Written Answers Nos. 139-159
139. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the extent to which individual cost items have been identified where small or sole trade enterprises are under increasing pressure from various cost of living increases from whatever source; if such assistance is manifest in the current climate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54126/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra147. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the degree to which he and his Department have identified the individual cause(s) of price increases leading to cost of living inflation; the extent to which solutions can be found; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54129/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra148. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the extent to which he and his Department have identified cost of living/price increases that are not directly related to any particular or specific issue; the way such increases can be remedied; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54130/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 139, 147 and 148 together.
Price movements are primarily measured through the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) published by Ireland’s national statistical office, the Central Statistics Office (CSO). My Department has not undertaken an analysis of price increases which are unrelated to any particular issue, but it actively monitors price developments through these price indices and regularly engages with the CSO.
A combination of issues was responsible for the initial rise in prices since mid -2021, including the rapid recovery in the domestic economy following the COVID-19 shock, international supply chain bottlenecks partly related to China’s zero COVID policy stance, and base effects relating to weak price trends in 2020.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine has led to a further pick-up in the rate of inflation. These geopolitical events have put exceptional upward pressure on gas and oil prices, and in turn electricity prices. These rising energy prices have been largely responsible for the rise in overall inflation (headline inflation) since early 2022, and in more recent months this has spilled over to core inflation (headline inflation minus energy prices). Headline inflation, measured by the CPI, rose by 8.2% between September 2021 and September 2022. Core inflation, measured by the CPI excluding energy products, rose 5.5% over the same period. In January 2022, headline inflation rose by 5.0% from January 2021, while core inflation rose 3.1% over the same period – much closer to the 2% overall inflation target. However, the rate of inflation as measured by the CPI has been decreasing since July, with the CSO reporting no change in the overall monthly inflation rate from August to September.
The impact of rising prices is not unique to Ireland, but an issue facing all major economies around the world. For instance, in September 2022, the annual inflation rate was 9.9% for the euro area, 8.2% for the US, and 10.1% for the UK. Ireland imports over 70 per cent of our energy use and the Government cannot fully insulate individuals and businesses from developments in international energy markets that are outside of our control.
However, the Government has been proactive in putting in place measures to remedy the fallout from higher rates of inflation through introducing a €505 million package in February of this year, including measures such as a lump sum payment of €125 on the fuel allowance to 390,000 recipients, temporary 20% reduction in public transport fares applicable from April 2022, a reduction of the drug payment scheme to €80, and the working family payment increase announced on Budget Day 2022 was brought forward from 1 June to 1 April. The Government also approved an Electricity Costs Emergency Benefit Scheme payment of up to €200 to be made this year to an estimated 2.1 million domestic electricity account holders and a lump sum payment of €125 for those in receipt of the fuel allowance, and there were also increases in the allocation of Early Learning and Care and School-Age Childcare to ensure childcare prices do not rise.
Furthermore, in September this year a significant package to help businesses and households with the rising cost of living and doing business was announced as part of Budget 2023. This package includes measures to help with the cost of energy, for example. An electricity credit of €600 to be applied to all household’s electricity bills and a €1.25 billion Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme which will provide qualifying businesses with up to 40% of the increase in electricity or gas bills - when compared to last year - up to a maximum of €10,000 per month. Other measures in the cost of living package include: a new Growth & Sustainability Loan Scheme, which will make up to €500 million in low-cost investment loans of up to 10 years available to SMEs, with no collateral required for loans up to €500,000 and an increase in the Standard Rate Cut Off Point by €3,200 to €40,000.My Department are also raising awareness around energy efficiency, helping businesses reduce the amount of energy they use and improving take-up of existing schemes already in place such as the Green4Micro programme and the Climate Toolkit for Business. Other financial assistance includes the SEAI Community Grant, SEAI energy audit vouchers and grants for microgeneration. The Local Enterprise Offices also act as a ‘first stop shop’ for providing advice and guidance, financial assistance, and act as a ‘signposting’ service for all government supports available to business owners throughout the country. Further information on the available business energy assistance can be found on my Department’s website: Energy supports - DETE (enterprise.gov.ie)
Finally, the National Competitiveness and Productivity Council published the 'Ireland's Competitiveness Challenge 2022' report last month setting out a range of recommendations that address both immediate competitiveness issues and more medium- and long-term challenges. The Government will publish its response to these recommendations in due course. The Government will also keep the energy situation under constant review, and we will continue to examine what measures are possible to manage the impact of rising energy prices.
140. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide details of any funding received by a company (details supplied) from Enterprise Ireland or other agencies in the auspices of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53926/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnterprise Ireland has worked closely with the company in question since 2019 when it was transferred from the Cork LEO which had supported it since its establishment in 2017. The company has received extensive support from Enterprise Ireland Market Advisors in overseas offices including US as well as UK, mainland Europe, Middle East and Australia.
Enterprise Ireland has invested a total of €800,000 in the company. The funding was provided in two separate funding rounds, in July 2020 and August 2021.
Enterprise Ireland takes the dispersal of public money very seriously. At all times Enterprise Ireland aims to provide the best value for money to taxpayers and the State. There are robust procedures in place to ensure that due diligence is undertaken in advance of approving public money to companies. Enterprise Ireland’s policies and processes are audited by the Comptroller and Auditor General, whilst internal audits are also undertaken at regular interval to ensure that Enterprise Ireland is in compliance with best practice.
141. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the average wait time for approval by the National Standards Authority of Ireland of new bio-based construction materials. [53932/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) is an independent agency, under the aegis of my Department. As part of its remit, NSAI carries out a range of operational functions, some of which are in areas which fall within the lead policy responsibility of other Departments. In this context, NSAI carries out activities in relation to construction products, which is an area within the lead policy responsibility of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
The times required for construction product certification by NSAI vary depending on the type of product, and the applicable regulatory context, for example whether the product falls under the Construction Product Regulation (CPR). Currently, CPR related products take 4 to 6 weeks to certify. However, if a product is new and innovative, and the manufacturer is seeking what is known as Agrément certification, then times for approval currently can be in excess of 6 months.
If the Deputy has a particular case in mind, I have been informed by NSAI that their officials would be happy to deal directly with the company to discuss the application.
143. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will consider making recommendations made by the Workplace Relations Commission obligatory to be honoured where it finds against a body which is State-funded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54010/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) and the Labour Court are independent offices of my Department. Industrial Relations Recommendations arising from the WRC and the Labour Court are not legally binding. Therefore, the State cannot compel a party to comply with a recommendation issuing from the WRC.
It is important to emphasise that Ireland’s system of industrial relations is essentially voluntary in nature and that responsibility for the resolution of industrial disputes between employers and workers rests in the first instance with the employer, the workers and their representatives.
For its part, the State provides the industrial relations dispute settlement mechanisms to support parties in their efforts to resolve their differences.
While I would strongly encourage parties to comply with Recommendations, the ultimate responsibility for the resolution of industrial disputes between employers and workers, rests with the employer, the workers and their representatives.
144. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the extent to which support is being made available to small businesses including sole traders who are under economic pressure arising from various rising costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54125/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra146. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the degree to which the Government continues to focus on those small and medium enterprises coming under increasing cost pressure from whatever source with a view to ensuring continuity of activity, enterprise and trade at local level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54128/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 144 and 146 together.
I wish to reassure the Deputy that this Government is very aware of the difficulties that businesses are facing 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.
As the Deputy is aware, the Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme is being designed to support eligible businesses that have experienced a significant increase in their electricity and/or natural gas costs. It will apply to trades, professions and 'new businesses' and will be finalised as part of the Finance Bill which is progressing through the Houses.
The new €200 million Ukraine Enterprise Crisis Scheme for manufacturing and internationally traded firms will provide up to €500,000 per firm. This is to help with rising costs and ensure there is sufficient liquidity available in the markets and up to €2 million per firm for energy intensive business.
The €1.2 billion Ukraine Credit Guarantee Scheme will provide confidence to Irish businesses that lending is available for working capital and short to medium term investment purposes. It will supply low-cost unsecured lending facilities for SMEs, primary producers and small Mid-Caps to spread the costs of an increase in input costs and disruption to supply chains, the move to new suppliers, the absorption of the cost of disruption and evolving their businesses to become more resilient in the face of business shock. The legislation underpinning the scheme is due before the Houses of the Oireachtas in November, which will then allow for the operationalisation and deployment of the scheme. A new State-backed Growth and Sustainability Loan Scheme will also be opened next year.
Microfinance Ireland (MFI) provides affordable loans of up to €25,000 to microenterprises that cannot obtain funding through traditional sources. In addition to its lending services, MFI provides post approval mentoring services delivered through the Local Enterprise Office Network to its borrowers.
The reduced rate of VAT on gas and electricity from 13.5% to 9% has also been extended until the 28th February 2023.
The Local Enterprise Offices provide a wide a selection of productivity measures designed to assist firms. LEAN for Micro, provides support to companies to introduce lean principles, and undertake a specific cost savings project. Green for Micro helps small businesses prepare for the low carbon, resource efficient economy of the future. Digital Start helps business managers prepare and implement a plan for the adoption of digital tools and techniques across their business.
The Government will keep the energy situation under constant review, and we will continue to examine what measures are possible to manage the impact of rising energy prices.
145. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the extent to which he and his Department continue to encourage employment in various small enterprises in towns and villages throughout the country thereby encouraging trade and enterprise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54127/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Local Enterprise Offices act as a ‘First Stop Shop’ for providing advice and guidance, financial assistance, and offer a ‘signposting’ service for all government supports available to business owners throughout the country.
The Local Enterprise Offices can offer direct grant aid to businesses operating in the manufacturing and internationally traded services sectors which, over time, have the potential to develop into strong export entities. Eligible expenditure for these grants can include the salary costs for hiring additional staff where a need has been identified as part of the grant application.
The Local Enterprise Offices also provide a wide range of high-quality business and management development programmes that are tailored to meet specific business requirements and help these small businesses to reach their potential.
Regional enterprise development and sustainable local job creation is a key policy priority of this Government. This year my Department launched nine new Regional Enterprise Plans to run to 2024. These are an integral part of Ireland’s enterprise policy and are aimed at driving economic growth and sustaining better standards of living throughout Ireland. These are bottom-up plans, developed by regional stakeholders including the Local Authorities, the enterprise agencies, Local Enterprise Offices, regional skills forum and education and training institutes in each region.
The new Regional Enterprise Plans aim to identify growth opportunities, recognise vulnerabilities, and in response, strengthen the regional enterprise ecosystem to enable job creation and are underpinned by understanding the unique local strengths and assets in each region. Work on the implementation of the actions within each Regional Enterprise Plan has commenced and each Plan is overseen and monitored by a Regional Steering Committee made up of regional stakeholders and chaired by a senior level private sector businessperson.
The Plans are also in addition to the ongoing work of the various bodies such as the IDA, Enterprise Ireland and others, and focus on collaborative initiatives aimed at job creation in the regions. The Government has provided funding to assist regions to support enterprise activity, promote regional growth and create jobs.
The Department, through Enterprise Ireland, has made available to date over €126 million in regional enterprise development funding to assist locally led regional enterprise development projects and almost €100 million in funding has been approved for 68 enterprise strengthening projects under the Regional Enterprise Development Fund.
Furthermore, under the Regional Enterprise Transition Scheme 24 existing REDF and BEDF projects secured additional funding of €9.3 million. There is also a ring-fenced Border Enterprise Development Fund which has approved funding of €17.4 million for 11 enterprise projects with projects approved in each border county. These funds are supporting significant collaborative and innovative regional projects that when complete will provide a timely impetus to job creation in towns and villages nationwide and is backed up by the Government’s Economic Recovery Plan and the updated National Development Plan, which seek to achieve regionally balanced growth.
Further to this, the Department of Rural and Community Development administer a number of schemes and projects that aim to further develop our rural towns and communities and generate enterprise and employment opportunities; these include the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, which focusses on the regeneration of derelict and vacant sites to repurpose them as multipurpose spaces, and the CLÁR programme (Ceantair Laga Árd-Riachtanais) which provides funding for small-scale infrastructural projects in rural areas. These schemes will encourage more people to return confidently to town and village centres to work, shop and socialise.
150. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the degree to which he and his Department have identified specific issues which are currently inhibiting the growth of employment, enterprise and trade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54134/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department, in conjunction with other Departments and state bodies, monitors key sectors to anticipate needs and realise emerging opportunities. The latest series of sectoral reports, "Focus on Sectors 2020", was published in August 2020, which presented concise overviews of 16 key sectors of the economy, encompassing both exporting and locally trading activities, and outlined some initial indications of the impact of COVID-19 on these sectors.
In addition, my Department is currently prioritising our work on the White Paper on Enterprise due by December this year which will articulate what needs to be done differently to realise the vision of a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable enterprise growth model for Ireland in the future, while remaining true to what currently works well for enterprise in Ireland. This will address the issues identified by the Deputy.
I should also highlight that the enterprise development agencies, both under my own Department's remit and those under the remits of other Departments, continue to work with their client companies and sectors on appropriate strategies having regard to both the general global challenges they face, as well as, in some cases, unique sectoral issues.
151. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide an update on the implementation of the clean-export guarantee tariff to allow payment for electricity returned to the grid; his views on whether energy suppliers have been receptive to the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53937/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraResponsibility for the regulation of the electricity market is a matter for the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU), which is the independent energy regulator and was assigned responsibility for the regulation of the Irish electricity sector following the enactment of the Electricity Regulation Act, 1999 and subsequent legislation.
I signed the Regulations that provide for the Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) on 15 February this year and since then, significant implementation work has been completed by ESB Networks and electricity suppliers, under the oversight of the CRU ,in order to deliver this important benefit to micro-generators.
The CRU also published a decision on an interim enabling framework for the CEG which outlines the full arrangements for its implementation, including eligibility criteria and remuneration methodology. As part of this, the CRU has decided that suppliers will set their individual CEG tariffs on a competitive market basis.
I am aware that while all suppliers have now advertised their rates, not all suppliers have made initial payments. The CRU has asked suppliers to communicate their decision to their customers on when initial CEG payments will be made at the earliest opportunity. However, it is important to note that microgenerators will not lose out, as payments will be backdated to the date of eligibility or 15 February 2022 (the date the regulations were enacted), whichever is the latest.
The Deputy may wish to note that CRU provides a dedicated email address for Oireachtas members, which enables them to raise questions on general energy regulatory matters to CRU at oireachtas@cru.ie for timely direct reply.
152. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of times that the ECAS call system has been down in the past five years and when did these happen; and for how long for each occasion. [53986/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing a competitive procurement process, BT Communications Ireland Limited (BTCIL) holds the contract to operate the Emergency Call Answering Service (ECAS). The Contract provides a comprehensive set of Key Performance Indicators centred on the availability and quality of the service and BT’s performance against these metrics is closely monitored by my Department, including answering 98% of calls in less than 1.3 seconds.
Over the period of five years BTCIL has consistently achieved the metric of 99.999% of ECAS availability. However, on Tuesday 28th June at 1am the system was unavailable for 1 hour 12 minutes. ECAS technical team immediately engaged, investigated, and identified the issue which was quickly resolved.
153. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his Department would consider introducing legislation to ban specific devices in domestic settings where they could potentially cause a noise disturbance (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53990/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraCurrent legislation in the area of noise does not specifically address the use of the devices referred to and there are no plans at present to introduce such legislation. Sections 107 or 108 of the Environmental Protection Agency Act, 1992 deal with the issue of nuisance noise from a range of sources, including residential.
My Department has produced an information leaflet, A Guide to the Noise Regulations, outlining the legal avenues available to persons experiencing noise nuisance and it is available at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/service/make-a-noise-nuisance-complaint/. A National Protocol for Dealing with Noise Complaints was developed between my Department, Local Authorities, and the Environmental Protection Agency. The Protocol provides guidance to Local Authorities on best practice for dealing with noise complaints. The protocol can be accessed at the following link: www.dublincity.ie/residential/environment/air-quality-monitoring-and-noise-control-unit/making-noise-pollution-complaint.
154. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his plans, if any, to engage with the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities to seek a reversal of charges (details supplied) given the current energy-cost crisis and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53992/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraResponsibility for the regulation of the electricity market is a matter for the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) which is the independent regulator. The CRU was assigned responsibility for the regulation of the Irish electricity sector following the enactment of the Electricity Regulation Act, 1999 and subsequent legislation. The CRU is, under statute, accountable for the performance of its functions to a Committee of the Oireachtas. It provides a dedicated email address for Oireachtas members, oireachtas@cru.ie, which enables them raise questions on electricity and gas regulatory matters such that raised in the question, with CRU, for timely direct reply.
Section 35 of the Electricity Regulation Act 1999 specifically provides that CRU may give directions to the System operator in relation to those specific charges. Accordingly, the matter of the deferral of network charges is for the CRU in the performance of its functions as the independent regulator under the regulatory framework. EU Member States must guarantee the independence of their respective energy regulators, which are expressly forbidden from taking direct instructions from a government, or any public body, when performing their regulatory functions.
155. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his Department has determined the viability of proven undeveloped gas accumulations in areas of the Celtic sea already licensed for exploration or the subject of applications for successor authorisations potential to tie back to the Inch terminal and be brought ashore with minimum disruption; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53993/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraGas accumulations that have been encountered in areas already licensed for exploration or the subject of applications for successor authorisations in the Celtic Sea have not been declared commercial and would require further drilling in order to reach a decision on commerciality and before resource estimates of such accumulations can be classified as proven reserves. While the my Department reviews the results of the agreed work programmes of petroleum authorisations it does not carry out its own evaluation of the viability of accumulations that have not yet been declared commercial. It should also be noted that all above ground pipework has been removed from the Inch terminal as part of its decommissioning.
156. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when in 2023 can post offices expect to receive the €10 million financial support package; if he will outline the process for dispersing the money; if he can offer any further information in relation to the funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53998/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department will be providing funding of €10 million per annum, from within the existing capital provision of the Department, over a three-year fixed term 2023–2025 to An Post to support a sustainable, nationwide post office network in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government. The funding is subject to State Aid clearance being received and funds being dispersed in accordance with a methodology to be agreed with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.
An Post and the IPU (Irish Postmasters Union) are in consultation on the methodology to be used. Exact details relating to the disbursal of funds will be released in due course, subsequent to these consultations.Amendment of the Postal and Telecommunications Act 1983 will also be required to provide a legal base for the provision of funding from the Minister to An Post.
157. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when he proposes to publish sectoral emission ceilings for the current carbon budget period 2021-2025, as required pursuant to Section 6C(1) of the Climate Change and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54074/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAfter the approval of the Carbon Budgets, and in accordance with the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021, my Department engaged with relevant Government Departments and Agencies to prepare Sectoral Emissions Ceilings for Government review and approval. Following an extensive period of analysis and engagement, the Sectoral Emission Ceilings were approved by Government and came into effect on 28 July 2022.My Department has published two documents on the Gov.ie website that provide detail regarding these ceilings for both the first and second carbon budget periods, as well as a summary of the processes and analyses that supported and informed their development. These documents are available at www.gov.ie/en/publication/76864-sectoral-emissions-ceilings/
158. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Transport the level of engagement that his Department has had with the Department of Transport and the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications regarding the rollout of the EV Commercial Fleet Trial; if his Department is promoting this among local and national enterprises; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54027/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra164. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on the number of trials that have taken place under the Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland EV Commercial Fleet Trial; if his Department is engaging with businesses to promote this trial; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54022/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra165. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Transport his views that businesses can be a driving force as part of the modal shift towards electric vehicles and the overall electrification of the fleet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54024/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra166. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has engaged with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment regarding the EV Commercial Fleet Trial; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54026/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 158, 164, 165 and 166 together.
The Government of Ireland have set down ambitious targets to be achieved in the transport sector: a 51% reduction in emissions across the transport sector by 2030 and a target of almost a million electric vehicles (EVs) on Irish roads by 2030.
When combined with policies that support increased active and multi-modal travel, EVs represent a viable pathway for the decarbonisation of the transport sector.
Commercial fleets contribute to the transport emissions in Ireland. There is an opportunity to significantly reduce emissions in the transport sector by encouraging the electrification of commercial fleets. The Government provides a wide range of supports to encourage businesses to make the switch to electric vehicles including:
- Accelerated Capital Allowance
- Benefit in Kind
- eSPSV grant
- A grant support for the purchase of new N1 category electric vehicles for business and public entities.
- AFHDV grant scheme
- The SEAI EV Dealership Awards which recognise and reward excellence in the promotion and sales of electric vehicles in Ireland.
I launched the EV Commercial Fleet Trial on 21 July 2022 to afford businesses the opportunity to test an EV free of charge for a minimum period of 3 months. This trial will allow businesses real world experience of having an EV on their fleet and showcase the benefits, savings and the suitability and viability of EVs in a commercial setting.
The trial will run in four blocks of 50 businesses. The first 50 businesses have had their premises surveyed for installation of charge points with installations for the first block scheduled to be complete by early December 2022. The first 10 participating vehicles should be placed with businesses at the end of November with the remaining 40 vehicles scheduled to be placed with businesses in January 2023. To ensure as positive an experience as possible, ZEVI in conjunction with SEAI have made the decision to install charge points or ensure an operational charging strategy is in place for each business prior to delivery of trial EV.
The participating businesses span a host of different industries and are made up of large industry, public sector and SMEs.
159. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Transport the average waiting time to access an NCT appointment; if he accepts that reported six-month delays on an annual test risk compromising both the testing model and public confidence in it; the additional resources that are being put in place to alleviate the extreme pressure on the system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53940/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe operation of the National Car Testing Service (NCTS) is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority (RSA). I have therefore referred the 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.
However, I am very aware of the challenges that the RSA and the NCTS are currently facing to meet demand and the delays which vehicle owners have encountered since the start of this year. Minister of State Naughton has met with the RSA to convey the seriousness of this matter and my officials are meeting weekly with the RSA to monitor progress in reducing test delays. My department will continue this monitoring, as well as supporting any appropriate requests from the RSA for assistance.
I am advised that customers seeking test appointments may contact the NCTS directly, by calling 01-4135992, or may avail of the priority waiting list function via the NCT website, www.ncts.ie. In the majority of cases, these vehicle owners are provided with an appointment within 30 days.
