Written Answers Nos. 181-200
181. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 113 of 25 October 2022, the status of the programme for Government commitment to ensure inshore waters continue to be protected for smaller fishing vessels and that pair trawling will be prohibited within the six nautical mile limit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61360/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs you are aware, in December 2018, following a public consultation process in which over 900 submissions were received, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine announced that vessels over 18m will be excluded from trawling in inshore waters inside the six nautical mile zone and the baselines from 1 January 2020. A transition period of three years for vessels over 18m targeting sprat was allowed to enable adjustment for these vessels, as the sprat fishery is concentrated inside the six nautical mile zone.
A Policy Directive was issued by the Minister to the independent Licensing Authority to give effect to these measures. The Policy Directive directed the Licensing Authority to insert a condition to this effect into the licences of affected vessels.
A Judicial Review to the High Court was taken by two applicant fishermen challenging the validity of the Policy. On 6th October 2020, the Judge held in summary that the High Court’s final order should be, among other matters, a declaration that Policy Directive 1 of 2019 was made in breach of fair procedures and is void and/or of no legal effect. The breach of fair procedures as referenced above related to a failure with obligations to consult with the applicants in accordance with, and to the extent required by, the consultation process and in particular by failing to consult with them a second time once a preferred option had been identified. A stay on the order was refused by the High Court on 10th December 2020.
I appealed the decision of the High Court to the Court of Appeal, also seeking a stay on the order of the High Court. The Court of Appeal reinstated the Ministerial Policy Directive on 19th March 2021, when the Court was persuaded that the balance of justice leaned in favour of the State and granted a stay on the order of the High Court up until the hearing of the substantive appeal in June. Following a full hearing by the Court of Appeal on 22nd June 2021, the Court decided to temporarily extend the Policy Directive excluding large vessels from trawling in inshore waters within 6 miles of the coast, save for a restricted sprat fishery.
On September 23rd, 2021, the Court of Appeal refused the application I had made to further continue the stay. This refusal means that the decision of the High Court stands and the Policy Directive is no longer valid; meaning vessels over 18 metres in length overall have resumed trawling in the waters inside 6 nautical miles. These vessels also no longer require an authorisation to fish for sprat inside 6 nautical miles.
The Court of Appeal issued an unapproved judgment on 19th July last and requested further submissions from both parties. These have been provided to the Court on my behalf.
As this matter continues to be sub judice, I am not in a position to comment further until the matter can be resolved before the Courts.
182. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of the establishment of the wool council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61348/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, one of the commitments of the current Programme for Government was to conduct a review of the potential demand for wool-based products such as for insulation and fertilisers in domestic and international markets.
Despite its versatility in many industries, wool prices remain low, so in order to address this issue and seek a more favourable outlook for the future of the wool industry, I initiated a comprehensive review of the wool industry to explore market opportunities in order to maximise the potential of this valuable natural resource. I set aside funding of €100,000 to carry out this review.
In March 2021, a public consultation process was launched to identify terms of reference for the review and to invite stakeholders to make recommendations on potential market opportunities for wool products. A total of 45 submissions were received from a wide range of stakeholders.
Following a competitive public procurement process, ‘The Agile Executive’ a consortium made up of experts from Munster Technological University and Donegal Yarns, was appointed in November 2021 to carry out the wool review and examine the submissions received under the public consultation process.
In July 2022, the Programme for Government commitment was delivered with the publication of the Wool Review Report. This report which was compiled independently by The Agile Executive, contained a number of findings and recommendations including potential funding streams, market opportunities and multiple areas for additional research and development for wool.
One of the main recommendations was the establishment of an independent Wool Council led by industry which would develop and promote Irish wool domestically and internationally and bring together multiple stakeholders to foster collaboration, innovation and scaling activities in the wool sector. It is envisaged that this Council would be a forum where stakeholders can further examine and explore the potential uses for wool identified in the Wool Feasibility Study report. In support of this independent industry led Wool Council my department has committed to providing €30,000 in financial assistance towards the initial set-up costs.
I am eager to see the formation of this stakeholder led Wool Council. It is my understanding that talks are ongoing between the relevant stakeholders in the wool industry and the first meeting of this stakeholder group is due to take place in the coming weeks.
It is my hope that this newly formed Council will use the findings of the wool review as a roadmap to develop pathways towards maximising the true potential of Irish wool into the future and to help drive increased returns for this great and sustainable product.
183. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the general feedback from farmers during his recent visit to County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61308/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI advise the Deputy that I have visited Kerry on a number of occasions since being appointed Minister. The farmers are Kerry are exceptionally dedicated, pioneering and are resourceful. From the dairy stronghold in the north of the county to beef, sheep, pigs, poultry and tillage, Kerry farmers play an important role in the overall success of our agri-food sector.
In 2021, I launched my nationwide CAP consultation tour in Castleisland Mart. This was an excellent meeting with much debate on the future of the CAP. I recently visited Dingle where I met with the West Kerry Dairy Farmers Sustainable Energy Community who are taking an innovative approach to energy efficiency
The issues exercising farmers in Kerry are those affecting farmers all over the country. They are busy with the day to day business of farming, concerned about the price they are receiving for their produce, navigating the new schemes being rolled out under a revised CAP, considering how new Climate Action Plan will affect them and exercised by input cost inflation arising from the Ukraine crisis.
I am supporting these farmers with a significant increase in national co-funding under the new CAP Strategic Plan, through the roll out of schemes such at the €1.5 billion ACRES scheme and a €256 million Organics Scheme, and through the continuation of targeted supports for the beef and sheep sectors. I have also responded in a targeted way to the Ukraine crisis, with schemes valued at more than €90 million supporting those growing tillage and fodder with a €15 million scheme supporting the pig sector. In addition I recently announced an unprecedented investment of €1.3 billion in the forestry sector for which my department is currently seeking State Aid approval at EU level. Between September and year end my department will have issued more than €1.4 billion to Irish farmers.
I am also finalising legislation to establish a Food Regulator to protect food suppliers from unfair trading practices. I will also continue, through Teagasc, to provide support for the research , advice and education that will position farmers to improve competitiveness and sustainability, and to support the work of Bord Bia in marketing Irish food abroad.
The development of the agri sector and the rural economy will continue to be a priority for me, and my department will continue to support farmers in Kerry and across the country in the years to come.
184. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps that he is taking to support the inshore fishing sector. [61000/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can advise the Deputy that I meet directly with the National Inshore Fisheries Forum (NIFF) to hear the concerns and goals of the inshore fishing sector. The NIFF and its supporting network of six Regional Inshore Fisheries Forums are consultative bodies established to foster industry-led development of proposals for the management of fish stocks within six nautical miles of the Irish shore. Since their inception, the Forums have developed initiatives to protect the future of the inshore sector. The NIFF brought forward the first industry-led Strategy for the sector in 2019 and is now implementing this with support from my Department, Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) and other agencies. The Strategy flowed from an extensive consultation process that engaged the inshore sector and other stakeholders.
In relation to financial supports, my Department's European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) 2014-2020 programme has made public funding available for the sustainable development of our fisheries, aquaculture and seafood processing sectors. This Programme has been providing a range of financial supports to our inshore fishing sector for capital investment on board and ashore, for training and for organisation and capacity building within the sector, while State bodies provide a range of services to the inshore fleet including advisory services and stock conservation supports.
The successor to the EMFF, the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund has been developed for Ireland in a collaborative manner with input from a wide range of stakeholders in the seafood and marine sphere. This is aimed at developing the seafood sector in a sustainable manner while also protecting our valuable marine environment. The programme, which has been approved by Government and is awaiting European Commission adoption, is a long-term plan which will support a much wider range of stakeholders up until 2027.
Following Brexit and the Trade and Cooperation Agreement, I established the Seafood Task Force, which included representation from the inshore fisheries sector. This Task Force made a series of 16 recommendations to assist the seafood sector in terms of both short-term survival and long-term transformation. Since its publication I have launched supports and developmental strategies worth €225 million.
For the inshore fleet, a Brexit Inshore Fisheries Business Model Adjustment Scheme operated over January to March and was availed of by 798 inshore fishing vessel owners to assist in adjusting their business to the post Brexit environment. In addition, a Brexit Inshore Marketing Scheme is underway in promoting stocks of interest to inshore fishers to support prices at the quayside. Other investments such as the Brexit Local Authority Marine Infrastructure Scheme will provide support for local authorities to renew important local infrastructure that will facilitate both fishing activities, particularly by smaller inshore vessels, and the growth of our blue economy.
In the Programme for Government - Our Shared Future, the Government commits to ensuring “that inshore waters continue to be protected for smaller fishing vessels and recreational fishers and that pair trawling will be prohibited inside the six-mile limit.” I am fully supportive of this objective. The Government also committed to supporting the inshore sector with establishing a Producer Organisation to generate greater marketing and promotional capacity. In 2021, my Department recognised the Irish Islands Marine Resource Organisation as a Producer Organisation.
My Department is committed to supporting the inshore community and the wider seafood sector in achieving its potential. I look forward to continuing my engagement with the NIFF and working on how this can be best achieved together.
185. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his targets for new afforestation in 2023. [61127/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe afforestation target for 2023 will be 8,000 hectares as set out in the Climate Action Plan 2021 which is a detailed plan for taking decisive action to achieve a 51% reduction in overall greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and setting Ireland on a path to reach net-zero emissions by no later than 2050.
Increasing the area under forestry in the country remains a key priority for me and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
The Deputy will be aware that the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) has recently secured funding of €1.3 billion for the Forestry programme 2023-2027.
Subject to State Aid approval, this will support the biggest and best-funded Forestry Programme to date in Ireland. This funding provides unprecedented incentives to encourage the planting of trees that can provide a valuable addition to farm income and also to help meet our national climate and biodiversity objectives.
We have announced proposed increases in premiums for planting trees which range from between 46% to 66% along with a longer term of 20 years for farmers. The proposed Afforestation Scheme will include 12 Forest Types including new Forest Types such as Forests for Water, Emergent Forests and Continuous Cover Forestry from establishment.
These new Forest Types will offer landowners additional choice and will bring added benefits for the environment and for biodiversity. We also propose to launch a Native Tree Area Scheme following the completion of a Strategic Environmental Assessment and Appropriate Assessment, subject to the findings of both assessments.
As the Deputy is aware, an amendment to facilitate this Scheme was made to the Forestry Act 2014, removing the licensing requirement for the planting of native woodland in areas not greater than one hectare.
I hope that the proposed Scheme will contribute to the stated policy goal of incentivising small-scale tree planting and of re-engaging farmers with afforestation.
I am committed to working with all our stakeholders to substantially increase our afforestation rates over the next decade
However, I am aware that afforestation is a voluntary land use choice for landowners. Any target that is set must be realistic and we have set an ambitious 8,000ha target which is a significant step up from existing levels achieved in recent years.
186. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when legislation providing for an electronic fertiliser register will be brought before the Houses of the Oireachtas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61340/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Veterinary Medicinal Products Medicated Feed and Fertilisers Regulation Bill 2022 has completed Pre -Legislative Scrutiny and the report from the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine is now available.
There are 19 Recommendations in total, with six relevant to the fertiliser component of the draft legislation. I am considering the report and any required amendments arising from this and other matters, before proceeding to the next stage.
An updated Bill and accompanying Memorandum for Government is expected to be discussed at Cabinet shortly. It is acknowledged that the legislation will not be in place by the original 1st January start date, but subject to the democratic process, it is hoped to have this legislation in place for early 2023.
The enactment of this legislation remains a high priority for me and the Department.
187. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the finalised complete new forestry strategy will be published. [61184/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, earlier this year the very first Shared National Vision for trees and forests in Ireland was published by the Department.
It is an ambitious vision, which if achieved, will result in an expansion of multi-functional and diverse forests, delivering multiple benefits for climate, nature, wood, people, economy and rural development.
The Vision is based on the outcomes of a year long process of public consultation and engagement, which has produced wide ranging well represented views and rich insights into the views and values of Irish citizens and forestry stakeholders.
Informed by this extensive public consultation and engagement process, as well as the text of the Shared Vision, a draft Forest Strategy has now been completed.
I believe it is an ambitious Strategy with a clear set of objectives, values and goals for the role of trees and forests in Ireland, and it will help create the conditions for achieving the ambitions of the Shared Vision.
The draft Forest Strategy was published on 18 October for a six-week period of public consultation, during which time the public and stakeholders were encouraged to take part and to provide their views and comments. The closing date for receipt of submissions has now passed and the Department is currently collating and analysing the feedback from this consultation process.
All submissions and feedback will be given due consideration before the final Strategy is completed. We expect to be in a position to publish it in January.
188. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when is it proposed to introduce revised compensation payments in respect of animals that are depopulated due to tuberculosis, TB; if he will ensure that the compensation levels reflect the market value of the animals and that appropriate payment levels are also introduced for pedigree animals to reflect their value; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61182/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am acutely aware of the financial and emotional pain associated with a TB breakdown. Everyone in the industry is committed and focused on driving TB incidence rates as quickly as possible.
A number of financial supports are available to farmers who experience a TB breakdown. The main element is the On Farm Market Valuation Scheme which compensates eligible herd-owners up to the market value an individual animal would have attained on the open market at the time of breakdown.
All compensation paid under the On Farm Market Valuation scheme is payable subject to scheme ceilings. Where the eligible market value exceeds the applicable ceiling for any individual animal, compensation is paid up to the appropriate ceiling value.
My Department officials attend marts nationwide each week to collect sales data. This data is then used to produce a weekly list of "Summary Market Prices" which reflect the most up to date available market values for each category of animal.
In addition to the On Farm Market Valuation Scheme, there are further supplementary schemes that eligible herd-owners can avail of; the Income Supplement Scheme, the Hardship Grant and the Depopulation Grant.
As part of the work of the TB Forum, a dedicated Financial Working Group comprising of representatives from the Department and the farming organisations was set up to review the current financial model of the TB programme.
The financial model underpins the funding for all schemes and grants under the Bovine Tuberculosis Eradication Scheme including the Depopulation grant. Discussions are at an advanced stage, and recommendations from the Finance Working Group will be put forward to the TB Forum for consideration.
189. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will address the Government commitment to resolve the issue of support for the category of farmers known as forgotten farmers; when his Department will publish its report to bring forward proposals and supports for this cohort of farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61347/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have committed to helping the cohort of farmers known as forgotten farmers. The details of the eligibility requirements and benefits to successful applicants for any scheme to support the forgotten farmer group are being finalised. The eligibility requirements and other scheme details will be made publicly available as soon as this process has been completed.
190. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to plans by Coillte to sell 9.8 ha of forest at Ardnagreehy, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61284/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraCoillte is a private limited company established under the Forestry Act 1988 and is operationally independent from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. I have referred the matter to Coillte for direct follow-up with the Deputy.
191. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of the basic payments scheme. [61219/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 2022 Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) opened for applications on 16th February 2022 and closed on Monday 16th May at midnight. A total of 128,360 applications were received by the midnight deadline.
Payments began issuing on Monday 17th October 2022, the earliest date possible under EU Regulation. Balancing payments commenced on Thursday 1st December 2022. Since mid-October 2022, my Department has paid out €783 million in BPS payments to 120,542 farmers. I am happy to confirm that all payments commenced on schedule in 2022 and that 99% of all BPS eligible applications are now paid in full.
My Department will continue to process, as a matter of urgency, all remaining cases for payment as any outstanding queries are addressed. I urge any farmers who have outstanding queries from the Department to respond as soon as possible to facilitate payment.
In 2023, the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) will be replaced by the Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) under Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan 2023-2027. Applications for BISS will be submitted via an online system that builds on the BPS structures currently used.ith an update on their 2023 Payment Entitlements Statement early in 2023.
192. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the Government will allocate an emergency support fund for the fishing industry to assist it with the cost of fuel crisis, similar to the supports brought in by other EU member states. [60559/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am very aware of the challenges being faced by the fishing sector arising from the increased costs of marine fuel. I met with representative groups from the industry in July, September and again in October to discuss this matter and provide them with a progress report on the schemes being developed to support the fishing fleet and wider seafood sector. These schemes, developed in line with the recommendations of the “Report of the Seafood Task Force - Navigating Change”, deal with the wider challenges in the fishing and seafood sector.
I have worked very closely with industry to develop short and longer term supports to assist the wider seafood industry cope with the consequences of Brexit and the wider operating environment. Since the publication of the Task Force Report, €225m in supports and developmental strategies have been launched. These are more generous and comprehensive that those put in place elsewhere and will enable our seafood sector and coastal communities to overcome the significant challenges it faces.
In May, I introduced the 2022 temporary tie-up scheme which was expanded, compared to a similar scheme implemented in 2021, to account for the additional challenges fishers are facing. The €24 million 2022 scheme allowed vessel owners, if they wish, to tie-up for up to two calendar months. This is the largest such voluntary tie-up scheme ever run in Ireland with vessels receiving up to €88,000 per month to tie up under the scheme. This tie-up opportunity freed up additional quota for those vessels continuing to fish, improving vessel returns and supporting viability in the wider fleet and enabled the opportunity to fish until the end of the year.
The scheme came to a conclusion at the end of November and while fuel prices have declined from the peak experienced during the summer months, I am continuing to assess the situation and I am actively evaluating the opportunities to support the fleet.
193. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position that Ireland took at the 1 December 2022 meeting of the EU Competitiveness Council on COM/2022/71, the proposal for a directive on corporate sustainability due diligence and amending EU Directive No. 2019/1937; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61441/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland has been supportive of the objective of the proposed Directive which will play a significant role in promoting responsible business conduct. An EU-wide framework is best placed to both support the functioning of the single market and to influence respect for human rights and the environment beyond the EU.
This is a complex proposal with far-reaching implications for companies and stakeholders. Discussions on the proposed directive had intensified in recent weeks with a range of issues under active consideration. Ireland had been seeking to ensure that the proposal had ambition while striking the right balance of providing effective protections for stakeholders and ensuring that the measures to be implemented by companies are clear, proportionate, and enforceable.
I had greater ambition for the proposal in a number of areas and raised these at the Council meeting. My preference was for the retention of a broader value chain-based approach in recognition of the fact that adverse human rights and environmental impacts can occur throughout the value chain. I would also have wished for a greater focus on the gender aspects of the proposal as women can suffer more disproportionately from the consequences of adverse impacts.
A particular issue arose in the final text of the proposal that came before Council as discretion was being provided to Member States regarding applicability to the financial sector. Ireland considers that the proposal should apply to relevant companies across all sectors of the economy including regulated financial undertakings. Furthermore, Ireland supports a harmonised approach on this issue, which promotes policy coherence and avoids the risk of fragmentation within the single market. Accordingly, Ireland abstained on the adoption of a general approach on the proposal.
194. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the funding that was provided to Limerick from his Department in 2022, broken down by project in tabular form. [61575/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraDetails of funding provided to County Limerick through the programmes of agencies under the aegis of my department are set out in the table below.
IDA Ireland grant payments by county for 2022 are not yet audited or available. However, in 2021 a total of €14,132,082 was paid to IDA client companies located in Co Limerick in respect of investments under a variety of grant programmes including but not restricted to Capital, Employment, R&D and Training.
|
Programme |
Funding Provided to County Limerick 2022 |
|
Enterprise Ireland Programmes |
|
|
Agile Innovation |
€235,527 |
|
Business Financial Planning |
€19,850 |
|
Capital Investment Initiative |
€427,542 |
|
Climate Action Voucher |
€7,088 |
|
Company Development |
€368,130 |
|
Competitive Start Fund |
€25,000 |
|
Digital Marketing Capability |
€30,100 |
|
Digitalisation Voucher |
€63,000 |
|
Disruptive Technology Innovation Fund |
€896,464 |
|
Enterprise Centre Scheme |
€850 |
|
FoodWorks Feasibility |
€20,983 |
|
GradStart |
€99,719 |
|
Green Start Programme |
€5,000 |
|
HPSU Feasibility |
€41,391 |
|
Innovation Partnerships |
€135,650 |
|
Innovation Vouchers |
€30,000 |
|
Innovative HPSU 2014-2020 |
€750,000 |
|
Key Manager Programme |
€137,083 |
|
Lean Plus Assignment |
€233,084 |
|
Lean Start |
€23,555 |
|
Market Discovery Fund |
€57,564 |
|
Mentoring Programme |
€7,350 |
|
Online Retail Scheme 4 |
€237,440 |
|
Operational Excellence |
€476,338 |
|
Ready for Customs |
€76,500 |
|
Regional Enterprise Development Fund 2017 – 2020 |
€1,051,316 |
|
Regional Enterprise Transition Scheme 2021 |
€14,363 |
|
SEF 2 & Accelerated Recovery Fund |
€306,000 |
|
Strategic Consultancy Assignment |
€70,950 |
|
Strategic Marketing Review |
€7,200 |
|
Regional Enterprise Innovation Scoping Scheme Projects |
€355,768 |
|
Local Enterprise Office Programmes |
|
|
Administration Grants |
€469,454 |
|
Measure One - designed to help fund start-up costs, expansion plans, entry into new markets and jobs growth |
€602,716 |
|
Measure Two – focused on developing entrepreneurial activity |
€555,000 |
|
Trading Online Voucher |
€113,905 |
|
Export Business Adviser |
€50,000 |
|
Graduate Programme |
€39,868 |
195. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of households in County Clare that have applied for SEAI grants since the latest tranche opened; the number that have been commenced; the number that have been completed in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61403/22]
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. However, the SEAI operates a specific email address for these types of enquiries from members of the Oireachtas - oireachtas@seai.ie
196. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will support calls for the development of a fossil fuel non-proliferation treaty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61427/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraOur reliance on fossil fuels is incompatible with the Paris Agreement and a low-carbon future. Ireland supports measures that reinforce and advance our transition away from reliance on fossil fuels and we are open to assisting with the development of a Global Registry of Fossil Fuels. We are taking action both domestically and internationally to tackle our reliance on fossil fuels. Following the Fossil Fuel Divestment Act 2018, the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund (under the National Treasury Management Agency) divested from fossil fuel companies and holds a list of companies in which it will not invest. Ireland has also ended the issuing of new exploration licences for fossil fuels and will manage existing authorisations towards a natural conclusion, through expiration, relinquishment, or production.
International collaboration is key to achieving the widespread, transformative change needed to tackle climate change. At COP26, Ireland joined the Beyond Oil and Gas Alliance because of our determination to shift the global relationship with nature from a place of extraction to rehabilitation. This commitment was demonstrated further at COP27 when Ireland joined the Global Offshore Wind Alliance to create a global driving force for the uptake of offshore wind through political mobilisation and the creation of a global community of practice.
197. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide an update on the progress of the national air quality strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61480/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraA public consultation on the draft Clean Air Strategy was undertaken during the period March to May of this year and over 100 submissions were received. The strategy is now being reviewed and updated to reflect both the outcome of the consultation process and policy developments which have occurred in the intervening period that impact on plans to improve the quality of our air. Given the health imperative associated with the burning of solid fuels for domestic heating purposes, the introduction of the new solid fuel regulations was prioritised. The Air Pollution Act 1987 (Solid Fuels) Regulations 2022 (S.I. No. 529 of 2022) have introduced minimum quality standards that apply to all solid fuels distributed throughout the State. This is to ensure that the most polluting can no longer be made available on the Irish market and to assist the public in transitioning to less polluting alternatives. These regulations are a central plank of the Clean Air Strategy, which will now be published early next year. The strategy will outline how we will enhance and protect the air we breathe, and set out a pathway, based on a comprehensive cross-Government programme of policies and measures, that will tackle all sources of air pollution. As such, it will also need to consider the impact of the forthcoming Climate Action Plan and new proposals at EU level for a revised Ambient Air Quality Directive.
198. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his Department can facilitate a hybrid application involving a partnership between a community group and a State enterprise in a renewable energy project, in view of the fact that such models are in place elsewhere in Europe, and the concern that there has been a high failure rate in community projects seeking to go it alone. [61490/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are a range of measures in place to support increased community ownership, participation in, and benefit from, renewable electricity projects, including an Enabling Framework for Community Participation. This comprises of a package of enabling supports including technical, financial, and legal services to assist communities in navigating the challenging terrain of electricity generation. The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) is leading in implementing and facilitating these components of the framework. Interested communities can contact the SEAI RESS team for assistance.The Enduring Connection Policy (ECP) process for grid connection applications is the current pathway for generators, storage and other system services technology projects to connect to the electricity system. ECP 2, published by the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities in June 2020, sets out the policy in respect of 3 annual batches of connections. In accordance with ECP 2 qualifying community-led renewable energy projects can apply for a connection on an ongoing basis throughout the year.With regard to hybrid connections, the sharing of grid connections between renewable energy technologies has significant potential to reduce the costs of deploying renewable energy to the grid. In accordance with Action 125A of the Climate Action Plan 2021, the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities is the lead organisation in determining the contractual framework approach to accommodate Multiple Legal Entities behind a single connection point. To progress matters in this area a number of regulatory and legal issues need to be overcome. Work on overcoming these issues is ongoing as a matter of priority between the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities, EirGrid, and ESB Networks.
199. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the reason that a group of 95 apartment owners can avail of domestic rate electricity usage in respect of their apartments but have to pay commercial rate usage on the lighting of common areas, halls, stairways landings, corridors and so on in their apartment block; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61560/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraRegulation 6 of Statutory Instrument No. 20 of 2022 provides that electricity customers are free to choose the electricity supplier of their choice, with responsibility for regulatory oversight in this respect a matter for the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities (CRU). Gas and electricity retail markets in Ireland operate within a European regulatory regime wherein electricity and gas markets are commercial, liberalised, and competitive. Operating within the overall EU framework, responsibility for the regulation of the electricity and gas markets is a matter for the independent regulator, CRU, which was assigned responsibility for the regulation of the Irish electricity and gas markets following the enactment of the Electricity Regulation Act (ERA), 1999.
The ESB Networks Rules for Application of Distribution Use of System Tariff Group sets out the definition for domestic and business customers. The communal area of an apartment block does not meet the description of a domestic customer premises. These communal areas are managed and run by the management company of the apartment block and thus fall under the DG5 definition.
In the event that a dispute should arise, between a tenant and landlord, in relation to the terms of a lease or otherwise, there are existing dispute resolution mechanisms provided by the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB).
200. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the funding that was provided to Limerick from his Department in 2022, broken down by project in tabular form. [61576/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department provides funding for local authorities through a number of different grant schemes. Details of funding awarded to Limerick City and County Councils under these schemes in 2022 is set out in the table:
|
Grant/Funding Stream |
2022 € |
|
Waste Enforcement Measures Grant Scheme |
244,347 |
|
Anti-Dumping Initiative |
116,339.93 |
|
Anti-Litter Anti-Graffiti Awareness Grant |
40,000 |
|
Grant for Southern Regional Waste Management Planning Office |
132,500 |
|
End of Waste Aggregates Sampling |
21,628 |
|
Report on reduction/elimination of Single Use Plastic at public events |
24,500 |
|
Implementation of recommendations from Report on reduction/elimination of Single Use Plastic at public events – Phase 1 |
30,000 (grant approved) 14,637 (planned spend) |
|
Pilot Single Use Plastic free events |
100,000 (grant approved) 20,000 (planned spend) |
|
NBP Local Authority Funding Scheme |
69,400 |
The SEAI also operate a number of grant schemes throughout all counties nationwide, including Co. Limerick. This information is not held by my Department and further information is available on the SEAI website.
