Written Answers Nos. 91-110
91. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the targeted solar PV scheme for medically vulnerable persons is in operation; the process by which people can avail of this scheme; the size of unit available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57062/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Medically Vulnerable scheme is a targeted scheme for the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels for customers/households who are registered on the life support category of the Priority Services Register. These homes have a dependence on electrically powered equipment, including medical equipment, life protecting devices and assistive technologies for example dialysis machines, respirators, etc.
The scheme is designed to provide direct support to such vulnerable customers who may have limited opportunity to reduce their electricity demand and comprises of a fully funded 2kWp solar PV system for eligible households. This includes survey/design, supply, installation, and the post works BER. The scheme is operational, including installations, though not all Energy Suppliers are signed up. The scheme is wholly managed by the Energy Suppliers and each of the registered Energy Suppliers are contacting their own eligible customers directly.
The SEAI has established a specific email address for queries from Oireachtas members so that such queries can be addressed promptly, in line with SEAI’s objective to deliver services to the highest standards. The email address is oireachtas@seai.ie
95. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications whether he is taking any steps to ban disposable vapes as they are increasingly becoming an environmental hazard in terms of waste and production of single-use plastics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57093/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraDisposable vaping devices are electronic cigarettes that are not rechargeable. They present several challenges to our current waste collection and recycling system and progress towards a circular economy, particularly where lithium-ion batteries are present, and because the use of critical raw materials and plastic in a disposable product is wasteful.
On 1 June 2023 a public consultation was launched to help inform Ireland’s environmental response to disposable vaping devices. My Department received 3,243 submissions. Findings of note include that 91% of respondents agreed that single use vaping devices are an environmental concern, and 85% of respondents support the banning of disposable vaping devices. I am now assessing the statutory options available to me to give best effect to these findings.
I also welcome the introduction of the the Public Health (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Act 2023 which prohibits the sale of nicotine inhaling products to under-18s and the public consultation on the further regulation of e-cigarettes launched by the Minister for Health on 25 November 2023. That consultation seeks the views on issues such as a point-of-sale ban, packaging, flavours and other interventions to decrease the appeal of e-cigarettes for children. I look forward to working with the Minister for Health to ensure we take an all-of-Government approach to the issue of vaping.
96. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if there are retrofitting grants that are specific to apartment complexes; if not, his plans to put such specific schemes in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57137/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra97. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if it is possible for apartment owner management companies to access individual energy upgrade grants for an entire apartment complex; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57138/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra98. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his attention has been drawn to reports that many, possibly most, one-stop-shop operators will not quote or engage with apartment owner management companies; if he will consider putting in place specific one stop-shop services for apartment complexes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57139/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 96, 97 and 98 together.
My Department funds a number of grant schemes, administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) to support homeowners to improve the energy efficiency of their properties.
In February 2022, Government approved a package of supports as part of the delivery of Ireland’s National Retrofit Plan. These measures are aimed at making it easier and more affordable for homeowners to undertake home energy upgrades, for warmer, healthier and more comfortable homes, with lower energy bills and emissions.
Homes, both houses and apartments built and occupied pre-2011 (pre-2021 for Solar PV scheme and Heat Pump grants) and owned by private homeowners, non-corporate landlords and Approved Housing Bodies are eligible to apply for grant support under the various residential and community energy efficiency schemes.
The National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme is available for homeowners wishing to avail of the complete home energy upgrade service provided through the one stop shops; the Community Energy Grant is available for homeowners seeking to carry out their deep retrofit as part of a community project; and the Better Energy Homes Scheme facilitates homeowners wishing to undertake a deep retrofit through a step-by-step approach and apply to SEAI for grant support on a phased basis. The range of schemes available allows homeowners to choose the best home upgrade option to suit their particular needs.
It is also worth noting that a key feature of the National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme (one stop shop service) and the Community Energy Grant Scheme is the bringing together of groups of properties for aggregated projects thereby creating efficiencies in delivery and developing new innovation in processes and technologies.
More broadly, officials of my Department, along with SEAI and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage are collaborating with the Housing Agency on a research project, supported under the 2023 cycle of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Structural Reform Support Technical Support Instrument (TSI). The objectives of the project is to establish models and frameworks to advance methods of whole-of-building retrofitting in apartment building in Ireland. The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2024.
99. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide a schedule of the personal and or person-specific data sets his Department holds that have been provided and-or shared with other Departments and-or Ministers and-or State bodies and-or agencies and-or local authorities in the past 20 years to date; if he will clarify if the transfer of data and-or records was in aggregated form or on an individual basis; and the reason the data and-or records were provided. [57209/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the sharing of data is covered by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) which took effect from 25 May 2018, the Data Protection Act 2018, and the Data Sharing and Governance Act 2019 with the commencement of final sections of that Act coming into effect in December last year.
With regard to personal and or person-specific data sets, my Department holds limited data of this nature. The personal and or person-specific data sets would generally relate either to employee information, or where personal data of a limited nature is required for the administration and payment of grant funding.
My Department shares data sets with other public bodies only where there is an explicit need for such sharing in order to carry out the performance of our functions. Where such data sharing is undertaken there are agreements in place setting out how personal data is used and the roles and responsibilities of each of the parties involved in the data sharing. Details of how we use personal data in the delivery of our remit, including a detailed Privacy Notice, are set out in Data Protection section of our website.
My Department has an effective corporate governance framework in place to ensure that we meet our obligations under data protection laws, and the Data Sharing and Governance Act, in respect of our data processing and sharing activities. This includes having a Data Protection Officer and Data Officer in place to oversee compliance with data protection and data sharing obligations.
103. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he is aware that that 75% of collected clothes are exported abroad and that there is an urgent need for regulations in the post-consumer textile sector; if he will urgently work to establish definitions for textile waste and enhance transparency in relation to the handling and export processes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57381/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraA report by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2021 concluded that there is little reliable data on the nature and extent of post-consumer textiles in Ireland. The report is available here: www.epa.ie/publications/circular-economy/resources/nature-and-extent-of-post-consumer-textiles-in-ireland---study-report.php
To address the information and data gaps identified by the EPA, my Department is commissioning a research and data study of post-consumer textiles. The study will also examine the matter of used textiles that are exported overseas and it is expected will yield improved data relating to the volumes of used textiles exported from Ireland to other countries.
In 2022, my department established a Textiles Advisory Group which held its third meeting in November 2023 to examine the outputs of three sub-working groups on Design & Production, Retail and Consumption and Post Use. The Group will put forward recommendations to me in early 2024 on actions required across the textile value chain generally, including in relation to the post-consumer textile sector. Information on the work of the Textile Advisory Group can be found at gov.ie (www.gov.ie/en/policy-information/528f7-circular-economy/#textiles).
104. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if there are any protections for deposits placed by customers with participants in schemes supported by the SEAI for solar energy projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1029/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra109. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he and SEAI will consider a system of deposit guarantees or a form of a bond system to protect consumers who place significant deposits with solar panel providers and installers and to guard against such businesses going out of business; if he is aware of any significant providers or installers having gone out of business in 2023 and where customers lost deposits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1119/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 104 and 109 together.
The Domestic Solar PV scheme operated by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), provides grant supports to homeowners wishing to increase the proportion of renewable electricity they consume by installing solar panels on their property.
Successful applicants receive grant payments for Solar PV systems installed by registered companies in accordance with the specified terms and conditions. Registration with SEAI does not guarantee or warranty a company or their works and SEAI encourages applicants to shop around, check references and carry out appropriate due diligence on their chosen solar PV company.
Scheme applicants are required to have a contract in place with their chosen solar PV company which provides appropriate levels of consumer protection. Any payment schedules agreed to by the homeowner with their chosen solar PV company, is a contractual matter between those two parties, as is the case for any goods, works and services contracts. As SEAI is not a party to such contracts, they are unable to intervene.
As part of their administration of the solar PV scheme, SEAI maintains a register of solar PV companies who are authorised to complete works under the scheme. To register, companies must demonstrate continued tax compliance, give evidence of requisite insurance cover and commit to installing the works in accordance with the prescribed technical requirements. SEAI does not undertake a financial assessment of companies as this is beyond SEAI’s remit.
There are currently more than 350 solar PV companies on the domestic installation register. SEAI are aware of one significant company going into liquidation in 2023 where deposits may have been lost. SEAI remains available to process grant applications for any homeowners affected by a company going into liquidation, should the applicant choose to proceed with a different registered solar PV company and where no works have been completed, subject to the normal scheme T&Cs.
105. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of reports carried out on the former Dunsink Dump, Dublin 11, in relation to toxins and odours coming from the site in the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1037/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraDunsink landfill is currently in its aftercare phase following the completion of remediation works in 2005. This phase requires ongoing environmental monitoring and management by Fingal County Council, supervised by the Environmental Protection Agency in accordance with the site’s waste license.
Details of the environmental management of the site can be found on the EPA’s License and Enforcement Access Portal (LEAP) using the site’s waste license number (W0127-01). There are 94 monitoring reports for the site’s emissions, toxins and odours since 2019 available on LEAP and these reports have been summarised into 5 Annual Environmental Reports (AERs).
107. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if all sections of all Acts under the remit of his Department in the past three years have been commenced; and the number of sections that are outstanding. [1077/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraWith the exception of the Circular Economy and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2022, all sections of all Acts under the remit of my Department in the past three years have been commenced. A total of 16 sections and 3 sub-sections in Circular Economy and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2022 have yet to be commenced. A number of sections in this Act require a period of public consultation prior to commencement. It is intended that the remaining sections will be commenced during 2024.
108. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications what, if any, additional funding has been provided to increase grid capacity and-or to prepare the grid for renewable energy projects; if there are plans to increase this; what, if any, requests for additional funding have been made to Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1100/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraEirGrid are an independent commercial semi state company. Matters of funding are the responsibility of the Board of Management and not one in which the Minister or the Department has any function.
110. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when a property (details supplied) can expect to be provided with high-speed broadband. [1121/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 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.
The BLUE area represents those areas where commercial providers are either currently delivering or have plans to deliver high-speed broadband services. The Department defines high-speed broadband as a connection with minimum speeds of 30Mbps download and 6Mbps upload. The activities of commercial operators delivering high-speed broadband within BLUE areas are not planned or funded by the State and the Department has no statutory authority to intervene in that regard. There may be a choice of operators offering this service in any given area. Further information in this regard is available at www.comreg.ie/compare/#/services.
From the records made available to the Department, the premises in question should already be capable of receiving speeds of up to 100mbps.
If a person lives in the BLUE area and after contacting their Retail Service Provider are told they cannot get access to greater than 30Mbps, they should raise a query via the DECC webform at secure.dccae.gov.ie/forms/NBP-Customer-Service.aspx and DECC will escalate with open eir to investigate this matter further.
The Department expects that the majority of the Blue area of the NBP Map will be served with high-speed broadband from commercial operators. The European Electronics Communications Code (EECC) requires a broadband Universal Service Obligation (USO) to be implemented by Member States, which provides an assurance that all premises can access a high-speed broadband connection. This provides another tool to help deliver upon the NBP’s policy objectives that every home and business in the country will have access to high-speed broadband.
The EECC legislation now transposed into Irish Law provides a broadband USO, which will designate a Significant Market Power (SMP) for broadband in specific areas. Therefore, premises that do not have access to “adequate” broadband will be covered by the USO. The timeframe for implementation of the USO is yet to be finalised; however, it is likely to provide some safeguards to citizens in the commercial areas, ensuring they get access to adequate broadband services from operators in these areas.
Commercial operators’ fibre rollouts are progressing at pace. Open eir have already passed over over 1.1 million homes. SIRO has recently reached a milestone of enabling over 555,000 premises for full fibre and is on track to reach 700,000 premises by 2026. Virgin Media recently announced a €200 million investment plan to upgrade its cable network to bring full fibre to up to 1 million premises over the next three years, to date it has passed 252,000 premises with full fibre.
Recent ComReg data shows that Quarter 2 of 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 substantially 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.
