Michael Healy-Rae
Question:69. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a foreign birth register application (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26556/24]
View answerForeign Birth Registration
Questions (69)
Written answers
My Department is responsible for processing Foreign Birth Registration (FBR) applications for people who are born abroad and claim Irish citizenship through a grandparent born in Ireland or through a parent who has claimed citizenship also through FBR, Naturalisation or Post Nuptial Citizenship.
FBR applications are currently being processed within the normal turnaround time of 9 months from receipt of supporting documents. Applications which require further supporting documents will take longer to process.
Foreign Birth Registration, by its nature, is a detailed and complex process, often involving official documentation relating to three generations and issued by several jurisdictions. Such documents take considerable time to validate.
The Passport Service Customer Service Hub has dedicated agents to deal with Foreign Birth Registration application queries. The contact number for urgent Foreign Birth Registration queries is +353 1 568 3331. This number is also available on the Department's website.
With regard to the specific FBR application about which the Deputy has enquired, documents remain outstanding for this application. A member of the FBR team contacted the applicant in 12 June 2024 to clarify the outstanding documents required. The application cannot proceed until the required supporting documents are submitted
Passport Services
Questions (70)
James Lawless
Question:70. Deputy James Lawless asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if a passport application (details supplied) will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26666/24]
View answerWritten answers
With regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, further supporting documents for this application were received on 7th June 2024. Turnaround time from the receipt of further supporting documents is 15 working days.
Diplomatic Representation
Questions (71)
Bernard Durkan
Question:71. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he continues to interact with the Egyptian authorities with a view to the release of her children by her husband into her custody in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26686/24]
View answerWritten answers
I can assure the Deputy that officials in my Department have been in regular contact with the Irish citizen in this case and are continuing to provide consular assistance. A senior official has been appointed as her dedicated case manager and is in very regular contact with her.
I have raised the case on a number of occasions with my counterpart in the relevant jurisdiction, most recently in April of this year. I have expressed my keen desire to see a timely resolution to the case, one that is grounded in the best interests of the children.
Additionally, there has been sustained engagement at a local level with the relevant authorities. Embassy officials, including the Ambassador, have regularly engaged with the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and other missions to gather advice and expertise on how best to support the Irish citizen.
I fully appreciate that the circumstances of this case are difficult for all concerned. The country in question is not a signatory to the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction. As a result, in cases of dispute or unlawful removal, there is no international system in place containing a practical mechanism for the return of children from that State to Ireland.
The clear advice from all of our engagements on this case is for the citizen to appoint a local lawyer and to engage with the local legal system and I welcome her decision to do so.
The Irish High Court ruling to which the Deputy refers acknowledges the limitations of its ruling on a foreign jurisdiction.
The Department of Foreign Affairs cannot interfere in legal or custodial matters in another jurisdiction, but I can assure you that my officials will continue to provide appropriate consular assistance to the citizen concerned.
Energy Conservation
Questions (72)
Michael Ring
Question:72. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when a BER assessment will be carried out and a contractor appointed for works (details supplied) in view of the fact this application is with the SEAI for the past fourteen months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26553/24]
View answerWritten answers
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) operates the Warmer Homes Scheme on behalf of my Department. Delivering free energy upgrades to low-income households and reducing the waiting times for the Warmer Homes Scheme is a top priority for my Department and the SEAI. My officials continue to work with the SEAI to maximise and accelerate the output of free energy upgrades provided under this important scheme.
Last year, almost 5,900 homes were upgraded under the Scheme with an average spend of €24,000 per home and €157 million in total expenditure. A record allocation of almost €210 million is in place for the scheme this year.
Individual applications to the Warmer Homes Scheme are an operational matter for SEAI and as the Minister I have no function in relation to such applications. Applications are assessed on the basis of when they first apply to SEAI. Homes with the worst Building Energy Ratings (E, F or G) are then prioritised for works.
For the homes completed in 2023, the average waiting time from application to completion was 20 months. This is a reduction from 26 months for homes completed in 2022.
Applicants can contact SEAI at any time to get further information on the status of their application either by email to warmerhomes@seai.ie or by phone to 1800 250 204. Oireachtas members can make queries on behalf of applicants by contacting the dedicated email address oireachtas@seai.ie .
The Deputy may wish to note that Government also has other schemes and supports in place which may be of assistance where there is an urgent need:
• The Department of Social Protection's Additional Needs Payment is a payment available to people who have essential expenses that they cannot pay from their weekly income. Additional Needs Payments are paid under Supplementary Welfare Allowance which is administered by the Community Welfare Service (CWS) or the Department of Social Protection. Details are available here: https://www.gov.ie/en/service/4eb45-additional-needs-payment/
• The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage's Housing Adaptation Grants can assist older people to have necessary adaptations, repairs or improvement works carried out in order to make their accommodation more suitable for their needs. Details are available here: www.gov.ie/en/service/6636c-housing-adaptation-grants-for-older-people-and-people-with-a-disability/
Waste Management
Questions (73)
Eoin Ó Broin
Question:73. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the measures being taken to ensure the uptake of household bio-waste collection in apartment buildings; and if he has engaged with waste service providers on this issue. [26577/24]
View answerWritten answers
Waste collection companies must hold a waste collection permit in order to collect waste in line with the Waste Management (Collection Permit) Regulations 2007, as amended. Waste collection permits are issued by the National Waste Collection Permit Office.
Under the permit conditions, household waste collectors are obliged to provide a separate receptacle for each waste fraction, namely residual, recyclables and bio-waste. Waste from apartments is considered to be household waste and the permit conditions for household waste collection apply.
In addition, all local authorities have also introduced waste bye-laws governing the segregation, storage and presentation of household and commercial waste in their functional area. These bye-laws set out a number of specific provisions for the owners/ management companies of multi-unit developments such as apartment complexes, please see final-waste-presentation-bye-laws-jan-2020-v7.pdf (fingal.ie) for an example of such bye-laws.
Enforcement of waste regulations, waste bye-laws and waste collection permit conditions are a matter for the relevant local authority, who have significant powers under the Regulations to secure compliance by all parties.
Electricity Generation
Questions (74)
Eoin Ó Broin
Question:74. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his plans to support microgeneration in apartment buildings. [26578/24]
View answerWritten answers
The Domestic solar PV grant scheme, as part of the wider Microgeneration Support Scheme, commenced on the 16th February 2022. Domestic applicants, including those in apartments, are eligible to apply to the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) for a grant towards the cost of installing solar PV equipment, up to a maximum of €2,100.
To avail of a solar PV grant for residential apartments there are two options:
• The homeowner of each residential apartment can apply for the Solar PV scheme for their own apartment. This is providing they have their own unique domestic MPRN and the property meets the eligibility criteria of the scheme.
• An Owner Management Company (OMC) or a licensed Property Management Agency can create the grant application(s) for the apartment(s).
As the roof space in apartments can be a ‘shared’ space, in all cases it is the responsibility of the apartment owner/applicant to ensure that they are compliant with planning permission and have the required approvals in place from the building owners before proceeding with any works.
It is also possible to avail of a grant towards the installation of solar PV for any sections of the building which has a non-domestic MPRN: this could be a common area of the building (such as a laundry/utility room, staircase, elevator, lobby etc.) that has a dedicated non-domestic MPRN. A suitable applicant, i.e. the owner or lease holder of the building, can apply for a grant under the Non-Domestic Microgen Scheme to install solar PV panels for such common areas, providing the property meets the eligibility criteria of the scheme.
Further details on both the Domestic and Non-domestic Solar PV schemes, can be found at www.seai.ie
Wind Energy Generation
Questions (75)
Denis Naughten
Question:75. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the steps he has taken to implement the motion passed by Dáil Éireann on 8 December 2021 regarding offshore renewable energy;; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26616/24]
View answerWritten answers
Significant progress has been made across Government towards the delivery of offshore renewable energy during the last three years.
The Climate Action Plan 2024 commits to achieving at least 5GW of installed offshore wind capacity by 2030. The Government’s phased approach to offshore wind development involves:
• a developer-led Phase One, which corresponds to the first offshore renewable electricity auction (ORESS 1).
• Phase Two, an accelerated work programme, focusing on near-term delivery based on technology with proven scalability in other jurisdictions and which will procure the additional offshore wind capacity required to meet Government’s 2030 target; and
• the fully plan-led Future Framework approach.
Ireland currently has the fourth most ambitious offshore wind expansion programme in the European Union. We plan to deploy more gigawatts of offshore energy by 2030 than France, Spain, Portugal or Belgium. Only Germany, the Netherlands and Denmark plan to deploy more than Ireland, all of which have larger electricity markets and have established offshore wind sectors from which to grow.
In December 2021, the Maritime Area Planning (MAP) Act 2021 was enacted and established the legislative foundation for the new marine planning system. Under the MAP Act, a new Maritime Area Consent (MAC) regime for offshore energy projects was developed to replace the foreshore lease system.
Following a detailed assessment process, I awarded MACs to six Phase One projects in December 2022. The MACs have been carefully designed to ensure the speedy progression of only the most viable offshore wind energy projects to meet Ireland’s energy targets, while protecting the State’s interest in its valuable maritime resource.
In April 2022, I established the cross-Government Offshore Wind Delivery Taskforce to capture the wider and longer-term economic and business opportunities associated with the development of offshore renewables in Ireland. The Taskforce brings together work ongoing across government, agencies and industry to deliver on Ireland’s offshore wind ambitions. The actions highlighted for delivery in 2024 included measures relating to supply chain, ports policy, skills and workforce, and regulatory consenting.
The results of our first offshore wind auction, ORESS 1, were finalised in June 2023. The results surpassed expectations, both in terms of the total volume of renewable energy procured and the low price at which it has been secured. Over 3GW of capacity has been procured from four Phase One offshore wind projects, which will deliver over 12TWh (terawatt hours) of renewable electricity per year. This is the largest volume of renewable energy Ireland has ever procured at auction — equivalent to over a third of Ireland’s entire electricity consumption in 2023 and over a quarter of projected 2030 electricity demand.
Three of the six Phase One projects have submitted planning applications in recent weeks with the other three expected to submit their formal planning application shortly.
In March 2023, I published the Policy Statement on the Framework for Phase Two Offshore Wind, which moved the ORE system from a developer-led system to a State or plan-led led-system. This meant that the State would from that point on designate areas of the maritime area as offshore energy production areas. From a planning perspective, this well-flagged system change brought certainty to ORE in the long term.
As part of the Government’s new plan-led approach to offshore wind development, last May, my Department launched the State’s first draft spatial plan for renewable energy generation – which took the form of the draft South Coast Designated Maritime Area Plan, or DMAP. This DMAP approach will ensure that future development of offshore energy will take place in designated areas, providing certainty to investors as well as certainty to local coastal communities, and key stakeholders, such as the fishing communities. This publication is a landmark development in forward spatial planning and a game-changer for how we manage and plan our extensive maritime area.
The publication of the draft South Coast Designated Maritime Area Plan (DMAP) Proposal was followed by an intensive period of local engagement with coastal communities and other maritime users. The development of further DMAPs, including for the west coast, will follow as part of the plan-led approach. A further key action under the Future Framework is to provide supports to establish an ORE Designated Maritime Area Plan (DMAP) Roadmap in Q4 2024 which will outline the criteria, future locations and indicative timelines for future DMAP establishment.
The Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA) was established in July 2023, a significant milestone in the State’s stewardship of the maritime area. The launch of MARA coincided with the publication of the first output of the Seafood-ORE Group, agreeing a Communications Protocol between the two sectors.
In November 2023, my Department published an ‘ indicative roadmap’ outlining a timetable towards Ireland’s next offshore wind energy auction – ORESS 2.1. The terms and conditions for ORESS 2.1 are currently being finalised and the auction is expected to take place in Q4 2024.
The National Policy Statement on Electricity Interconnection, published in July 2023, outlines how a State-directed approach will ensure integrated forward planning, enabling the necessary infrastructure to unlock significant green energy export opportunities. In November 2023, work began on the construction of the Celtic interconnector which will see the return of direct connectivity to the EU via France and is due for completion in 2027.
In July 2023, my Department published the National Hydrogen Strategy. The strategy represents a landmark point in the development of a renewable hydrogen sector in Ireland. A 2GW target to produce renewable hydrogen sourced from offshore wind is also set to be in development by 2030.
The Future Framework for Offshore Renewable Energy, published in May 2024, sets out the key actions Ireland will take to deliver 20GW of offshore wind by 2040 and at least 37GW by 2050. The Future Framework maps out how Ireland can create a flagship offshore renewable energy sector to achieve our climate and energy targets beyond 2030, while also maximising the financial and economic return of offshore renewable energy to the State and local communities.
In March 2024, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment published Powering Prosperity – Ireland’s Offshore Wind Industrial Strategy. These actions aim to build a strong and resilient offshore wind supply chain in Ireland, as well as exploring opportunities for Irish companies to play a major role in the development of offshore wind projects in Ireland and abroad.
A recent offshore renewables energy Skills Assessment Report produced for Green Tech Skillnet and Wind Energy Ireland, found that meeting our target of 37 gigawatts of offshore wind energy by 2050 could be worth €38 billion to the Irish economy. In response to the report, the Offshore Wind Delivery Taskforce is currently developing a Skills Action Plan to capture future employment opportunities in the offshore renewables space.
My Department established Community Benefit Funds (CBF) to ensure that the local regions and communities that host renewable energy developments are able to share in the collective benefit. Given the anticipated high levels of offshore generation, the amounts involved will be substantial — approximately €8 million per annum from a typical 1GW offshore wind project, or almost €25 million per annum from the 3.1GW of capacity contracted under the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (ORESS 1).
Over a relatively short period of time this Government has completely reimagined and implemented a new policy, legislative and regulatory system to deliver on our commitment to ORE. This Government and my Department continues apace to develop the solid foundation and the architecture required to introduce a new and long-lasting offshore renewable energy industry for Ireland.
Departmental Policies
Questions (76)
Brendan Smith
Question:76. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the additional measures that will be introduced to prevent the supply of a product in the State (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26678/24]
View answerWritten answers
The Air Pollution Act 1987 (Solid Fuels) Regulations 2022 (S.I. No. 529 of 2022), which took effect from 31 October 2022, introduced minimum quality standards that apply to all solid fuels distributed throughout the State. This is to ensure that the most polluting fuels can no longer be made available on the Irish market and to assist the public in transitioning to less polluting alternatives.
The primary focus of these regulations is on improving air quality and improving people’s health, by restricting the retail, online and commercial sale of smoky fuels, including smoky coal, turf and wet wood.
Local Authorities are responsible for the enforcement of the solid fuel regulations, identifying unauthorised fuels placed on the market and taking measures to counteract any illegal trade. They are also responsible for the allocation of appropriate resources to ensure that they can fulfil their air quality enforcement obligations.
My Department is working with the Local Government Management Agency to develop a business case for an enhanced enforcement structure to support the provision of improved co-ordination, expertise and advice to underpin consistent implementation of all air quality legislation across the country. I have made funding of up to €3m available to support this enforcement structure. It is aimed to have the business case submitted formally to the sector later in the year.
Pending the establishment of an enhanced enforcement structure, officials from my Department have been engaging directly with enforcement personnel on the ground, developing guidance and training, holding workshops, providing funding, and supporting the sharing of best practice in relation to a range of air quality legislative obligations that are under the remit of the Local Authorities.
In addition, work is underway to explore further strengthening the enforcement powers available to Local Authorities to support increased compliance. This will involve amending the Air Pollution Act 1987 which is the primary legislation governing air pollution.
Defence Forces
Questions (77)
Patrick Costello
Question:77. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the value of all contracts for goods or services purchased by the Defence Forces from Israel and Israeli-based firms over the past two years; to provide the tendering notice publication number for the relevant tender competitions; the steps that were taken to ensure for Israeli companies that at all steps in the supply chain were not outside of the green line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26618/24]
View answerWritten answers
I am advised that there have been no contracts for goods or services awarded to Israeli based firms in the past two years.
The value of goods or services purchased by the Defence Forces from Israel and Israeli-based firms in respect of existing contracts over the past two years is €1,054,480.
A small number of Israeli companies have won orders for defensive equipment in recent years as a result of tender competitions. This is not a new development. In each case, the contract was awarded by tender competition, on the basis that the company concerned had submitted the most economically advantageous tender.
The principle of competitive tendering for Government contracts is used by the Department of Defence for the acquisition of defensive equipment for the Defence Forces. Central to those procurement procedures are EU law requirements that have to be complied with. This is to ensure fair competition, transparency and equal treatment between suppliers through the advertising of the tender competition on the e-Tenders or the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU) tender platforms.
Such tender competitions are open to any company or country subject to the terms of all UN, OSCE and EU arms embargos or restrictions. There are no such restrictions or embargos in place on Israel or Israeli companies. The Department of Defence carries out its procurement functions in accordance with the legal rules in place and is obliged to follow the established procurement principles for the selection of economic operators with regard to the award of contracts.
Defence Forces
Questions (78)
Patrick Costello
Question:78. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of personnel for whom the Defence Forces currently provide accommodation, broken down by county, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26619/24]
View answerWritten answers
Given the granular nature of the information required, it could not be collated in the time frame given and will be forwarded directly to the Deputy when available.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51.
I refer to the above mentioned Parliamentary Question from 20th June 2024 which was deferred: “To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of personnel for whom the Defence Forces currently provide accommodation, broken down by county, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter”.
While it was not possible to provide the requested information to you within the given timeframe, I am now in a position to provide information on this matter.
I am informed by the Military Authorities that accommodation occupancy across the Defence Forces changes frequently due to training and operational requirements. The information provided below is for 21 June 2024.
|
County |
Occupied Beds |
|
Cork |
480 |
|
Galway |
178 |
|
Kilkenny |
32 |
|
Limerick |
98 |
|
Dublin |
613 |
|
Meath |
10 |
|
Dundalk |
80 |
|
Donegal |
97 |
|
Kildare |
710 |
|
Westmeath |
109 |
I trust this is of assistance to you.
Naval Service
Questions (79)
Patrick Costello
Question:79. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the status of all Irish Naval Service vessels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26620/24]
View answerWritten answers
The Naval Service are currently adopting a three ship operational posture, which sees the four P60 class vessels on patrol in operational rotation. The decision to reduce the number of operational ships was made as a result of the previously acknowledged recruitment and retention difficulties in the Naval Service, in particular for specialist positions. This strategic decision has been taken in order to streamline operations, bolster existing capabilities, and ensure optimal resource allocation in the Naval Service.
In addition to the four P60 class vessels, there are two vessels in the P50 class namely LÉ Roisin (P51) and LÉ Niamh (P52). LÉ Roisin is currently in Operational Reserve while LÉ Niamh is in the process of completing a Mid Life Extension Programme after which she will also enter operational reserve.
Two Inshore Patrol Vessels were purchased on a government-to-government basis from New Zealand in 2022, these vessels were delivered to the Naval Base in Haulbowline in May 2023. LÉ Aoibhinn (P71) is currently undergoing assessment for Initial Operational Capability. The deployment of LÉ Gobnait (P72) will follow the completion of the works on board LÉ Aoibhinn.
Defence Forces
Questions (80)
Patrick Costello
Question:80. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence for an update in relation to the current number of serving Defence Forces personnel and ongoing recruitment campaigns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26621/24]
View answerWritten answers
As of the 30 April 2024, the strength of the Permanent Defence Force stood at 7,501 personnel.
Whilst recruitment and retention challenges have been acknowledged, a range of measures have been introduced to address these and make the Defence Forces an attractive option as a career choice. To this end, there is provision contained in the €1.23 billion allocated for the Defence Sector in Budget 2024, for the recruitment and training of a net additional 400 personnel in 2024.
In addition to ongoing General Service recruitment, recruitment of cadets and Direct Entry specialists continues in 2024, with new competitions for Air Corps Air Traffic Controller cadetship and Direct Entry Air Corps Aeronautical Engineers launched recently.
There are a number of recruitment and retention initiatives underway to increase capacity. An example includes the recent increase in the maximum retirement age for PDF personnel to 60 years. This retention measure also facilitated an increase in the maximum recruitment age to 39 years for General Service Recruits, Cadets and certain specialists with effect from 29 March 2024.
Financial and non-financial retention initiatives have been introduced including the extension of the provision of private secondary healthcare to all members of the PDF, in addition to significant progress on pay and the doubling of the amount of the Patrol Duty allowance payable to Naval Service personnel at sea, after the first ten days in a calendar year.
Defence Forces
Questions (81)
Patrick Costello
Question:81. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence for an update in relation to projects (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26622/24]
View answerWritten answers
I can advise the Deputy that the position is as follows:
Haulbowline Naval Base Accommodation and Facilities Upgrade:
- Refurbishment of Block 4 – under construction
- Refurbishment of Barracks Foreman of Works Building – under construction
- Block 9 Refurbishment at Haulbowline – tender recommendations under consideration
- New Gym at Old Tank Building – procurement of Design Team underway
- Refurbishment of Cadets’ Mess – procurement of Design Team underway
- Refurbishment of Communications Building – procurement of Design Team underway
- New Storage Facility 76mm Gun System - tender documents awaited from Defence Forces
McKee Barracks Upgrade and Refurbishment:
- Refurbishment of Block F at McKee Barracks – Under construction
- New Locker Block (Pontoon Building) at McKee Barracks – Under construction
Casement Aerodrome
- Military Medical Facility - tender documents under review.
DFTC
- ARW HQ - tender documents awaited from the Defence Forces.
Public Transport
Questions (82)
Catherine Connolly
Question:82. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport his plans to introduce a 90-minute public transport fare in Galway, along the lines of the fare system currently in operation in Dublin; the details of any analysis carried out or commissioned by his Department on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26548/24]
View answerWritten answers
As 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 responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.
Road Network
Questions (83)
James Lawless
Question:83. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Transport to report on the possibility of his Department re-evaluating the current speed limit on the Hazelhatch Road, Celbridge (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26582/24]
View answerWritten answers
The setting of speed limits is a reserved function of the elected members (Councillors) in each relevant Roads Authority (Council), in this case Kildare County Council. Speed limits are set in accordance with the Speed Limits Guidelines (2015), which is available from www.speedlimits.ie.In addition, the Speed Limits Appeals Procedure was introduced in December 2021 which allows members of the public to appeal an existing speed limit to the relevant Roads Authority. Appeal forms can be downloaded from the Speed Limits website at www.speedlimits.ie/appeals, under the Documents tab. The appeals are considered on a case by case basis.
The enforcement of speed limits falls under the remit of An Garda Síochána and the Deputy should contact the Superintendent in charge of Leixlip Garda Station in respect of this.
Overall , the setting of speed limits is a matter for the elected members (Councillors) in each relevant Roads Authority (Council).
Rail Network
Questions (84)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:84. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport his plans regarding space allocation on trains (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26590/24]
View answerWritten answers
As 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 issue raised by the Deputy in relation to increasing bicycle spaces on trains is a matter for Irish Rail. Therefore, I have referred the Deputy's question to Irish Rail for direct response to the Deputy.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.
Seirbhísí Iompair
Questions (85)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Question:85. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Iompair an bhfuil sé i gceist aige táille €2 a thabhairt isteach don limistéar timpeall ar Ghaillimh lena mbeifear in ann seirbhísi iompair phoiblí a úsáid gan teorainn laistigh de thréimhse nócha nóiméad mar atá i mBaile Átha Cliath; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [26597/24]
View answerWritten answers
Mar Aire Iompair tá freagracht agam do bheartas, agus maoiniú ginearálta maidir le hiompar poiblí. Ni bhíonn baint agam, áfach, le hoibríochtaí Iompair Phoiblí ó lá go lá. Tá an tÚdarás Náisiúnta Iompair freagrach as rialúchán a dhéanamh ar na táillí a ghearrtar ar phaisinéirí i dtaca le seirbhísí iompair phoiblí, a chuirtear ar fáil faoi chonarthaí oibligeáide seirbhíse poiblí.
I gcomhthéacs freagrachta an Údaráis Náisiúnta Iompair (NTA) sa réimse seo, tá ceist an Teachta curtha ar aghaidh agam chuig an NTA i gcomhair freagra díreach. Muna bhfuil freagra faighte agat laistigh de dheich lá, cuir é seo in iúl do m’oifig phríobháideach le do thoil.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.
Córas Iompair Éireann
Questions (86)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Question:86. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport the steps he intends taking to ensure that retired CIÉ pensioners have adequate pensions, including providing Exchequer funding to the scheme, in view of the fact that these pensioners have not had a rise in their pensions for many years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26598/24]
View answerWritten answers
Regarding the the portion of the Deputy's question pertaining to exchequer funding, this would be a decision for Government, taking into consideration the possible wider implications for all other commercial semi-state bodies.
In relation to the 1951 pension Scheme, CIÉ has prepared and submitted draft S.I.s to give effect to Labour Court recommendations for the 1951 Scheme, as passed by ballot of trade union members in May 2021. The Department in the process of finalising work on the draft SI in conjunction with NewERA. The CIÉ Group is actively engaged in introducing changes to their pension schemes aimed at rectifying the deficit in order to meet the statutory Minimum Funding Standard (MFS) as required by the Pensions Authority. These changes also aim to sustain the pension schemes into the long-term.
Concerning pension increases for CIÉ pensioners, I understand that an increase for pensioners would only be possible when the Schemes are capable of sustaining such increases. Furthermore, any such proposal would be dependent on the advice of the Scheme Actuary at the time an increase is proposed, and is done in agreement with the Trustees of the Schemes.
Accordingly, I have forwarded the aspect of Deputy's question related to an increase in pension payments for members of the CIÉ pensions schemes to CIÉ for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.
Road Projects
Questions (87)
David Stanton
Question:87. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Transport to outline the amounts made available, and drawn down to date, to put in place bypasses for Castlemartyr and Killeagh on the N25 in east Cork; to report on the progress made and work done on this project to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26646/24]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on the status of this project.
I can confirm that €450,000 was allocated in 2024 for the N25 Midleton to Youghal scheme, which includes bypasses of the villages of Castlemartyr and Killeagh. As with all national roads projects in the NDP, the delivery programme for this project will be kept under review for 2025 and considered in terms of the overall funding envelope available to TII
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply updating you as to the status of this project. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.
Road Projects
Questions (88)
David Stanton
Question:88. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Transport further to Topical Issue No. 3 of 29 May 2024, to outline the amounts made available and drawn down to date, to put safety measures in place on the N25 national road between Midleton and Carrigtwohill, County Cork; the works, if any, that have taken place to address safety and capacity issues on this section of carriageway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26649/24]
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As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you.
I can confirm that the N25 Carrigtwohill to Midleton project did not receive funding in 2024. As with all national roads projects in the NDP, the delivery programme for this project will be kept under review for 2025 and considered in terms of the overall funding envelope available to TII.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply updating you as to the current status of this project and any other measures to address safety on the route. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
Airport Policy
Questions (89)
Bernard Durkan
Question:89. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware that, despite numerous representations on his part, aircraft from Western airfield constantly overfly the home of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26689/24]
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Weston Airport ("Weston") is licensed and certified by the Irish Aviation Authority ("IAA") as an aerodrome operator and air navigation services provider. A volume of airspace has been designated to Weston to enable them to provide these services. Under the terms of their licence and certification, Weston are responsible for the safety and management of aircraft, on the ground at the airport, and in the airspace where they provide services.
As part of its oversight, the IAA requires Weston to have a safety management system in place. This management system provides the framework and processes to enable the risks associated with the provision of services to air traffic are managed with safety tolerable levels. The IAA conducts oversight to ensure the management system is operating effectively and meets regulatory requirements.
Queries related to the safety and management of aircraft at the airport or in the airspace where Weston provide services should be addressed to Weston directly in the first instance. The IAA’s remit with respect to aerodromes is safety related and if members of the public wish to report their concerns in this regard they can do so at www.iaa.ie/safety/safety-reporting. Environmental issues, including noise, are under the remit of the relevant local authority.
Bus Services
Questions (90)
Bernard Durkan
Question:90. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if further consideration might be given to extending the bus services between Naas and Blanchardstown Hospital in order to obviate the need for car parking and having patients to constantly remove their vehicles to avoid being clamped; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26690/24]
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As 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 the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators. The NTA also has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including Naas and Blanchardstown.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's query to the NTA for direct reply.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.
Tax Reliefs
Questions (91)
Ged Nash
Question:91. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Finance the number of applications made to the Revenue Commissioners to 1 June 2024 for the mortgage interest tax relief scheme on a county-by-county basis; if he will provide details of the number of successful and unsuccessful applications, by county; the cost of the scheme up to 1 June 2024; the average mortgage account balance for successful applicants; the average number of years left on eligible mortgages for successful applicants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26549/24]
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Mortgage Interest Tax Relief is available to taxpayers in respect of their principal private residence in the State where the outstanding mortgage balance was between €80,000 and €500,000 as of 31 December 2022, and the taxpayer is compliant with Local Property Tax requirements. The relief also extends to a qualifying property located in the State, which is the sole or main residence of the individual’s former or separated spouse or civil partner or a dependent relative.
The tax relief is at the standard rate of income tax and is based on the increase in interest paid in 2023 over interest paid in 2022. The value of the relief will be equal to the lesser of 20 per cent of this excess interest figure, or €1,250. This means that the maximum tax credit will be €1,250 per property.
Where the interest payments made in respect of either the 2022 or 2023 tax years are not for a full year, pro-rating of the relief will apply, to ensure interest is applied on a period of equivalence basis and that the cap is adjusted accordingly. Revenue’s systems will carry out the calculation of the relief at the point of claim.
To make a claim, taxpayers are required to file a 2023 Income Tax Return and upload certificates of mortgage interest for both 2022 and 2023, together with confirmation of their mortgage balance as of 31 December 2022.
I am advised by Revenue that the mortgage balance for claimants, while provided to support the claim, is not recorded in a way that can provide macro level data as requested. In addition, there is no criteria in relation to the number of years left on a mortgage to qualify, therefore this is not requested or required by Revenue to administer the relief and so is not available.
I am further advised by Revenue that as of 13 June 2024, 22,559 PAYE taxpayer units made a claim for this credit on their 2023 PAYE income tax return. 20,248 claimants received a refund of tax, totalling just over €19 million. Of these, 253 claimants paid tax which was less than the full credit claimed. Revenue notes that other credits and reliefs claimed, such as health expenses, may also have contributed to the overall amount of refunds issued.
A further 2,040 claimants are either in a balanced position or had an underpayment reduced by the credit being applied to their record. An additional 271 claimants are not in a position to benefit from the credit as they did not pay any Income Tax in 2023.
Information is not yet available for self-assessed taxpayers as these taxpayers have until 31 October 2024 to submit their 2023 Income Tax Return.
Revenue have provided a county-by-county breakdown of all claims below. A further breakdown of the number of successful and unsuccessful applications by county was not available as this relief is administer via a self-declared/assessed tax credit. Revenue do not have details on the numbers of taxpayers who did not progress with their claim, as they did not complete the required details/fields on their Tax Return.
|
County |
Number of Claims |
|
CARLOW |
318 |
|
CAVAN |
307 |
|
CLARE |
472 |
|
CORK |
2,427 |
|
DONEGAL |
394 |
|
DUBLIN |
6,845 |
|
GALWAY |
936 |
|
KERRY |
396 |
|
KILDARE |
1,651 |
|
KILKENNY |
441 |
|
LAOIS |
460 |
|
LEITRIM |
98 |
|
LIMERICK |
839 |
|
LONGFORD |
136 |
|
LOUTH |
775 |
|
MAYO |
323 |
|
MEATH |
1,641 |
|
MONAGHAN |
203 |
|
OFFALY |
365 |
|
ROSCOMMON |
172 |
|
SLIGO |
198 |
|
TIPPERARY |
616 |
|
WATERFORD |
666 |
|
WESTMEATH |
311 |
|
WEXFORD |
702 |
|
WICKLOW |
867 |
|
Total |
22,559 |