Written Answers Nos. 150-174
150. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he has received assurances from any of the large US technology companies that operate in Ireland that there are no further job loss announcements scheduled, following his recent visit to the United States of America; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8919/23]
View answerIn February I met with several IDA Ireland companies, including clients in the technology sector, based on the US West Coast. The visit was an opportunity to meet with enterprise leaders and highlight Ireland’s value as a location for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). The discussions covered a range of topics, including Ireland’s commitment to FDI and discussion of clients’ operations in Ireland, in addition to contractions in the technology sector and plans for the future.
As well as engaging with and hearing from enterprise leaders, I highlighted Ireland’s continuing strong FDI value proposition. Ireland continues to be a location of choice for new investors and long-established companies who choose to reinvest in substantial expansions of their operations here. IDA Ireland’s record 2022 results demonstrate not only the resilience of the FDI sector in Ireland, but also Ireland’s stable and attractive business environment which enables global companies to successfully scale and grow within Ireland.
Where job losses in the technology sector have occurred, in most cases they have been between 5 and 15% of total workforces, consistent with layoffs implemented elsewhere in their global organisations. A very small number have implemented more significant layoffs while many companies have stalled hiring outside of key roles. I cannot, of course, guarantee that there will not be further such announcements.
Technology is now pervasive in all business sectors and the need for tech skills across the entire industrial base remains strong. In many cases, the impacted skills are highly transferable. In this regard, it is important to note that the demand for engineering skills in particular, such as computer science, cyber security and electronic engineering qualified talent, continues to outstrip supply. These careers will continue to be in high demand well into the future and offer an excellent career choice for students considering future study options.
My Department will continue to work alongside IDA Ireland to strengthen Ireland’s business environment and our FDI value proposition. The White Paper on Enterprise recently published by my Department sets the strategic direction for job-creation and growth for the years ahead, addressing changes in the international trading environment and vulnerabilities in our enterprise sector. At Government level we are focused on competitiveness and ensuring that Ireland is the best place in Europe to invest and grow for the future. We are acting on energy, skills, housing, access to water services, and planning, all important issues for the success of the tech sector in Ireland.
151. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the total number of businesses in each local authority that were funded under the restart grant scheme; and the total amount in euro given to support businesses under the scheme, by county, in tabular form. [8045/23]
View answerMy Department, through the enterprise development agencies, provides a range of tailored supports for enterprises of all sizes in Ireland and provided emergency funding during the COVID crisis and now the energy crisis. Supports include grants and softer supports such as access to finance, management development, mentoring supports, business development programmes, market supports and trade promotion.
The Restart Grant was designed as an emergency measure during the COVID crisis to get money to businesses quickly to defray ongoing fixed costs or for measures to ensure employee and customer safety and was operated by the 31 Local Authorities on behalf of my Department.
Restart Grants provided funding to 108,489 businesses totalling €632.4 million. The Local Authority breakdown is attached in tabular form.
Restart Grant Statistics
|
Local Authority |
No. Applications Paid |
Value Paid € |
|
Carlow |
1,358 |
€7,493,149 |
|
Cavan |
2,078 |
€9,851,417 |
|
Clare |
2,851 |
€15,057,951 |
|
Cork City |
5,332 |
€36,951,412 |
|
Cork County |
10,689 |
€34,074,568 |
|
Donegal |
4,388 |
€24,268,739 |
|
Dublin City |
12,234 |
€97,618,767 |
|
Dun Laoghaire Rathdown |
3,217 |
€26,078,098 |
|
Fingal |
4,047 |
€30,046,568 |
|
Galway City |
2,777 |
€18,873,525 |
|
Galway County |
3,433 |
€17,016,277 |
|
Kerry |
4,150 |
€23,540,813 |
|
Kildare |
3,689 |
€25,405,069 |
|
Kilkenny |
2,194 |
€11,325,394 |
|
Laois |
1,374 |
€7,667,041 |
|
Leitrim |
912 |
€4,203,787 |
|
Limerick |
4,498 |
€26,502,761 |
|
Longford |
1,336 |
€6,196,951 |
|
Louth |
3,049 |
€18,263,574 |
|
Mayo |
3,962 |
€20,220,395 |
|
Meath |
3,458 |
€18,959,909 |
|
Monaghan |
1,898 |
€9,357,678 |
|
Offaly |
1,792 |
€9,165,835 |
|
Roscommon |
1,715 |
€8,242,244 |
|
Sligo |
1,827 |
€9,009,108 |
|
South Dublin |
3,701 |
€30,853,949 |
|
Tipperary |
4,269 |
€20,392,296 |
|
Waterford |
2,828 |
€15,779,672 |
|
Westmeath |
2,298 |
€11,483,918 |
|
Wexford |
4,179 |
€22,506,153 |
|
Wicklow |
2,956 |
€15,869,730 |
|
GRAND TOTALS |
108,489 |
€632,276,748 |
|
LGMA software development |
€167,479 |
|
|
Total Scheme Costs |
108,489 |
€632,444,227 |
152. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the current number of live studies, reviews and research undertaken or commissioned by him; and the date by which each study, review and research is scheduled to be completed, in tabular form. [9387/23]
View answerThe requested details in respect of live studies, reviews and research projects currently underway in the Department are set out in the table below:
|
Name of Study/Review/research |
Expected completion date |
|
Joint DETE-ESRI Research Programme: The Productivity Challenge and Its Interaction with Climate, Digitalisation and Human Capital |
End 2023 |
|
Development of an Evidence Base to Support the Development of a National Clustering Policy and Framework |
Q1 2023 |
|
OECD project “Quantifying Industrial Strategies” |
End of Q2 2023 |
|
Evaluation of State Supports for Equity Investment in Ireland |
24th July 2023 |
|
Internal - Finance for Scaling |
Early June 2023 |
|
Enterprise opportunities of Offshore Floating Wind Energy (commissioned on behalf of Shannon Estuary Economic Taskforce) |
Completed February 2023 |
|
Assessment of Opportunities for Decarbonisation of Process Heat (commissioned on behalf of Shannon Estuary Economic Taskforce) |
February 2023 |
|
Assessment of Opportunities for Large Scale Rooftop PV Deployment (commissioned on behalf of Shannon Estuary Economic Taskforce) |
February 2023 |
|
Provision of a North-West enterprise data repository (commissioned on behalf of the North-West Regional Enterprise Plan) |
30 April 2023 |
|
Economic analysis of the agri-food sector in the North-East region (commissioned on behalf of the North-West Regional Enterprise Plan) |
30 March 2023 |
The Deputy may also be interested to note that my Department co-ordinates two annual surveys in conjunction with the enterprise agencies. The Annual Business Survey of Economic Impact (ABSEI) and the Annual Employment Survey (AES) are important measures of the impact of our investment in enterprise development.
153. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of applicants for work permits currently awaiting approval; the extent to which it is expected to meet these requests in early date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9446/23]
View answerAs of 20th February 2023, there are 928 Employment Permit applications in the processing queue. There are 218 awaiting information from the applicant and 6 are ready to issue. The current waiting time in respect of standard new employment permits is seven business days and for trusted partner applications the current waiting time is 4 business days.
Following the implementation of an internal plan of action which increased resources and implemented more efficient methods of processing applications, the Employment Permits Unit has reduced the number of applications awaiting processing from about 11,000 in January 2022 to 928 today, despite further strong demand. As new staff were trained processing times have fallen from 21 weeks to 1-2 weeks depending on the permit type. The Department plans to maintain processing times for all applications at approximately this current level, on the assumption that demand remains at current levels.
155. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the extent to which various sectors in industry are being accommodated by way of work permits in line with their requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9447/23]
View answerIreland’s employment permits system is designed to accommodate the arrival of non-EEA nationals to fill skills and labour gaps for the benefit of our economy, in the short to medium term, but this objective must be balanced by the need to ensure that there are no suitably qualified Irish/EEA nationals available to undertake the work and that the shortage is a genuine one.
The system is managed by means of two Occupations Lists determining either highly skilled roles in critical short supply or those that are ineligible for an employment permit. The lists undergo regular, evidence-based review to ensure the system is aligned with current labour market intelligence, guided by relevant research and a public/stakeholder consultation. The views of the Economic Migration Interdepartmental Group and relevant policy Departments are also taken into consideration.
My Department continues to actively respond to the concerns raised by various sectors with regard to the critical short supply of skills in a number of roles crucial to the economy. In framing policy regarding employment permits, consideration is given to wider policy instruments that are also available in meeting the challenges presented by skills shortages. Employment permit policy is part of the response to addressing skills deficits which exist and are likely to continue into the medium term, but it is not intended over the longer term to act as a substitute for meeting the challenge of up-skilling the State’s resident workforce, with an emphasis on the process of lifelong learning, and on maximising the potential of EEA nationals to fill our skills deficits.
My Department also works with other Departments to promote an integrated approach to addressing labour and skills shortages being experienced in the economy and keeps the employment permits system under review in light of changing labour market circumstances. The timing of the next Review of the Occupational Lists is being kept under consideration.
156. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the extent to which Ireland’s trade within the European Union and with third countries continues to prosper; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9448/23]
View answer159. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the degree to which trade with Northern Ireland and or the UK continues at pace; the extent to which prospects for the future remain positive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9451/23]
View answer161. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the extent to which the market for Irish exports continues to develop in a sustainable fashion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9453/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 156, 159 and 161 together.
Ireland’s markets for exports of goods and services continue to develop in a positive and sustainable manner despite challenges in the trading environment due to Brexit, the global pandemic and the war in Ukraine.
According to the latest Goods Exports and Imports release from the CSO, the value of goods exports from Ireland in 2022 rose to €208bn, the highest level on record. In 2022, the value of goods exports increased by more than €42bn (+26%) when compared to 2021. The largest increase was in exports of Medical and Pharmaceutical Products which increased by €17bn to €80bn (+28%) and in Organic Chemicals which increased by €11bn to €37bn (+42%).
Ireland’s total services exports increased from €254.8bn in 2020 to €293.6bn in 2021 (latest figures available). The increase in services exports was principally due to increased computer services exports (+€35.4bn).
Trade with the EU and third countries continues to show positive and sustainable growth. The US continues to be Ireland’s biggest single goods export market, accounting for €63bn or 30% of total goods exports in 2022, which is an increase of €10.5bn (+20%) on 2021. The EU accounted for €80.6bn (39%) of total goods exports in 2022, an increase of €18.9bn (+31%) on 2021.
Services exports to the EU were valued at €93.5bn in 2021, an increase of €17.2bn on 2020. Services exports to the US were worth €41.1bn in the same period, an increase of €7.9bn on 2020.
Trade in goods with the United Kingdom reached a record value of €51.5bn in 2022. Goods exports to the UK increased by 22% from 2021 to reach a value of €22.1bn, while goods imports from the UK increased by 51% compared to 2021, reaching a value of €29.4bn.
Trade in goods with Northern Ireland also reached a record value of €10.3bn in 2022. Goods exports to Northern Ireland increased by 31% from the previous year to reach a value of €4.9bn, and goods imports from Northern Ireland increased by 32% compared to 2021, to reach a value of €5.4bn.
Ireland’s services trade with the UK has also grown substantially, from a value of €25bn in 2011 to €64bn in 2021 (a 153% increase) and we now have a significant services trade surplus with the UK. In 2021, services exports from Ireland to the UK were worth over €40bn, making the UK Ireland’s second largest services export market in 2021 (accounting for 14% of total services exports that year).
In 2021, services imports from the UK were worth almost €24bn which makes the UK Ireland’s second largest source of services imports (after the US), accounting for 8% of services imports in 2021.
157. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the extent to which foreign direct investment continues at pace; if any particular issues have arisen which might require an early response; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9449/23]
View answerIreland continues to be a location of choice for new investors and long-established companies who choose to reinvest in substantial expansions of their operations here. IDA Ireland’s record annual results for 2022 demonstrate a strong flow of FDI into Ireland, with 242 investments won last year. Of the new investments, 52% went to regional locations and employment growth was gained in every region of the country. The numbers directly employed in IDA multinational clients in Ireland reached 301,475, the highest FDI employment level ever and a 9% increase on 2021.
These achievements demonstrate not only the resilience of the FDI sector in Ireland, but also Ireland’s stable and attractive business environment which enables global companies to successfully scale and grow within Ireland. Half of the multinationals located in Ireland have been here for 10 years or more, while one-third have been in Ireland for 20 years or more.
Notably, these results were all achieved within a challenging environment with factors such as rising energy costs, climate change, rising inflation, Russia’s war against Ukraine and increased international competition for FDI creating uncertainty for governments and businesses globally.
Within this challenging and uncertain global environment, my Department will continue to work alongside IDA Ireland to strengthen Ireland’s business environment and our FDI value proposition, which includes our pro-enterprise policy environment, highly educated English-speaking workforce and our membership of the European Union.
The White Paper on Enterprise recently published by my Department sets the strategic direction for job-creation and growth for the years ahead, addressing changes in the international trading environment, vulnerabilities in our enterprise sector, and the need to integrate climate change commitments and the digital transition into enterprise policy over the decade ahead. My Department is working with IDA on Government’s strategic objectives on decarbonisation, technological change and regional potential.
These steps will enable us to address and respond to the challenges and obstacles emerging from our changing global environment.
158. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the extent to which efforts continue to be made to identify the causes of price increases likely to impact on employment or employment prospects, with a view to ongoing remediation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9450/23]
View answerPrice movements are primarily measured through the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) published by Ireland’s national statistical office, the Central Statistics Office (CSO). My Department actively monitors price developments through these price indices and regularly engages with the CSO.
A combination of issues was responsible for the initial rise in prices since mid -2021, including the rapid recovery in the domestic economy following the COVID-19 shock, international supply chain bottlenecks partly related to China’s zero COVID policy stance, and base effects relating to weak price trends in 2020.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine has led to a further pick-up in the rate of inflation. These geopolitical events have put exceptional upward pressure on gas and oil prices, and in turn electricity prices. These rising energy prices have been largely responsible for the rise in overall inflation (headline inflation) since early 2022, and this has spilled over to core inflation (headline inflation minus energy prices) in more recent months. High rates of inflation place a burden on households and businesses, but to date there appears to be a limited impact on employment. According to the Central Statistics Office, employment levels reached 2.55 million in Q3 2022. We now have more people employed in our country than ever before, while the monthly unemployment rate stands at just 4.4%.
I know that overall levels of employment do not reflect the lived experience for all businesses and workers, however. Some businesses are still struggling, especially with increased costs, and we will continue to help through our support schemes, including those announced in Budget 2023 and the additional measures announced yesterday.
The Government has been proactive by putting in place measures to cushion the fallout from higher rates of inflation over the past 18 months. Budget 2023 contained a number of measures aimed at assisting businesses with rising costs. The main programme introduced by Government to alleviate cost pressures for enterprises was the €1.25 billion Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme. In yesterday’s announcement, the TBESS scheme was extended, to 31 May 2023, and enhanced, including by reducing the threshold for qualification from a 50% increase in electricity or gas costs to 30% increase (to apply retrospectively from 1 September last year), and by increasing from 1 March 2023 the level of relief from 40% to 50% of eligible costs, subject to a monthly limit.
Alongside the Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme there has been a reduced rate of VAT on gas and electricity from 13.5% to 9% extended until the 28 February 2023. A phased restoration of the rates of excise on petrol, diesel and marked gas oil will take place in three stages over the coming eight months which will also cushion businesses from a sudden increase in fuel prices. Through supporting businesses in meeting energy costs, this scheme will help protect the jobs of those working in impacted sectors.
The Government continues to offer supports to firms improving their energy efficiency, helping businesses reduce the amount of energy they use in the first place and improving take-up of the approximately 20 existing schemes that are in place for business to help them reduce their energy costs. These include the Green4Micro programme and the Climate Toolkit for Business. Additionally, small businesses can receive an energy audit voucher from SEAI to get professional advice on how to increase efficiency and reduce their costs. Other financial assistance includes the SEAI Community Grant and grants for microgeneration.
The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment is also working closely with the Department of Social Protection in implementing Pathways to Work, the national employment strategy, and with it the labour market activation of the unemployed, groups underrepresented in the workforce, and workers transitioning to more viable roles or sectors across the economy.
This is particularly important in the context of rising inflation, but also the dual digital and green transitions, which are providing substantial employment opportunities across Ireland. The Government continues to provide thousands of additional reskilling and upskilling opportunities, as set out in the Economic Recovery Plan, in order to build a highly skilled workforce that serves the needs of the economy.
The Government will continue to keep price increases, including energy costs, under review and will be prepared to support enterprise should the need arise.
160. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the extent to which his Department continues to monitor developments in the manufacturing and service sectors, including retail, with a view to endeavouring to address potential threats at an early date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9452/23]
View answer163. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the extent to which he continues to assist both the manufacturing and service sectors, in order to deflect the impact of costs increases, whether generated internally or externally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9463/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 160 and 163 together.
Government has put in place a range of measures in Budget 2023 to assist companies in facing the ongoing effects of Covid, Brexit and the illegal war in Ukraine. Building on the recently published White Paper on Enterprise, my Department working with our agencies and stakeholders will continue to monitor potential threats and identify opportunities for our enterprise sectors through both the Enterprise Forum and the Retail Forum.
The Enterprise Forum operated by my Department meets quarterly or as otherwise necessary, to discuss enterprise policy implications arising from emerging national and international challenges, with a particular focus on capturing the views, concerns and suggestions of the enterprise sector. Membership includes business representative bodies, senior officials from my Department and representatives from my Department's agencies. In addition, where appropriate, colleagues from other government departments, agencies or others with specialist insights into agenda topics may be invited .
In relation to the Retail sector, the Retail Forum, established in 2014 which also meets on a quarterly basis and is chaired by Minister of State Richmond, continues to provide a platform for mutual discussion between Government and the wider retail sector and value chain.
Membership of the Forum is comprised of Government, public sector bodies, retail representative bodies, business representative bodies, enterprise agencies and retailers including SMEs. Current priorities for the Forum include monitoring of the sector to respond to challenges and opportunities arising from disruptive changes including the evolving energy situation, digitalisation and decarbonisation. Additionally, members are invited to update the Minister on key issues of relevance to the sector at Forum meetings and through his officials.
The impacts of the war in Ukraine will also continue to be a focus for Government and my Department. The €200 million Ukraine Enterprise Crisis Fund, which was launched in October 2022, provides liquidity supports to viable but vulnerable manufacturing and internationally traded services companies experiencing trading difficulties, as well as targeted supports for eligible energy intensive companies experiencing severe increases in energy costs.
As a result of feedback from business, on Tuesday the Government, in the cost-of-living announcement, announced that the TBESS scheme would be amended to ensure more businesses are eligible to apply.
It is proposed that business who are tax compliant and whose energy bills have increased by 30% instead of 50% can now claim TBESS and this will be applied retrospectively to September 2022.
The scheme will also be extended to 31st March 2023 and there is an option to extend further to 31st July 2023 if required. From 1st March onwards the level of relief will rise to 50% from 40% previously. EU State aid approval will be sought for the proposed changes to the Scheme.
We are also exploring options for providing assistance to businesses who rely on oil and LPG as their energy source and will revert to Government further on options.
In terms of access to finance, my Department will continue to support businesses who experience difficulty in accessing mainstream credit through discrete schemes such as Microfinance Ireland, the recently launched Ukraine Credit Guarantee Scheme and the various SBCI loan schemes still extant.
162. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the degree to which the future for Irish manufacturing and services sectors remains positive or is likely to come under threat from any particular area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9454/23]
View answerThe Irish manufacturing and services sectors have performed strongly and have successfully weathered a number of shocks in recent years including Brexit, COVID-19, and the disruption caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. According to the latest Central Statistics Office’s data, employment levels reached 2.55 million in Q3 2022. We now have more people employed in our country than ever before, while the monthly unemployment rate stands at just 4.4%. Irish exports also continue to perform well with goods exports increasing 19.3% in the first three quarters of 2022 compared to the first three quarters of 2021 while services exports increased 10.2% over the same period.
Building on this strong performance and improving Ireland’s competitiveness position is a key economic priority for Government. As a small, open economy, Ireland is particularly vulnerable to external shocks. Consequently, we continuously strive for improvement, so that we remain a highly competitive economy.
As part of Project Ireland 2040, the National Development Plan sets out the Government’s over-arching investment strategy and budget for the period 2021-2030. It is an ambitious plan with significant public investment across all sectors and regions of Ireland which will improve our resilience to future economic shocks.
As part of the National Development Plan, the Government has committed to an investment package of €165 billion over the years 2021-2030. In Budget 2023, the Government provided €12.4 billion for capital spending on vital infrastructure which will help reduce supply-side bottlenecks and boost the productive capacity of the economy. This will see continued growth in investment across housing, health, and transport, as well as a major step-up in climate related investment.
The recently published White Paper on Enterprise recognises in particular two major global transformations that are currently underway: the move towards a climate-neutral society by 2050, with net-zero greenhouse gas emissions; and the digitalisation of the economy. Government will work to support businesses in the manufacturing and services sector in reducing their reliance on fossil fuels and improve their energy efficiency in the coming years through a range of initiatives, including grants and loans. While the transition to a net zero economy will not be easy, it also presents incredible opportunities for Ireland, specifically in the area of renewable energy production. Policy will also ensure Ireland is at the forefront of the digital manufacturing, managing and coordinating resources to deliver on the aspiration of the 2020 Industry 4.0 Strategy to become a world leading hub at the frontier of Advanced Manufacturing.
The changing global environment requires a flexible, agile approach, and our FDI policy will evolve to take advantage of the new opportunities this transformation will bring, whilst also providing continuity as an investment destination. We will ensure our domestic manufacturing and services sectors are supported in terms of resiliency and opportunity to grow and scale. We will focus our efforts on developing an integrated system wide approach to create an ecosystem that accelerates start-up growth and scaling, that includes access to finance; investments in R&D and innovation; access to skills; and an appropriate regulatory environment as well as a tax system that encourages investment in start-ups and scaling.
The steps taken by the Government in recent months along with the measures outlined in the Government’s National Development Plan and White Paper on Enterprise 2022-2030 means we can be optimistic about maintaining and improving the competitiveness of the Irish economy in the long term.
164. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when his Department will provide clarity to the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland and affected defective concrete block homeowners on the level of SEAI grant funding and the criteria for accessing that funding that will be available in conjunction with the defective concrete block grant scheme and the forthcoming enhanced scheme to ensure an energy-efficient and environmentally friendly home, in line with modern building regulations. [9409/23]
View answerFollowing the Government decision of the 30 November 2021 to significantly enhance the defective concrete blocks grant scheme, the Government approved the Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks Bill 2022 on 21 June, 2022. The Bill passed through both Houses of the Oireachtas and was subsequently signed into law by the President on the 23 July, 2022. The Act provides “for the payment of grants for the remediation of certain dwellings damaged by the use of defective concrete blocks in their construction”.
The FAQ on the Enhanced Grant scheme published in October 2022 states that “Work is underway with SEAI to ensure as seamless as possible entry for DCB homeowners to existing SEAI grant schemes.”
In this regard, officials from my Department have been working with the SEAI, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the Housing Agency and relevant local authorities to share understanding on the evolving DCB scheme and SEAI schemes and to explore how DCB Scheme homeowners could also receive the SEAI supports they are entitled to in a seamless manner.
Work is ongoing between these bodies to ensure that appropriate SEAI grants can be optimally blended with the DCB scheme in a manner which ensures affected homeowners have a positive customer journey and the appropriate governance and control procedures are in place. It is anticipated that proposals resulting from this process will be submitted to Government shortly.
165. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications how the 2009 special dividend from ESB worth €176 million, following windfall profit due to the sale of generating plan to a company (details supplied), was allocated to different large energy users; if all LEUs benefitted equally; if some LEUs benefitted more than others; and if he will outline the value of the highest benefit, lowest benefit, average benefit, and median benefit that was received by a large energy user, in tabular form. [9296/23]
View answerThe information requested is being compiled and will be forwarded directly to the Deputy.
The Deputy may wish to note that CRU provides a dedicated email address for Oireachtas members, which enables them to raise questions to CRU at oireachtas@cru.ie for timely direct reply.
166. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the Clean Export Premium feed in tariff Euro rate per/kWh that residential and domestic solar microgeneration customers may anticipate getting when they sell surplus residential solar microgeneration electricity back to the national grid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9297/23]
View answerOn the 15 February 2022 I signed the Regulations that create an obligation on suppliers to offer the Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) tariff to new and existing micro generators so that they will receive payment for excess renewable electricity they export to the grid, reflective of the market value.
The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) published a decision on an interim enabling framework for the CEG which outlines the arrangements such as eligibility criteria and remuneration methodology. Key aspects for eligibility include having an export grid connection, a smart meter and being a renewables self-consumer. Full details are available on, www.CRU.ie and the CRU encourages customers to contact their supplier to obtain information on their suppliers' CEG tariff arrangements.
Suppliers have published a range of CEG tariffs from €13.5c/kWh up to €21c/kWh which allows customers to shop around and switch suppliers to obtain the best rates for selling and purchasing electricity.
The Clean Export Premium (CEP) feed-in tariff, is a mechanism as part of the Government's Microgeneration Support Scheme (MSS), designed to support non-domestic microgeneration installation sizes greater than 6kWp up to 50kWp. The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) will consult on an implementation plan for the CEP tariff later in 2023.
167. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide an update on the roll-out of the National Broadband Plan in an area (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9312/23]
View answerThe Questions refer to a premises located in the AMBER area on the National Broadband Plan (NBP) High Speed Broadband Map which is available on my Department's website www.broadband.gov.ie. The AMBER area represents the area to be served by the network to be deployed under the NBP State led intervention.
Further details are available on specific areas within County Cork through the NBI website which provides a facility for any premises within the intervention area to register their interest in being provided with deployment updates through its website www.nbi.ie. Individuals who register with this facility will receive regular updates on progress by NBI on delivering the network and specific updates related to their own premises as works commence. NBI has a dedicated email address, reps@nbi.ie, which can be used by Oireachtas members for specific queries.
I am advised by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) that, as of 10th February 2023, over 125,800 premises can order or pre-order a high-speed broadband connection across 26 counties, with over 118,000 premises passed across 26 counties and available for immediate connection. NBI has advised that 15,788 premises in County Cork are passed with a high-speed fibre broadband network and available for immediate connection.
The network roll-out for the NBP is divided into 227 Deployment Areas (DAs) across the country. These are typically an area of approximately 25km in radius and in total they cover 96% of Ireland’s landmass. The architecture of the network design is specifically based on the design of the NBI network coming from the Eir exchanges or the metropolitan area networks (MANs). It is based on an engineering design that allows NBI to reach every premises as quickly as possible working within the confines of how fibre networks are built. Villages, townlands and counties may be covered by a number of DAs which means there are differing timescales for the roll-out across county areas.
Each DA creates a ‘fibre ring’ which is essential to ensure reliability, robustness and resilience. Critical to the success of the network, NBI’s fibre rings are built with back-ups, ensuring that in the event of one fibre cable being disrupted, the whole network continues to perform, protecting customer experience. Each fibre ring that NBI deploys is designed in a way that is non-discriminatory, meaning that as the roll-out progresses, it may pass relatively urban areas at the same time as passing some of the most remote premises within the intervention area. The design utilises existing infrastructure to a very significant degree.
The NBP network build that started in 2020 is scheduled to be completed by 2026. NBI advise that the premises referred to in the question is at a status of Survey Complete.
Surveys are needed to establish the condition of existing poles and ducts, to ascertain whether repairs are needed. NBI’s contractors walk the fibre route to inspect infrastructure and gather detailed information on local conditions and this work is on-going. Further steps are then required prior to fibre build and connections including:
- Survey results fed back to NBI’s design teams who then develop detailed designs for each of the 227 Deployment Areas for submission to the Department for “Approval to Proceed” with fibre build;
- Repair/activities (“Make Ready”) carried out to ensure existing infrastructure is sufficiently prepared to pass the premises with fibre;
- Installation of and connection to electronic equipment in each Local Exchange building;
- Laying of the physical fibre along the poles and ducts;
- Fibre build quality checks, network testing and handover within NBI;
- Upload of specific fibre build details by premises to computer systems within NBI, enabling retail service providers to make connection orders visible on their respective systems which in turn allows premises’ owners to place orders.
- On completion of network build works customers can then place an order and request a connection to be scheduled with the retail service provider of choice.
NBI have created a portal that will serve as a means for Oireachtas members to proactively search for information relevant to their county/local area. The portal provides an up-to-date picture of NBI’s deployment schedule across the 227 Deployment Areas (DAs) in all 26 counties. A particular county can be selected to view an update of the overall number of premises in the Intervention Area, the overall NBP investment in the county, the number of premises passed and connected to date and the status of each of the Deployment Areas with the anticipated date for connection over the lifetime of the project. The dedicated webpage can be accessed here: nbi.ie/reps
Strategic Connection Points (SCPs) are a key element of the NBP providing high-speed broadband in every county in advance of the roll out of the fibre to the home network. As of 10th February 2023, 864 SCP sites (282 Broadband Connection Points, which are publicly accessible sites, and 582 schools) have been installed and the high-speed broadband service will be switched on in these locations through service provider contracts managed by the Department of Rural and Community Development for publicly accessible sites and the Department of Education for school BCPs. In County Cork 24 BCPs have been installed. Further details can be found at nbi.ie/bcp-map/.
In County Cork 85 schools have been installed to date for educational access. My Department continues to work with the Department of Education to prioritise schools with no high-speed broadband, within the Intervention Area. Further details of schools in scope are available on the NBI website at nbi.ie/primary-schools-list/.
168. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if a physical reading is required for a smart meter, along with an automated one; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9373/23]
View answerThe National Smart Metering Programme is overseen by the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities (CRU) and ESB Networks (ESBN) have been tasked with the delivery of the roll out programme, which involves upgrading all of Ireland’s electricity meters to smart meters. To date over 1 million smart meters have been installed out of a total of 2.4 million to be replaced by the end of 2024.
Once a smart meter has connected to ESBN’s secure communications network, it will then send automatic readings, which means a physical reading is not required. The meter readings collected will be shared with the customers supply company to allow them to prepare an accurate bill. Moreover, only the level of data required to prepare a bill, in accordance with the type of tariff a customer has, will be shared with the customer's supply company.
It is important to note that there may still be occasions when remote meter readings are not able to be captured, which could result in an estimated bill. In a small number of cases the meter may not connect to the secure communications network because the meter may be in an area of low connectivity or there may be a physical obstruction in the way.
If a remote connection cannot be obtained, a customer can still avail of the standard time-of-use tariff through their electricity supply company. However, this will require a meter reader to visit the premises as is the case currently.
169. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the assistance available from his Department or agencies funded by his Department to assist organisations or companies involved in waste diversion projects to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill and increase the amount of reuse and recycling of all types of material that both domestic and commercial business are disposing of; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9377/23]
View answerThe Programme for Government, Our Shared Future, and the Waste Action Plan 2020-2025, A Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy (September 2020) commit to a range of actions to support Ireland's transition to a circular economy, including the publication of a Whole of Government Circular Economy Strategy (December 2021). The EPA’s Circular Economy programme, launched in December 2021 and funded by my Department, supports the implementation of the Strategy. A key theme of these policies and projects is the diversion of materials away from waste streams and into re-use.
The Circular Economy Innovation Grant Scheme (CEIGS), administered by my Department, directly supports the growth of the circular economy in Ireland via a competitive funding process. In 2021, 10 projects were initially selected to benefit from a total funding pot of €490,000. Ultimately 2 of those projects could not be proceeded with, and no public expenditure was incurred in relation to either.
A second CEIGS funding call was launched in 2022, with total available funding set at €650,000. The 2022 funding call closed in December and the applications received are currently being evaluated.
The Circular Economy Strategy further commits to increasing per annum funding under the CEIGS to €1million by 2024.
Separately, funding of just under €1.5m has been committed to the circular manufacturing platform Circuléire in 2023. Circuléire is a supported network of manufacturers, dedicated to the development of large-scale systems-level innovation and demonstration projects, designed to foster and enhance circular economy knowledge, capacity building and implementation by Irish industry.
The second iteration of the Whole-of-Government Circular Economy Strategy is to be published by the end of this year, and I intend to consider additional funding opportunities for circular activities as part of the Strategy's preparation.
170. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the current number of live studies, reviews and research undertaken or commissioned by him; and the date by which each study, review and research is scheduled to be completed, in tabular form. [9388/23]
View answerMy Department administers a diverse, complex and technical brief across critical and strategic sectors of the Irish economy.
Studies, reviews and research are currently being undertaken by my Department which contribute to project delivery and informed, robust and evidence-based policy making. Details of these are set out in the table below.
|
Details of study/review/research project |
Expected date of completion |
|
Review of 2018 International Expert Commission’s Report on the North South Interconnector |
Q1 2023 |
|
Institute of Public Administration - Review of Internal DECC Corporate Governance Oversight Structures |
Q1 2023 |
|
Amárach - An independent, nationally-representative fortnightly tracker to assess energy use habits and related sentiment. |
Ongoing |
|
EPA - Comparative study of Ireland and other comparable EU Member States in implementing environmental levies to effect behaviour change in waste management |
April 2023 |
|
Circuléire - Roadmap and development plan for the delivery of a National Centre of Excellence for Circular Innovation |
July 2023 |
|
DPER co-study - Sustainable Development Goals and informing the Budgetary Process |
Q4 2023 |
|
PwC – Economic consultancy to inform recommendations on a new subsea telecommunications cable levy framework |
February 2023 |
|
ESRI - A cross-country analysis of broadband penetration and carbon emissions per unit of Gross Domestic Product |
April 2023 |
|
ESRI - Mobile coverage –Does higher measured coverage quality at a consumer’s residence translate into consumer satisfaction with coverage quality? |
August 2023 |
|
ESRI - Sustainability practices in Irish firms – and the telecoms sector in Ireland |
September 2023 |
|
ESRI Pricing Research – Mobile/Broadband |
September 2023 |
|
ESRI - Cybersecurity Research on Enterprises ICT 2022 data |
December 2023 |
|
SEAI - An independent, longitudinal behavioural assessment of energy to enhance data-led communications and policy |
December 2023 |
|
ESRI - What groups benefit from recent and planned enhancements to mobile coverage and high-speed broadband services? |
Q4 2024 |
|
ESRI - Are ‘working from home’ or commuting patterns influenced by high-speed broadband availability – examine Census 2022 (POWSCAR data) – compare with 2016 data |
Q4 2024 |
|
Land use review led by cross-Departmental team The land use review will be delivered in two-phases: Phase 1 the ‘Evidence Gathering’ for the Land-use Review Phase 2 ‘Land-use Strategy’ will build on the evidence from Phase 1 and will consider policies, measures and actions in the context of the Government’s wider economic, social and climate objectives. |
Phase 1 Complete Phase 2 – June 2024 |
|
EnvEcon AP Limited - Consultancy to support work of the Climate Action Modelling Group (CAMG) |
Ongoing |
|
University College Dublin (Energy Institute) - Consultancy to support work of the Climate Action Modelling Group (CAMG) |
June 2023 |
|
University College Cork (MaREI Institute) - Consultancy to support work of the Climate Action Modelling Group (CAMG). |
Ongoing |
171. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will request ComReg, while recognising it's statutory independence, to provide further clarity in relation to the licence coverage conditions applying to the specific locations in the multi-band-spectrum-award; if the licences require any coverage within and throughout the buildings at these locations; if so, the timeframe for provision of same at each location; the specific testing regime it might use to assure performance and compliance at, within, or throughout these buildings given the likely number of simultaneous users; and if he will make whatever response ComReg might provide available to the Houses of the Oireachtas and the public. [9414/23]
View answerI have no role or function in the matter raised in the Question.
Spectrum management and the oversight of spectrum licensing conditions is a statutory function of the Commission for Communication Regulation (ComReg) in accordance with the Communications Regulation Act, 2002 and the broader telecoms legislative framework, including the Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1926.
ComReg is statutorily independent in the exercise of its functions in accordance with Section 11 of the Communications Regulation Act, 2002 and is directly accountable for the performance of its functions to Committees of the Oireachtas in accordance with Section 34(2) of the same Act.
172. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will publish the instructions and environmental and biodiversity-impact requirements his Department has issued in the matter of certain storage facilities (details supplied) planned in the State; the regulator he has appointed; the stated regulations that will oversee and guide the operation of any such facilities; if he is satisfied that any such facility can guarantee operation at a standard that will not adversely affect biodiversity; if he will publish the advices on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9425/23]
View answerElectricity storage, including large-scale Lithium-ion Battery Energy Storage Systems (Li-BESS), is critical in providing flexibility to the Irish electricity system by helping to increase the volume of renewable electricity on the grid. Electricity storage will also support Ireland’s legally binding decarbonisation objectives as set out in the latest iteration of the Climate Action Plan. It can also provide a wide range of other benefits, including wholesale energy price reductions and security of supply.
In that context, my Department has committed to developing an electricity storage policy with a policy framework due for publication in Q3 2023. In combination, the CRU will be reviewing the regulatory treatment of storage, including licensing, charging and market incentives which is to be completed by the end of 2023.
Planning policy and related guidelines are a matter for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage in the first instance, and not one in which my Department would have any direct function. An Bord Pleanála and planning authorities assess individual battery storage project planning applications with recourse to all relevant policy documentation, including regional spatial and economic strategies and development plans (which must be consistent with the National Planning Framework). Principal assessment criteria, in addition to compliance with national, regional and local policies, will depend on the specific storage project under review and the proposed location, but considerations include: the most efficient use of land and infrastructure; the visual impacts of storage units; fire safety standards; and potential environmental/ecological risks posed by storage projects in proposed locations.
173. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Transport if he has discussed maintaining regular Cork to Bristol flights with airlines given the strong connections between the two regions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9568/23]
View answer176. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport if he has engaged with airlines regarding the reinstatement of the Cork to Bristol route. [9346/23]
View answer177. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to a petition calling for the reinstatement of the Cork to Bristol route. [9347/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 173, 176 and 177 together.
I am aware of the petition seeking the reinstatement of a Cork to Bristol scheduled air service.
The operation of any scheduled air service is a commercial decision for airlines, in consultation with airports and other market actors, based on the commercial viability of the route in question and other operational factors. I do not have a role in such decisions.
174. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if a Bus Éireann route (details supplied) can be reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9279/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for decisions in relation to the routes of those services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
In light of the Authority's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question in relation to Bus Éireann route 314, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
