Paul McAuliffe
Ceist:32. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs when a passport will be issued for a person (details supplied). [46804/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraPassport Services
Ceisteanna (32)
Freagraí scríofa
With regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service requested further documents for the application on 19 October. The application cannot proceed until the required supporting documents have been received. The applicant's previous passport which is valid until March 2024 will be returned to him.
I encourage the Deputy to advise his constituents of the advantages of using the substantially more efficient online service, which is now used by more than 90% of applicants worldwide.
Overseas Development Aid
Ceisteanna (33)
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:33. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on whether the additional allocation of €60 million to official development assistance in budget 2024 is sufficient to meet Ireland's goals in this area in 2024; how this allocation factors into meeting Ireland's commitments to spending 0.7% of GNI on ODA by 2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46886/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Budget 2024 included an increase of €60 million in the allocation to the Official Development Assistance (ODA) budget of the Department of Foreign Affairs for 2024. At €776.5 million, this will be the highest level ever, representing an 8.4% increase on the 2023 allocation. Based on current estimates, total ODA from across Government for 2024 will amount to some €2 billion. The increase of €60 million will allow Ireland to reach more people, particularly those affected by climate change, the war in Ukraine, and humanitarian crises around the world. It is an important signal internationally at a time of unparalleled humanitarian crisis and challenges to progress in international development.
The Government remains committed to the UN target of providing 0.7% of Gross National Income (GNI) in ODA. We have just published the 2022 Irish Aid Annual Report, which contains detailed statistics on Ireland's development and humanitarian assistance worldwide. It shows that, in 2022, Ireland's total ODA reached an all-time high level of 0.63% of GNI, including eligible first-year costs for Ukrainian refugees in Ireland. Excluding funding for Ukrainian refugees, the level is 0.39% of GNI. It is important to note that since 2022 none of the costs associated with the reception of Ukrainian refugees in Ireland has been sourced from the original ODA Budget allocation.
Ireland's international development programme has a strong global reputation for its effectiveness and its focus on extreme poverty and hunger. The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, in its mid-term review of Ireland's development programme, published in the last few weeks, stated that Ireland has continued its leadership as an advocate for sustainable development, a staunch multilateralist, a good partner for civil society and promoter of development education.
Overseas Development Aid
Ceisteanna (34)
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:34. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the fact that money spent on resettling Ukrainian refugees is being counted towards Ireland's official development assistance spending figures in 2023 and 2024; his views on whether this is appropriate; his further views on whether this will lead to the ODA to be spent overseas being squeezed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46887/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In Budget 2024, the Government has provided for a €60 million increase in the allocation for the Official Development Assistance budget of the Department of Foreign Affairs, bringing it to its highest ever level. The increased funding will be focused on addressing humanitarian crisis, the consequences of the war in Ukraine, growing food insecurity globally and the impact of climate change on the most vulnerable communities in developing countries.
In accordance with the reporting rules of Development Assistance Committee of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, specific costs of hosting refugees in their first year are eligible to be counted as ODA. In reporting these figures, Ireland has been very transparent in identifying the costs relating to the hosting of Ukrainian refugees, and the contribution which these make to our overall ODA levels.
It is important to note that none of the ODA-eligible costs associated with the hosting of Ukrainian refugees in 2022, and again this year, have been sourced from the Government's ODA allocations to the Department of Foreign Affairs, and there has therefore been no diversion of overseas aid for this purpose. This will remain the case for 2024.
Departmental Consultations
Ceisteanna (35)
Carol Nolan
Ceist:35. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his Department, or any body under the aegis of his Department, has facilitated in-person or remote briefings on any issue from organisations (details supplied) from 2021 to date; if so, the topic discussed; the fees paid to the organisations for these briefings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46751/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department has not facilitated any briefings from the organisations listed during the period indicated.
The information requested 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.
Air Quality
Ceisteanna (36)
Alan Farrell
Ceist:36. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the work, if any, his Department is carrying out in monitoring aircraft fumes in the housing estates surrounding Dublin Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46775/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The national air quality monitoring stations are operated, maintained, and monitored by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Programme. My Department has provided funding for a significant upgrade to the network in recent years and, as a consequence, the number of monitoring stations has increased from 29 in 2017 to 114 today. The expansion will be complete when the remaining stations are connected in 2023 which will bring the final number of stations to 116.
Dublin Airport undertakes a voluntary ambient air quality monitoring programme. This includes the operation of an on-site air quality monitoring station that measures a range of parameters on a continuous basis, complemented by monthly monitoring, undertaken at 11 locations in communities surrounding the airport. Dublin Airport air quality monitoring station data is provided to the EPA on a continuous basis and can be viewed on the EPA website: www.epa.ie/air/quality/
Dublin Airport also publishes quarterly reports on air quality monitoring which helps to keep local communities informed, and these reports are available at:
www.dublinairport.com/corporate/corporate-social-responsibility/air
Monitoring results indicate good air quality with concentrations of the main transport related parameters below the national ambient air quality standards.
Forestry Sector
Ceisteanna (37)
Danny Healy-Rae
Ceist:37. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will review an application (details supplied) for a scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46805/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
There is no contradiction between the replies of the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine and myself as cited by the Deputy. Both responses, on the basis of the information provided, were correct at the time they were made. The first response was issued in August 2022 and was in relation to the planting of native trees in special protection areas (SPAs) under the previous forestry programme.
The reply correctly identified that under the Forestry Programme in operation at the time, afforestation applications were not explicitly precluded from grant schemes in all SPAs. Such afforestation applications would be subject to an appropriate ecological report demonstrating how the project could take place in a manner compatible with the ecological objectives of the designation. The Forest Service would have undertaken screening and, where necessary, appropriate assessment (AA). They would only approve such projects if satisfied that it would not adversely affect the integrity of the NATURA site, either alone or in combination with other plans or projects.
The second response was from Minister McConalogue in September of this year and was specifically in relation to SPAs for breeding hen harriers. It correctly stated that these areas will not be eligible for afforestation grants under the new Forestry Programme. Under the new Forestry Programme 2023-27, and in keeping with State Aid approval conditions, areas within any SPA – including the six designated for breeding the hen harrier – will not be eligible for afforestation. This is a new commitment under the new programme.
Energy Policy
Ceisteanna (38)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:38. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question No. 57 of 11 October 2023, when he received a report (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46831/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The independent review by Mr Dermot McCarthy into the circumstances requiring emergency measures to be introduced to secure electricity supply has been received and is under consideration by my Department. An initial draft of the report was received in November 2022, and a final version submitted to my Department in January 2023.
Given the progress on related work programmes to address energy security I decided that I would include the McCarthy review as part of the evidence base informing the Energy Security Package. This review will be brought to Government in the coming weeks as an annex to the Energy Security Package, alongside a range of additional supplementary analysis and reporting. It will be published in full alongside the Energy Security Package once its approved by Government. My Department has spent the last year drawing from these reports, including a wide-ranging public consultation and stakeholder engagement across Government and the energy sector.
These inputs have been key to the development of the actions contained in the Energy Security Package, which once approved by Government, must be implemented as a matter of urgency to ensure that Ireland's energy future is affordable, sustainable, and secure.
Environmental Schemes
Ceisteanna (39)
Darren O'Rourke
Ceist:39. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications how many solar panels were installed under the warmer homes scheme in each of the years 2020 to 2022, and to date in 2023, in tabular form; how many were standard B2 or above; the post-retrofit BER of solar panels installed under the warmer homes scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46857/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme (WHS) delivers a range of energy efficiency measures free of charge to homeowners who receive certain welfare payments, which make them vulnerable to energy poverty. Delivering free energy upgrades to these households as quickly as possible is a top priority for my Department and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI).
There are a number of home energy improvements offered as part of the scheme. The upgrades that will be recommended for a property will depend on many factors, including age, size, type and condition of the property. These can include:
• Attic insulation and appropriate ventilation,
• Wall insulation and appropriate ventilation – cavity wall, external wall or dry lining depending on the property,
• Secondary measures – lagging jackets, draughtproofing, energy efficient lighting,
• In certain circumstances: heating system replacements, window replacements where the wall is being insulated
The Better Energy Warmer Homes scheme seeks to reduce the amount of energy a household needs by reducing heat loss through the installation of insulation and ventilation in the first instance, before moving to replacing heating systems where required under Building Regulations. This is in line with the fabric first/energy efficiency first principle.
Solar PV panels are not offered as a measure under the scheme. Supports for Solar PV panels are available under the dedicated domestic solar PV scheme, which offers grants of up to €2,400 to all homeowners in homes built before 2021.
A more detailed overview of the SEAI performance against annual targets on the residential and community energy efficiency schemes can be found in the recently published quarterly report, which can be found on the SEAI website: www.seai.ie/publications/SEAI-Retrofit-Quarterly-Report-Q2-2023.pdf
Environmental Schemes
Ceisteanna (40)
Eoin Ó Broin
Ceist:40. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to provide a breakdown of the number of homes that have had solar panels installed by the SEAI scheme for the years 2019 to 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form. [46889/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Domestic Solar PV grant scheme under the Micro-generation Support Scheme (MSS) is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland. The scheme came into operation in February 2022 and built on the success of the previous pilot version of the grant scheme.
Since 2018, the SEAI has supported the installation of Solar PV systems for over 29,456 homes, with demand for the domestic Solar PV grant increasing significantly throughout 2022. As part of the transition between schemes, the minimum BER C3 requirement was removed and the eligibility of the homes was changed from those built prior to 2011, to those built prior to 2021.
Additionally, on the 5th of April 2023 the Government approved an amendment to Finance Bill 2023 to apply a zero percent VAT rate for the ‘Supply and installation of solar panels on domestic premises.”
The information requested is set out in the following table.
|
Year |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 (Sept) |
|
No of Supported Homes |
1,821 |
2,916 |
4,077 |
10,017 |
14,984 |
Environmental Schemes
Ceisteanna (41)
Eoin Ó Broin
Ceist:41. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the average income of households that have had solar panels installed via schemes funded through his Department. [46890/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Domestic Solar PV grant scheme under the Government's Micro-generation Support Scheme (MSS) is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI).
The grant is available to applicants who own houses built prior to 2021. The scheme came into operation in February 2022 and built on the success of the previous pilot version of the grant scheme. As part of the transition between schemes, the minimum BER C3 requirement was removed and the eligibility of the homes was changed from those built prior to 2011, to those built prior to 2021. Targeting the grant scheme at existing homes rather than new builds, ensures that the grants available through the SEAI maximize emission reductions and deliver energy savings for the widest range of homeowners possible; whilst also ensuring efficient and effective use of exchequer funding.
The SEAI does not collect income details of applicants during the grant application process. Therefore, the average income of households which have received SEAI grant support for solar PV installation is not ascertainable.
Departmental Schemes
Ceisteanna (42, 43, 44)
Eoin Ó Broin
Ceist:42. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the amounts left over from the electricity cost emergency benefits schemes I and II; and to outline how those funds were reallocated. [46891/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraEoin Ó Broin
Ceist:43. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the amount of expenses incurred by the Minister in the administration of the electricity cost emergency benefits schemes I and II, in tabular form. [46892/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraEoin Ó Broin
Ceist:44. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the amount of expenses incurred by the distribution system operator in the administration of the electricity cost emergency benefits scheme I and II, in tabular form. [46893/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 42 to 44, inclusive, together.
Through the Electricity Costs Emergency Benefit Schemes I and II, payments of €176.22 (exclusive of VAT) and €550.47 (exclusive of VAT) respectively, were paid to domestic electricity accounts between January 2022 and April 2023.
In relation to the first scheme, €379,347,208.02 was transferred to ESBN in four tranches. A total of €376,923,830.58 worth of credits was applied to domestic electricity accounts, and a total of €2,423,377.44 worth of unallocated credits was returned to the Department as unallocated on 29th July 2022. This means 99.36% of all eligible domestic electricity accounts had the credit applied.
In relation to Electricity Costs Emergency Benefit Scheme II, €1,211,000,000 was transferred to ESBN in two tranches. Of this amount €1,198,813,015.53 was transferred to suppliers, and €12,186,984.47 was returned to the department. This return was due to the 1% contingency, provided to cater for the possibility of new MPRNs coming on line during the lifetime of Scheme II. A total of €10,423,883 worth of unallocated credits was returned from suppliers to ESB Networks, who in turn forwarded the same amount to DECC on 1 August 2023. This means that 99.13% of the funds provided was credited to eligible customers.
There were zero expenses incurred by the distribution system operator or the Minister in the administration of these schemes and any unused funds were returned to the Exchequer.
Question No. 43 answered with Question No. 42.
Question No. 44 answered with Question No. 42.
Departmental Functions
Ceisteanna (45)
Richard Bruton
Ceist:45. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will outline the environmental standards and nature protection provisions his Department oversees; the level of activity of enforcement in each case, covering inspections, issuing of notices, and prosecution; and if he plans to step up activity. [46967/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The National Parks and Wildlife Service within the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage has the primary responsibility for nature conservation, wildlife protection and the presentation and preservation of our National Parks and Nature Reserves.
My Department is responsible for setting the policy and legislative framework within which the key environmental regulators, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and local authorities, discharge their functions with regard to the licensing and permitting of industrial and waste activities as well as pollution from air, noise and littering. These regulatory authorities are independent in the discharge of their functions under legislation, which includes the Circular Economy Act, 2022, Environmental Protection Agency Act, 1992, Waste Management Act 1996, the Litter Pollution Act, 1997 and the Air Pollution Act, 1987.
My Department does not collate statistics on the number of prosecutions undertaken by the above authorities. However, information on the enforcement of environmental legislation is available on the EPA’s website, www.epa.ie, including a dedicated page entitled the EPA's Role in Compliance & Enforcement and a section on the Local Authority Environmental Enforcement Performance Framework.
Departmental Consultations
Ceisteanna (46)
Carol Nolan
Ceist:46. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if his Department, or any body under the aegis of his Department, has facilitated in-person or remote briefings on any issue from organisations (details supplied) from 2021 to date; if so, the topic discussed; the fees paid to the organisations for these briefings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46748/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department has not facilitated in person or remote briefings on any issue with the organisation referred to by the Deputy from 2021 to date.
Defence Forces
Ceisteanna (47)
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:47. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of dentists, pharmacist, nurses and doctors in the Defence Forces medical corps; the number of those posts that are vacant; and when these vacancies will be filled, in tabular form. [46863/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am informed by the military that the current status for each of the requested positions are as follows.
|
Position |
Current Strength |
Vacancies |
Filling of Vacancies/Remarks |
|
Dentist |
4 |
3 |
The recommendations of the Dental Service Review are currently in the process of being implemented and will inform the future staffing makeup of the Dental Service. |
|
Doctor |
22* |
5 |
Medical Officer positions are advertised and processed on an ongoing basis. There is currently one candidate awaiting security clearance. Additionally, the Medical Officer establishment includes one Psychiatrist position which is currently filled by a civilian and is not included in the figure of 22. |
|
Nurse |
2 |
N/A |
The Employment Control Framework for the Defence Forces provided in the past for 14 Army Nursing Service (ANS) staff. However, these positions are not included in the 9,589 Permanent Defence Force establishment. An upcoming Review of Medical Services arising from the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces will make recommendations on the future of DF nursing services. |
|
Pharmacist |
1 |
2 |
An upcoming Review of Medical Services arising from the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces will make recommendations on the future of the DF Pharmacy Service. |
(*This figure comprehends one individual who is currently undertaking the Military Medicine Training Scheme and available to the DF on a 0.5 WTE basis).
Departmental Consultations
Ceisteanna (48)
Carol Nolan
Ceist:48. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Transport if his Department, or any body under the aegis of his Department, has facilitated in-person or remote briefings on any issue from organisations (details supplied) from 2021 to date; if so, the topic discussed; the fees paid to the organisations for these briefings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46763/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
To date, my Department has not received any briefings on any issue from the above organisations.
I have asked the aegis bodies to respond directly to you on this matter and if you do not hear from them within 10 days you should contact my office.
Legislative Process
Ceisteanna (49)
Alan Farrell
Ceist:49. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the implementation of legislation on scrambler bikes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46765/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Programme for Government commits to enhancing the powers of An Garda Síochána to limit the antisocial use of scramblers and quadbikes, including through legislation if necessary. The Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023 was signed into law by the President on the 23 June 2023. Among its provisions, the Act aims to adequately tackle the antisocial use of scramblers and quadbikes via three measures:
1. Under Section 5(k), dangerous driving has become an offence everywhere, not only in public places;
2. Under Section 5(p), An Garda Síochána are granted new powers of seizure;
3. Under Section 11(b), there is a new power to provide in regulations for the prohibition or restriction of the uses of classes of vehicles in particular places.
A commencement order was signed into law giving effect to Sections 5(k), 5(p) and 11(b) from 31 July 2023, empowering An Garda Síochána to seize a scrambler or quadbike being drive dangerously in any location.
The Department of Transport is currently in consultation with relevant stakeholders in the context of preparing regulations under Section 11(b). It is important that these regulations have the desired effect, and that the correct areas and territories are targeted. The regulations are anticipated to be place by the end of Q4 2023.
Air Quality
Ceisteanna (50)
Alan Farrell
Ceist:50. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Transport the work, if any, his Department is carrying out monitoring aircraft fumes in the housing estates surrounding Dublin Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46776/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will be aware, daa has statutory responsibility to operate, manage and develop Dublin Airport, including environmental monitoring surrounding the airport.
Accordingly, I have forwarded your request to daa for a direct response. If a response is not received within 10 days, please contact my private office.