Written Answers Nos. 155-187
155. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if any review of EPA operations has been conducted with a view to improving the efficiency of the organisation; his views on whether the EPA would be able to carry out its duties more efficiently if all of its functions were in the one department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59496/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraA review of the EPA was undertaken by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), using a framework developed by the OECD to assess and strengthen the organisational performance and governance of regulators. This review examined the EPA’s institutional and organisational set-up, including how it assesses its own performance, and compared the Agency’s governance arrangements against the Best Practice Principles and practices of other OECD Countries. The OECD report, 'Driving Performance at Ireland’s Environmental Protection Agency,' was published in May 2020 and is available at www.oecd.org/gov/regulatory-policy/driving-performance-at-ireland-s-environmental-protection-agency-009a0785-en.htm The review reported that Ireland’s EPA is a trusted and respected body for environmental and radiological protection that is recognised for its scientific integrity. Environmental protection policy falls primarily under the remit my Department, in conjunction with the Department for Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH) which has primary responsibility for water protection policy. The EPA is a key regulator in both these sectors. In July 2021, my Department and the DHLGH agreed a revised Performance Delivery Agreement (PDA) with the EPA. The PDA, which is reviewed annually, defines an agreed level of performance with the aim of providing efficient and effective delivery of public services to protect and improve our environment.
156. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the way in which the electricity credit will be applied to units in student accommodation to ensure that students benefit from this financial support; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58760/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraGovernment 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 includesaccounts 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. While the majority of residential tenants will hold their own domestic electricity accounts, and therefore receive the credit directly, others could have tenancy agreements where tenants pay their actual share of each bill and, in those cases, will benefit from the payment because the amount of the bill will be reduced by the amount of the payment. A small proportion could have other arrangements in place whereby electricity costs are part of the rental cost. Where tenants have a dispute relating to tenancies including any terms relating to electricity payments, these can be referred to the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) for dispute resolution.
157. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the reason that he has allowed and given prospecting licences in a number of counties; the rationale for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58774/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra158. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when he granted prospecting licences in several counties (details supplied) respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58775/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 157 and 158 together. The transition to a low carbon economy will require substantially more minerals and metals for use in new wind farms, solar photovoltaic plants, electric vehicles, battery storage, electricity networks, etc. as was confirmed in the International Energy Agency report ‘The Role of Critical Minerals in Clean Energy Transitions’. The huge growth in demand for minerals that are required to enable the transition to clean energy technologies necessitates that mining, and also the mineral exploration necessary to identify new mineral resources, will continue to occur for many more decades. Without further mining, the shift from a fossil-fuel based energy system to one powered by clean energy technologies will not be possible. EU President Ursula von der Leyen in her ‘State of the European Union’ address in September, highlighted that “without secure and sustainable access to necessary raw materials, the EU’s ambition to become the first climate neutral continent is at risk.” Prospecting Licence (PL) applications are submitted to the Department by mineral exploration companies that wish to evaluate the mineral potential of particular areas. All applications are assessed by the Geoscience Regulation Office in my Department. This assessment includes environmental screening of all proposed exploration activities to ensure that they will not give rise to any significant environmental effects. The main commodities of exploration interest in Ireland are zinc and lead. However, there is also interest in a number of other commodities including lithium, copper, gold, silver, Platinum Group Elements, Rare Earth Elements. A number of these commodities are defined as critical raw minerals by the EU. I would like to advise the Deputy that a list of prospecting licences, as granted, is available to view on the most recent six monthly Oireachtas report, which is accessible at www.gov.ie/en/collection/d460d-six-monthly-reports-to-the-oireachtas-on-mineral-exploration-and-mining-in-ireland/. There are approximately 400 current Prospecting licences granted across Ireland, the oldest of which date back to the early 1970s. Since the last report was published on 30th June 2022, an additional six licences have been issued in counties Galway, Limerick, Kilkenny and Cork.
Additional licences that have been issued since the last report was published on 30th June 2022 are listed below.
|
PL Area |
County |
Licensee |
Minerals |
Start Date |
|
3742 |
Galway |
Boliden Tara Mines Ltd |
Bm, bar, g, s |
24-10-22 |
|
2762 |
Limerick |
Aquatherm Limited |
Bm, bar, g, s, PGE |
26-9-22 |
|
3709, 3211, 3215 & 3216 |
Kilkenny |
Tancred Resources Ltd |
Bm, g, s, Li, Be, Cs, Nb, REE, Rb |
5-9-22 |
|
1940, 2637, 3293, 3365, 4132 |
Cork & Limerick |
Adventus Zinc Ireland Ltd |
Bm, bar, g, s, PGE |
10-8-22 |
|
2331, 4516, 4525 |
Cork |
Adventus Zinc Ireland Ltd |
Bm, bar, g, s, PGE |
4-8-22 |
|
4560 |
Cork |
Group Eleven Mining and Exploration Ltd |
Bm, bar, g, s |
4-8-22 |
Licensed Mineral Abbreviations are listed below for reference:
Base metals (Bm); Barytes (b); Gold, Ores of (g); Silver, Ores of (s); Platinum Group Elements, Ores of (PGE), Rare Earth Elements, Ores of (REE); Beryllium, Ores of (Be); Caesium, Ores of (Cs); Lithium, Ores of (Li); Niobium, Ores of(Nb) and Rubidium, Ores of (Rb)..
159. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the measures that he is taking to resolve the situation where tenants of a social housing trust (details supplied) who are heated by a district heating system are being charged higher than normal energy costs due to their being treated as commercial rather than domestic consumers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58776/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra162. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when he will take action to ensure that apartment renters in district energy complexes can pay residential gas rates instead of more expensive commercial gas rates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58866/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra165. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will intervene on behalf of residents at a location (details supplied) who are being charged unaffordable amounts in their bills due to being part of a district heating scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58920/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra173. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the protections that are in place for district heating customers who pre-pay for gas in order to prevent any disconnection of service if they cannot pay their bills this winter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59100/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 159, 162, 165 and 173 together. The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) has been appointed as regulator for district heating networks and will be responsible for development of appropriate regulation of the sector going forward. Central to the regulation of the sector will be the recommendations of the District Heating Steering Group. The Steering Group has been examining, among other things, the economic regulation and consumer protection needs of the district heating sector and of smaller scale group heating schemes. In addition, to identify alternative heat sources for group heating schemes in particular, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland has initiated a programme of pilot feasibility studies to examine the technical potential of moving those schemes fuelled by natural gas to a renewable energy source. It is anticipated that initial results will be available in the New Year.More broadly, to help alleviate the impact of the rising cost of living, the Government has already put in place a series of measures, with funding of €2.4 billion available. A further package of once off measures worth €2.5 billion was announced in Budget 2023, including the Electricity Cost Emergency Benefit Scheme II. Primary and secondary enabling legislation has since been put in place, with the first of three €200 electricity credits (inclusive of VAT) being paid directly to over 2.2 million domestic electricity accounts from November 2022.
While not all consumers use gas, electricity is supplied to all households, therefore, the Electricity Costs Emergency Benefit payment is being applied to domestic electricity accounts as a universal support to all households.
160. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has visited two locations (details supplied) and witnessed the destruction and damage caused at these locations following mining; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58779/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraOfficials from my Department visited the former mine sites at Silvermines on 30 September 2021 with contractors providing environmental monitoring services as part of a three-year programme that commenced in 2018. Department officials will again visit the sites in December 2022 to prepare a request for tenders for continued environmental monitoring of the sites. My Department, in co-operation with Tipperary County Council, has undertaken an extensive programme of remediation works at a number of former mining sites at Silvermines. Work has been substantially completed on 5 of the 6 sites with expenditure amounting to €11.19m. The Gortmore Tailings Management Facility was the largest site remediated at a cost of €6 million.
Officials from the Geoscience Regulation Office in my Department, under its monitoring, compliance and enforcement functions, regularly inspect active mine sites to ensure they are operating in accordance with the terms and conditions of their Licence or Lease. In respect of the tailings facility at Tara Mines in particular, monitoring of the facility rests with the EPA and I have no function in the matter.
161. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he is in favour of mining in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58781/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra163. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide an update on the implementation of section 14(7) of the Circular Economy and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2022, which states that the Minister shall prepare a report examining the way that single-use packaging used in the sale of fruit and vegetables can be reduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58897/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Circular Economy and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2022 is a key step in Ireland’s transition to a circular economy and provides a robust statutory framework for moving from a focus on managing waste to a much greater focus on adapting patterns of production and consumption. The Act provides the necessary legislative basis for several key measures including the Circular Economy Strategy; the Circular Economy Programme; the National Food Loss Prevention Roadmap; and the Circular Economy Fund.
Section 14(7) of the Act provides that the Minister shall publish a report examining how single-use packaging used in the sale of fruit and vegetables can be reduced. It is intended to commence section 14 in Q1 2023. The report will be commissioned and published within 12 months from the date of commencement.
164. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the options available to persons living in areas where there is no competition for waste collection; if the local authority will assume responsibility for waste collection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58917/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer to the reply to Question No 144 of 7 April 2022.The position is unchanged.
166. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the reason that the financial supports for HubController, which had been financially supported by the SSEI, have been removed, given that the service can improve energy efficiency and reduce usage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58928/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government funds a number of home energy grant schemes which are administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). Heating control grants of €700 continue to be available to all homeowners whose homes were built and occupied before 2011. Summary performance requirements are available from the SEAI website at Smart Heating Controls Grant | Home Energy Grants | SEAI.
167. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will confirm that he will publish the national hydrogen strategy before the end of 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58947/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department launched a public consultation on a Hydrogen Strategy for Ireland in July 2022. The consultation document set out key questions to be responded to, and invited stakeholders’ responses on specific questions to be answered in this regard.Analysis is ongoing of the 122 responses that were received during the public consultation, and the submission from the Joint Committee on Environment and Climate Action, with a view to finalising the strategy as soon as possible.
168. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if coal sourced in Columbia is for sale in this country; if this product is legal in this State; if not, the efforts that are being made to stop this product being on sale; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59027/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe new solid fuel regulations, which took effect from 31 October, place technical standards and restrictions on all solid fuels, including coal. It is now illegal to place fuels on the market in Ireland that do not meet the requirements of the regulations, irrespective of where the fuel has been sourced. Therefore, coal from Colombia, or anywhere else which does not meet the technical standards, may not be legally sold or otherwise distributed in the State. Under the regulations, producers and importers of coal must register with the Environmental Protection Agency and demonstrate that the coal products they sell or distribute comply with the technical standards. Local Authorities are responsible for the enforcement of the solid fuel regulations, including identifying unauthorised fuels placed on the market and taking measures to counteract any illegal trade.
169. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the action that the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities proposes to take against gas companies which disconnect a vulnerable customer, (details supplied), given the moratorium on disconnections. [59044/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra170. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the position regarding the Government electricity credit for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59061/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraGovernment is acutely aware of the impact that the increase in global energy prices is having on households. That is why throughout 2022 Government introduced a €2.4 billion package of supports and as part of Budget 2023 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.This is a measure which uses the single eligibility criterion of a meter point registration number (MPRN), to ensure payments to each domestic electricity account are made as soon as possible, without any additional means testing.As such, it is being applied automatically to all domestic electricity accounts which are held with suppliers on the effective date for each payment as set out in the Electricity Costs Emergency Benefit Scheme II Regulations 2022, Statutory Instrument 521 of 2022, i.e. 27 October 2022 in respect of the first payment, 20 December 2022 in respect of the second payment, and 27 February 2023 in respect of the third payment. If a customer switches supplier, it will be the supplier with which they had their account on the relevant effective date that will make the payment to that customer.Suppliers are required to maintain records of any accounts they have been unable to credit, and to return these unallocated credits for the purpose of the scheme to ESB Networks by 31 July 2023. The CRU had a dedicated email address for Oireachtas members: oireachtas@cru.ie.
171. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when the SEAI better energy communities grant scheme funded by his Department will open for applications given that hospitality businesses need to carry out such work in the low season; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59069/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Communities Energy Grant Scheme is part of the Government's National Retrofit Programme aimed at upgrading building stock and facilities to high standards of energy efficiency and renewable energy usage, thereby reducing fossil fuel usage, energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions. The Scheme supports cross-sectoral and community-oriented partnership approaches that deliver energy savings to a range of building types including public, commercial and community buildings with a particular focus on using the projects to deliver home retrofits.
Demand for the CEG Scheme has been very strong since the launch of this year’s Call for Projects in March. To date, 17 contracts with a grant value of over €42 million have been issued by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and a further 7 applications are currently under evaluation within the SEAI. All of which points to a strong pipeline of works under the scheme for the remainder of this year and into 2023. The SEAI has confirmed that the Community Energy Grant Scheme remains open to applications from interested organisations.
There are also a suite of further supports for businesses available through SEAI, including:
- Energy Academy – an online learning platform for business to help them reduce their energy costs
- Climate Toolkit 4 Business – allows a business to estimate their carbon footprint and provides a personalised action plan
- Energy Audit scheme – voucher for €2,000 towards the cost of an energy audit
- EXEED certified grant – support scheme for business for major energy projects
- Support Scheme for renewable Heat (SSRH) – scheme supporting installation of renewable heat systems; bioenergy and heat pumps
- Accelerated Capital Allowance - tax incentive encouraging investment in energy saving products.
172. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide the number of homes that have applied for the SEAI home insulation grant in Dublin per area code; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59083/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department funds a number of grant schemes, administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) to support homeowners to improve the energy efficiency of their properties. In February, the Government launched a package of supports to make it easier and more affordable for homeowners to undertake home energy upgrades, for warmer, healthier and more comfortable homes, with lower energy bills. Free upgrades are available for households at risk of energy poverty under the Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme. Since the launch of the enhanced grant schemes, demand across the country has been very strong. Figures from SEAI indicate that, as of end-October:
- Almost 41,000 applications for support have been received – a 152% increase on the same period last year.
- Over 18,400 home energy upgrades have been completed – a 59% increase on the same period last year.
- Over 3,600 homes been upgraded under SEAI energy poverty schemes – a 122% increase on the same period last year.
My Department is working with the SEAI to build on this strong performance with a robust pipeline of activity planned for the rest of the year and into 2023. The specific breakdown of information sought by the Deputy is not readily available in my Department. It should be available directly from SEAI which operates a specific email address for enquiries from members of the Oireachtas - oireachtas@seai.ie.
174. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of access officers responsible for providing or arranging for and co-ordinating assistance and guidance to people with disabilities accessing his Departments’ services who are employed in his Department as required by section 26 (2) of the Disability Act 2005; the way that his Department makes its customers aware of this service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59290/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn accordance with Section 26 (2) of the Disability Act 2005 my Department has appointed an Access Officer who is responsible for providing, arranging or co-ordinating assistance to persons with disabilities who wish to access the services provided by the Department. The officers contact details are available internally to staff who may be organising a meeting with a person with a disability and the relevant contact details are also available on the Department’s website.
175. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will increase the solar pv grant payment available for businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59336/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Micro-generation Support Scheme (MSS) is targeting support for 380MW of installed micro-generation capacity by 2030, including over 60,000 small microgeneration connections less than 6 KW and 10,000 connections between 6 kW and 50 kW. The first phase of the scheme, consisting of a domestic solar PV grant, commenced in February 2022. The second phase of the scheme, announced on 22 September, saw Solar PV grants being extended to the non-domestic sector, for installations up to and including 6 kW. Both grants are administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and are up to a maximum of €2,400.
This new phase of the scheme provides an opportunity for small businesses to reduce their electricity bills. Moreover, with the introduction of the Clean Export Guarantee (CEG), any residual renewable electricity not consumed on the premises of these microgenerators is now eligible for an export payment, which further supports the investment.
Since the introduction of the domestic Solar PV grant in February 2022, the SEAI has seen application levels rise sharply and are forecasting the numbers for 2022 to be more than double the application levels seen in 2021. While the non-domestic grant scheme has only recently commenced, it is envisaged that applications from businesses will also show strong demand. While the overall level of interest in the grant schemes indicates that the MSS is working well, its operation and effectiveness will be kept under review and adjustments made where necessary.
The final phase of the MSS will involve the introduction of a Clean Export Premium (CEP) feed-in tariff, to support non-domestic applicants for installation sizes greater than 6kWp up to 50kWp. The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) will consult on an implementation plan for the CEP tariff in 2023.
176. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will consider including sports clubs and associations in the grant scheme for the installation of solar panels, which currently only includes grants for domestic and commercial users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59351/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 22 September I announced the extension of Government supports of up to €2,400 for the installation of solar PV panels for non-domestic buildings – aimed specifically at businesses, public organisations and community groups including sports clubs and associations. The new grants are the next phase in the Government’s Microgeneration Support Scheme (MSS) and are administered through the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). The scheme provides grant funding of up to €2,400 towards the installation of solar PV technology up to a maximum of 6kWp, which is approximately 16 solar panels. This provides an opportunity for all areas of the non-domestic sector to not only reduce their electricity bills, but to visibly demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and Ireland’s broader climate action goals.
At the current high electricity prices, businesses, including the community group identified by the Deputy, have the potential to save €2,000-3,000 per annum from a solar PV system supported under this scheme. Moreover, with with the introduction of the Clean Export Guarantee (CEG),any residual renewable electricity not consumed on the premises is now eligible for an export payment which further supports the investment. This means that the installation can pay for itself quickly – thus helping to protect businesses and organisations across the country against rising energy prices into the future.
To apply for a grant, non-domestic applicants should visit www.seai.ie and follow the outlined steps.
The final phase of the Micro-generation Support Scheme will involve the introduction of a Clean Export Premium (CEP) feed-in tariff – to support electricity exported to the grid from non-domestic applicants for installation sizes greater than 6kWe up to 50kWe. The CRU (Commission for Regulation of Utilities) will consult on an implementation plan for the CEP in 2023.
177. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the supports that can be given to tenants in the case in which a landlord has not passed on electricity credits to them (details supplied). [59368/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraGovernment 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.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 includesaccounts 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. ESB networks, the electricity distribution system operator will operate the scheme 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.While the majority of residential tenants will hold their own domestic electricity accounts, and therefore receive the credit directly, others could have tenancy agreements where tenants pay their actual share of each bill and, in those cases, will benefit from the payment because the amount of the bill will be reduced by the amount of the payment. A small proportion could have other arrangements in place whereby electricity costs are part of the rental cost. Where tenants have a dispute relating to tenancies including any terms relating to electricity payments, these can be referred to the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) for dispute resolution.Along with the Electricity Cost Emergency Benefit Scheme Budget 2023 also introduced measures including: - €400 lump sum payment to Fuel Allowance recipients
- €200 lump sum payment for pensioners and people with a disability getting the Living Alone Increase
- €500 cost of living lump sum payment to all families getting Working Family Payment
- Double payment of Child Benefit to support all families with children
- €500 cost of living payment for people receiving Carer's Support Grant will be paid in November
- €500 lump sum cost of living disability support grant will be paid to all people receiving a long term disability payment.
178. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has engaged with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland on benchmark pricing for retrofitting given that contractors are giving vastly different quotes; if he is taking steps to ensure that quotes given by SEAI-approved contractors are not inflated and are not higher than quotes given independent of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59404/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn February, the Government approved a package of supports to make it easier and more affordable for homeowners to undertake home energy upgrades thereby achieving lower energy bills and lower emissions. The grant levels announced were informed by detailed analysis and research led by the Department and the SEAI. My officials engage with their counterparts in the SEAI on an ongoing basis in relation to the operation of the schemes. The SEAI will continue to ensure that grant schemes and rates are kept under review taking account of evolving science, innovation, evolving technology and other relevant factors. An independent quantity surveyor review of market costs is due to be commissioned by SEAI before the end of the year.
SEAI contractors are private providers and as such, it is not unexpected that there will be differences in the prices quoted. Furthermore, the cost of a retrofit measure depends on a range of factors including the size and type of home as well as the age and starting condition of the property and the retrofitting works required or recommended.
As the retrofit industry transforms to accommodate much higher levels of output in line with our national targets, quality must be maintained at a high level to ensure value for money for the taxpayers and to sustain consumer confidence and demand. Contractors operating under any scheme supported by an SEAI grant must carry out the works in line with the SEAI’s Contractor Code of Practice and Domestic Technical Standards and Specifications as well as best practice and technical guidance documents. The SEAI carries out verification inspections on grant aided works on a sample basis to ensure grants are paid in accordance with SEAI’s terms and conditions.
Since the launch of the enhanced grant schemes earlier this year, demand has been very strong. Figures from SEAI indicate that, as of end-October:
- Almost 41,000 applications for support have been received – a 152% increase on the same period last year.
- Over 18,400 home energy upgrades have been completed – a 59% increase on the same period last year.
- Over 3,600 homes been upgraded under SEAI energy poverty schemes – a 122% increase on the same period last year.
- Almost 6,000 homes have been upgraded to a BER of B2 or better – a 79% increase on the same period last year
- Among the overall energy upgrades completed to date this year, 1,341 have included the installation of heat pumps.
My Department is working with the SEAI to build on this strong performance with a robust pipeline of activity planned for the rest of the year and into 2023.
179. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if there are criteria that contractors must reach before becoming eligible for the one-stop scheme for retrofitting by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59405/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra180. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if there are mechanisms whereby contractors can be removed from the one-stop scheme for retrofitting by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland if they are found to be abusing their position and prices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59406/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to answer questions 179 and 180 together. The National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme introduces a new, highly customer centric, way to undertake home energy upgrades. SEAI registered One-Stop-Shops provide an end-to-end service for homeowners. This includes surveying; designing the upgrades; managing the grant process; helping with access to finance; engaging contractors; and quality assurance. The SEAI advise that twelve OSSs have now been registered and the SEAI is actively working with applicant organisations to support them through the registration process. In this regard, SEAI is focused on engaging organisations capable of professionally managing all aspects of a One Stop Shop service. Therefore, the registration process for this new service must be robust.
The new Scheme is also grounded in strong governance and oversight processes to ensure the OSSs are meeting the necessary customer and quality performance indicators.
The SEAI advise that there are a number of clearly defined minimum eligibility criteria in order to apply to become an OSS. The applicant must be able to demonstrate that they can meet the criteria under the key areas as outlined below:
- Financial Probity and Business Standing
- Organisational Capability and Technical Competence
- Governance and Legal Requirements
- Business Systems and IT Capability
- Market Engagement
- Skilled Workforce (direct or partnerships)
- Quality Assurance
- Obligated Party if relevant
- Commitment as a partner and key stakeholder in national retrofit
Once the OSS applicant meets the eligibility criteria, they are then required to submit a strategic plan to SEAI for assessment and agreement and enter into an OSS appointment agreement with SEAI.
In accordance with each OSS quality management system, each OSS must ensure they have sufficient competent resources in place, either directly employed or subcontracted via each OSS subcontractor framework, to satisfy all the home energy upgrade measures required. The individual competency requirements for each specific measure are described in the Domestic Technical Standards and Specifications. Each OSS must ensure, through their competency and onboarding frameworks, internal auditing process and training, that all contractors adhere to these technical requirements. Each OSS is responsible for contracting their own subcontractors via their own appointment criteria.
The OSS will be subject to reviews to ensure compliance with Scheme requirements and any other terms and conditions or requirements of the Scheme. This process will also review broader items to ensure effective operation as a registered OSS. Where SEAI identifies any breaches of the OSS appointment agreement, any breaches of the relevant grant scheme terms and/or any quality management issues then SEAI will have various rights of remediation, suspension and termination provided for in the OSS appointment agreement.
181. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his attention has been drawn to air quality issues in Ennis (details supplied); his plans to address these issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59437/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is aware of periodic air pollution spikes in Ennis. The data from the National Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Programme shows that on the date referred, there was a short spike in levels of particulate matter in the evening when solid fuel burning by households significantly increased air pollution. It is important to note if viewing data online that periodic “spikes” in levels of emissions of pollutants are not always indicative of an ongoing serious problem. The Environmental Protection Agency advises that such “spikes” occur primarily during times of certain weather conditions, such as still air and fog, when pollutants are not dispersed in the usual manner. Such “spikes” are typically only of a few hours’ duration. In order to address one of the most significant sources of air pollution, i.e., the burning of solid fuels, I have recently introduced new solid fuel regulations. These regulations have set minimum standards for all solid fuels being placed on the market in Ireland. However, it will take time for stocks of the more polluting fuels to be used up by households. Using solid fuels less often and ensuring only to use low smoke fuels is the best way to reduce this source of air pollution. My Department regularly runs public information campaigns to increase awareness around this issue and is also providing support to Local Authorities to increase both enforcement and awareness raising. More information on how to reduce air pollution can be found at airquality.ie/ and www.gov.ie/cleanair/.
182. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his views on urgent concerns relating to new additional energy related costs in relation to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59531/22]
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. The CRU provides a dedicated email address for Oireachtas members, oireachtas@cru.ie, which enables members raise questions on electricity and gas regulatory matters such as 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 System Operators in relation to charges related to the Transmission and Distribution systems. Accordingly, the matter of the reversal 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.
183. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide an update on the rollout of the national broadband scheme. [59553/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by NBI that, as of 18 November 2022, over 107,400 premises can order or pre-order a high-speed broadband connection across 25 counties, with over 95,700 premises passed across 25 counties and available for immediate connection. Construction is underway across 26 counties demonstrating that the project is reaching scale. To date, the level of connections is increasing on a daily basis and is in line with or exceeding projections. Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) are a key element of the NBP providing high speed broadband in every county in advance of the roll out of the fibre to the home network. Some 788 BCP sites have been installed by NBI to date and the high-speed broadband service will be switched on in these locations through service provider contracts managed by the Department of Rural and Community Development for publicly accessible sites and the Department of Education for school BCPs.
509 schools have been installed by NBI to date for educational access. My Department continues to work with the Department of Education to prioritise schools with no high-speed broadband, within the Intervention Area. Further details are available on the NBI website at nbi.ie/primary-schools-list/.
My Department worked with NBI to agree an Updated Interim Remedial Plan (UIRP) which recalibrated the targets for 2022 to take account of the knock on effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and other delays to the programme. The revised target is 102,000 premises passed by the end of January 2023 (cumulative).
184. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the legislation that governs district heating systems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59566/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra185. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of the statutory guidelines for local authority climate action plans, which will include the guidelines for the implementation of local authority decarbonising zones. [59569/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act, 2021 strengthens the role of Local Authorities for effective climate action. It sets out a statutory requirement for each Local Authority (LA) to prepare a Climate Action Plan (LA CAP), within 12 months from when I formally issue a request to the sector to being the preparation of such plans. This will be made not later than 18 months after the commencement of the Act. LA CAPs will have to be consistent with national climate plans and will include both mitigation and adaptation measures to be updated every five years. My Department is working with the Climate Action Regional Offices, Local Authorities, and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland to finalise a set of statutory guidelines detailing the approach Local Authorities are to take in the development and implementation of LA CAPs.
The Guidelines and Technical Annexes define the method for the development and implementation of specific, action-focused, time-bound and measurable actions and include the following:
- Local Authority Climate Action Plan Guidelines
- Technical Annex A: Developing and Implementing the Local Authority Climate Action Plan
- Technical Annex B: Climate Change Risk Assessment.
- Technical Annex C: Climate Mitigation Assessment.
- Technical Annex D: Decarbonisation Zones.
The guidelines will include the issue of implementation of decarbonising zones and I anticipate that they will be completed by the end of 2022.
186. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the names of all companies supplying private security and cleaning services in his Department, including the cost of private cleaning in his Department, the cost of private security in his Department; the number of private cleaners supplied to his Department to provide these duties as part of these contracts, and the number of private security personnel supplied to his Department on foot of these contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59731/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has contracts for both cleaning and security services which were secured through Multi Supplier Frameworks put in place by the Office of Government Procurement. Details of the costs for the years requested by the Deputy are set out in the table below. The numbers of cleaning and security personnel supplied varies from time to time and from office to office and is an operational matter for the service provider.
|
|
Company |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 to date |
|
Cleaning |
Five Star Facility Services |
€82,419 |
€97,421 |
€97,009 |
|
Security |
Key Guard Security Ltd |
€64,607 |
€68,910 |
€73,998 |
187. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide a schedule of the employment status in the civil service of each civilian driver who has been replaced by an official Garda driver in his Ministerial driver corps; if VER payments have issued; and if any cases have been presented to the WRC to date on foot of the changes. [59766/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are no Ministerial drivers appointed to my Department and therefore no civilian drivers have been replaced by official Garda drivers.
