Written Answers Nos. 34-49
34. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will consider extending the supports available to small and medium enterprises under the Green Transition Fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10539/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn Budget 2022, Government announced that €55 million would be made available under the National Recovery & Resilience Plan to assist enterprises through the Green Transition Fund. This budget is split into two streams, the Enterprise Emissions Reduction Investment Fund (€30m) and the Climate Planning Fund for Business (€25m) which will both run from 2022 and 2025.
Eligibility for each of the supports under the Climate Planning Fund for Business varies across the individual supports. However, in general the Climate Planning Fund for Business is available to clients of Enterprise Ireland and Údarás na Gaeltachta regardless of company size or sector. The Climate Planning Fund for Business is made up of the GreenStart, GreenPlus, Climate Action Voucher, and Strategic Consultancy supports.
All manufacturing companies that are clients of Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland and Údarás na Gaeltachta are eligible for the Enterprise Emissions Reduction Investment Fund, including small and medium sized manufacturing clients. This Fund is targeted at abatement of carbon emissions from manufacturing, aligned with the measures set out in the Industry chapter of Climate Action Plan 2023.
35. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of labour inspectors currently employed at the Workplace Relations Commission; how this compares with the allocated number of labour inspectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10311/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) is an independent, statutory body under the aegis of my Department, established on 1st October 2015 under the Workplace Relations Act 2015. The Commission’s core services include the inspection of employment rights compliance, the provision of information, the processing of employment agency and protection of young persons (employment) licenses and the provision of mediation, adjudication, conciliation, facilitation, and advisory services.
The WRC is staffed by approximately 200 civil servants from my Department. This number includes a current provision for 70 WRC Labour Inspectors. In the main, WRC inspectors rank at Executive Officer (EO) grade with Higher Executive Officers (HEO) grade, acting as Team Managers.
The WRC currently has 7 vacancies at Inspector level (6 EO Inspectors and 1 HEO Inspector). However, the WRC is actively recruiting inspectors, in what is a tight labour market, and I am advised that two new inspectors are due to take up their roles following a clearance process.
While the WRC is independent in its function and I have no role in its day-to-day operations, my Department fully supports and continues to work closely with the WRC in monitoring its staffing and budgetary requirements. This includes anticipating future resource requirements to ensure that it is supported and adequately resourced to carry out its important work.
36. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when he will honour the terms of the employment regulation order for the security industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10490/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 3 August 2022, the former Minister of State for Employment Affairs, Business and Retail announced an intention to issue an Order to give effect to a statutory recommendation of the Labour Court concerning minimum rates of remuneration and other terms and conditions in the Security Sector. The Order was to apply from 29 August 2022.
On 24 August 2022, my Department was informed that High Court had granted an injunction prohibiting the commencement of the proposed Statutory Instrument giving effect to the new Employment Regulation Order for the Security Industry.
At this moment in time the Order cannot be proceeded with. The matter is before the courts.
37. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the capital projects undertaken by his Department in Westmeath since June 2020; the funding allocated each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10548/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn line with its current strategy "Driving Recovery and Sustainable Growth 2021-2024", the IDA has continued the roll-out of the property investment programme to further invest and build out the existing asset base (incl. land and buildings) with associated infrastructure to meet future client needs and support balanced regional development.
IDA has recently completed significant infrastructure upgrade works at Clonmore, Mullingar and Athlone B&T Park, Garrycastle. IDA is currently developing an office building in Athlone, which is due to be completed in Q2 2023. IDA has also secured planning permission for a new Advanced Building Solution in Mullingar and has commenced the public procurement process for the selection of a suitably qualified contractor to complete the development. Since acquiring a new landbank in Athlone, IDA has invested in securing the lands by installing boundary fencing and is currently reviewing options for the Phase 01 infrastructure delivery.
Between 2021-2022 the IDA made payments of €21,362,406, with capital expenditure of €10,062,222 in 2021 and capital expenditure of €11,300,184 in 2022.
The 2023 figures are not currently available as capital expenditure is not categorised until year end.
Some key capital projects undertaken in Westmeath in the period covered were:
- A land acquisition in Athlone
- An office building acquisition in Athlone
- The development of an Advanced Office Building in Athlone
- Site Development works in Mullingar
- Site Development works on a number of sites in Athlone
Additionally, between 2020 and 2022 Enterprise Ireland made infrastructural payments of €596,943 to capital projects in County Westmeath.
There are 71 Enterprise Ireland client companies in County Westmeath employing 3099 people. Between 2020 and 2022 Enterprise Ireland has made payments of €14,338,185 to its clients in County Westmeath.
Regional Enterprise Development Funding of €2,248,480 was approved between 2018 and 2020. Funding of €581,600 was made under the Regional Enterprise Transition Scheme in this period and under the Regional Enterprise Innovation Scoping Scheme funding of €200,000 was approved.
Under the Technology Gateways Programme, a total amount of €4,960,000 was approved in this period and under the Regional Technology Clustering Fund an amount of €377,520 was approved.
38. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide an update on an application by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10281/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraCapita Business Support Services Ireland, trading as Eircode, assigns Eircodes to new property addresses using a valid postal address and verified geo-locations. An Post collects information on all new and existing buildings, as well as changes to existing addresses and Ordnance Survey Ireland provides the geo-locations for these buildings. An Post GeoDirectory, a subsidiary company of An Post and Ordnance Survey Ireland (OSi), issue a new release of the GeoDirectory database file on a quarterly basis to Eircode in accordance with their licence agreement. In addition to the quarterly file An Post GeoDirectory provide a monthly file containing new builds.
Capita have advised my officials that they have been in direct contact with the individual in question and will continue to monitor the case, reverting to the property owner with updates as soon as further information is available.
OSI have confirmed that the property in question has a verified geo-location and An Post informed my officials they are in process of verifying the postal addresses for these properties. The updated information will be included in the next update of the database being supplied to Capita from APG.
Acknowledging the need for more frequent assignment of Eircodes from the current quarterly release, Capita, supported by my officials, are moving to a new system where Eircodes for new properties will be assigned a monthly basis. Capita informed my officials they expect new monthly assignment of Eircodes to be released ahead of the next quarterly update due in May. New Eircodes will be published on the free to use Eircode Finder website and an updated Eircode Database will be provided to licensed businesses for their use.
39. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the reason a person who is in receipt of an invalidity pension (details supplied) did not qualify for funding through the warmer homes scheme to install a heat pump eco-heating system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10292/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme delivers free energy upgrades for eligible homeowners in low-income households who are most at risk of energy poverty. It is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). Applicants to the scheme do not apply for specific measures. A survey of the home determines what measures will be recommended, in line with the published scheme Guidelines.
The administration and management of applications under 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.
SEAI has established a specific email address for queries from Oireachtas members so that such queries can be addressed promptly. The email address is oireachtas@seai.ie.
40. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question No. 172 of 23 February 2023, the independent environmental evaluations and assessments undertaken in the matter of any planned of storage facilities (details supplied); the international credentials of those bodies undertaking such assessment; if he will publish their findings regarding same; whether any such planning and development of such facilities have been and will be undertaken within the context of Ireland’s Aarhus responsibilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10331/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraElectricity storage, including large-scale Lithium-ion Battery Energy Storage Systems (Li-BESS), is critical in providing flexibility to the Irish electricity system by helping to increase the volume of renewable electricity on the grid. Electricity storage will also support Ireland’s legally binding greenhouse gas emissions reductions as set out in the latest iteration of the Climate Action Plan. It can also provide a wide range of other benefits, including wholesale energy price reductions and security of supply.
In that context, my Department has committed to developing an electricity storage policy with a policy framework due for publication in Q3 2023. In combination, the CRU will be reviewing the regulatory treatment of storage, including licensing, charging and market incentives which is to be completed by the end of 2023.
Planning policy and related guidelines are a matter for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage in the first instance, and not one in which my Department would have any direct function. An Bord Pleanála and planning authorities assess individual battery storage project planning applications with recourse to all relevant policy documentation, including regional spatial and economic strategies and development plans (which must be consistent with the National Planning Framework). Principal assessment criteria, in addition to compliance with national, regional and local policies, will depend on the specific storage project under assessment and the proposed location, but considerations include: the most efficient use of land and infrastructure; the visual impacts of storage units; fire safety standards; and potential environmental/ecological risks posed by storage projects in proposed locations.
41. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide an update on the work of the District Energy Steering Group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10417/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra42. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will take action to ensure district energy customers are charged at residential rates, rather than the more expensive commercial rates they currently pay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10418/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 41 and 42 together.
The District Heating Steering Group was established under the Climate Action Plan 2021 to ensure structured development of district heating. The Report of the Steering Group is currently being finalised and contains recommendations in relation to the governance, finance, and planning. It will also include recommendations in relation to the economic regulation and consumer protection needs of the district heating sector and of smaller scale group heating schemes.
Group heating schemes are apartment blocks or housing developments that are supplied with heat rather than fuel and, in such cases, it is the heat supplier that is the purchaser of the fuel used. Where gas is being used, the provider may not fall within a domestic supply category and will be supplied under commercial terms and conditions.? I understand that such heating systems make up a very small proportion of household heating in Ireland.
While commercial prices have been lower than domestic gas prices, recent increases in energy prices have led to a sharp increase in commercial gas prices in particular. This has led to increases in the cost of providing heat by energy service providers. A central part of the journey from dependence on natural gas for heat lies with cost-effective energy efficiency measures and accelerated deployment of renewable energy sources, to include consideration of geothermal energy, where appropriate.
The results of the feasibility study initiated by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland of moving a group scheme to a renewable energy source such as geothermal energy will be available in next few weeks. It will contain recommendations in order to improve the efficiency of the group heating scheme and an analysis of the most optimal alternative energy source for the scheme.
My Department is currently liaising with the Commission for Regulation of Utilities to ensure the development of an appropriate regulatory framework for district heating, which the Government plans to facilitate at scale in Ireland, to include regulation of group heating schemes, and this will take time and careful consideration. The statutory functions of the CRU in relation to regulation of district heating are contained in SI 350 of 2022 and SI 630 of 2022.
There are Government supports and protections targeted at the end user customers. Throughout 2022, the Government introduced a €2.4 billion package of supports to support households and businesses, and as part of Budget 2023, introduced a package of measures worth €2.5 billion. This included the €1.211 billion Electricity Cost Emergency Benefit Scheme, through which €600 (inclusive of VAT) is being credited to each domestic electricity account in three payments. The third €200 electricity credit is due to be applied in March/April. This was applied through the electricity system to ensure maximum reach to customers.
Furthermore, any individual that is in need of additional support to facilitate their continued energy supply should apply for an Additional Needs Payment provided by the Department of Social Protection. I am assured that every effort is being made to ensure that any individual that qualifies, receives an Additional Needs Payment on the same day, or as soon as possible where it relates to electricity and heating expenses.
On 13 December, Government approved a new Energy Poverty Action Plan, which provides for the establishment of a €10 million fund to further support people in, or at risk of, energy poverty this winter and into 2023. The fund will ensure that people in most need can access financial supports quickly and directly provide a further safeguard in addition to the supports from supplier hardship funds and the Additional Needs Payment operated by the Department of Social Protection. The Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) is also available to provide budgeting advice and advocacy support.
43. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will examine the provision of free gas to glasshouse operators who grow vegetables for the Irish market (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10462/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government recognises the difficulties businesses are facing due to the unprecedented increase in energy costs resulting from the military aggression by Russia in Ukraine. The Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme (TBESS) was introduced to specifically address these challenges and Government have now made amendments to this scheme, to ensure businesses continue to be fully supported during this time. The scheme was designed to support qualifying businesses in respect of energy costs relating to the period from 1 September 2022 to 28 February 2023, subject to monthly caps. However, in order to facilitate the continuation of the scheme, the Minister for Finance has exercised the power contained in Section 100 of Finance Act 2022 to extend the scheme to 30 April 2023. From 1 March, the monthly limit on aid under the scheme is also increased to €15,000 per qualifying business in relation to a trade or profession, subject to an overall cap of €45,000 in cases where a business is carried on from more than one location. Moreover, Government proposes to make a number of further amendments to the scheme. These changes will require State aid approval and subject to receiving that approval will be provided for in the forthcoming Finance Bill. The additional changes are as follows: - The Scheme will be extended, to 31 May 2023 - The threshold for qualification will be reduced from a 50% increase in electricity or gas costs to 30% increase (to apply retrospectively from 1 September 2022) - From 1 March 2023 the level of relief will increase from 40% to 50% of eligible costs Pending implementation of these changes, claims can continue to be made under the current scheme, with full details available on the Revenue website at the following link: www.revenue.ie/en/starting-a-business/tbess/eligible-businesses.aspx
44. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if an Eircode postcode will be assigned to a rowing club (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10504/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraCapita Business Support Services Ireland, trading as Eircode, assigns Eircodes to new property addresses using a valid postal address and verified geo-locations. An Post collects information on all new and existing buildings, as well as changes to existing addresses and Ordnance Survey Ireland provides the geo-locations for these buildings. An Post GeoDirectory, a subsidiary company of An Post and Ordnance Survey Ireland (OSi), issue a new release of the GeoDirectory database file on a quarterly basis to Eircode in accordance with their licence agreement.
An Post have previously advised my officials that within certain criteria it may be possible to add a postal address to a building structure. My officials are liaising with Capita, OSi and An Post in relation to the provision of a verified postal address and geo-location for this building. Meanwhile, Capita have advised that they have been in direct contact with the individual in question and will continue to liaise directly with them. Once this address information has been verified it will be included in the next update of the database being supplied to Capita from APG.
Acknowledging the need for more frequent assignment of Eircodes from the current quarterly release, Capita, supported by my officials, are moving to a new system where Eircodes for new properties will be assigned a monthly basis. Capita informed my officials they expect new monthly assignment of Eircodes to be released ahead of the next quarterly update due in May. New Eircodes will be published on the free to use Eircode Finder website and an updated Eircode Database will be provided to licensed businesses for their use.
45. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the capital projects that have been undertaken by his Department in Westmeath since June 2020; the funding allocated each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10555/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has not undertaken any capital projects in Westmeath in the requested timeframe.
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AIR QUALITY, EU & INTERNATIONAL POLICY (AQEUI) |
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Accounts |
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Circular Economy Material Management |
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Circular Economy - Strategic Policy |
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Climate - Just Transition & Sectoral Policy |
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Climate Adaptation, Citizen Engagement, Aarhus |
Nil Input |
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Environment and Sectoral Climate Policy |
Nil Input |
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Environment and Climate Action Plan Delivery |
Nil Input |
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Communications CTO Office |
Nil Input |
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Communications and Media Relations Division (CMRD) |
Nil Input |
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Corporate Governance Division (CGD) |
Nil Input |
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Corporate Services Division (CSD) |
Nil Input |
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Corporate Support Unit (CSU) |
Nil Input |
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Economist |
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Eircodes Division |
Nil Input |
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Electricity Networks & Systems |
Nil Input |
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Energy Engagement & National Energy Coordination |
Nil Input |
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Energy Security Emergency Management |
Nil Input |
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Environmental Protection |
Nil Input |
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Environment Advisory & Research Unit (EARU) |
Nil Input |
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Finance Unit |
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Geoscience Policy Division |
Nil Input |
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Geoscience Regulation Office |
Nil Input |
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Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI) |
Nil Input |
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Heat Policy Division (HPD) |
Nil Input |
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HR |
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Inland Fisheries Division (IFD) |
Nil Input |
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Internal Audit (IAU) |
Nil Input |
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International & Offshore Energy (IOED) |
Nil Input |
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ISD |
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Legal Unit |
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Minister’s Office |
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National Broadband Plan (NBP) |
Nil Input |
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National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) |
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National Digital Strategy & Telecommunications Market Contracts Division (NDSTMC) |
Nil Input |
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Oil Security of Supply |
Nil Input |
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Offshore Energy - Longterm Strategic |
Nil Input |
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Offshore Energy Environment and Consenting Division |
Nil Input |
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Planning Advisory |
Nil Input |
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Renewable Electricity Policy Division (REPD) |
Nil Input |
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Residential Energy Efficiency (REED) |
Nil Input |
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Strategic Implementation Unit (SIU) |
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Retail Energy Policy & Regulation (REPR) |
Nil Input |
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Telecommunications Policy & Regulation Division (TPRD) |
Nil Input |
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Wholesale Energy Gas Policy (WEGP) |
Nil Input |
46. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Transport if he will support the establishment of a collaborative forum, including his Department, the Department of Justice and representatives of the port sector and goods transport sector, with the aim of devising more efficient means of preventing persons entering the State illegally and detecting vulnerable persons who may be the victims of human trafficking; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10288/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, the monitoring and enforcement of border security at Irish ports is not under the remit of my Department. Responsibility for such matters lies with the Minister for Justice and is enforced by An Garda Síochána.
My Department will cooperate with any request for engagement from the Department of Justice on border security issues.
47. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport the total tonnage of throughput at Dublin Port; the total of which was agricultural produce for the years 2017 to date, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10339/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe total tonnage throughput for all the ports is available on the Central Statistics Office websites at:
www.cso.ie/en/statistics/transport/statisticsofporttraffic/
The total tonnage throughput information for Dublin Port is set out in the table below.
|
- |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
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CSO Total Throughput all modes |
24,996,000 |
26,332,000 |
26,334,000 |
25,210,000 |
24,485,000 |
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CSO Dry Bulk |
2,034,000 |
2,335,000 |
1,821,000 |
1,946,000 |
1,974,000 |
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Cereals/Animal Feed* |
825,438 |
1,057,850 |
844,274 |
778,671 |
803,167 |
*The figures for 'Cereals and Animal Feed' handled annually in 'Dry Bulk Cargo' were provided by Dublin Port Company.
Neither Dublin Port nor the department have information regarding the quantity of agricultural produce contained within the unitised trade as this is information belonging to the importer or exporter of the produce.
48. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of Dublin Port having reduced the number of days for which product can be held at the port from ten to two; the reason for such; when the change was introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10340/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra49. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport the amount of money raised through fines related to products being held at Dublin Port for the years 2017 to date, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10341/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 48 and 49 together.
Section 13 of the Harbours Act, 1996 provides that port companies may raise charges on ships, cargo and passengers. Article 13 of the Port Regulation (2017/352) obliges Member States to ensure that port infrastructure charges are levied by port companies such as Dublin Port Company (DPC). The regulation also requires port companies to ensure that users of the port infrastructure are informed of any changes in the nature or level of the port infrastructure charges at least two months in advance of the date on which those changes come into effect. The regulation further states that the structure and the level of port infrastructure charges shall be determined according to the port’s own commercial strategy and investment plans.
My Department is aware that in April 2019, DPC announced the Dublin Port Dwell Time Initiative to decrease the dwell time of containers and trailers at the Port to increase the Port’s throughput capacity for future growth. Phase one reduced the free time period allowed for containers and trailers (from seven days to four days) and increased charges for storage thereafter at one of the three container terminals in Dublin Port which handles trade with continental Europe. This became effective in June 2019. It was also announced at that time that further phases would reduce the dwell time to two days.
While DPC originally informed container terminals and shipping companies in 2019 of increases to charges set for April 2020, DPC postponed this planned increase in 2020 owing to the exceptional trading environment created by Covid-19. Since then, the DPC decided a five-year pricing strategy, rather than yearly announcements, was preferable in order to offer surety to their customers. This was discussed with the Department in advance of publication in 2021 and implementation commenced in 2022 to allow customers to adapt and make new arrangements as appropriate.
Increasing the level of charges and reducing the free dwell times allowed for containers and trailers will maximise the use of land at the terminal. Shorter dwell times will lead to fewer containers being stored for longer than necessary, thereby freeing up space for more cargo to move through the same amount of land. It will also encourage less dwell time of empty containers and drive the storage of empty units to locations outside the port as well as incentivising the sector to maximise the use of containers. This increases port capacity and encourages more efficient use of port lands to cater for growing demand.
DPC is responsible for the operation and management of the port and information regarding the amount of money raised through fines related to products being held at Dublin Port is commercially sensitive. However, the intention of reducing dwell time is not a revenue-seeking initiative, it is a mechanism to encourage the faster movement of containers through the port in order to free up capacity.
