Fergus O'Dowd
Question:121. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to respond to correspondence from a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40672/24]
View answerDepartmental Correspondence
Questions (121)
Written answers
Under section 46 of the Postal and Telecommunications Services Act 1983, the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, with the concurrence of the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, approves any superannuation schemes submitted by An Post.
The request for consent for amendment to the An Post Superannuation scheme to increase payments by 2% with effect from January 2024, has been approved by the Minister for the Environment Climate and Communications (MECC). As such, the request now requires consent from the Minister of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform (MPENDR). This is in line with both the Code of Practice for State Bodies and transfer of powers from Minister of Finance to MPENDR which are contained under Section 46(6) of the Postal and Telecommunications Act 1983.DECC has duly submitted a business case to DPENDR seeking MPENDR’s consent for the amendment to the An Post scheme. It is not possible, at this point, to set out the specific timeframe within which the decision-making process will be concluded. It should be recognized that the time taken for the pension approval process is necessary to ensure that robust governance procedures are in place.
Departmental Schemes
Questions (122)
Brendan Howlin
Question:122. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will review the regulations under the warmer homes scheme to allow works to be grant aided to households that are in particular hardship, but are slightly outside the age of homes which qualify under existing regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40687/24]
View answerWritten answers
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) operates the Warmer Homes Scheme on behalf of my Department. The scheme is available to owner-occupied homes built before 2006 where the household meets the Department of Social Protection (DSP) payment related eligibility criteria. No exceptions to these criteria can be made.
The Warmer Homes Scheme delivers free energy upgrades for eligible homeowners in low-income households who are most at risk of energy poverty. Since the start of the scheme in 2000, over 150,000 free upgrades have been supported by the scheme.
Last year saw a record spend of €158 million under the Scheme and there is a further increased allocation of almost €210 million in place for 2024 and funding of €240m was announced in Budget 2025, including funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
Applications to the Scheme 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. No other prioritisation takes place under the scheme.
In recent years, the Warmer Homes Scheme has delivered a greater volume of deeper and more complex upgrades. This is reflected in the average cost of upgrades which have seen an almost tenfold increase from €2,600 in 2015 to just under €25,000 in 2023. These deeper upgrades mean that more lower income homeowners are benefitting significantly from warmer, healthier and more comfortable homes, with lower energy bills and reduced emissions.
The year of build requirement is in place because homes constructed in recent years since 2006 should generally be more energy efficient than those built before then due to energy performance requirements of the 2003 Building Regulations. The scheme targets support to those most in need and living in the least efficient homes so that the resources available can have the greatest impact on homes in or at risk of energy poverty. The scheme criteria are kept under ongoing review by my Department, SEAI and DSP. There are no current plans to change the eligibility criteria for the scheme.
Households who do not meet the qualifying criteria for free upgrades under the Warmer Homes Scheme can apply for part funded grants towards the cost of an upgrade for their home. Further details on the grants available can be found on the SEAI website: www.seai.ie/grants/home-energy-grants.
In particular, a special enhanced grant rate is available for attic insulation and cavity wall insulation for all households. These are highly cost-effective upgrade measures that can be deployed rapidly and at scale and can be an enduring response to the challenge of higher energy prices for homeowners. The grant offering is available across all part-funded schemes but is particularly focused towards applicants to the Better Energy Homes Scheme which is aimed at homeowners who prefer to install energy efficiency upgrades in a step-wise approach rather than undertake a deep retrofit.
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: 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/.
Postal Services
Questions (123)
Michael Fitzmaurice
Question:123. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question No. 135 of 11 July 2023, if a decision is close to being reached as to the increase for pensions and deferred pensions for members of the An Post superannuation scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40695/24]
View answerWritten answers
In accordance with the relevant Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies, An Post must seek Ministerial approval to increase pensions and deferred pensions for members of the An Post superannuation scheme ("the scheme"). On March 9th 2023 An Post wrote to my Department seeking consent for several amendments to the scheme.
In line with both the Code of Practice for State Bodies and transfer of powers from Min/Finance to Min/PENDR which are contained in the Postal and Telecommunications Act 1983, Ministerial consent was granted on 8 of September 2023, for the amendments referred to in Parliamentary Question No. 135 of 11 July 2023.
Just Transition
Questions (124)
Neasa Hourigan
Question:124. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will outline the Just Transition initiatives that specifically target women to maximise their employment opportunities as Ireland transitions to a climate neutral economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40712/24]
View answerWritten answers
The Government is committed to a just transition in order to ensure that nobody is left behind as we strive to transition to a climate neutral economy by no later than 2050 in line with the National Climate Objective. Within this, the Government is particularly conscious of the disproportional impact of climate change on the most vulnerable groups in our society, including women and children. Women are too often not included in the design of responses to climate change. A 2023 UN Women report revealed (www.unwomen.org/sites/default/files/2023-11/data-driven_insight_the_effects_of_climate_change_on_gender_development.pdf) two concerning statistics: Only 55 national climate action plans make a specific reference to gender equality, and only 23 of those plans recognise women as agents of change in addressing the climate crisis.
Ireland does not want to make these mistakes. The Just Transition Commission, which I hope to announce shortly, will have strong representation from members who understand and are focused on the need to ensure gender equality and recognition in how we plan for a fairer, low-carbon future.
My department is proud to be supporting Feminist Communities for Climate Justice which is a campaign for climate justice that reflects feminist and community work values. Funded through the Community Climate Action Programme, this project will develop a feminist and community work analysis, deliver an accredited training programme, establish a Communities for Climate Justice Network, and develop resources and campaigns. This partnership between the National Women’s Council and Community Work Ireland amplifies the voices of women and marginalised communities that are most impacted by climate breakdown, building momentum in communities to engage, understand and influence climate policies. ?
In addition, through the annual Climate Action Plan, the Government is mainstreaming the Just Transition Framework across sectoral policy to enable a fair and equitable transition to a climate neutral economy. Our Just Transition Framework consists of the following principles:
• An integrated, structured, and evidence-based approach to identify and plan our response to just transition requirements.
• People are equipped with the right skills to be able to participate in and benefit from the future net zero economy.
• The costs are shared so that the impact is equitable and existing inequalities are not exacerbated.
• Social dialogue to ensure impacted citizens and communities are empowered and are core to the transition process.
By aligning design and implementation of climate policy with these principles, we can maximise employment opportunities, supporting those negatively affected by the transition, particularly vulnerable groups and women. All relevant Ministers are expected to formulate and implement their climate action policies through the lens of this framework, so that policies are informed by the need to ensure a just transition for all.
Up to €169 million under the EU Just Transition Fund (JTF) is being invested in Ireland to support a fair transition to a climate neutral economy. This will bring new, green employment opportunities that have to be suitable and attractive to everyone. Since its announcement in late 2022, many strands of multi-million euro funding have already been allocated to areas like community development and enterprise, regenerative tourism, skills development and training, as well as new green jobs and businesses, all of which must adhere to gender equality and balance.
Departmental Reviews
Questions (125)
Catherine Murphy
Question:125. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has conducted a capacity review of his Department’s ability to deliver services that they are responsible for in the past ten years to date; the same of State bodies and agencies under his Department’s aegis; if he published those reviews; the number of recommendations implemented arising from the reviews and same for State bodies and agencies under his aegis; if the capacity review was outsourced; and if so, to whom and at what cost. [40836/24]
View answerWritten answers
The information requested is currently being compiled by my Department, and will be forwarded to the Deputy shortly.
National Broadband Plan
Questions (126)
Martin Kenny
Question:126. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the work that has been undertaken by his Department and the agencies under his remit to address the issue of fibre broadband connectivity blackspots in commercial areas; if his Department has quantified the number of premises impacted by this issue; if not, when this will take place; if he envisages that State aid or a public subsidy is required to address these blackspots and by extension a public tendering process for this work; the measures his Department is considering to ensure that the Government’s own commitment of gigabit connectivity for all will be achieved by 2028; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40856/24]
View answerWritten answers
The National Broadband Plan (NBP) is the government's initiative to deliver high speed broadband services to all premises in Ireland. The NBP will be delivered through investment by commercial enterprises coupled with intervention by the State in those parts of the country where private companies have no plans to invest.
The Department is aware of some evidence emerging, based on conversations with ComReg and commercial operators, that a portion of premises that do not form part of the intervention area may prove not to be commercially viable in terms of being connected to a gigabit network by 2028. The Department are currently investigating reasons for why such instances may arise with a view to identifying solutions. However, it is important to note that significant commercial roll-out programmes by Eir, SIRO and VMI are on-going, and the scale of this potential problem can only be established upon completion of those commercial roll-out programmes.
If a portion of premises are identified not to be commercially viable in terms of delivering connectivity to a gigabit network by 2028, the Department will consider a range of options that can address the problem. A decision as to what the right solution/solutions are appropriate will be informed by the nature and scale of the problems identified. State aid intervention is one of the options that may be considered at this juncture and if pursued may require a public tendering process depending on the intervention model chosen under EU state aid guidelines.
While commercial roll-outs are ongoing, the Department will continue to investigate this issue with relevant stakeholders such as ComReg and commercial operators and would note that it is considering options around potential pilot schemes aimed at informing potential future solutions in order to ensure that the 2028 gigabit connectivity commitments are achieved.
National Broadband Plan
Questions (127)
Martin Kenny
Question:127. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his Department is considering handing the work of rolling out fibre broadband to connectivity blackspots in commercial areas to National Broadband Ireland; if so, the work that has been undertaken by his Department to consider this proposal; if a further tender process is required in the scenario that a public subsidy is necessary to address these blackspots; the analysis that has been conducted by his Department to ensure that any proposal to address these blackspots delivers best value for money to taxpayers; the outcome of this analysis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40857/24]
View answerWritten answers
The National Broadband Plan (NBP) is the government's initiative to deliver high speed broadband services to all premises in Ireland. The NBP will be delivered through investment by commercial enterprises coupled with intervention by the State in those parts of the country where private companies have no plans to invest.
The Department is aware of some evidence emerging, based on conversations with ComReg and commercial operators, that a portion of premises that do not form part of the intervention area may prove not to be commercially viable in terms of being connected to a gigabit network by 2028. The Department are currently investigating reasons for why such instances may arise with a view to identifying solutions. However, it is important to note that significant commercial roll-out programmes by Eir, SIRO and VMI are on-going, and the scale of this potential problem can only be established upon completion of those commercial roll-out programmes.
If a portion of premises are identified not to be commercially viable in terms of delivering connectivity to a gigabit network by 2028, the Department will consider a range of options that can address the problem. A decision as to what the right solution/solutions are appropriate will be informed by the nature and scale of the problems identified. Where any of the options considered requires state aid intervention, then EU state aid guidelines would have to be followed to ensure a competitive and fair process, and as such there is no scenario in which this work would be ‘handed over’ to any provider absent following those procedures.
The Department will continue to investigate this issue with relevant stakeholders such as ComReg and commercial operators and it is considering options around potential pilot schemes aimed at informing potential future solutions.
Energy Conservation
Questions (128)
Jim O'Callaghan
Question:128. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the full year cost of all home energy upgrades supports and schemes in 2024 and 2025; and the annual current and capital funding breakdown per scheme divided between Exchequer funding and carbon tax receipts, including schemes (details supplied).; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40866/24]
View answerWritten answers
The Climate Action Plan and National Retrofit Plan set ambitious targets to retrofit the equivalent of 500,000 homes to a Building Energy Rating (BER) of B2/cost optimal and the installation of 400,000 heat pumps in existing homes to replace older, less efficient heating systems by end-2030.
To promote and incentivise the achievement of these targets, the Government has put in place a package of supports to make it easier and more affordable for homeowners to undertake home energy upgrades, for warmer, healthier and more comfortable homes, with lower energy bills.
A record capital budget of almost €430 million was allocated to the SEAI residential and community energy upgrade schemes for 2024, €380 million of which was provided from the Carbon Tax. The balance of €50m came from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). Details of the core budget allocation breakdown for 2024, for both Capital and Current funding, per scheme, including the provision from carbon tax, can be found in the attached table.
Budget 2025 includes record funding of €469 million from the Carbon Tax for Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) residential and community energy upgrades, including the Solar PV (photovoltaic) Scheme. The final details of the capital and current 2025 funding allocations to each SEAI scheme and the 2025 retrofit targets are currently being finalised as part of preparations for the 2025 Revised Estimates Volume (REV 2025).
|
SEAI Scheme |
2024 Current Funding allocations €M |
Capital Budget Allocation which is from Carbon Tax €M |
|
Better Energy Homes |
1.60 |
60.200 |
|
Better Energy Warmer Homes* |
1.39 |
158.854 |
|
Community Energy Grants |
0.30 |
45.000 |
|
NHEUS (One Stop Shop) |
0.85 |
45.000 |
|
Deep Retrofit |
0.00 |
0.500 |
|
Solar PV incl solar for medically vulnerable |
0.68 |
70.203 |
|
Total |
4.82 |
379.757 |
*The carbon tax allocation to the Warmer Homes Scheme was supplemented with an additional €50m capital funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
Energy Conservation
Questions (129)
Jim O'Callaghan
Question:129. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the estimated annual cost of introducing loans (details supplied). [40867/24]
View answerWritten answers
The Home Energy Upgrade Loan Scheme was launched on the 24 April 2024. It was developed by my Department in conjunction with the Department of Finance, the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, the European Investment Bank and the European Investment Fund. The Government-backed €500 million Scheme is the first of its kind for both Ireland and the EIB Group and will play a crucial role in helping homeowners to invest in energy efficiency. Under the Scheme, homeowners can borrow from €5,000 to €75,000 at significantly lower interest rates over a ten-year period to make their homes warmer and cheaper to run. The loans can be used by homeowners who want to undertake a deep retrofit involving several energy upgrades at the same time, or to carry out one or two upgrades that will significantly improve the energy performance of the home.
Once approved, the loans can be drawn before works begin. This gives certainty to homeowners that they have the funds for the planned energy upgrades, as well as any up-front costs or milestone payments. This is often identified by homeowners as a key barrier to upgrading their homes. As an additional bonus, households could also qualify for a lower cost green mortgage in the future, after they use their low-cost loan to improve their BER (Building Energy Rating) rating up to the required level. PTSB, AIB and Bank of Ireland are now offering loans under the scheme, with rates starting from as low as 3% (pricing varies depending on the finance provider). In addition to the three pillar banks, it is expected that a number of credit unions from the Irish League of Credit Unions will join the scheme in the coming weeks, which will allow more people to access these affordable loans in their own communities. Additional finance providers are expected to commence offering loans later this year.
An objective of the Home Energy Upgrade Loan Scheme is to prime the commercial lending market to offer more attractive and competitively priced finance for deep home energy retrofits beyond 2026, by providing an evidence base of low-risk projects that meet repayments and thereby building confidence in the lending market. This will signal to the banking sector new sustainable business opportunities associated with retrofit and the transition to a low carbon economy. The cost of reducing the interest rate to 0% would be significant and may result in distortions to the Irish financial landscape.
Those most at risk of energy poverty can continue to avail of fully-funded energy upgrades under the Warmer Homes Scheme (WHS), which is available to owner-occupied homes built before 2006 where the household meets the Department of Social Protection (DSP)-payment related eligibility criteria. The WHS aims to improve the energy efficiency and warmth of these homes. Homeowners above the eligibility threshold for this Scheme can avail of the range of other SEAI supports as well as the Home Energy Upgrade Loan Scheme for energy efficiency upgrades.
Energy Conservation
Questions (130)
Jim O'Callaghan
Question:130. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the estimated annual cost of a scheme (details supplied). [40868/24]
View answerWritten answers
The Warmth and Wellbeing pilot scheme was an interdepartmental and inter-agency project led by my Department, in collaboration with the Department of Health (DoH), the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and the Health Service Executive (HSE). The project was established to produce research on how extensive energy efficiency upgrades to homes can improve the health and wellbeing of people living with chronic respiratory conditions.
The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) were recruited to carry out independent analysis of the health impacts. Participants’ health and wellbeing was assessed and tracked over a 3-year period following their upgrade. The pilot provided fully funded upgrades to 1,600 homes including attic and wall insulation, window and door replacement and heating system upgrades where needed.
The research shows that retrofits have resulted in measured improved comfort in the homes as well as improved health and well-being scores across multiple dimensions.
Further, the project created very strong working relationships and policy understanding between my Department, SEAI and other Government Departments and agencies which were reflected in the practical and effective implementation structures used, ensuring ‘cross Government cooperation’. These relationships have supported the development of the Energy Poverty Action Plan and the establishment of the Energy Poverty Steering Group.
The scheme was also featured in a report by the World Green Building Council as an example of international best practice in starting a renovation wave.
The final report for the Scheme was published by Government on the 18 July 2024 and can be found here: www.gov.ie/en/publication/191db-warmth-and-wellbeing-scheme/.
Key elements of the pilot project have been mainstreamed into our national energy poverty retrofit scheme – the Warmer Homes scheme. Working with vulnerable homeowners has allowed my Department and SEAI to improve the scheme for everyone, keeping the beneficiaries at the forefront of the process. Therefore, there are no plans to reinstate the Warmth and Wellbeing pilot as a standalone scheme.
Budget 2025 includes record funding of €469 million from the Carbon Tax for SEAI residential and community energy upgrades, including the Solar PV (photovoltaic) Scheme. The carbon tax funding will be supplemented by an increased allocation from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) that will increase the Warmer Homes Scheme budget to €240 million. The budget represents a 10-fold increase over the spend on the Warmer Homes Scheme during the first year of this Government.
Energy Policy
Questions (131)
Jim O'Callaghan
Question:131. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to outline any analysis carried out by his Department, consultancy or State body, relating to the energy poverty action strategy and enabling smart energy service providers to divert surplus renewable energy to Irish homes, with a primary focus on those in fuel poverty or those in social housing; and to provide any annual costs relating to these proposals. [40869/24]
View answerWritten answers
My Department is currently working to revise the Energy Poverty Action Plan, in response to recommendations made through a consultation which ran earlier this year, and feedback received at the Energy Poverty Stakeholder forum held during the summer. The revised Plan will set out a wide range of clear, timebound actions aimed at tackling energy poverty with appropriate governance and evaluation and will consider the use of smart technologies to benefit energy poor households. It is intended that the Plan will build on and continue the policies and actions that have been driven to date by the existing Plan, and where appropriate, informed by stakeholder input and research, supplement these measures.
The Government recognises that Ireland’s citizens and communities can play a central role in the energy transition, by flexibly managing their energy assets; in response to the level of renewable energy on the grid and in doing so, they can also lower their energy bills and reduce their carbon footprint. Consequently, Ireland’s Energy Security Package commits Government to improving the ways that homes and businesses can manage their energy use by providing an evidence-based programme of communications and supporting ‘active consumers’ through smart metering and smart energy services and technologies. These services will enable consumers, including those in energy poverty, to flexibly adjust their demand in response to market signals and the changing level of renewable energy available.
Greater flexibility of consumer demand is one of several methods which will help reduce the volume of renewable energy which is dispatched down in the context of rapidly increasing wind and solar infrastructure. My Department is working to support this flexibility, through the work of the Smart Energy Services Working group, and by supporting the development of other demand-side response measures, greater levels of interconnection with our neighbours, and a greater role for electricity storage systems.
Energy Conservation
Questions (132, 133)
Cathal Crowe
Question:132. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the estimated annual cost of a scheme (details supplied). [40917/24]
View answerCathal Crowe
Question:133. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the annual funding provided for SEAI grants for heat pumps; and the estimated annual cost of a policy (details supplied). [40918/24]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 132 and 133 together.
The Programme for Government and Climate Action Plan set ambitious targets to retrofit the equivalent of 500,000 homes to a Building Energy Rating (BER) of B2/cost optimal level and the installation of 400,000 heat pumps in existing homes by end-2030.
A range of measures has been put in place in recent years under the National Retrofit Plan in order to support the achievement of these targets.
Grant support of up to €6,500 is available for the installation of air to water heat pumps as a standalone measure under the SEAI's Better Energy Home Scheme. For homeowners undertaking a deep retrofit with a heat pump under the National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme (NHEUS) or the Community Energy Grant (CEG) Scheme, additional grant support is available towards required heating system upgrades (radiators etc), as well as a bonus payment of €2,000 to eligible homeowners. This means that grant support of up to €10,500 is available to homeowners upgrading to a heat pump as part of a deep retrofit project. Grant support of €1,500 is also available towards the installation of mechanical ventilation systems for homeowners undertaking a deep retrofit under the NHEUS and the CEG Schemes.
The grant schemes provided by SEAI are reviewed on a regular basis, taking account of demand, research, innovation, evolving technology and other relevant factors.
A record capital budget of €430 million has been allocated for SEAI residential and community energy upgrade schemes (including the Solar PV Scheme) for 2024. This funding envelope includes funding for grant supports for heat pump installations under the SEAI schemes. Figures from SEAI shows that to the end of September 2024, this funding has delivered 38,000 home energy upgrades, of which 15,037 upgrades are to a post work Building Energy Rating of B2 or better. The funding has also supported 2,584 heat pump targets installations.
Budget 2025 will further build on this investment with funding of €469 million from the Carbon Tax for these schemes. In addition, VAT will be reduced to 9% (from 13.5%) on heat pumps, making it more affordable for homeowners to switch to efficient electric heating. This is the lowest VAT rate that is allowable under the VAT Directive. This is in addition to the already generous grants that are available from SEAI.
Determining an accurate cost estimate for the introduction of a Boiler Scrappage scheme to exchange oil boilers for fossil-free alternatives is a complex matter that would need to be informed by a range of factors including:
• The eligibility rules and the associated number households availing of grant support in any single year;
• Which scheme a homeowner applies for i.e. part funded or fully funded; and
• If households require additional enabling works, e.g. insulation measures, to ensure the property has a sufficient level of heat retention.
Question No. 133 answered with Question No. 132.
United Nations
Questions (134)
Neasa Hourigan
Question:134. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will provide an update on the general scheme of a Bill to govern overseas deployments into the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40667/24]
View answerWritten answers
On 30 April last, Government approved the proposal to draft the General Scheme of a Bill to govern overseas deployments into the future. Work on drafting those proposals, including consultations with the Office of the Attorney General, Government Departments and key stakeholders, has progressed, and a draft General Scheme has been prepared.
It is Intended to revert to Government with the General Scheme, seeking approval to publish, in due course. Once approved by Government, the Scheme will be referred for pre-legislative scrutiny consideration by the Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence to determine if pre-legislative scrutiny is required.
As this legislation advances, there will be ample opportunity for members of the Oireachtas to scrutinise and debate its contents within the Dáil and Seanad.
It is important to emphasise that any legislative proposals will remain fully consistent with the principles of the UN Charter and international law. Any modification to the Triple Lock will continue to require Government and Dáil approval for the dispatch of Defence Forces’ personnel to take part in peacekeeping and similar missions and will do nothing to change Ireland’s traditional position of military neutrality, which is characterised by Ireland's non-participation in any military alliance.
Defence Forces
Questions (135)
Mairéad Farrell
Question:135. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the reason there are 12 Merkava tanks parked outside the Irish UN post UNP 6-50/52 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40721/24]
View answerWritten answers
Over the past number of days, the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) increased their activity in South Lebanon and breached the Blue Line in several areas, including in the vicinity of the Irish Battalion UN Post 6-52. These activities have included incursions of equipment and personnel to which the Deputy refer. These are violations of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701. As of 8th October, the Defence Forces have reported that the IDF activities, immediately adjacent to the Irish position at Post 6-52, have ceased and the IDF equipment and personnel have been removed from the area.
I can assure the Deputy that all Irish personnel are accounted for and are well. But as a consequence during the IDF presence, Irish personnel at UN Post 6-52 were given the instruction to shelter in place and remain in bunkers for periods. There remains constant communication between Camp Shamrock and the UN Post 6-52 Platoon Commander, and I have been informed by Military Management that morale is good, despite the circumstances over the last number of days.
In response to this incident, on a number of occasions over the last number of days, contact was made through diplomatic channels with the UN and also bi-laterally with the Israeli authorities, where it was clearly communicated that the Irish Government considered the recent IDF activities on the Blue Line and most particularly in the vicinity of UN Post 6-52 to be completely unacceptable in terms of the safety of peacekeepers in the execution of their mandated duties. UNIFIL also expressed its deep concern of recent activities by the IDF immediately adjacent to the UN Post 6-52, and the United Nations also engaged directly through diplomatic channels with Israel on the matter.
As regards any future reports of IDF presence at or near Irish Battalion UNIFIL positions, I will continue to raise the matter at the highest level as a matter of urgency with both the UN and with the Israeli authorities, and Government will make further diplomatic approaches as and when required. I, the Taoiseach, and Government consider any such activities to be completely unacceptable in terms of the safety of peacekeepers in the execution of their mandated duties.
Departmental Reviews
Questions (136)
Catherine Murphy
Question:136. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he has conducted a capacity review of his Department’s ability to deliver services that they are responsible for in the past ten years to date; the same of State bodies and agencies under his Department’s aegis; if he published those reviews; the number of recommendations implemented arising from the reviews and same for State bodies and agencies under his aegis; if the capacity review was outsourced; and if so, to whom and at what cost. [40833/24]
View answerWritten answers
A review of the Department of Defence under The Organisational Capability Review (OCR) Programme, managed by the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, was conducted in 2021. A range of staff and external stakeholder engagements took place between May and November 2021, including workshops and interviews.
The Report was published in April 2022 (Organisational Capability Review - www.gov.ie/en/publication/fda81-organisational-capability-review/#:~:text=From%20Department%20of%20Defence.%20Published%20on%2029%20July) and contained 55 recommendations. A high level implementation plan was published in July 2022 Implementation Plan (www.gov.ie/pdf/?file=https://assets.gov.ie/230959/326adf02-b89b-4e89-9451-8c18dd85ee13.pdf#page=null). A detailed action plan was also developed internally to further facilitate implementation of the recommendations.
As of October 2024, 39 of the 55 OCR recommendations have been implemented and are now closed. Work is ongoing to implement and close the remaining recommendations.
I can confirm that there have been no capacity reviews conducted on the agencies under the Department’s aegis, in the last ten years.
Electric Vehicles
Questions (137)
Brendan Howlin
Question:137. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Transport he is aware of the lack of EV charging points in the Rosslare Europort and Rosslare Strand tourist area; the plans to address this obvious deficit in one of our main gateway ports and tourist areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40710/24]
View answerWritten answers
The Government is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the EV charging network over the coming years. Having an effective and reliable charging network is an essential part of enabling drivers to make the switch to electric vehicles.Home charging is and will remain the primary charging method for most Irish EV owners as it’s convenient and cheaper for the consumer. Home charging also assists in the overall management of the national grid by reducing the impact of reliance on higher powered and peak-time charging. Over 80% of charging is expected to happen at home, however for those unable to do so a growing network of neighbourhood and destination charging will provide a reliable alternative.
There are currently approximately 2400 publicly accessible charge points across Ireland, an increase from 1700 Charge points in September 2022.
These 2400 charge points are delivering approx. 70,000 KW of charge point capacity. In order to deliver on the EU's Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) targets, this will need to increase to 214,000Kw by 2025 and 712,000KW by 2030. This is based on Light Duty Vehicles (LDVs) which consist of both LGVs and cars as a fleet and also based on Climate Action Plan targets of 195,000 EVs on Irish roads by 2025 and 30% of the private fleet by 2030.
The number of chargers required to meet this need will depend on the user needs identified through the Local Authority Charging Strategies and also the Private Market Roll out of EV infrastructure over this period.
It should be noted that the number of charge points per capita is not an accurate measure of addressing the public EV infrastructure need. The installation of the right chargers and the right location to meet user needs, while considering current and future demands, and tracking the EV transition is a more suitable model for delivery. While doing this the Government and local authorities will track the transition and align with National AFIR targets.Local authorities will be funded by Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland (ZEVI) to develop the local and regional network plans. This process will identify the number of charge points required in each area, including on street chargers to serve residents without access to private off street parking. Some authorities have already completed these plans, while others are in progress. We anticipate that most of these plans will be finalised by 2025.
Local authorities are already working in cooperation on this matter under the National EV Charging Local and Regional plan.
County Wexford has been identified as part of Region 5 under the network plan and will be working with counties Kilkenny, Waterford, Carlow and regional lead Tipperary as well as with relevant support organisations and stakeholders to identify the charging needs for their region through the publication of a local charging strategy.
Region 5 has completed its initial scoping and is preparing to award a contract to engage additional support for the assessment of existing local charging networks and needs and to inform the overall scope of the strategy implementation.
ZEVI will continue to directly work with the local authority groups as they develop their strategies and will provide other supports and resources as necessary.
Budget 2025
Questions (138, 139)
Marc MacSharry
Question:138. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Transport the reason there was no allocated supports for shared mobility providers offered in Budget 2025, considering these operators play a leading role in making transport more sustainable, accessible and affordable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40732/24]
View answerMarc MacSharry
Question:139. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Transport for an update on Action 87 of the National Sustainable Mobility Policy, on the development of a strategy for the expansion of car share, bike, PTT services at transport hubs, considering there was no mention of shared mobility in Budget 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40733/24]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 138 and 139 together.
No specific funding supports were included in Budget 2025 for shared mobility providers. However, the Department recognises the challenges faced by private shared mobility providers and remains committed to supporting the expansion of shared mobility options through the advancement of commitments in the Sustainable Mobility Policy (SMP), and both the 2023 and 2024 Climate Action Plans (CAPs).
Action 87 of the SMP, which aims to expand shared car, bike and PPT services at transport hubs and interchanges through the development of a strategy for the rollout of expanded shared services, is one of these key commitments and meaningful progress continues to be made in delivering this action. A draft strategy has been prepared, taking account of related actions in the SMP but also new actions in CAPs 2023 and 2024, and consequently takes a wider perspective on the expansion of shared mobility beyond solely transport hubs and interchanges. It is expected to be finalised in the coming months. Key considerations include the need for appropriate regulation to ensure the delivery of high-quality services, addressing logistical challenges such as facilitating the use of shared mobility modes across local authority boundaries, and the establishment of a sustainable model of shared mobility service provision in both cities and towns.
In advance of this work being concluded, and to coincide with the making of regulations and recent launch of e-scooters as a legal mode for use on Irish roads, my department published an advice note for local authorities on the issue of shared micro mobility services In July this year.
Additionally, to inform wider policy development in the area, I launched a public consultation process on shared mobility hubs in March this year and published an Issues Paper to help elicit views on their development. The paper identified challenges and opportunities for the development of shared mobility hubs and sought input from stakeholders and the public on several key issues, including on the development of business models and approaches that would maximise uptake of shared mobility modes and support the viability of shared mobility providers.
Approximately 100 submissions were received by my Department in response to this public consultation. These submissions have been carefully considered and work is underway to develop a report on the outcome of the public consultation. As part of that process, my officials met with shared mobility providers and other stakeholders on 1 October to discuss the findings of the consultation and to seek their insights on the issues, challenges and opportunities identified.
It is intended that the inputs from this consultation process will help to identify a suitable approach to support the expansion of shared mobility services in Ireland, which will be reflected in a new National Policy Statement on Shared Mobility Hubs to be completed in the coming months.
Question No. 139 answered with Question No. 138.
Driver Licences
Questions (140)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:140. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport the reason a licence did not issue for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40767/24]
View answerWritten answers
The Road Safety Authority has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Licence Service. This includes licence application matters. My Department does not have access to individual driving licence applications and may not intervene in the licence application process.
I have referred this matter to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.