Written Answers Nos. 172-189
172. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if Ireland is a party to the International Seabed Authority (ISA); if so, his views on draft regulations on the matter of deep sea mining; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15044/23]
View answerIreland, along with other parties to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the European Union, is a member of the International Seabed Authority (ISA).
As set out in the Government’s Policy Statement on Mineral Exploration and Mining, published in December 2022, Ireland supports the ISA’s mandate, which includes ensure that the effective protection of the marine environment from harmful effects that might arise from deep sea mining and related activities.
Given the transboundary nature of marine environmental impacts, any seabed mining that may occur close to our maritime area may have adverse consequences in Ireland’s waters. Therefore, the regulations and procedures being developed by ISA to prevent, reduce and control pollution, loss of biodiversity and other hazards as a result of mining in the marine environment are followed closely.
173. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the current status of the public consultation to ban disposable e-cigarettes; if a timeline has been developed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14693/23]
View answer174. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide details of all procurement competitions, if any, in which companies (details supplied) won contracts from his Department since 2016. [14722/23]
View answerMy Department has not awarded any contracts since 2016 to the companies referred to in the Question.
175. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the total costs of accommodation and travel expenses associated with his recent foreign trip, or foreign trips by Ministers for State at his Department, for St Patrick’s Day; and if a breakdown can be provided on travel costs, accommodation costs, country/state visited, number of departmental staff accompanying him, and the duration of the trip, in tabular form. [14740/23]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy is being compiled and will be forwarded to him as soon as possible.
|
Date Outbound |
Date Return |
Flight |
No. of Flights |
|
17/12/20 |
17/12/20 |
Dublin/Brussels/Dublin |
2 |
|
09/06/21 |
11/06/21 |
Baldonnel/Luxembourg/ Baldonnel |
2 |
|
19/07/21 |
- |
Dublin/Frankfurt/Ljubljana |
2 |
|
21/07/21 |
21/07/21 |
Baldonnel/Ljubljana/Badonnel |
2 |
|
21/09/21 |
23/09/21 |
Dublin/Frankfurt/Ljubiana/Badonnel |
3 |
|
05/10/21 |
06/10/21 |
Dublin/Luxembourg/Amsterdam/Dublin |
3 |
|
19/10/21 |
20/10/21 |
Dublin/Brussels/Dublin |
2 |
|
08/11/21 |
14/11/21 |
Dublin/Glasgow/Dublin |
2 |
|
01/12/21 |
02/12/21 |
Dublin/Brussels/Dublin |
2 |
|
19/12/21 |
20/12/21 |
Dublin/Brussels/Dublin |
2 |
|
19/01/22 |
22/01/22 |
Dublin/Paris/Dublin |
2 |
|
27/02/22 |
28/02/22 |
Dublin/Brussles/Dublin |
2 |
|
13/03/22 |
18/03/22 |
Dublin/Washington & New York/Dublin |
2 |
|
23/03/22 |
24/03/22 |
Dublin/Paris/Dublin |
2 |
|
28/03/22 |
30/03/22 |
Dublin/Berlin/Dublin |
2 |
|
02/05/22 |
02/05/22 |
Dublin/Brussels/Dublin |
2 |
|
08/06/22 |
09/06/22 |
Dublin/Hamburg/Amsterdam/Dublin |
3 |
|
26/06/22 |
29/06/22 |
Dublin/Luxembourg/Dublin |
2 |
|
12/07/22 |
14/07/22 |
Dublin/Prague/Dublin |
2 |
|
25/07/22 |
26/07/22 |
Baldonnel/Brusels/Baldonnel |
2 |
|
08/09/22 |
09/09/22 |
Dublin/Brussels/Dublin |
2 |
|
29/09/22 |
30/09/22 |
Dublin/Brussels/Dublin |
2 |
|
09/10/22 |
- |
Dublin/London |
1 |
|
10/10/22 |
13/10/22 |
London/Berlin/Prague/London/Dublin |
4 |
|
23/10/22 |
25/10/22 |
Dublin/Luxembourg/Zurich/Dublin |
3 |
|
12/11/22 |
20/11/22 |
Dublin/Cairo/Sharm El Sheikh/Cairo/Dublin |
4 |
|
25/11/22 |
25/11/22 |
Dublin/Paris/Dublin |
2 |
|
18/12/22 |
19/12/22 |
Dublin/Brussels/Dublin |
2 |
|
26/02/23 |
28/02/23 |
Dublin/Amsterdam/Stockholm/Amsterdam/Dublin |
4 |
176. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will clarify the Government's position on withdrawing from the EU Energy Charter Treaty; if his attention has been drawn to recent European Commission statements on the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14834/23]
View answerThe Energy Charter Conference decided in 2017 to modernise the Treaty in order to respond to criticisms of the ECT’s dispute resolution mechanism in Article 26 and that it was inconsistent with the objectives of the Paris Agreement and with policy objectives of the EU and other countries to phase out fossil fuels in favour of renewables. On 24 June 2022, the ECT confirmed agreement in principle on a modernised Energy Charter Treaty. At the 33rd meeting of the Energy Charter Conference on 22 November 2022, the decisions relating to the modernisation of the ECT were to be subject to an unanimity vote. If the vote was successful, the decision for the modernisation of the ECT was to be adopted by the Energy Charter Conference beginning the processes for the ratification, provisional application and eventual entry into force of the modified ECT.
The key points of the agreement in principle to modify the ECT were as follows:
- Bring the ECT in line with modern standards of investment protection as per agreements recently concluded by the EU and its Member States;- Include provisions on climate change and clean energy transition in line with the Paris Agreement;- Bring transit-related provisions in line with requirements of the EU internal energy market;- Updating the definition of economic activity in the energy sector in a way that aligns the protection of investments in the EU with EU energy and climate objectives. In particular, protection for all new fossil fuel investments is to be carved out of the modified ECT.
Additionally, as part of the modernisation process, it was proposed to introduce a Fossil Fuel Carve-Out so that a country can remove protections for existing fossil fuel investments after the modernised revisions have been in force for 10 years.
During negotiations, led by the European Commission on behalf of the EU, Ireland's position has remained, in support of EU Council conclusions, to maintain its membership of the Energy Charter Treaty in the context of supporting the Agreement in Principle on the modernisation process to align the Treaty with the objectives of the Paris Agreement and the environmental concerns integral to it while having regard to the benefits to international energy security that it may provide, particularly at a time when energy security has been threatened. To date, Ireland has not announced that it will withdraw from the ECT because a majority of EU Member States, and the European Commission, are still signed up to the Treaty. However, my Department is currently examining a non-paper from the European Commission on membership of the Energy Charter Treaty, which is being considered by all EU Member States, and we are liaising closely with the European Commission and our EU partners on the details before a final decision is made. The option remains for Ireland to support a co-ordinated EU withdrawal from the Energy Charter Treaty if it is not modernised to align with the Paris Agreement.
177. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide details of any provision made by his Department for research on the potential impact on diadromous fish from marine renewables and related infrastructure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15053/23]
View answerThe data assessment for the Offshore Renewable Energy Development Plan II (OREDP II), Ireland’s new national spatial strategy for offshore renewable energy, brought together for the first time a significant amount of marine data held across Government to increase our understanding of the marine environment and biodiversity in the context of offshore renewable energy. Through governance groups established for OREDP II, my Department engaged with expert agencies such as the Marine Institute, Inland Fisheries Ireland and the National Parks and Wildlife Service along with other stakeholders in the research and fishing sectors to collate and share knowledge and data on fish species in Irish waters. Data on diadromous fish such as migratory salmon and lamprey formed part of data assessment and this was considered as part of the Strategic Environmental Assessment of the OREDP II. While there are areas where the national level evidence base needs to be strengthened, the assessment found that there is a significant amount of data available at a local level which is suitable for use in lower tier assessments in the marine planning framework. As set out in the draft OREDP II, my Department is committed to continuing working with stakeholders across the State to build this evidence base by monitoring impacts of offshore renewable energy projects and identifying priority areas for research on marine environment and biodiversity, including through further environmental assessments of potential areas suitable for offshore renewable energy. The OREDP II and its associated environmental assessments are currently out for consultation until 20 April with all relevant information available at www.Gov.ie/OffshoreEnergyPlan.
178. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the Government has reached a decision on the European Commission packaging and packaging waste regulation proposal; the evidence being used to inform the deliberation process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15059/23]
View answer179. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his officials in the Inland Fisheries division have immediate plans to reconstitute the Western Regional Fisheries Board to enable more effective local management of Ireland’s world famous salmonid fisheries in County Galway, in line with Ireland’s legal obligations under the EU Habitats and Water Framework Directives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15061/23]
View answerInland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) was statutorily established, under the Inland Fisheries Act 2010, as the national authority for the protection, conservation, development and promotion of the inland fisheries resource. Establishment was based on an amalgamation of the central Fisheries Board and seven Regional Boards as well as a number of fisheries co-operatives - 17 bodies in all.
There are no plans to reconstitute any of the former entities involved.
180. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he and his Department support the conservation of invasive perch in Lough Inagh under the Conservation of Coarse Fish Bye-Law No. 806 of 2006, to the detriment of the marginalised native Arctic char population and other native salmonids (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15063/23]
View answerThe Conservation of Coarse Fish Bye-Law No. 806 of 2006 referred to by the Deputy relates to measures concerning the catching and retaining of all coarse species including perch. The Bye-Law is in force for the last 17 years on a National basis. As recently advised by my officials at a meeting of the Angling Consultative Council of Ireland, a review of Bye-laws in force for 10 years or more and their application will be commenced shortly. It is intended that Bye-law 806 of 2006 will be reviewed early in that process.
The management of any species in a particular fishery is an operational matter for Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) in which neither I nor my Department have any function.
Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) has established a specific email address for queries from Oireachtas members so that queries can be addressed promptly, in line with IFI’s objective to deliver services to the highest standards. The email address is oireachtas@fisheriesireland.ie
181. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he and his Department support the conservation of invasive pike in Connemara SACs under the Conservation of Pike Bye-Law No. 809 of 2006, to the detriment of native salmonids, particularly Atlantic salmon and brown trout (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15064/23]
View answerThe Conservation of Pike Bye-Law No. 809 of 2006 referred to by the Deputy has been in place for some 17 years. As recently advised by my officials at a meeting of the Angling Consultative Council of Ireland, a review of Bye-laws in force for 10 years or more and their application, will be commenced shortly. It is intended that Bye-law 809 will be reviewed early in that process.
However, to provide for the most robust, modern, comprehensive and sustainable management of SAC designated waters, I requested Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) to prepare and submit to me a comprehensive draft management plan for all waters within the Great Western Lakes.
This Plan aims to address some of the many factors that impact on the ecological well being and the status of native fish stocks in the catchments of the Great Western Lakes. Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) have previously submitted a draft Management Plan to me and I have written to IFI to confirm my support for the draft plan.
Any legislative change that may be considered for SAC-designated waters will be done in the context of this plan.
182. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will report on a plan-led approach in offshore wind farming. [15084/23]
View answerThe Policy Statement on the Framework for Phase Two Offshore Wind approved by Government aims to accelerate the delivery of 5 GW of offshore wind by 2030, as well as the wider Climate Action Plan objective of achieving 80% renewable electricity by that date.
Under Phase Two, offshore renewables capacity will continue to be procured through the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS), with the size and regularity of auctions required to meet the 5 GW target to be determined by onshore grid and marine spatial constraints, and the outcome of Phase One. Phase Two auction participants will compete for supports to develop offshore wind capacity within Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Designated Areas, which will be designated according to legislative provisions for Designated Maritime Area Plans (DMAPs) in the Maritime Area Planning Act 2021.
The location of Phase Two ORE Designated Areas will be geographically aligned with available onshore grid capacity, in addition to being informed by environmental considerations. By aligning with and maximising scarce available onshore grid capacity, the designation of ORE Designated Areas will expedite future delivery of offshore wind, while ensuring that development is managed in a planned, strategic and sustainable way. This approach will provide additional certainty for investment in Ireland’s offshore renewables sector due to enhanced project delivery prospects.The initial ORE Designated Areas will be geographically aligned with the identification by EirGrid of existing onshore grid capacity to connect up to 700 MW of offshore wind on the South coast. Contingent on environmental considerations and Oireachtas approval, the initial Phase Two ORE Designated Areas will be adopted by the end of 2023. This will facilitate the commencement of the first Phase Two auction process – ORESS 2 - by the end of this year.
183. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the period of third-party consultation relating to the provision of LNG plants, floating offshore LNG storage and regasification units has concluded; when he expects to outline his Department's future policy position; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15261/23]
View answerMy Department is carrying out a Review of the Security of Energy Supply of Ireland’s Electricity and Natural Gas Systems for the period to 2030 but in the context of a sustainable transition to 2050. The consultation on the Review closed on the 28th of October 2022 and yielded over 450 submissions from individuals and organisations. The consultation responses have been reviewed and analysed and have provided important insights with regard to energy security risks, mitigation options and policy measures. I will bring my recommendations on energy security to the Government shortly.
184. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to outline in tabular form what steps for the preparation and proposal of new legislation in the Cabinet Handbook were adhered to, and not adhered to, with regard to the Environmental Protection Agency (Amendment) Bill 2023. [15268/23]
View answerThe Oireachtas recently passed the Environment Protection Agency (Emergency Electricity Generation) (Amendment) Bill 2023 which was subsequently signed by the President on 10 March, 2023.
The legislation was developed on an emergency basis in line with the exceptional circumstance procedures set out in the Cabinet Handbook.
185. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide an update on the work carried out to date on the Government’s review of the security of energy supply of Ireland’s electricity and natural gas systems; if he has received a draft of the completed review; when he hopes to bring the review forward to Government; and when he hopes the completed review will be published. [15289/23]
View answerMy Department engaged consultants to carry out technical analysis on Ireland’s energy system for the period to 2030 to support its work on the review of the energy security of Ireland’s electricity and gas systems. A consultation on the review was published in September 2022 and the deadline for submissions was the end of October 2022. My Department received over 450 submissions from a broad range of individuals and organisations. The consultation responses were reviewed and analysed, and provided important insights on a number of aspects such as risks, mitigation options and policy measures. My Department is now completing the review and I will bring proposals to Government shortly.
186. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of the development of a national biomethane strategy; the expected timeline for statutory consultation and publication; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15318/23]
View answer187. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the Heat and Built Environment Delivery Task Force, under which auspices a biomethane working group will be tasked with developing Ireland’s national biomethane strategy, has been established; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15319/23]
View answer188. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the progress that has been made to date regarding the establishment of a biomethane working group, which was as committed to in the Climate Action Plan 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15320/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 186, 187 and 188 together.
The Heat and Built Environment Taskforce has been established to accelerate and drive delivery in respect of retrofitting, renewable heat, district heat, decarbonisation and overall energy use needs of the building stock. The overarching aim of the Taskforce is to: identify work on the critical paths to key targets under each area; ensure alignment in the development of polices and activities underway across Government Departments; and, proactively manage risks to ensure targets are achieved.
Membership of the Taskforce aligns with the initial allocation of Ministerial responsibilities for the Sectoral Emissions Ceilings, as agreed by Government. The Taskforce, which has met twice to date and is scheduled to meet again before the end of the month, is supported by other groups established to examine specific aspects of its remit, including a Working Group to develop a National Biomethane Strategy.
Chaired by the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine, the Biomethane Working Group has been established and held its a first meeting on the 1st March 2023. The Group intends to meet monthly and will oversee an all-of-government approach to developing the Strategy, which aims to deliver up to 5.7TWh of indigenously produced biomethane by 2030.
Development of an anaerobic digestion industry is at a nascent stage in Ireland and a primary focus of the Working Group will be the examination of the types of supports necessary to develop this industry. The Group will also carry out extensive analysis on the best end use of the 5.7TWh target, paying particular focus to producing biomethane in a sustainable manner.
CAP 2023 has committed to delivering the National Biomethane Strategy by Q3 2023 and the Working Group is currently developing a high-level action plan, which will include extensive stakeholder engagement activities.
189. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications how the proceeds from the Energy (Windfall Gains in the Energy Sector) Bill 2023 will be used to lower profits for consumers; if an energy credit will be introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15361/23]
View answer190. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications about the market revenue cap included in the Energy (Windfall Gains in the Energy Sector) Bill 2023 the motivation to backdate to December 2022 only, excluding the months in which the profits of energy companies were at their peak throughout 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15362/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 189 and 190 together.
Council Regulation (EU) 2022/1854 on an emergency intervention to address high energy prices came into force in October 2022. This Regulation seeks to address windfall gains in the energy sector through a temporary solidarity contribution based on taxable profits in the fossil fuel production and refining sectors and a cap on market revenues of specific generation technologies in the electricity sector.
A General Scheme of the Energy (Windfall Gains in the Energy Sector) Bill 2023, which will implement the temporary solidarity contribution and the cap on market revenues, was approved by Government and published on 21 March.
The cap on market revenues in the electricity sector will apply for the period December 2022 to June 2023. The Council Regulation does not provide scope to extend the cap on market revenues prior to this period.
It will be a matter for Government, as part of the annual Budget process and in line with the Council Regulation, to determine how the proceeds collected from the temporary solidarity contribution and cap on market revenues will be distributed.
