Alan Kelly
Ceist:43. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the estimated cost in 2024 if the budget allocation for the diaspora affairs fund were doubled. [42902/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraDiaspora Issues
Ceisteanna (43)
Freagraí scríofa
The Government remains strongly committed to supporting Irish diaspora communities all over the world, in line with its Global Ireland: Ireland’s Diaspora Strategy 2020-2025.
The most tangible expression of that support is through the Emigrant Support Programme, administered by my Department, which this year will see the disbursement of almost €16 million in direct grant aid to Irish community organisations all over the world.
In addition, the Government also supports Irish-based organisations working in this area through the Department of Foreign Affairs' Diaspora Affairs Fund, which has a budget this year of €1 million and which, if doubled for 2024, would rise to €2 million.
Amongst the projects supported by the Diaspora Affairs Fund are:
- the provision by the Citizens Information Board of advice and support to those seeking to return to Ireland;
- the Back for Business entrepreneurship development programme for returning emigrants;
- the funding of a Historian-in-Residence in the EPIC Emigration Museum and the development of diaspora-related exhibitions.
The Government will continue to support our diaspora communities and the organisations which work with them.
Official Travel
Ceisteanna (44)
Alan Kelly
Ceist:44. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he plans to visit Canada before the end of 2023. [42903/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Ireland’s Strategy for the US and Canada 2019-2025 commits us to building strong, strategic political partnerships with Canada.
High level visits to Canada are a key aspect of delivering on that commitment. The 2023 St Patrick’s Day programme saw Minister Michael McGrath, Minister Stephen Donnelly and Minister Simon Harris visit various cities in Canada. In July 2023, Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, Sean Fleming, visited Montreal, Ottawa and Toronto for an extensive trade, community and cultural programme. I also had the opportunity to meet Foreign Minister Mélaine Joly on the margins of UN High Level Week in New York in September.
I very much appreciated that Canadian Minister for Labour and Seniors, Seamus O’Regan, came to Belfast last April, to represent the Canadian Government at the Good Friday Agreement 25 anniversary events and that he accompanied General John de Chastelain to several events, north and south of the border, where his significant contribution to the peace process was acknowledged.
I anticipate that there will be further opportunity for high level political visits to Canada in the coming months. While I do not plan to visit Canada in the remaining months of 2023, a possible visit there in 2024, to promote Ireland’s economic and political interests with an important international partner, is under consideration.
Human Rights
Ceisteanna (45, 46, 47, 48)
Catherine Connolly
Ceist:45. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on a report (details supplied) by the UN special rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42927/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraCatherine Connolly
Ceist:46. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs what representations he has made to the Government of the United States of America to close the detention facilities at Guantánamo Bay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42928/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraCatherine Connolly
Ceist:47. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs what engagement he has had with his EU and UN counterparts on the issue of the closure of the detention facilities at Guantánamo Bay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42929/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraCatherine Connolly
Ceist:48. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps being taken to support the humanitarian resettlement of those arbitrarily detained at Guantánamo Bay, in particular the 16 cleared detainees who remain at Guantánamo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42930/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 45 to 48, inclusive, together.
Ireland has consistently advocated that there is no conflict between countering terrorism and respecting human rights, and that States must ensure that any measures taken to counter terrorism comply with all their obligations under international law, in particular international human rights, refugee, and humanitarian law. Ireland therefore strongly defends the importance of placing human rights and rule of law at the centre of all counter-terrorism efforts.
Ireland cosponsored the resolution on terrorism and human rights (A/RES/76/169) at Third Committee of the 76th session of the UN General Assembly which was adopted without vote. During our membership of the UN Security Council, Ireland worked to ensure that the Security Council supports victims of terrorism and holds perpetrators to account, in a human rights compliant manner.
UN Special Procedures play a very important role in the international human rights system. Their work as independent human rights experts contributes to the development of international human rights standards and helps to raise public awareness on human rights issues. Ireland supports the mandate of the Special Rapporteur for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms while Countering Terrorism, and consistently welcomes opportunities to engage with the mandate.
At the 49th session of the Human Rights Council in 2022, Ireland cosponsored a resolution extending the mandate of the Special Rapporteur, Fionnuala D. Ní Aoláin, for a further three years, and delivered a national statement during the interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur, joining the calls for all States to immediately cease practices of mass arbitrary detention, particularly in relation to counter-terrorism.
I welcome the Special Rapporteur’s recent visit, the first official UN expert visit to the detention facility at Guantánamo. I welcome too the willingness of the United States to facilitate this visit and to engage constructively with the Special Rapporteur.
Together with our EU partners, Ireland has consistently called for the closure of the Guantanamo Detention Centre in the shortest possible time.
In 2009, two former detainees were resettled in Ireland as part of a wider EU effort to resettle detainees who had been cleared for release. This was a humanitarian measure and a practical step towards the ultimate closure of the Guantanamo detention facility.
I welcome the progress President Biden's Administration has made in reducing the number of people detained in Guantanamo, and I hope that further such progress will allow the detention facility to be closed as soon as possible.
Question No. 46 answered with Question No. 45.
Question No. 47 answered with Question No. 45.
Question No. 48 answered with Question No. 45.
Child Abduction
Ceisteanna (49)
Eoin Ó Broin
Ceist:49. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide an update on the case of a person (details supplied); if he intends to meet the person concerned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42938/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department has been in regular contact with the Irish citizen in this case and is continuing to provide consular assistance and guidance.
I can appreciate that the circumstances of this case are difficult for all concerned. The Embassy of Ireland has engaged with the relevant Ministry of Justice on the matter and has provided advice to the citizen accordingly. The citizen and their mediator have recently engaged in a formal mediation process in the relevant State to discuss the case and the legal processes available.
Departmental and Embassy officials have advised the citizen, since the case began and continue to do so, to engage with a local lawyer to best advise on the laws as they pertain to the jurisdiction in question. The Embassy of Ireland has also liaised with other EU Embassies, whose citizens have been in similar circumstances, in the context of the consular advice being given to the citizen.
My Department will continue to provide consular assistance to the citizen and I have asked my officials to organise for the citizen to meet with me in due course.
Proposed Legislation
Ceisteanna (50)
Denis Naughten
Ceist:50. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to provide a list of general schemes referred by his Department to an Oireachtas committee for pre-legislative scrutiny from 1 January 2016 to date; the date each was referred; the date that the general scheme was published for the public to review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42950/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
On 29 July 2016, my Department published on its official website the General Scheme of the Diplomatic Relations (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill.
The Bill received pre-legislative scrutiny by the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs, Trade and Defence on 10 November 2016.
The Bill was enacted on 13 December 2017.
Passport Services
Ceisteanna (51)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:51. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to ensure that an application by a person (details supplied) for a passport is processed and any issues are referred back to the applicant. [42986/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
With regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service requested further documents for the application on 26 September 2023. The application cannot proceed until the required supporting documents have been received.
Election Monitoring Missions
Ceisteanna (52)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:52. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to indicate, in respect of the current application process for membership of the international election observation roster, the number of appointments being made to the roster; whether an interview process will take place; if the Public Appointments Service is likely to play any role in the recruitment process and selection of successful applicants; the date that the results of the recruitment are likely to be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43008/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Department of Foreign Affairs maintains and administers a voluntary roster of suitably skilled and vetted individuals who are available to participate at short notice in election observation missions, organised by the European Union (EU) and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE).
Ireland’s current international Election Observation Roster was established for a period of five years, from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2023. The new Roster will be in place from 1 January 2024 for a further five-year period.
The Department consulted with several relevant organisations for advice in the context of preparations for the new Roster, including the Public Appointments Service. 265 applications were received for membership of the new Roster. They are currently being appraised by representatives of the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Electoral Commission and the Carter Center.
The process will not involve interviews. The number of appointments to the Roster will be decided following appraisal of applications. Decisions will be communicated to applicants no later than mid-November 2023.
Energy Infrastructure
Ceisteanna (53)
Paul Murphy
Ceist:53. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the rationale for the decision to keep Moneypoint open up to 2029; how this aligns with Ireland’s carbon emissions targets and sectoral emissions ceilings; what it means for a just transition in the energy sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42875/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Minister and the Department has no decision-making role in relation to the future of ESB power stations.
The Government’s stated policy position (Government Policy Statement on Electricity Security of Supply November 2021) is that the retention of existing power generation is both a necessary and critical component of our energy security at this time as the state works to rapidly develop additional temporary and enduring electricity generating capacity.
It states: "it is appropriate that existing conventional electricity generation capacity, including existing coal, heavy fuel oil and biomass fired generation, should be retained until the new conventional electricity generation capacity is developed in order to ensure security of electricity supply".
The Commission for Regulation of Utilities currently has a programme of actions underway to implement this statement and ensure the security of our electricity supply over the coming winters. The Security of Supply Programme of actions contains a number of both demand and supply side mitigation measures to address the forecasted capacity gap in the electricity sector. These actions include:
• procurement of new, enduring capacity through a number of capacity auctions;
• procuring temporary emergency generation;
• extending the availability of existing generation capacity through the retention of older units;
• additional use of energy storage including grid-scale batteries; and
• improved demand side measures.
The retention of Moneypoint is in line with the November 2021 Government Policy Statement on Security of Electricity Supply.
I am advised that this capacity will only operate if and when needed, at the instruction of EirGrid, as a back up to the system, with renewable energy and efficient gas-fired power stations always being supplied to the market first. From a policy perspective all efforts to reduce the carbon intensity or improve the efficiency of retained units is important, for example, fuel switching where it would reduce carbon intensity, increasing the scope of operational efficiencies and flexibilities; and/or imposing operational constraints to minimise run hours for last-resort units.
I am advised that this is a temporary measure to support security of supply as ESB works to transition this part of Ireland's energy infrastructure into a future renewable energy hub.
Through the CRU Security of Supply Programme, I expect over 570MW of new (temporary and enduring) generation capacity to be available by the end of March 2024. Ensuring modern, low-emitting dispatchable generation is procured for the electricity sector as we transition to an electricity-led energy system in Ireland is essential and will reduce Ireland's short-term and temporary reliance on older generating units to provide security of supply.
Both the ESB and the CRU have dedicated email addresses for Deputies should they wish to seek further information on this matter.
Energy Conservation
Ceisteanna (54)
Michael Lowry
Ceist:54. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question No. 175 of 16 May 2023, when the low-cost loan scheme for energy upgrades will be made available and opened for applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42901/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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, which will be backed by a counter guarantee provided by the EIB Group.
The roll-out of the loan scheme is a key action of Climate Action Plan 2023 and the National Retrofit Plan and will be the first consumer-focused guaranteed loan of its kind in Ireland. It will provide risk protection to retail credit institutions participating in the scheme and will enable credit institutions to offer loans with reduced interest rates to all eligible homeowners and non-corporate landlords, making comprehensive home energy efficiency upgrades more affordable to consumers.
Further, it 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 to meet the required targets.
The development of this innovative scheme is a complex process involving several stakeholders. Intensive engagement to develop the scheme is ongoing and there has been extensive due diligence between the EIB Group and the Irish banking and credit union sector. All stakeholders both at national and European level are committed to finalising the project and it is expected that the loan guarantee will be in place this year.
Proposed Legislation
Ceisteanna (55)
Denis Naughten
Ceist:55. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to provide a list of general schemes referred by his Department to an Oireachtas committee for pre-legislative scrutiny from 1 January 2016 to date; the date each was referred; the date that the general scheme was published for the public to review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42948/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The information requested by the Deputy for the period covering the 33rd Dáil is set out in the table. The information requested for the period prior to that is not readily available.
Table: DECC Legislation presented for Pre-Legislative Scrutiny
|
Legislation submitted for Pre-Legislative Scrutiny |
Date sent to Oireachtas for Pre-Legislative Scrutiny |
Date General Scheme Published |
|
Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021 |
01/10/20 |
06/01/2020 www.gov.ie/en/publication/36892-general-scheme-climate-action-amendment-bill/ |
|
Circular Economy and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2022 |
21/06/21 |
15/06/2021 www.gov.ie/en/publication/89838-circular-economy-bill-2021/ |
|
Communications Regulation & Digital Hub Development Agency (Amendment) Act 2023 |
15/02/22 |
General Scheme not published. Bill Summary published 18/12/2022 www.gov.ie/en/publication/339a9-european-electronic-communications-code-eecc/ |
|
Energy (Windfall Gains in the Energy Sector) (Cap on Market Revenues) Bill 2023 |
18/04/23 |
01/03/2023 www.gov.ie/pdf/?file=https://assets.gov.ie/250666/fba2efa5-50a1-4ad0-86db-6cc40fb4b03e.pdf#page=null |
|
Energy Windfall Gains in the Energy sector (Temporary Solidarity Contribution) Act 2023 |
18/04/23 |
01/03/2023 www.gov.ie/pdf/?file=https://assets.gov.ie/250666/fba2efa5-50a1-4ad0-86db-6cc40fb4b03e.pdf#page=null |
|
Gas Amendment Bill 2023 |
09/06/23 |
General Scheme not published. Bill published 23/08/2023 data.oireachtas.ie/ie/oireachtas/bill/2023/64/eng/initiated/b6423d.pdf |
Broadband Infrastructure
Ceisteanna (56)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:56. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if and when reliable, high-speed broadband will be provided in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42985/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In December 2022, my Department published Ireland's Digital Connectivity Strategy which supports the ambition outlined in the National Digital Strategy and sets out a number of ambitious targets, including that:
- all Irish households and businesses will be covered by a Gigabit network no later than 2028
- all populated areas will be covered by 5G no later than 2030, and
- digital connectivity will be delivered to all schools and broadband connection points by 2023
These targets will be achieved through a combination of commercial investments and through the State investment in National Broadband Ireland (NBI).
The Question refers to a premises located in the AMBER area on the National Broadband Plan (NBP) High Speed Broadband Map which is available on my Department's website www.broadband.gov.ie The AMBER area represents the area to be served by the network to be deployed under the NBP State led intervention.
NBI have advised that the network build is currently in progress for the Eircode provided. I understand that NBI’s current forecast date for when end users can order high speed broadband, with a minimum speed of 500Mbps, is April 2024 – June 2024.
NBI will roll out a high speed and future proofed broadband network within the intervention area which covers 1.1 million people living and working in over 560,000 premises, including almost 100,000 businesses and farms along with some 679 schools.
I am advised by NBI that, as of 22nd September 2023, 182,250 premises are passed across 26 counties and available for immediate connection. 54,474 premises are already connected to the NBP high-speed broadband network. Furthermore, as of 31st August 2023 in the Deputy’s own county of Kildare, over 4,000 homes and businesses have been passed by NBI and are available for immediate connection, with c. 1,260 of those now connected to the NBP State Intervention network.
Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) are a key element of the NBP providing high speed broadband in every county in advance of the roll out of the fibre to the home network. As of 22nd September some 950 sites have been installed by NBI and the high speed broadband service will be switched on in these locations through service provider contracts managed by the Department of Rural and Community Development for publicly accessible sites and the Department of Education for school BCPs. In County Kildare all 3 BCP’s have been installed.
Further details are available on specific areas within County Kildare through the NBI website which provides a facility for any premises within the intervention area to register their interest in being provided with deployment updates through its website www.nbi.ie. Individuals who register with this facility will receive regular updates on progress by NBI on delivering the network and specific updates related to their own premises as works commence. NBI has a dedicated email address, reps@nbi.ie, which can be used by Oireachtas members for specific queries.
In County Kildare all 10 schools have been installed by NBI to date for educational access. My Department continues to work with the Department of Education to prioritise schools with no high speed broadband, within the Intervention Area. Further details of schools in scope are available on the NBI website at: nbi.ie/primary-schools-list/.
Recent ComReg data shows that Quarter 2, 2023 saw a 7.4% increase in fibre broadband subscriptions compared to the first 3 months of the year, and a 33.7% increase when compared to Quarter 2 of 2022. This demonstrates that take-up of fibre connectivity for homes and businesses is increasing massively as it is deployed to areas where it had previously been unavailable. The same ComReg data also indicates that c.40% of homes and business throughout the State now have access to gigabit services through either fibre (576,856) or cable (359,669) infrastructure.
Broadband Infrastructure
Ceisteanna (57)
Claire Kerrane
Ceist:57. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the measures his Department is taking to expedite broadband rollout in south Roscommon; if broadband will be rolled out before the estimated date of 2027; the measures in place to improve connectivity and phone signal in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42990/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In December 2022, my Department published Ireland's Digital Connectivity Strategy which supports the ambition outlined in the National Digital Strategy and sets out a number of ambitious targets, including that:
- all Irish households and businesses will be covered by a Gigabit network no later than 2028
- all populated areas will be covered by 5G no later than 2030, and
- digital connectivity will be delivered to all schools and broadband connection points by 2023
These targets will be achieved through commercial operators investing in their networks, complemented by the State’s National Broadband Plan intervention. When taken together, all premises in the State will have access to high-speed broadband in every part of the country no matter how remote.
Commercial operators’ fibre rollouts are progressing at pace. Open eir have already passed over 15,812 homes and businesses in Co. Roscommon with gigabit services, with a further c.3,000 to be passed over the next 2 – 3 years, bringing their total fibre-based investment in the county to over €11.5m. Other commercial operators are also continuing to increase their network footprint right across County Roscommon, with SIRO recently passing 1,570 premises for full fibre, and Virgin Media passing 798 premises.
The National Broadband Plan intervention contract provides for the roll out of a high speed and future-proofed broadband network to primarily rural areas. The intervention area covers over 1.1 million people living and working in over 560,000 premises, including almost 100,000 businesses and farms along with some 679 schools.
I am advised by NBI that, as of 22nd September 2023, 182,250 premises are passed across 26 counties and available for immediate connection. 54,474 premises are already connected to the NBP high-speed broadband network.
As of 31st August 8,438 premises in County Roscommon are passed with a high-speed fibre broadband network and available for immediate connection with 2,437 premises now connected.
Commercial operators and NBI will continue work in Roscommon, and all counties, over the next three years to complete their fibre rollouts and all efforts are bring made to speed up to the rollout. My Department is working extremely hard with Local Authorities to ensure any barriers encountered by these operators are dealt with quickly through day to day engagement and through the work of the Mobile Phone and Broadband Task force.
Further details are available on specific areas within County Roscommon and can be monitored via nbi.ie/reps. A county update can be selected to provide the overall number of premises in the Intervention Area, the overall NBP investment in the county, the number of premises passed and connected to date and the status of each of the Deployment Areas with the anticipated date for connection over the lifetime of the project. NBI has a dedicated email address, reps@nbi.ie, which can be used by Oireachtas members for specific queries. `
Recent ComReg data shows that Quarter 2, 2023 saw a 7.4% increase in fibre broadband subscriptions compared to the first 3 months of the year, and a 33.7% increase when compared to Quarter 2 of 2022. This demonstrates that take-up of fibre connectivity for homes and businesses is increasing massively as it is deployed to areas where it had previously been unavailable. The same ComReg data also indicates that c.40% of homes and business throughout the State now have access to gigabit services through either fibre (576,856) or cable (359,669) infrastructure.
eir, Vodafone and Three are investing heavily in the upgrade of their mobile networks across the State and these investments will improve both mobile voice and data coverage
ComReg completed a Multi-Band Spectrum Award in January 2023, assigning rights of use in four spectrum bands, enabling the market to meet increasing consumer demand for mobile data and new services. An online map providing information on operators' coverage, including 5G, is available at coveragemap.comreg.ie/map.
Recycling Policy
Ceisteanna (58)
Neasa Hourigan
Ceist:58. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has ensured that the infrastructure associated with the deposit return scheme will be universally accessible, in particular for wheelchair users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43020/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under the Deposit Return Scheme RS Regulations, retailers and return point operators are obliged to ensure the take-back facility they provide is easily accessible for all consumers.
Broadband Infrastructure
Ceisteanna (59)
Patricia Ryan
Ceist:59. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the reason a housing estate in County Kildare (details supplied) was not included in the laying of fibre broadband cables when it was supplied to all surrounding areas only a short number of metres down the road, meaning residents can only access extremely poor, intermittent Internet connection, no matter what supplier is used, and therefore cannot avail of any opportunity to work or study from home; and if he will provide a possible timeline for this estate’s omission to be rectified. [43102/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In December 2022, my Department published Ireland's Digital Connectivity Strategy which supports the ambition outlined in the National Digital Strategy and sets out a number of ambitious targets, including that:
- all Irish households and businesses will be covered by a Gigabit network no later than 2028
- all populated areas will be covered by 5G no later than 2030, and
- digital connectivity will be delivered to all schools and broadband connection points by 2023
These targets will be achieved through a combination of commercial investments and through the State investment in National Broadband Ireland (NBI).
The Question refers to a premises located in the AMBER area on the National Broadband Plan (NBP) High Speed Broadband Map which is available on my Department's website www.broadband.gov.ie The AMBER area represents the area to be served by the network to be deployed under the NBP State led intervention.
NBI have advised that the network build is currently in progress for the Eircode provided. I understand that NBI’s current forecast date for when end users can order high speed broadband, with a minimum speed of 500Mbps, is April 2024 – June 2024.
NBI will roll out a high speed and future proofed broadband network within the intervention area which covers 1.1 million people living and working in over 560,000 premises, including almost 100,000 businesses and farms along with some 679 schools.
I am advised by NBI that, as of 22nd September 2023, 182,250 premises are passed across 26 counties and available for immediate connection. 54,474 premises are already connected to the NBP high-speed broadband network. Furthermore, as of 31st August 2023 in the Deputy’s own county of Kildare, over 4,000 homes and businesses have been passed by NBI and are available for immediate connection, with c. 1,260 of those now connected to the NBP State Intervention network.
Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) are a key element of the NBP providing high speed broadband in every county in advance of the roll out of the fibre to the home network. As of 22nd September some 950 sites have been installed by NBI and the high speed broadband service will be switched on in these locations through service provider contracts managed by the Department of Rural and Community Development for publicly accessible sites and the Department of Education for school BCPs. In County Kildare all 3 BCP’s have been installed.
Further details are available on specific areas within County Kildare through the NBI website which provides a facility for any premises within the intervention area to register their interest in being provided with deployment updates through its website www.nbi.ie. Individuals who register with this facility will receive regular updates on progress by NBI on delivering the network and specific updates related to their own premises as works commence. NBI has a dedicated email address, reps@nbi.ie, which can be used by Oireachtas members for specific queries.
In County Kildare all 10 schools have been installed by NBI to date for educational access. My Department continues to work with the Department of Education to prioritise schools with no high speed broadband, within the Intervention Area. Further details of schools in scope are available on the NBI website at nbi.ie/primary-schools-list/.
Recent ComReg data shows that Quarter 2 2023 saw a 7.4% increase in fibre broadband subscriptions compared to the first 3 months of the year, and a 33.7% increase when compared to Quarter 2 of 2022. This demonstrates that take-up of fibre connectivity for homes and businesses is increasing massively as it is deployed to areas where it had previously been unavailable. The same ComReg data also indicates that c.40% of homes and business throughout the State now have access to gigabit services through either fibre (576,856) or cable (359,669) infrastructure.
State Bodies
Ceisteanna (60)
Paul Murphy
Ceist:60. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide an update on the progress of the just transition for former Bord na Móna workers; the number of these workers who attained sustainable employment following the transition of the company; if this employment was equivalent to their former grades at the company; the kind of education and retraining schemes that found jobs for these workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43123/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Bord na Móna is an independent commercial semi state company and the redeployment and retraining of former horticulture workers is a matter for the company and so I, as Minister, have no statutory function in this matter.
I have asked Bord na Móna to respond directly to the Deputy on this matter.
The Government is committed to a just transition in the Midlands region and has dedicated significant funding to supporting workers, companies and communities affected by the closure of the peat-fired power stations and the end of peat harvesting by Bord na Móna. This funding is targeted to ensure that nobody is left behind in this necessary transition to a low-carbon future in the Midlands and across the country.
The Department is funding 56 projects in the Midlands through the National Just Transition Fund. The Fund will provide up to €22.1 million in grant funding over the lifetime of these projects, mobilising an estimated €15 million in additional funding to the region. To date, the National Just Transition Fund has disbursed €6.5 million to participating projects.
This funding has enabled local authorities, social enterprises and business groups to implement innovative plans across a range of activities, including re-skilling of former Bórd na Móna workers to participate in the green economy, development of remote-working and green enterprise hubs, construction of greenways, and other tourism and heritage projects, provision of sustainable energy, retrofitting, the circular economy, social and commercial enterprises.
Official Travel
Ceisteanna (61)
Alan Kelly
Ceist:61. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the up-to-date position regarding the purchase of a new Government jet; and if the contract for same is likely to be put out to tender before year-end. [42916/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Following a review of extensive Public Spending Code work carried out on behalf of the Interdepartmental Ministerial Air Transport Service Review Group, I instructed my officials to move the MATS project to procurement stage, setting the goal of a MATS solution which would also encompass a broader utility role, including strategic reach in crisis situations and medical evacuation.
A civil/military team was established to progress the project; the team have settled the minimum aircraft specification and are finalising work to identify the most appropriate procurement strategy for the replacement aircraft, in line with the relevant regulatory and legal procurement frameworks. It is anticipated that the first stage of the procurement process will be launched over the coming weeks.
Naval Service
Ceisteanna (62)
Alan Kelly
Ceist:62. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if the contract has been awarded for the installation of muti-beam sonar system on the P60 class vessels. [42917/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure the operational capacity of the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service is maintained and developed. This is to enable the Defence Forces to carry out the roles assigned by Government, as set out in the White Paper on Defence. Equipment priorities for the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service are being considered in the context of the lifetime of the White Paper on Defence as part of the capability development and equipment development planning process. There is a significant body of work currently underway to ensure that the Defence Forces have the required capabilities with equipment projects in various stages of the project lifecycle.
I am advised that the procurement process for a multi-beam sonar system for the P60 class of vessels is well advanced and is currently at the tender evaluation stage of a public procurement competition, with the intention to award a contract in the near future.
Proposed Legislation
Ceisteanna (63)
Denis Naughten
Ceist:63. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to provide a list of general schemes referred by his Department to an Oireachtas committee for pre-legislative scrutiny from 1 January 2016 to date; the date each was referred; the date that the general scheme was published for the public to review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42945/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Since 2016 there have been 2 general schemes referred by my Department for pre-legislative scrutiny.
The following table shows the information requested by the Deputy.
|
General Scheme |
Date General Scheme published for public review |
Date referred for Pre-Legislative Scrutiny |
|
General Scheme for the Defence (Amendment) Bill |
25 September 2018 |
11 October 2018 |
|
General Scheme for the Civil Defence Bill |
9 September 2022 |
16 September 2022 |
Departmental Schemes
Ceisteanna (64)
Cathal Crowe
Ceist:64. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport if he will work with Irish Rail with a view to removing a standing fee for free travel scheme passengers (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42880/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the 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 issue of a standing fee for free travel scheme passengers is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann and I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's question to the company 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
Road Safety
Ceisteanna (65)
Pearse Doherty
Ceist:65. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of the situation with a school in County Donegal (details supplied) where a dangerous incident almost occurred when children were crossing the road; if so, if his Department has been in touch with the school; if his Department has taken any measures to address the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43125/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Public Transport
Ceisteanna (66)
Pa Daly
Ceist:66. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the young adult Leap card; and any plans he has to increase the age eligibility criteria. [42853/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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 responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts.
As the Deputy may be aware, participation in the YAC scheme was initially for 19 to 23 year olds inclusive, however, in October 2022 the YAC was further extended to include third levels students aged 16 to 18 years old.
In light of the NTA's responsibility with regard to the administration of Young Adult Card, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the Authority 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
Road Safety
Ceisteanna (67)
Brian Leddin
Ceist:67. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Transport the number of schools nominated for round one, in March 2021, of the safe routes to school programme, funded by his Department, where works have completed; the number of schools in the same round where works have not been completed; when he anticipates the remaining works will be completed for round one of the programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42861/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Programme was launched in March 2021 with the aim of supporting walking, scooting and cycling to primary and post-primary schools, and creating safer walking and cycling routes within communities, through the provision of infrastructure interventions. This should help alleviate congestion at school gates and increase the number of students who walk or cycle to school.
931 applications were received from schools across every county in Ireland. 170 schools were notified on 21st June 2021 that they were selected for inclusion in the first round of the SRTS Programme. Subsequently two schools have deferred their applications and one school has withdrawn, leaving 167 schools in Round 1. 108 schools were announced as part of Round 2 of the Programme in December 2022, totalling 275 schools now at varying stages of options development, design, planning, construction or completion.
It should be noted that all schools that applied to the original call for applications were accepted into the programme, and if not selected in Round 1 or Round 2 will be selected for forthcoming rounds.
According to the most recent report received from the NTA and An Taisce at the end of August 2023, a total of 23 projects have been completed at Round 1 schools in Clare, Cork, Dublin, Limerick, Monaghan and Waterford. 4 additional schools from outside Round 1 have also been completed. Many projects at other schools are at an advanced stage and will be completed in the coming months.
Noting the role of the NTA in the matter, I have referred your specific questions relating to timelines for project completion under the Safe Routes to School programme to that agency for answer. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days please contact my private office.
Active Travel
Ceisteanna (68)
Neasa Hourigan
Ceist:68. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware that local authorities are prevented from using national active travel funding for the repair and upgrade of existing walking routes, including where there are existing footpaths and walkways; if he is aware that this is having a negative impact on investment in walking infrastructure vis-à-vis other active travel infrastructure by local authorities; his plans to review this policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42874/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, I am responsible for the overall policy and funding of Active Travel infrastructure. The allocation of this funding to the various local authorities falls to the National Transport Authority (NTA) who are responsible for overseeing the delivery of both new projects and upgrading of existing infrastructure.
Investment in Active Travel infrastructure, including footpaths, has increased significantly in recent years, with around €290 million allocated to the NTA for such projects this year alone.
While the majority of this funding is dedicated to the development and construction of new walking and cycling infrastructure, just under €40 million was earmarked at the start of 2023 for protection and renewal of existing footpaths and cycle lanes.
Separately, while my Department provides grant support for road maintenance and renewal programmes under the Regional and Local Road Grant Programme it does not have a specific grant programme for the restoration and repair of footpaths; however, local authorities have the option to fund these types of works from certain grant programmes.
Noting the role of the NTA in the matter, I have referred your question to that agency for a more detailed answer in relation to allocated funding for the protection and renewal of active travel infrastructure. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days please contact my private office.
Proposed Legislation
Ceisteanna (69)
Alan Kelly
Ceist:69. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport the current status of the railway safety (amendment) Bill; and when this Bill will progress further. [42910/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The primary purpose of the Railway Safety (Amendment) Bill is to amend the statutory limits for concentration of alcohol in blood, urine and breath for a railway safety critical worker and to update procedures for sampling and testing of workers for intoxicants (alcohol, drugs) and associated procedures under the Railway Safety Act 2005.
The Railway Safety (Amendment) Bill is included in the Autumn 2023 Legislative Programme as a bill for priority drafting and a General Scheme of the Bill is currently with the Office of Parliamentary Council (OPC) for formal drafting. My Department is engaging with the OPC to progress the drafting of the Bill in Q4 2023.