Written Answers Nos. 154-168
154. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if passports will issue in time for two children (details supplied) in County Donegal who are travelling for a family wedding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22989/23]
View answerWith regard to the specific applications about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service has issued passports to the applicants.
155. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the percentage of social media posts made on each of his Departmental social media accounts or the social media accounts of public bodies and agencies that operate under his remit that were exclusively in Irish between 1 May 2022 and 30 April 2023, inclusive; the percentage of same that feature bilingual translations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23030/23]
View answerMy Department is committed to providing services in both official languages, including communications campaigns promoting the Irish language at home and overseas. This includes adhering to the latest requirements under the Official Languages (Amendment) Bill 2019 regarding advertising in Irish and our obligations under the Official Languages Act 2003.
In terms of social media, given the fact that the Department’s outreach is primarily targeted at foreign audiences, there is a limited scope for social media posts exclusively in Irish. Instead therefore we usually provide Irish language posts with some English text included to ensure that the context and meaning of posts is understood abroad.
Twitter Posts:
Irish Only: 4.5%
Bilingual: 0%
Facebook Posts
Irish Language Only: 4.4%
Bilingual: 15.4%
Irish Only: 2.5%
Bilingual: 8.9%
156. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs how his Department and public bodies and agencies that operate under his remit meet their obligations for reasonable accommodation under the Employment Equality Acts 1998-2015. [23048/23]
View answerThe Department of Foreign Affairs is committed to equality of opportunity for all in terms of its recruitment and employment practices. My Department strives to provide a safe and healthy working environment for all staff, and to create a culture where employees feel comfortable in sharing details of their disability so that reasonable accommodations can be put in place.
The provision of reasonable accommodations is a key element in supporting new staff with a disability and existing staff who acquire a disability. In my Department, the provision of reasonable accommodations required to support a staff member with a disability is managed primarily through my Department’s HR Division and Disability Liaison Officer (DLO). My Department also liaises closely with the Office of the Chief Medical Officer and the Civil Service Employee Assistance Service regarding staff who may require reasonable accommodations on return from long term sick leave.
All employees are provided with the opportunity to request reasonable accommodations and/or share their disability status to assist them with their work during the recruitment process, upon joining the Department, and throughout any stage of their employment.
Reasonable accommodations are provided on a case-by-case basis, depending on the nature of the accommodation, and relevant medical advice. They may require further input and support from a number of areas including Health and Safety Management, Facilities Management, ICT, and the individual’s Line Manager.
My Department is obliged to report every year to the National Disability Authority (NDA) on the number of persons with disabilities employed at 31st December. This information is published on the website of the NDA at nda.ie.
157. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the dates in 2022 and to date in 2023 that the Irish Ambassador and or Deputy Head of Mission in Mexico has visited Cancún; and the purpose of each visit, in tabular form. [23100/23]
View answerIreland and Mexico share excellent and long-standing bilateral relations, further strengthened since the launch of Ireland's Strategy for Latin America and the Caribbean in February 2022. An important aspect of the work of the Embassy of Ireland is engagement with each of the country's 31 constituent states outside the federal capital, Mexico City.
Cancun is situated in the state of Quintana Roo, whose capital is Chetumal. The Embassy engages with representatives of Quintana Roo at federal and other levels, including through the office of the Honorary Consul of Ireland in Cancun, to strengthen our political, cultural and people-to-people links.
Given the number of constituent states, and the impact of the pandemic, it did not prove possible to programme an in-person from the Embassy to Cancun in 2022.
Details of the visit to Cancun by the Ambassador in 2023 is in the table below.
|
- |
No. of visits to Cancun, Mexico by Ambassador or Deputy Head of Mission in Mexico |
Purpose of visit |
|
2022 |
0 |
|
|
2023 |
1 |
The Ambassador visited Cancun in March 2023 as part of St Patrick's day celebrations, and participating Cancun's 'Spring Festival' at which Ireland was this year's guest country. She met the Mayor of Cancun, Ireland's Honorary Consul, and Irish residents, with consular provision a theme in discussions. |
158. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is aware of the death of a child abroad (details supplied); if he knows that in the first three months of 2023, 17 Palestinian children have been shot dead by Israeli forces, noting that under international law, intentional lethal force is only justified in circumstances where a direct threat to life or serious injury is present; if he will publicly condemn these killings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23103/23]
View answerI am aware of the incident referred to by the Deputy and extend my condolences to the family. As I noted in my statement on 9 May, the killing of civilians, including children, is never acceptable. These acts risk escalating an already tense situation and leading to further violence. I call on the parties to de-escalate and refrain from provocative acts.
Ireland has repeatedly expressed concern regarding the high level of casualties in the occupied Palestinian territory. Last year was the deadliest year for Palestinians living in the West Bank since the UN began recording fatalities in 2005. This negative trend has continued into 2023.
Ireland has been clear that the protection of civilians must be paramount. We have consistently raised concerns regarding the pervasive culture of impunity for possible excessive use of force or for potentially unlawful killings by Israeli security forces. Ireland has called for accountability in respect of all civilian deaths, stressing that this is the cornerstone of a political horizon and a meaningful peace process.
Further to my direct contacts with my counterparts, Irish officials continue to engage in regular dialogue with the Israeli and Palestinian authorities on matters of concern, including in relation to the protection of civilians, as well as raising these issues at EU and UN level.
159. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs when a passport application by a person (details supplied) will issue. [23107/23]
View answerWith regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, supporting documents for this application were received on 17 April 2023. This application is within the standard turnaround time and has not yet reached its issue by date.
160. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if his Department is providing assistance in repatriating an Irish resident (details supplied) stuck in Sudan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23173/23]
View answerThe conflict in Sudan has had a devastating impact on civilians. Hundreds have been killed, and thousands injured. Residents in Khartoum and other parts of Sudan are facing shortages of food, water, medicine and other necessities. It is vital that humanitarian assistance reaches those in need.
It is also vital to have a durable ceasefire. Ireland fully supports mediation efforts by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United States, along with those of the African Union, the United Nations, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, and regional leaders. The European Union is also actively working for an end to the conflict and a return to the democratic transition in Sudan.
Since the outbreak of conflict on 15 April, the Department of Foreign Affairs, our Embassy in Nairobi and other Irish Embassies have assisted in the evacuation from Sudan of over 250 Irish citizens and their dependants, in cooperation with our international partners. For now, all evacuation flights from Sudan have ended. Sudanese citizens continue to depart the country overland, and via Port Sudan.
We are aware of the case mentioned. The person is one of a number of Sudanese citizens who have been working in Ireland and who are now in Sudan. Our Embassy in Nairobi has been in contact with them and has provided information and advice.
161. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications why the PSO levy has not been removed from the ESB bills in view of the effectiveness of the wind energy and solar power in recent years; what plans are in place to remove the PSO levy in totality; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23158/23]
View answer183. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications why the PSO levy has not been removed from ESB bills in view of the effectiveness of the wind energy and solar power in recent years; what plans are in place to remove the PSO levy in totality; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23155/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 161 and 183 together.
The Public Service Obligation (PSO) levy is a vital policy support for the development of renewable electricity and to enable Ireland reach our national and EU energy and climate targets. The PSO provides support for renewable generators under a number of Government schemes, including the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) and the Renewable Energy Feed-In Tariff (REFIT) schemes.
The CRU has statutory responsibility to calculate the PSO on an annual basis and to ensure that the scheme is administered appropriately and efficiently.
Due to unprecedented and sustained levels of wholesale electricity prices, the CRU calculated that the PSO levy for the 2022/23 PSO Year would be negative. In June 2022 Government amended the Electricity Regulation Act, 1999 to allow the CRU, if it deems it appropriate, to direct that final electricity customers are credited with a benefit, if the PSO levy has been calculated as a negative.
On 01 October 2022, the PSO levy on electricity customers' bills was set to zero while the CRU and EirGrid developed a mechanism to credit customers with the PSO benefit. From 01 March 2023, electricity customers have been receiving a PSO benefit on their bills. These benefit payments will continue until at least 30 September 2023.
162. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the WTE cost of recruiting three additional principal geologists for his Department. [22375/23]
View answerBased on the first point of the Principal Geologist PPC Scale the WTE cost for three additional posts at that grade would be €235,968 per annum.
However the actual cost would be governed by Circular 08/2019 - Starting Pay on promotion, and may be higher should those recruited have previous equivalent experience in the public sector.
163. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if a new-build house (details supplied) in County Kerry will be included in the NBI roll-out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22417/23]
View answerThe premises referred to in the Question is located in the BLUE area on the NBP High-Speed Broadband Map which is available on my Department's website at www.broadband.gov.ie.
BLUE areas are not included in the State intervention area covered by the National Broadband Plan as commercial operators are already providing high-speed broadband or have indicated future plans to do so. My Department defines high-speed broadband as a connection with minimum speeds of 30Mbps download and 6Mbps upload. Under State aid rules, my Department is not permitted to displace commercial investment by intervening in areas where commercial investment exists or is planned, as to do so would be an infringement of these State aid rules.
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 namely:
* 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.
The majority of digital connectivity across the State will be delivered through commercial investment by the telecommunications industry and this will be complemented by the National Broadband Plan.
Officials from my Department have investigated this issue and have been advised by Open eir that they plan to supply Gigabit services to this premises as part of their commercial roll-out plans around the country which they further advise is due to be completed by 2026.
164. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will consider allowing multiple homeowners in the same locale to apply for a solar electricity grant through a joint application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22497/23]
View answerThe Government’s Micro-generation Support Scheme (MSS) was approved by Government in December 2021, with a target of achieving 380MW of new renewable generation capacity by 2030, under the Climate Action Plan 2021. Grants are currently available through the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) for domestic installations, up to a maximum of €2,400.? Grants are limited to one per property, identified by an individual MPRN. Since the introduction of the MSS domestic grant in February 2022, the SEAI saw application levels rise sharply, resulting in more than double the number of applications supported by the end of the year, compared with initial forecasts. The scheme has continued to grow in 2023, with demand projected to reach record levels by the end of the year. The recent introduction of 0% VAT on the supply and installation of domestic solar PV installations is also expected to drive demand. As such, while the exceptional level of interest in the scheme indicates that the MSS is working well, its operation and effectiveness will be kept under review and adjustments made where necessary.?? Additionally in February 2022 I signed the Regulations that transpose Articles 21 and 22 of the recast Renewable Energy Directive which brings these Articles into force. These Regulations create an obligation on suppliers to offer the Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) tariff to new and existing micro-and small-scale generators so that they will receive payment for excess renewable electricity they export to the grid, reflective of the market value. Also included in these regulations transposed in SI 76/2022, were provisions for active consumers and jointly acting renewable self-consumers, which the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) have undertaken to progress. It is expected that this framework for active consumers and energy communities will be published by CRU later in 2023, and this will facilitate multiple homeowners and/or final electricity customers, to participate jointly in schemes to share the benefits of self-generated renewable electricity.
165. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the north-south interconnector is still considered an EU project of common interest; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22504/23]
View answer167. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if Eirgrid has informed him of the change of the status that the North-South Interconnector is no longer a project of common interest; if so, when this was communicated to him; and if he will provide a copy of any such communication. [22639/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 165 and 167 together.
Projects of common interest (PCIs) are key cross border infrastructure projects that link the energy systems of EU countries. They are intended to help the EU achieve its energy policy and climate objectives of affordable, secure and sustainable energy for all citizens, and the long-term decarbonisation of the economy in accordance with the Paris Agreement.
On 31 January 2020, the United Kingdom left the European Union and became a third country. On 31 December 2020, the EU-UK trade and cooperation agreement was published in the Official Journal of the European Union, and it is provisionally applicable since 1 January 2021. Discussions to establish the 5th PCI list took place during 2021, with a draft list formally announced by the European Commission in late 2021, before being approved by the European Council in March 2022. As part of the process to establish the 5th list, the Commission announced that many PCI applicants for infrastructure between the EU and Third Countries, including the United Kingdom, did not meet the technical criteria in relation to cross-border benefits between EU Member States and were therefore ineligible for inclusion on the 5th PCI list.
Due to Brexit and Ireland’s geographical position, this decision by the Commission disproportionately impacted Irish PCI applicants, including the North-South Interconnector which was not included on the 5th PCI list for this reason. However, Irish projects are eligible for inclusion on the 6th list following the introduction of Projects of Mutual Interest under the amended TEN-E Regulation, which was enacted in 2022. The North-South Interconnector is currently being considered for inclusion with a draft list expected to be published by the European Commission later this year.
166. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if those working on community employment schemes and in receipt of fuel allowance are entitled to apply for SEAI better energy warmer homes scheme. [22638/23]
View answerThe Warmer Homes Scheme offers free energy upgrades or eligible homeowners who are most at risk of energy poverty. Eligibility for the Scheme is linked to receipt of certain Department of Social Protection payments, including the Fuel Allowance.
Households where someone is participating in a Community Employment scheme and is also in receipt of Fuel Allowance are eligible to apply to the Warmer Homes scheme provided they meet the other eligibility criteria.
All information on the Warmer Homes Scheme is available on the SEAI website at www.seai.ie/grants/home-energy-grants/free-upgrades-for-eligible-homes.
168. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the measures his Department is taking to encourage landlords to avail of the national home energy retrofit programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22646/23]
View answerI recognise that rental properties can present a specific challenge for energy efficiency improvements. This is an issue found in most countries where the incentives to invest in energy upgrades can be misaligned between landlords and tenants.
The Government’s Housing for All Plan commits to the introduction of a minimum BER for private rental properties, where feasible, from 2025, and to develop a roadmap to implement these standards. Additionally, as part of Ireland’s residential retrofit programme, the Government has approved a new package of supports targeting homes that were built and occupied pre-2011. These supports have been made available to non-corporate landlords and Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) to undertake home energy upgrades, with lower energy bills and to improve the efficiency of their rental properties including:
- The National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme (One Stop Shop Service) provides grant support of approximately 50% of the typical cost for private landlords with higher supports available for AHBs.
- The Better Energy Homes Scheme provides support to landlords for step-by-step retrofits.
- Landlords can also receive support to upgrade their properties under the Community Energy Grant Scheme.
- 80% grants are available to landlords for attic and cavity wall insulation, which are low-cost measures that can be installed quickly and cost effectively.
In addition to these supports, a new tax incentive to encourage small-scale landlords to undertake retrofitting works while the tenant remains in situ was announced last year. This measure provides for a tax deduction of up to €10,000 per property, against Case V rental income, for certain retrofitting expenses incurred by the landlord on rented residential properties, for a maximum of two rental properties. Full details are set out in Section 32 of the Finance Act 2022.
It should also be noted that the Housing for All plan commits to the retrofitting of 36,500 local authority homes by 2030 as part of the achievement of the Climate Action Plan retrofit targets.
