Tuesday, 21 Feb 2023

Written Answers Nos. 164-185

Climate Change Policy

Ceisteanna (164)

Carol Nolan

Ceist:

164. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the reason his Department previously advised that commercial semi-State bodies are not obligated to report on information relating to the calculation and recording of the carbon emissions associated with every flight taken by such bodies; the value of every tonne of carbon emission that such air travel gives rise to at the prevailing rate of the carbon tax; the data related to amounts to be paid equivalent to the emissions impact of their official air travel in the previous year into the Government’s climate action fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8412/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

The Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform Circular 01/2020 on Procedures for Offsetting the Emissions Associated with Official Air Travel introduced mandatory new procedures for all Government Departments and Offices for offsetting the greenhouse gas emissions associated with official air travel. The circular came into effect at the beginning of 2020 and requires Departments and Offices to account for the emissions associated with official air travel and to make an annual payment to the Climate Action Fund associated with these emissions. The circular does not directly apply to public sector bodies other than central Government Departments and Offices.

In relation to the Commercial Semi-State Sector, the Government approved a new Climate Action Framework for the sector on 27 July 2022. The Framework sets out the exemplar role that Government expects these organisations to play in achieving Ireland’s statutory National Climate Objective, while also recognising their need for commercial independence. It sets out five commitments addressing:

- Governance of Climate Action Objectives;

- Emissions Measurement and Reduction;

- Emissions Valuation in Investment Appraisal;

- Circular Economy and Green Procurement;

- Climate-Related Disclosures.

The Framework was published by Government in August 2022 and it can be accessed online at www.gov.ie/en/publication/337b6-public-sector-climate-action-mandate/.

On foot of the Government Decision, I requested individual shareholding Ministers to update the Shareholder Letters of Expectation issued to each company under their aegis at the earliest possible opportunity to take account of the Framework.

NewERA will monitor the implementation of the commitments in the Framework and report regularly to my Department on its implementation, in line with the 2023 Climate Action Plan.

The secondment commitment under the Framework requires Commercial Semi-State organisations to measure and record their greenhouse gas emissions as per the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland's (SEAI) methodology for measurement and reporting of public sector energy efficiency performance. This includes fossil fuel consumption associated with electricity, heating and transport needs. Under the Framework Commercial Semi-State organisations will adopt the 2030 public sector energy and emissions reduction targets set out in the Climate Action Plan and model a pathway to meet those targets. Progress towards the targets will be measured in line with SEAI methodology and reported to SEAI.

A separate Public Sector Climate Action Mandate applies to all bodies covered by the Climate Action Plan public sector decarbonisation targets, except for Local Authorities, Commercial Semi-State Bodies (which are addressed by the Framework), and the School Sector. The Mandate provides for the following commitments in relation to transport:

- Promote the use of bicycles (including push bikes, electric bikes, and cargo bikes) and shared mobility options as an alternative to car use among employees and visitors by creating and maintaining facilities (both inside and outside of buildings) that support such options, including secure and accessible bicycle parking, shared mobility parking, and charging stations, as appropriate, with a view to achieving the Smarter Travel Mark, which is currently being developed as part of the Sustainable Mobility Pathfinder Programme;

- Phase out the use of parking in buildings that have access to a range of public transport services and active/shared mobility options for the majority of staff/visitors while providing that sufficient accessible parking is maintained for those with physical mobility issues;

- Procure (purchase or lease) only zero-emission vehicles from the end of 2022, enabling Ireland to go beyond the requirements of the EU Directive, amending Directive 2009/33/EC on the promotion of clean and energy-efficient road transport vehicles (EU Directive 2019/1161, the Clean Vehicle Directive) and act as an international leader in this area. An exception applies where the vehicle is exempt under European Communities (Clean and Energy-Efficient Road Transport Vehicles) (Amendment) Regulations (S.I. 381 of 2021)22. Public sector procurement contracts for delivery and haulage should specify zero emissions vehicles where possible.

Energy Conservation

Ceisteanna (165)

Emer Higgins

Ceist:

165. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will report on his Department’s progress in delivering a low-cost loan guarantee scheme to encourage homeowners to undertake home energy upgrades under the national retrofitting and home energy upgrade programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8416/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

My Department is working with the Department of Finance, the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland, the Sustainable Energy Authority Ireland, the European Investment Bank and the European Investment Fund to develop a residential retrofit loan guarantee scheme. The scheme is also part of Ireland’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan and will be co-funded by the EU Recovery and Resilience Facility and Exchequer funding. It will also be backed by a counter guarantee provided by the EIB.

The loan guarantee will provide risk protection to retail credit institutions participating in the scheme. This will enable credit institutions to offer loans with reduced interest rates to private homeowners and non-corporate landlords and make comprehensive home energy efficiency upgrades more affordable to consumers. This approach will signal to the banking sector, new sustainable business opportunities associated with retrofit and the transition to a low carbon economy as well as increasing the volume of retrofit activity within the State. It is anticipated that the Scheme will provide a lending portfolio of up to €500 million.

Significant progress has been made to date, with two open calls for expressions of interest to participate in the scheme completed, and a number of banks and credit unions submitting formal expressions of interest to provide loans under the scheme. There has also been extensive due diligence between the EIB Group and the Irish banking and credit union sector. Intensive engagement to develop the scheme is ongoing and it is expected that the loan guarantee will be in place in the coming months.

Energy Conservation

Ceisteanna (166)

Jackie Cahill

Ceist:

166. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to examine the application for persons (details supplied) in relation to the length of time their application has been processing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8417/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

My Department funds a number of grant schemes to support homeowners to improve the energy efficiency of their properties. The administration and management of applications under the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) schemes are an operational matter for the SEAI. As Minister, I have no function with regard to individual grant applications.

The SEAI has established a specific email address for queries from Oireachtas members so that such queries can be addressed promptly, in line with SEAI’s objective to deliver services to the highest standards. The email address is [e-mail].

Should the homeowners have any further queries in relation to their application, SEAI can be contacted directly at email [e-mail] or by phone at 01-8082004.

Energy Infrastructure

Ceisteanna (167)

Violet-Anne Wynne

Ceist:

167. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will lay out the current situation with respect to the proposed Shannon liquified natural gas terminal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8618/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

In May 2021, the Government approved and published a Policy Statement on the Importation of Fracked Gas. The policy statement sets out the Government’s position that, pending the outcome of the review of the security of energy supply of Ireland’s electricity and natural gas systems, it would not be appropriate for the development of any LNG terminals in Ireland to be permitted or proceeded with.

My Department is carrying out a review of the security of energy supply of Ireland’s electricity and natural gas systems. A consultation on the review was published in September 2022 and the Department received over 450 responses in late October. The review is considering the risks to both natural gas and electricity supplies, and a range of measures, including the need for additional capacity of indigenous renewable energy but also to import energy, energy storage, fuel diversification and renewable gases (such as hydrogen). The completion of the review is a key priority for Government.

Departmental Funding

Ceisteanna (168)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

168. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide a schedule of NGOs that he and bodies under the aegis of his Department suspended funding and or grant aid to due to their failure to file accounts and/or concerns that arose in respect of their governance in the years 2019 to 2022 and to date in 2023; and the amount of funding per NGO that was suspended. [8660/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

NGOs are active on a broad range of issues, including wildlife conservation, biodiversity and climate change.

Organisations my Department funds include:

- The Irish Environmental Network (IEN), which is an independent umbrella organisation for environmental NGOs with its own corporate governance structures. The distribution and allocation of funding to its members is decided by the IEN

- ECO-UNESCO’s Young Environmentalist Awards (YEA) which recognises and rewards young people who raise environmental awareness and improve the environment - 49,000 young people have taken part in the YEA since it began in 1999

- GAA Green Clubs which support clubs in taking simple and effective sustainability action in their grounds and activities structured around the themes of Energy, Water, Waste, Biodiversity, and Travel and Transport. It is designed to promote sustainability awareness and action in GAA clubs and communities. Phase 1 of the Green Club Programme ran from 2021 to 2023 with the participation of over 30 clubs from across Ireland

- An Taisce Green Schools which is Ireland’s leading environmental management and education programme for schools. It promotes long-term, whole-school action for the environment and is a student-led programme with involvement from the wider community.

My Department has not suspended funding and/or grant aid to any of these organisations in the years 2019 to 2022 or to date in 2023.

Consumer Protection

Ceisteanna (169)

Duncan Smith

Ceist:

169. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will consider an issue that an electrical consumer (details supplied) is having; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8663/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

Government 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) is being 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.Using the Meter Point Registration Number (MPRN) as the unique identifier, the payment it is applied automatically to domestic electricity accounts. It is credited on the basis of the supplier a customer is with on a certain date. Therefore, in respect of the first payment, it was the supplier with which an account was held on 27 October 2022, 20 December 2022, in respect of the second payment, and 27 February 2023, in respect of the third payment.

The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) is charged with oversight of the scheme. Therefore, queries regarding the appropriate supplier should be directed to the CRU on [e-mail] or 1800 404 404. Furthermore, the CRU has a dedicated email address for Oireachtas members to contact them directly: [e-mail].

Departmental Advertising

Ceisteanna (170)

Matt Carthy

Ceist:

170. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the amount expended on advertising and promotion in his Department and all agencies under the remit of his Department in 2022 and in January 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8684/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

The amount expended on advertising and promotion in my Department in 2022 and in January 2023 is as follows:

2022	January 2023	Total
4,794,926.72	68,261.11	4,863,187.78

The 2022 figure includes an amount of €3,718,367.92 relating to the 'Reduce Your Use' energy campaign. 'Reduce Your Use' is a cross-government public information campaign which commenced in April 2022 to help people identify appropriate supports for their needs over the winter period.

The information sought by the Deputy regarding the agencies under the aegis of my Department is an operational matter for each agency. I will request the relevant bodies to reply directly to the Deputy with the information requested in respect of their organisation.

Departmental Staff

Ceisteanna (171)

Matt Carthy

Ceist:

171. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of communications staff currently employed in his Department; the cost of these staff for 2022; the expected cost for 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8702/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

The number of communications staff currently employed in my Department is 12. This is due to increase to 17 by the end of 2023.In 2022, the total cost of communications staff was €469,592. The full year cost for the sanctioned staff in 2023 is €782,447, although the actual cost will be less than this due to the time required to identify suitable candidates to fill roles.

These figures include the salary cost of the Press Advisor to the Minister.

Energy Conservation

Ceisteanna (172)

Paul Donnelly

Ceist:

172. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will clarify that the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland is grant-aiding the supply of the (details supplied) with buffer. [8725/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

The Government has committed to significant funding of residential energy efficiency measures and investment in alternative heating sources which will reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and lower the cost of heating our homes. Budget 2023 has provided €348 million for SEAI residential and community energy upgrade schemes.

The Government, in February 2022, approved 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. Under the measures announced, the grant available for an air to water heat pump installations in houses increased from €3,500 to €6,500.

Heat pump systems are at their most efficient and effective when generating heat at a lower temperature. On this basis, one of the requirements for a dwelling to qualify for an SEAI grant for a heat pump system is that the dwelling has low heat loss. Some homes will already meet this requirement and other homes can achieve it through a package of upgrades. Grants are available for measures that can help a home achieve the required heat loss indicator, such as roof, wall and floor insulation, and window and door replacements.

The SEAI has advised grant aid is not available for component parts of the heat pump system, such as the item specified in the Deputy’s question, but rather the full heat pump system in its entirety, of which the cylinder and buffer tank could be component parts.

Furthermore, heat pumps supported through SEAI grant programmes are required to meet minimum heat pump product performance standards, be designed and sized correctly to meet the heat loads for that specific home, that the home meets minimum energy performance and they are designed and installed by competent installers or personnel.

To avail of a grant the heat pumps must meet the requirements specified in SEAI’s Domestic Technical Standards and Specifications which include:

- Meeting national requirements for domestic heating and building services and wiring regulations

- Fully comply with the EU Energy Label and Eco-design regulations

- Provide the data required for the Domestic BER assessment based on EN14825 and EN16147 testing standards

- Be CE marked and have the EC declaration of conformity

- Be listed on the SEAI Triple E register

- Satisfy the minimum Seasonal Performance Factor (Main Space Heating Efficiency) calculated according to the dwelling energy assessment procedure methodology

Heat pump systems must be installed by suitably qualified personnel. Personnel nominated to supervise and inspect the works, and to sign off the Declaration of Works must be competent in the different aspects of the works. This includes design, sizing and installation of the whole heat pump system. The minimum qualification and training requirements that must be met by personnel nominated to sign off the Declaration of Works for grant purposes are:

- Fetac/QQI Level 6 Advanced Craft in Plumbing, including a module on minor electrical works, or equivalent

- Certificate of competence from the specific manufacturer of the heat pumps installed, based on an adequate training programme

- Fetac/QQI Level 6 Heat Pump Systems (Course Code C30263) and supplemental Domestic Heat Pump Installation (Code 700606) or equivalent

A Registered Electrical Contractor (REC) is required to supervise and sign off the electrical installation of a heat pump system, in accordance with the definition of “Controlled Works and Restricted Works” by the CRU.

An F-Gas engineer is required to carry out and certify heat pump system installations involving refrigerant pipework and charging as per the F-Gas Regulation.

Full details of the grants and specifications are available here Air Source Heat Pump System Grants | Home Energy Grants | SEAI: eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.seai.ie%2Fgrants%2Fhome-energy-grants%2Fheat-pump-systems%2F&data=05%7C01%7CTom.Halpin%40seai.ie%7Cac95727746334927693908db133b2398%7Cf664e346d6fb43e585ba8c0408102355%7C1%7C0%7C638124917331224121%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=vk1F%2Fbt1GbVXG%2BUvSgb65o%2Fdgt7pyWq476YNSO4c8Xc%3D&reserved=0.

Waste Management

Ceisteanna (173)

Ivana Bacik

Ceist:

173. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his views on the prevalence of inappropriate disposal of lithium batteries arising from the use of e-cigarettes and vapes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8740/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

The Extended Producer Responsibility system for Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment and waste batteries provides for the return of waste vaping devices to any retail outlet that sells them when purchasing a new one or they can be disposed of (for free) at civic amenity sites.

I have stated previously that I would address any shortcomings in the proper management of these devices at end of life. The legislative powers available to me are being examined by my Department currently, however any initiative by me in this matter will be the subject first of public consultation.

Energy Policy

Ceisteanna (174)

Rose Conway-Walsh

Ceist:

174. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he plans to apply a windfall tax on the 2022 profits of electricity companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8749/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

The Government has decided to place a cap on all market revenues of non-gas electricity generators in line with Council Regulation (EU) 2022/1854 on an emergency intervention to address high energy prices. As per the regulation, it will apply from December 2022 to June 2023.

Flood Risk Management

Ceisteanna (175)

Jackie Cahill

Ceist:

175. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when works will be carried out and completed on the river Thonogue, Ballylooby, Cahir, County Tipperary, following his Department's planning application in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8755/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

The submission and oversight of planning applications in respect to works referenced by the Deputy are operational matters for Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) in which neither I nor my department have any role.

Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) has established a specific email address for queries from Oireachtas members so that queries can be addressed promptly, in line with IFI’s objective to deliver services to the highest standards. The email address is [e-mail].

Climate Change Policy

Ceisteanna (176, 177)

Michael Collins

Ceist:

176. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide the exact carbon emissions derived per annum from the importation of coal from Colombia to Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8786/23]

Michael Collins

Ceist:

177. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the total carbon footprint of the mining, transport and burning of Columbian coal, versus the total carbon footprint of indigenous natural gas and Corrib gas for the generation of a similar quantity of electricity on a per annum basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8787/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

I propose to take Questions Nos. 176 and 177 together.

The recently published Climate Action Plan 2023 sets out a plan to implement the carbon budgets and sectoral emissions ceilings along with a roadmap for taking decisive action to halve our emissions by 2030 and reach net zero no later than 2050, as was committed to in the Programme for Government. The plan sets out measures and actions to ensure electricity demand is managed in line with our climate objectives.

The EPA have reported that our overall emissions increased by 4.7% in 2021, as the economy recovered post pandemic, after there was an overall decrease of 3.6% in 2020. The increase in total emissions in 2021 was driven by the increased use of coal and oil for electricity generation in 2021, as well as increases in both the agriculture and transport sectors. The emissions data for 2022 has not yet been published by the EPA.

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) publish a monthly report on electricity generation in Ireland and report that for the period January to December 2022, 2,512 GWh of electricity was produced from coal. For comparison electricity generation from coal for all of 2021 totaled 2,781 GWh showing a slight reduction in coal use in 2022. More detail on monthly figures for electricity generation by fuel type can be found on the SEAI website. The Department does not hold data on lifecycle emissions of coal from specific countries.

Over the longer term, there has been a shift away from coal and oil, two of the fuels with the highest CO2 intensity. These fuels have been replaced by a combination of high efficiency gas combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) generation, and zero carbon renewables.

In line with the Government's policy statement on security of electricity supply published in November 2021 it is appropriate that existing conventional electricity generation capacity, including existing coal fired electricity generation, should be retained until new conventional electricity generation capacity is developed in order to ensure security of electricity supply.

Conventional capacity will only operate if and when needed, with renewable energy and efficient gas-fired power stations always being supplied to the market first. This approach will minimise the impact on greenhouse gas emissions, while ensuring continued security of electricity supply.

Question No. 177 answered with Question No. 176.

Broadband Infrastructure

Ceisteanna (179)

Michael Collins

Ceist:

179. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question No.70 of 8 February 2023, if further clarity will be provided; if no cost justification for the increased expenditure can be provided, if he will consult with an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8836/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

With reference to this Question and the reply given to Question No.70 of 8 February 2023 there is no further information. Officials in my Department would be happy to facilitate a meeting with representatives from the organisation referred to and would ask this organisation to contact my officials on [e-mail] in order to arrange this meeting.

Waste Management

Ceisteanna (180)

Darren O'Rourke

Ceist:

180. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the measures he is taking or planning to take to ensure the re-use of construction and demolition waste; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8840/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications (Deputy Eamon Ryan)

Construction represents, globally, one of the most resource intensive forms of economic activity. Improving the circularity rate of the domestic Construction & Demolition (C&D) sector has significant potential to improve Ireland’s circularity rate as a whole.

My Department has begun preparing the 2nd iteration of the current Whole-of-Government Circular Economy Strategy. As required under the Circular Economy Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2022 (‘the Act’), the new Strategy will contain a range of sectoral targets in relation to specified resource-intensive sectors, including C&D. The Strategy will be submitted for Government approval, following a public consultation, before the end of this year.

Additionally, a Circular Construction Roadmap is also being prepared my Department, in conjunction a an expert subgroup of the Construction Sector Group chaired by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. The Roadmap is intended to provide guidance to industry practitioners regarding circular construction and to identify, for further consideration by policymakers, potential regulatory and financial measures which could enhance the overall circularity of the C&D sector. The Roadmap will also be submitted to Government before the end of this year.

“The Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy, published in 2020, also committed to streamlining the application process for End-of-Waste and By-Product determinations operated by the Environmental Protection Agency. In fulfilment of this commitment, the Act contains provision for the making of Regulations in relation to, inter alia;

- The charging of fees for End-of-Waste and By-Product notifications

- The format of notifications and the information that must accompany them

- The circumstances in which applications may be refused or rejected

Regulations are currently being drafted in this regard, with a view to going to public consultation in H1 2023.

Separately, the EPA is in the process of developing criteria for a national End-of-Waste decision for recycled aggregate. A consultation opened on these draft criteria in February, with a view to finalising the criteria during 2023. The Agency is also in the process of developing criteria for national By-Product criteria for greenfield soil and stone, and for road planings.

Delivery of national criteria for these three streams will greatly facilitate the reuse of materials within the construction sector by obviating the need for companies to seek individual decisions where they can demonstrate compliance with the new criteria.

Ukraine War

Ceisteanna (181)

Jim O'Callaghan

Ceist:

181. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the details of the supports that his Department has provided for Ukraine and for Ukrainian people since February 2022, whether in Ukraine or within the State; the number of people supported, where relevant; the estimated cost and value of the support where available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8865/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

My Department is currently working with the ESB, the European Commission and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to facilitate the donations of energy equipment to Ukraine. The total value of equipment is still yet to be estimated, however it consists of several circuit breakers, voltage transformers, disconnectors and an autotransformer. These offerings will make a significant contribution to reinstate damaged parts of Ukrainian transmission network.

Departmental Legal Cases

Ceisteanna (182)

Violet-Anne Wynne

Ceist:

182. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of discrimination cases taken and won against his Department over the past ten years, under each of the grounds applicable, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8891/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

I am taking the Deputy's question to be in relation to cases taken under the Employment Equality Acts 1998 to 2011, which prohibits discrimination in employment in relation to 9 grounds, i.e. disability, gender, civil status, family status, sexual orientation, religious belief, age, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, or membership of the travelling community.

My Department is committed to providing an inclusive work environment for all colleagues. Our Statement of Strategy, Le Chéile 23, is underpinned by the values set out in the Civil Service Renewal Plan and is committed to human rights, equality and anti-discrimination.

Since 2013, there has been one unsuccessful case and no successful cases against the Department under this legislation.

Unsuccessful Discrimination Cases 2013 - 2023	Successful Cases 2013 - 2023	GrUnsuccessfound
1	0	Disability

Public Transport

Ceisteanna (183)

Ivana Bacik

Ceist:

183. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Transport the value of performance-related penalties issued to each public transport provider by the National Transport Authority in 2022. [8063/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators. In addition, I would like to advise that as part of the NTA’s contractual performance monitoring system with operators, issues of poor reliability and punctuality performance can result in financial penalties for those operators.

In light of the Authority's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question in relation to the value of performance-related penalties issued to each public transport provider in 2022, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.

Pension Provisions

Ceisteanna (184)

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

184. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Transport when he will conclude his consideration of a company’s (details supplied) approved pension increase submitted to him in July 2022. [8152/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

My Department is still considering this proposal in conjunction with the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform, and is doing everything possible to expedite the process with a view to finalising the matter at the earliest opportunity.

Electric Vehicles

Ceisteanna (185)

Cian O'Callaghan

Ceist:

185. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport the action he will take to improve the charging infrastructure available for electric cars; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8199/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

The Government is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the electric vehicle (EV) charging network over the coming years. Having an effective and reliable charging network is an essential part of enabling drivers to make the switch to electric vehicles.

Home charging is the primary charging method for most Irish EV owners as it’s convenient and cheaper for the consumer as well as assisting in the overall management of the national grid. Over 80% of charging is expected to happen at home.

However, there is also a need for a seamless public charging network that will provide for situations or instances where home charging is not possible, such as on-street and residential charging, destination charging and workplace charging.

Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland (ZEVI), a dedicated Office which oversees and accelerate Ireland’s transition to zero emission vehicles, has significant funding available in 2023 for the installation of EV charging across Ireland.

Last month I launched the national Strategy for the development of EV charging infrastructure, covering the crucial period out to 2025, alongside an Implementation Plan. The strategy sets out the government’s ambition regarding the delivery of a public EV charging network to support up to 195,000 electric cars and vans by the middle of the decade.

A range of new charging infrastructure schemes are being developed which will help provide another critical link in the overall network for public charging.

A new Residential Neighbourhood Charging Scheme will be launched by ZEVI to provide EV charging for residents without access off street parking. This EV charging will be designed to mimic home charging and will incentivise off-peak charging in a location convenient to the resident’s home. In addition to this we will be working with local authorities to support them creating local charging plans to be rolled out in the coming years

Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland also launched a new destination charging scheme, the Shared Island Sports Club EV Charging Scheme, at the end of January to support the installation of fast electric vehicle chargers into sports clubs. The scheme aims to install approximately 200 chargers into local communities providing a network of fast chargers across the island. It has been developed on an all-island basis in partnership with Sports Ireland and its recognised National Governing Bodies as well as in collaboration with the ESB Networks and Northern Ireland Electric and the commercial sector. The Scheme is funded to the value of €15m by the Shared Island Fund. Two other schemes supporting destination charging are due to be launched later this year.

ZEVI is working closely with other stakeholders in the development of a national delivery plan for en-route charging later this year.