Written Answers Nos. 170-192
172. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will address an issue in relation to the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997 (details supplied). [6552/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn amendment to expand the definition of "leave year" under the Organisation of Time Act 1997, to take account of other 12 month periods and provide clarity around the taking of annual leave, is under consideration. Such a proposal will require the amendment of primary legislation.
In contrast, the recent introduction of new public holidays was done via regulations and was a more straightforward process.
In relation to employment rights legislation, Government are currently prioritising the introduction of five new rights for workers. These are:
- Statutory Sick Leave,
- The Right to request remote work,
- A new public holiday,
- New rights around redundancy for people laid off during the pandemic,
- Better protection of workplace tips.
173. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if foreign nationals who are applying for work permits for Ireland for the purpose of coming to Ireland to work as a truck driver can be permitted to do so once they have undertaken an apprenticeship that qualifies them for this work rather than having to hold a third-level degree in the same area (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6585/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe State's employment permit system is designed to supplement Ireland's skills and labour supply over the short to medium term by allowing enterprises to recruit nationals from outside the EEA, where such skills or expertise cannot be sourced from within the EEA at that time.
The system is, by design, vacancy led and managed through the operation of the occupation lists: the critical skills list in respect of skills that are in critical shortage in the labour market and the ineligible occupations lists for which a ready source of labour is available from within Ireland and the EEA.
Non-EEA nationals who are holders of valid mutually recognised CE/C1E licences wishing to take up employment in the State as HGV Drivers are eligible to apply for the General Employment Permit without the limitation of a quota. A degree is not required.
At present four countries are covered by mutual recognition agreements for CE/C1E licences – South Africa, Australia, Japan and South Korea.
In accordance with Employment Permit legislation, the requirements for the General Employment Permit are a minimum remuneration threshold of €30,000 and that a Labour Market Needs Test be carried out. Details of the complete set of requirements for an application are set out on my Department’s website.
174. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of IDA supported jobs by county in each of the years 2010 to 2021, in tabular form. [6595/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraRegional development is at the centre of IDA’s strategy to 2024. The strategy includes a target that half of all investments (400) from 2021- 2024 will be in regional locations. Its results for 2021 showed that 133 out of 249 – or 53% - of investments went to counties other than Dublin.
The table below shows the number of IDA supported jobs by county in each of the years 2010 to 2021.
175. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of Enterprise Ireland supported jobs by county in each of the years 2010 to 2021, in tabular form. [6596/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe number of Enterprise Ireland supported jobs by county in each of the years 2010 to 2021 is set out in tabular form below.
In 2021, there were 20,342 new jobs created by companies supported by Enterprise Ireland, resulting in a net job increase of 11,911 when job losses are taken into account. Total employment by companies supported by Enterprise Ireland in 2021 was 207,894.
It is important to note, that in line with Enterprise Ireland’s new strategy, a revision of the population of companies included in the Annual Employment Survey was undertaken, including companies recently acquired or those whose strategy or need to engage with Enterprise Ireland had changed. As a result, the changes to the baseline survey population reduced the total employment in Enterprise Ireland client companies and is reflected in the table below.
176. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on whether employers have a duty of care to those returning to work in offices to ensure a tracking and tracing system is in place in order that those working in the office can be notified of Covid-19 outbreaks in their workplace; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6613/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Transitional Protocol: Good Practice Guidance for Continuing to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19, a revision of the Work Safely Protocol was published on 31st January. This publication reflects the lessons learned to date, including the most recent public health advice, and is the current guidance for the safe return and continued safe operating of workplaces.
It places a greater emphasis on guidance and best practice to support the safe return to the physical workplace. There is, of course, no impediment to employers, in consultation with their workers, maintaining some of the precautionary practices that were previously provided for in the Work Safely Protocol.
The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 imposes a statutory duty on employers to ensure the health, safety and welfare of their staff. This duty relates to staff transitioning back to the office. All existing core occupational safety and health legislative provisions remain in place.
The Transitional Protocol provides both employers and workers with the necessary advice and guidance to ensure that appropriate infection prevention and control (IPC) measures, and other measures, are put in places to facilitate the safe return of workers to the physical workplace in the context of mitigating against the spread of COVID-19.
While there is no specific requirement to maintain a contact log with details of workers and visitors to a workplace, in the context of COVID-19, in the Transitional Protocol, such details may still be recorded for other reasons such as security or fire safety. Also, employers might be asked to provide appropriate attendance information in the event that the local Department of Public Health has to investigate an outbreak of COVID-19.
As COVID-19 continues to pose a risk to public health it remains important that everyone continues to play their part in limiting potential transmission. Anyone showing symptoms of COVID-19, or testing positive, should follow all public health advice regarding self-isolation, restricting movement, testing and what to do if identified as a close contact. They should cooperate with Public Health personnel, and their employer, for contact tracing purposes and follow any public health advice given in the event of a case or outbreak in their workplace. Persons in charge of a workplace should continue to have in place a case manager/designated contact person for dealing with suspected cases of COVID-19 and co-operate fully with the local Department of Public Health in relation to contact tracing.
The need for pro-active and positive collaboration between employers and workers, and their representatives, continues to be an important and fundamental requirement in the ongoing efforts to protect all members of society against COVID-19.
177. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he considered developing sustainable transport plans for IDA business parks or explored the potential for park and ride systems in Fermoy, County Cork to shuttle persons to IDA parks in Cork. [6622/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs part of the current IDA Strategy, Driving Recovery & Sustainable Growth 2021 – 2024, the Agency has set out clear objectives in respect of sustainability, which include promoting and enhancing sustainable growth across all areas of job creation, innovation, living standards, regional development and the environment. I understand that the objectives of this strategy are aligned to, consistent with and contribute towards national and international policies on environmental sustainability.
IDA Ireland has delivered, and continues to assess the potential for, sustainability enhancements across IDA’s Business and Technology Parks nationally, building on successful initiatives to date which include simple yet impactful steps such as the installation of more efficient public lighting and an enhanced focus on sustainable modes of transport such as public transport links to business parks.
IDA Ireland continues to work with stakeholders to promote opportunities to support sustainable modes of transport where possible into its network of business parks.
178. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide an update on a work permit application (details supplied). [6634/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Employment Permits Section of my Department inform me that a Critical Skills Employment Permit application was received for the application concerned (details supplied) on 22 December 2021.
Applications for employment permits are dealt with in date order. The Employment Permits Section of my Department are currently processing Trusted Partner applications received on 15 October 2021.
Applicants can keep track of Employment Permit applications current processing dates at enterprise.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Workplace-and-Skills/Employment-Permits/Current-Application-Processing-Dates/Current-Processing-Dates-for-Employment-Permits.html .
The Employment Permits processing times are updated on a weekly basis at the following link:
enterprise.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Workplace-and-Skills/Employment-Permits/Current-Application-Processing-Dates/
There is also an Online Status Update Enquiry - where details on a particular application can be found:
enterprise.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Workplace-and-Skills/Employment-Permits/Employment-Permit-Status-Form/
179. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide an update on a work permit application for a person (details supplied) which was submitted on 29 September 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6730/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn order to work in Ireland a non-EEA National, unless they are exempted, must hold a valid Employment Permit. All applications for employment permits are processed in line with the Employment Permits Acts and associated Regulations which lay down in legislation the criteria in relation to the application, grant and refusal of an employment permit.
The Employment Permits Section of my Department inform me that, on 30th September 2021, a Critical Skills Employment Permit application was received in respect of the named individual. On 2nd February 2022 the application was refused. The reason for the refusal was that the named individual does not possess a third level degree relevant to the employment concerned which is a requirement for the Critical Skills Employment Permit.
The applicant was informed of this decision on 2nd February 2022 and of their right to request a review of the decision within 28 days from the date of the refusal letter that issued. To date no request for a review has been received.
However, this does not preclude the applicant from submitting another application for a new employment permit. Such an application should comply with all of the legislative requirements for the particular employment permit type.
180. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the funding that is available for salmon anglers (details supplied) along the River Liffey; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6669/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraInland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) operates a Salmon and Seatrout Habitat Rehabilitation Fund which is open to applications from Angling Groups.Management of the fund is an operational matter for IFI - I and my Department have no role in this matter. IFI has established a specific email address for queries from Oireachtas members so that queries can be addressed promptly, in line with IFI's objective to delivery services to the highest standards. The email address is oireachtas@fisheriesireland.ie
181. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number recorded on the salmon counter at Islandbridge on the River Liffey in 2001, 2006, 2011, 2016 and 2021, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6670/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe management of the Salmon Fish Counter at Islandbridge on the River Liffey is an operational matter for Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) - I and my Department have no role in this matter. IFI has established a specific email address for queries from Oireachtas members so that queries can be addressed promptly, in line with IFI's objective to delivery services to the highest standards. The email address is oireachtas@fisheriesireland.ie
182. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his plans to ensure that clearing land is affordable to landowners and farmers in view of the ban on farmers burning overgrown land and gorse bushes; if he plans to review the decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5834/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra190. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the reason licences in County Tipperary have been revoked for the burning of bushes and rushes and instead those holding licences and farmers are being informed that they have to shred such matter thus incurring considerable cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5945/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra204. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he sought a derogation with regard to the burning of agricultural waste in 2022; if so, the result of such a request; when the result of the request was communicated to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6660/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 182, 190 and 204 together. I propose to take questions 182, 190 and 204 together
Under the Waste Management (Prohibition of Waste Disposal by Burning) Regulations 2009, the burning of household, garden, commercial or industrial waste is not permitted.
Previously, an exemption under the legislation had been provided for the burning of green waste generated by agricultural purposes. The burning of green waste is a matter of concern and leads to localised air pollution. More broadly, health problems associated with air pollution are widely known and acknowledged.
The sunset clause in the Regulations, whereby the granting of exemptions would come to a definite end at a specified time, has been extended on four different occasions in the past. It was not envisaged that the exemption would continue indefinitely. The most recent exemption, under the legislation, expired on the 1st January, 2022.
I will introduce regulations to extend the exemption until 1st January 2023 in the coming days. I anticipate this will be the final extension. Discussions between officials from the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine will commence – to examine alternative options to the practice of burning of this waste.
183. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the reason a person (details supplied) was refused the SEAI grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5858/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraApplications under SEAI schemes are an operational matter for the SEAI. As Minister, I have no function with regard to individual grant applications. However, my officials have made contact with SEAI in relation to the case referred to by the Deputy. I have been informed by the SEAI that additional information in relation to the case is referred to in the details provided by the Deputy and the SEAI will be in contact with the applicant shortly with a view to obtaining relevant records and resolving the matter.
184. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the criteria for the PV grant as part of the SEAI scheme is due to change in order that houses built up to 2020 will be eligible; if so, when this change will come into effect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5860/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 21st December 2021, the Government approved the final design of the Micro-generation Support Scheme (MSS). This scheme will see supports for new installations, including solar PV, in the form of a capital grant for domestic and small non-domestic applicants, or a premium export tariff for larger non-domestic applicants. The MSS will be introduced on a phased basis this year. The first phase of the introduction of the MSS will see the transition of the existing Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) solar PV grant scheme to the MSS in Q1 2022. This means that, under the MSS, domestic applicants will continue to be able to apply to the SEAI for a grant towards the cost of installing solar PV equipment. In 2022, the grants will be at the same level per kW as the current SEAI solar PV grant scheme (maximum €2,400). However, under the MSS there will be no minimum post-works BER requirement and homes built pre-2021 will be eligible. These changes to the eligibility requirements for access to grant supports for domestic solar PV installations under the MSS will take effect in the coming weeks.
185. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the reason Inland Fisheries Ireland has a national policy of releasing alive all non-native pike 85cm in length caught in gill nets during stock management operations on Lough Corrib SAC, County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5865/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised that Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) published its Pike Policy as the output of a group of internal and external experts formed by IFI. The group reviewed existing policy and consulted broadly with a range of stakeholder groups. Recommendations arising were aimed at protection of the species, while also protecting the broader aquatic resource. The implementation of the recommendations are an operational matter for IFI. I and my Department have no role in this matter. IFI has established a specific email address for queries from Oireachtas members so that queries can be addressed promptly, in line with IFI's objective to delivery services to the highest standards. The email address is oireachtas@fisheriesireland.ie
186. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when a property (details supplied) will be assigned an eircode; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5886/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraCapita Business Support Services Ireland, trading as Eircode, assigns Eircodes to new property addresses using a valid postal address and verified geo-locations. An Post collects information on all new and existing buildings, as well as changes to existing addresses and Ordnance Survey Ireland provides the geo-locations for these buildings. An Post GeoDirectory, a subsidiary company of An Post and Ordnance Survey Ireland, issue a new release of the GeoDirectory database file on a quarterly basis to Eircode in accordance with their licence agreement. Each new postal address assigned an Eircode is published on the free to use Eircode Finder website, a notification letter is issued to the property occupant containing the Eircode of that address and an updated Eircode Database is provided to licenced businesses for their use. Eircode have informed my officials that over 160,000 property addresses have been assigned an Eircode since the launch in 2015. An Post have informed my officials that the individual's address data has been recorded in the latest An Post database which An Post GeoDirectory release to Eircode on a quarterly basis. My officials have requested Eircode to contact and liaise directly with the individual in question regarding the assignment of an Eircode for this new property address.
Early assignment of Eircodes is contingent on An Post facilitating the increased frequency of new and changed addresses into the GeoDirectory database from quarterly to monthly issued through their subsidiary company An Post GeoDirectory. My officials are working with An Post, An Post GeoDirectory and Eircode to expedite the process of assigning Eircodes to monthly releases from An Post of properties with postal addresses and geo-locations.
187. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if a premises (details supplied) in County Kerry will be included in the National Broadband Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5910/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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. 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 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 make sure that companies are delivering services in line with their licence obligations.
188. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the position regarding applications for the Climate Action Fund for large-scale projects of between €1 million and €1.5 million; when applications will be open for businesses in 2022; if the criteria for the scheme have been finalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5928/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt least €500 million will be available from the Climate Action Fund over the period to 2027 to support projects, initiatives and research that contribute to the achievement of Ireland’s climate and energy targets and goals. In addition, the Government will make major investments through substantial other funding, set out in the National Development Plan.
To date, just over €140 million has been committed from the Climate Action Fund for a range of projects, including in relation to district heating, EV infrastructure, creative climate action, co-financing for EU LIFE projects, and a Community Climate Action Programme. Through the Community Climate Action Programme, announced in November 2021, €60 million will be invested in community climate action projects and initiatives, as well as capacity building, over the next three years.
As a next step, an open call will be developed for launch in 2022 aimed at providing funding for further projects aligned with the direction of travel of the Government's Climate Action Plan 2021. Work on the development of this call will commence shortly. Details on the scope of the call and eligibility criteria will be available on my Department's website in due course.
189. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of plans to roll-out the SEAI LEAF programme for sustainable energy communities. [5943/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Sustainable Energy Communities (SEC) Programme is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) on behalf of my Department. The Programme supports the low carbon energy transition by developing skills and capacity, at a community level, in determining how to use less energy, adopting lower carbon options for transport and heating, shifting energy use to off-peak times or investing in smart technologies. In 2021, SEAI and nine local authorities co-funded €700,000 in support to 44 communities to undertake energy master plans. These plans allow a community to assess and understand it’s current and future energy needs (in electricity, heat and transport) in order for the community to make informed decisions and prioritise actions. It helps communities to identify opportunities so they can become more energy efficient, use renewable energy where possible, and use smart energy technology if appropriate.
SECs will continue to be supported by Government to expand their roles as ‘activators’ in their community. There are currently over 600 SECs in the SEC Network with a target to grow this number to 1,500 by 2030.
Based on feedback from the network of SECs, and in order to facilitate more local sustainable energy activation, my Department and the SEAI are also working to finalise a Local Energy Activation Fund in the first half of 2022.
191. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the amount of public funds that have been used on the National Broadband Plan; if that is in keeping with what was originally meant to be spent at this stage of the rollout.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5983/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe maximum possible cost to the taxpayer, for the completion of the NBP high speed broadband network under a contract with National Broadband Ireland (NBI), is capped at €2.7 billion over 25 years. This figure includes €480 million for contingency costs, which are only allowed under specific circumstances.The Contract requires NBI to deliver to specific key delivery milestones before subsidy claims can be submitted. NBI is only entitled to draw down subsidy payments once these milestones are fully achieved and independently verified.Progress on the rollout of the NBP high speed broadband network has been slower than expected. This is largely due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic but there have also been complexities as a result of utilising existing networks. Any delays by NBI in meeting target milestones results in the subsidy payments being withheld by the Department until the target milestones are met. Since progress is slower than expected, the level of payments to NBI is correspondingly lower than originally planned. My Department closely monitors progress towards these milestones through a comprehensive governance framework. The cost of subsidy payments made to NBI since 2020 is €177.46 million.
192. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the National Broadband Plan is on schedule; and the estimated completion date (details supplied).; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5984/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Broadband Plan (NBP) State led Intervention will be delivered by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) under a contract to roll out a high speed and future proofed broadband network within the Intervention Area which covers 1.1 million people living and working in the over 554,000 premises, including almost 100,000 businesses and farms along with some 679 schools. The NBP roll out is currently a 7 year plan under the contract and deployment is due to be complete by the end of 2026. Despite the unprecedented challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic, National Broadband Ireland has made steady progress on delivery of the new high speed fibre broadband network under the National Broadband Plan. I am advised by NBI that, as of 31 January, almost 296,000 premises have been surveyed or have survey underway, with over 154,000 premises constructed or under construction across all counties. NBI has also advised that premises are connected in 16 counties; Carlow, Cavan, Clare, Cork, Galway, Kerry, Kildare, Laois, Limerick, Louth, Monaghan, Roscommon, Sligo, Tipperary, Wexford and Wicklow and over 54,500 premises are available to order and pre-order across 21 counties.
Further details are available on specific areas 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.
In addition to the challenges to the delivery of the NBP due to the Covid-19 pandemic, NBI has faced a range of other challenges due to the sheer scale and complexity of rolling out fibre to the home in a rural environment. These include significant tree trimming to ensure cable can be placed on overhead poles, remediation of ducting that has been in place for many decades, the co-ordination of hundreds of contracting crews and addressing the many issues arising week on week which could not have been foreseen until the build crews commenced work on the ground. My Department has worked closely with NBI to put in place a remedial plan under the Contract. This plan addresses delays experienced by NBI, primarily arising as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, and re-baselines milestones for 2021. Work is underway to re-baseline milestones for 2022 and beyond. This has resulted in some changes to timeframes for connection for end users.
NBI has implemented a number of measures to help lessen the impact that these challenges have had on the rollout including:-
- Increasing the rate of pole replacement and duct remediation per month;
- Bringing in additional NBI resources;
- Earlier procurement of material used in the build stages; and
- Bringing in additional subcontractors
It remains the ambition of the Government to rollout the National Broadband Plan as quickly as possible. My Department continues to engage with NBI to explore the feasibility of accelerating aspects of the NBP rollout to establish the possibility of bringing forward premises which are currently scheduled in years 6 and 7 of the current plan to an earlier date. However, the primary focus must be on addressing the delays which have arisen and ensuring that the National Broadband Ireland build programme gets back on track and is building momentum month on month.
