsibility to ensure security of supply, has the duty to monitor electricity supplies and to take sure measures as it considers necessary to protect the security of supply. It is assisted in its role by EirGrid and my Department.
The CRU currently has a programme of actions underway to ensure the security of our electricity supply over the coming winters. The Security of Supply Programme of actions contains a number of both demand and supply side mitigation measures to address the forecasted shortfall. These actions include; procurement of new, enduring capacity through a number of capacity auctions; procuring additional temporary generation; extending the availability of existing generation capacity; additional use of grid-scale batteries; and improved demand side measures.
For the second tranche of c.450MW temporary generation, two sites are currently being considered to deliver this additional temporary generation capacity. As set out in the EirGrid, Electricity and Turf (Amendment) Act 2022 the proposed generation units are considered a temporary measure and must be removed by 31 March 2027. These units will, therefore not be available to provide a long term district heating solution for their localities.
My Department has however established a District Heating Steering Group in February, which draws together expertise and experience relevant to district heating from a number of public sector stakeholders. The Steering Group is currently in the process of drafting its Report to Government, in which it will make recommendations to advance district heating projects in the State.
I remain committed to the development of the appropriate regulatory and legislative basis necessary for the expansion of district heating in Ireland and my Department continues to engage with relevant stakeholders in order to accelerate utilisation of this technology in the context of decarbonising of the built environment.
58. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the action that is being taken to improve Ireland’s energy security. [53746/22]
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 co-ordinates 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.
The Commission of Regulation of Utilities (CRU) which has statutory responsibility to ensure security of electricity 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 and my Department.
The CRU currently has a programme of actions underway to ensure the security of our electricity supply over the coming winters. Margins are expected to remain tight during this coming winter period (2022/2023). The CRU is continuing to work with key stakeholders to implement additional appropriate mitigation measures to further reduce risks during this winter and lower peak demand during this period.
As part of its review of security of supply of Ireland’s electricity and natural gas system, my Department has launched a public consultation seeking views from interested parties. The review examines measures Ireland can take to mitigate potential risks including additional capacity to import energy, energy storage, fuel diversification and renewable gases. The review is currently open to consultation for views by interested parties.
59. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if new solid fuel regulations are due to be introduced on 31 October 2022. [53747/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have signed new solid fuel regulations, as previously agreed by Government, which will come into operation on 31 October. The Air Pollution Act 1987 (Solid Fuels) Regulations 2022 (S.I. No. 529 of 2022) will introduce minimum quality standards that will apply to all solid fuels distributed throughout the State. This will ensure that the most polluting can no longer be made available on the Irish market and will assist the public in transitioning to less polluting alternatives. These regulations are necessary as each year some 1,300 people die prematurely in Ireland from illnesses which are caused or exacerbated by air pollution from solid fuel burning. It is further estimated that there are over 16,200 life years lost, while 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. I am committed to addressing this critical public health and environmental challenge, and the introduction of the new regulations will play a key role in this regard.
60. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport if he will expedite a driving test for an employee (details supplied) who cannot get to work unless they can drive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53634/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe operation of the national driving test service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority. 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.
61. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport if he will expedite a driving test for an employee (details supplied) who cannot get to work unless they can drive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53635/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe operation of the national driving test service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority. 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.
62. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if an adequate transport service will be put in place for students (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53675/22]
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 statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. Therefore, the issue raised is a matter for the NTA in conjunction with the relevant transport operator. I have, therefore, forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
63. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Transport when he expects work to begin on the Mallow relief road project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53727/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on the status of the Mallow relief road.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
64. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Transport the process for issuing a licence for the commercial vehicle roadworthiness test; the number of such centres throughout the country; the corresponding figure for 2010 and 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53757/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe operation of the commercial vehicle roadworthiness testing regime is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority. I have therefore referred the Deputy’s 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.
65. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport if consideration will be given to increase the scheduled service on the Kinsale to Cork bus route (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53764/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the 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 statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling of those services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators, in this case Bus Éireann.
In light of the Authority's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question regarding the frequency of buses on the 226 Cork Airport to Kinsale route, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days
