Written Answers Nos. 166-177
166. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the date on which he expects the remote working Bill 2022 to be enacted; and if he will provide an update on same. [33296/22]
View answerThe Right to Request Remote Working Bill is part of a broader Government vision to make remote working a permanent feature of Ireland’s workforce in a way that can benefit all – economically, socially and environmentally.
Through the proposed legislation we will, for the first time, provide a legal framework for requesting remote work. It will also provide clarity to employers on their obligations for dealing with such requests.
We recognise that not all occupations, industries, or particular roles within an enterprise, will be appropriate or suitable for remote working. So, the approach taken in the proposed legislation is a balanced one. However, it will offer people choices and options.
The proposed legislation will provide employees with a right to request remote work and will provide a legal framework around which requesting, approving or refusing such a request can be based. It will also provide legal clarity to employers on their obligations for dealing with such requests.
The Department is currently looking further at the issues related to strengthening the redress provisions and the right of appeal.
We want to enhance the rights and entitlements of workers, but we also need to ensure a balanced approach that is fair and affordable for employers. Similarly, we must acknowledge that not all occupations, industries, or particular roles within an enterprise, will be appropriate or suitable for remote working, e.g., construction workers, nurses.
The Joint Oireachtas Committee on Enterprise, Trade and Employment began pre-legislative scrutiny of the General Scheme on 9th of February and Departmental officials appeared before the Committee for the second time during this process on 18th May.
We will carefully consider the Committee's Report once it is available and it remains the Government’s intention to enact the new law as soon as possible.
167. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when the review of a general employment permit will be complete in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33413/22]
View answerThe Employment Permits Section of my Department informs me that, on 11 January 2022, a General Employment Permit application for the person concerned (in the details supplied) was received.
On 25 May 2022 the application was refused. The refusal reasons included the following: The manner in which the advertisements were placed on the Department of Social Protection/EURES Employment Services and the manner in which the advertisement was published in a national and local newspaper did not meet the requirements as set out in the Employment Permits Regulations. The required documentation in respect of employments in restaurants or takeaways was not submitted with the application. A copy of the contract of employment was not provided. The following required documents were also not provided: an up to date tax certificate in respect of the employer, copies of utility bills for the employer, copy of certified qualifications in respect of the employee, a letter from the relevant Local Health Authority confirming that permission had been granted to operate a restaurant/takeaway on the premises, documentary proof of the required 2 years minimum experience in the role for the employee, a statement from the employer confirming that the Foreign National in respect of whom the application was made would be employed in an establishment other than a fast food outlet.
The applicant was informed of the refusal reasons and of their right to request a review of the decision within 28 days from the date of the refusal letter that issued. On 3 June 2022 a request for a review of the refusal decision was received.
On 10th June 2022 a request to have this review expedited was received which was granted. The Reviewing Officer is currently considering this review. On 17th June a request was issued to the applicant by the reviewing officer requesting the outstanding information and documentation in relation to the application. To date this information has not been received. The applicant has 28 days in which to respond to this request. If no response is received within the 28 days the reviewing officer will make a decision based on the documentation on hand.
Each employment permit application is assessed on its own merits and is required to meet the legislative requirements for the permit type.
Applicants can keep track of reviews current processing dates at enterprise.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Workplace-and-Skills/Employment-Permits/Current-Application-Processing-Dates.
168. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he has been liaising with the Minister for Social Protection to ensure that there is a sick pay rebate mechanism to help small business employers with the payment of the double costs of a having a sick employee and having to pay for replacement staff, similar to the employee wage subsidy scheme during the pandemic and as outlined in the Economic Analysis on the Impact of the Statutory Sick Leave Bill (2022) on Small Business in Ireland report published by an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33480/22]
View answerMy officials have read and reviewed the "Economic Analysis on the Impact of the Statutory Sick Leave Bill (2022) On Small Business in Ireland" report that was recently published by the Local Jobs Alliance, and I want to extend my thanks for the work that went into compiling the report.
We are well aware that there are employers in some sectors who will have to deal with the cost of replacing staff who are out sick, and at short notice. This is why we are setting a cap of €110 or 70% of regular earnings, to give those employers certainty around the costs involved at the outset. It’s also fair to employees and ensures that they receive an appropriate and predictable level of compensation if they are unable to work due to illness or injury.
The scheme has been designed based on consultation with employee and employer representatives. Prior to seeking Cabinet approval for the draft of the Bill, my officials undertook a full public consultation that sought the views of relevant stakeholders and the public on key policy questions around the design of the scheme.
As a starting point, this scheme will cover the three ‘waiting days’ before eligibility for illness benefit from the State. However, the length of coverage will increase over time, eventually providing for an entitlement to 10 working days or two weeks per year in the fourth year of the scheme’s operation and this will see costs rise for employers.
With regards to the rebate proposal any changes will follow the scheme’s commencement, and will be considered in light of businesses' experience of the early operation of the scheme.
169. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question No. 240 of 14 June 2022, the names of the 100 fuel stations and the locations of each by county that have been designated to remain open in the event of a national fuel scarcity given that that the information requested was not supplied; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33297/22]
View answerOverall, Ireland is reasonably well insulated from direct supply shocks linked to Russian oil supply, as few imports of crude oil and a comparatively small proportion of Ireland’s refined product are imported from Russia. In addition, since the outbreak of the war Irish importers have indicated that they are working to voluntarily move away from Russian oil.
The short to medium term supply outlook is also positive, with petroleum product availability having improved somewhat in the last few weeks and no major supply difficulties expected by industry in the immediate term. NORA (the National Oil Reserves Agency) currently holds approximately 85 days of oil stocks, the overwhelming majority of which is in the form of physical product, with approximately 85% stored on the island of Ireland.
Notwithstanding the improved supply position, my Department, in conjunction with NORA, continues to working closely with the petroleum industry to monitor supplies of oil into the Irish marketplace. NORA is ready to release strategic stocks to the market, if required. Some reserves were released by NORA in early March and early April as part of a co-ordinated global release of reserves agreed by members of the International Energy Agency (IEA).
In the context of contingency planning, work continues on operational planning for all scenarios. The activation of any such plans is not envisaged, however, as is the case for other jurisdictions across Europe, such planning is appropriate and prudent in the context of the ongoing war in Ukraine.Detailed operational matters around contingency planning are not published.
170. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will involve all stakeholders in the preparation and development of draft policy papers (details supplied) as part of the new policy statement for the inland fisheries sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33331/22]
View answerI refer to the reply to Question No. 203 of 14 June. In November 2020, I established the Angling Consultative Council of Ireland (ACCI) - an advisory/working group comprising angling bodies with a national remit. Draft policy papers have been circulated for the information of the group.
These initial draft policy papers will inform the single comprehensive draft policy statement on which work is ongoing. In addition, the National Inland Fisheries Forum (NIFF) has recently been re-established and comprises a significantly broader range of national stakeholder interests. Its first meeting took place in late May. The preliminary component draft policy papers may also be provided to NIFF for its information.
Once all of the preliminary draft policy papers have been completed, they will inform a single comprehensive policy statement for the whole sector. As previously advised this policy statement will be the subject of broad public consultation towards the end of this year.
171. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when high-speed broadband will be available to a person (details supplied) given that their house appears to be the only one not included in service available to other houses in the locality; the efforts that will be taken to rectify this issue in early date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33369/22]
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 the State aid rules. The activities of commercial operators delivering high speed broadband within BLUE areas are not planned or funded by the State and my Department has no statutory authority to intervene in that regard.
Complaints about service provision are a matter to be dealt with between the consumer and the service provider in the area in the first instance. If this avenue has been exhausted without a satisfactory resolution, the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) may be able to assist further. ComReg is the independent body that issues licences to broadband service providers and investigates complaints to ensure that companies are delivering services in line with their licence obligations.
172. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when the energy security review will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33403/22]
View answerAs set out in the National Energy Security Framework published in April 2022, my Department is carrying out a review of the energy security of Ireland's gas and electricity systems for delivery in Q3 2022, following which the which the results will be brought to Govenment. The underpinning analysis is being updated, to reflect changing circumstances following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
173. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to provide a detailed breakdown of the State funding provided by his Department to all environmental groups in 2019, 2020, 2021 and the budget allocation for 2022; if a cost-benefit analysis of this funding has been undertaken before the 2022 approval given the reported increased budget for environmental groups from €1 million to €1.7 million; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33516/22]
View answerMy Department provides funding to the Irish Environmental Network (IEN) who fund smaller member organisations. These national environmental NGOs are active on a broad range of environmental issues, including wildlife conservation, biodiversity and climate change. In this context, I have approved funding of €2.1 million for 2022 for the IEN and its constituent members. In previous years the IEN received the following amounts of funding:
- €1,764,000 in 2021
- €1,060,000 in 2020
- €1,002,476 in 2019
- €988,299 in 2018
This funding is granted subject to the recipients complying with the provisions of Department of Finance Circular 13 of 2014, “Management of and Accountability for Grants from Exchequer Funds”. The IEN is an independent umbrella organisation for environmental NGOs with its own corporate governance structures. The distribution and allocation of funding to its members is decided by the IEN. Member organisations are requested by the IEN to submit funding proposals, and member applications for core funding are then evaluated by an independent panel of adjudicators.
I believe that it is important to fund environmental NGOs as they represent a fundamental building block in a vibrant, well-functioning democracy. They play an important role in promoting environmental values, as well as fostering civic participation in environmental activities at a local level. Environmental NGOs also assist in keeping citizens engaged and give a voice to groups that may otherwise not be heard.
174. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if persons (details supplied) qualify for energy conservation grant from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland or Kildare County Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33556/22]
View answerThe administration and management of applications under the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) schemes are an operational matter for the SEAI. As Minister, I have no function with regard to individual grant applications. 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.
175. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Transport his plans to address the difficulty of charging an electric vehicle for terraced home and apartment dwellers in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33409/22]
View answerThe Government is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the electric vehicle charging network over the coming years. A draft national strategy for the development of EV charging infrastructure, covering the crucial period out to 2025 was published for consultation in March. It sets out the government’s ambition regarding the delivery of a public EV charging network to support up to 194,000 electric cars and vans by the middle of the decade. Responses and submissions received as part of the consultation are currently being considered in the development of the final Strategy for publication.
Preparations are underway to establish Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland. This Office will play an important role in our transition to zero emission vehicles. It will co-ordinate measures to support the uptake of EVs and the rollout of charge point infrastructure.
Having an effective and reliable recharging network is essential to enabling drivers to choose electric. Home charging is the primary charging method for most Irish EV owners as it’s convenient and cheaper for the consumer as well assists in the overall management of the national grid. Over 80% of charging is expected to happen at home.
A grant is available from the SEAI for those individuals seeking to install a home charger. Work is currently being progressed to expand the EV home charger grant to include shared parking in apartment blocks and similar developments. My Department is working closely with the SEAI and expects a scheme for retrofitting existing apartments to open shortly.
Additionally with regard to new buildings, the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive requires the installation of appropriate infrastructure to enable the installation at a later stage of recharging points for EVs, for new residential buildings and non-residential buildings and those undergoing major renovation, with more than ten parking spaces. In addition, non-residential buildings with more than ten parking spaces must ensure the installation of at least 1 recharging point.
The Directive also requires that Member States shall lay down requirements for the installation of a minimum number of recharging points for existing non-residential buildings with more than twenty parking spaces, by 1 January 2025.
Regulations to implement these requirements were introduced in 2021 by my colleague the Minister for Housing, Planning and Heritage. He plans to introduce additional requirements later this year for EV recharging infrastructure for all new dwellings with less than 10 parking spaces and for dwellings with their own car parking within the curtilage.
176. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Transport his plans to address the difficulty of charging an electric vehicle for current terraced home and apartment dwellers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33410/22]
View answerThe Government is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the electric vehicle charging network over the coming years. A draft national strategy for the development of EV charging infrastructure, covering the crucial period out to 2025 was published for consultation in March. The draft strategy sets out the government’s ambition regarding the delivery of a public EV charging network to support up to 194,000 electric cars and vans by the middle of the decade. Responses and submissions received as part of the consultation are currently being considered in the development of the final Strategy for publication.
Preparations are underway to establish Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland. This Office will play an important role in our transition to zero emission vehicles. It will co-ordinate measures to support the uptake of EVs and the rollout of charge point infrastructure.
Having an effective and reliable recharging network is essential to enabling drivers to choose electric. Home charging is the primary charging method for most Irish EV owners as it’s convenient and cheaper for the consumer as well assists in the overall management of the national grid. Over 80% of charging is expected to happen at home.
A grant is available from the SEAI for those individuals seeking to install a home charger. Work is currently being progressed to expand the EV home charger grant to include shared parking in apartment blocks and similar developments. My Department is working closely with the SEAI and expects a scheme for retrofitting existing apartments to open shortly.
Additionally with regard to new buildings, the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive requires the installation of appropriate infrastructure to enable the installation at a later stage of recharging points for EVs, for new residential buildings and non-residential buildings and those undergoing major renovation, with more than ten parking spaces. In addition, non-residential buildings with more than ten parking spaces must ensure the installation of at least 1 recharging point.
The Directive also requires that Member States shall lay down requirements for the installation of a minimum number of recharging points for existing non-residential buildings with more than twenty parking spaces, by 1 January 2025.
Regulations to implement these requirements were introduced in 2021 by my colleague the Minister for Housing, Planning and Heritage. He plans to introduce additional requirements later this year for EV recharging infrastructure for all new dwellings with less than 10 parking spaces and for dwellings with their own car parking within the curtilage.
177. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he will request a copy of the expression of interest document the Dublin Airport Authority provided to interested third parties in relation to the operating of the ALSAA facility in Cloghran, County Dublin; if he will provide this document in the reply to this question; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33320/22]
View answer178. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he will request a copy of the expression of interest document the Dublin Airport Authority provided a company (details supplied) in relation to the operating of the ALSAA facility in Cloghran, County Dublin; if he will provide this document in the reply to this question; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33321/22]
View answer179. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he will request that the Dublin Airport Authority cease its process to seek alternative providers to run the sports and leisure facilities at ALSAA and request the company (details supplied) to re-engage with the ALSAA committee to work on a long-term lease and long-term plans for much needed investment in the facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33322/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 177, 178 and 179 together.
As the Deputy will be aware, daa has the statutory responsibility to operate, manage and develop Dublin Airport and all the operations associated with this.
daa has advised that it is currently requesting proposals of interest for its on-campus fitness facilities to ensure they are fit for purpose to meet the needs of over twenty thousand staff working at Dublin Airport and also the evolving needs of the surrounding community. The current operator, ALSAA, has also been invited and encouraged to participate in this process of submitting a plan that will provide necessary capital improvements to the facilities whilst providing a sustainable proposition to its members and the community.
daa advise that regular users of the facilities are aware of the urgent need for upgrades to parts of the complex to bring the sporting and leisure facilities up to an acceptable standard to meet the needs of all users on our campus including adults, children and Special Olympians who regularly use the facilities.
As the most recent five-year licensing term ended in December 2021, it is understood that daa has invited submissions from a range of parties, including the current tenant, ALSAA, to outline their operating and investment plans for the future. daa has granted ALSAA a notice period of two months to facilitate engagement with their members and have now offered to extend this notice period for a further year.
daa is committed to ensuring investment in and continued use of its sporting and recreation facilities at Dublin Airport and it supports local communities through many initiatives, including long-term access to daa’s lands for sporting and recreational activities and through Dublin Airport’s €10m Community Fund.
