Written Answers Nos. 1-20
1. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs when a passport will issue to a person in County Galway (details supplied); the reason for the delay in issuing said passport given that the application was lodged online 7 June 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40432/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Passport Service has issued over 886,000 passports to date this year. All passport applications are subject to the requirements of the Passports Act 2008, as amended. First-time applications are the most complex applications due to the necessary checks involved to verify the identity and citizenship status of the applicant. The turnaround time to complete first-time online applications is 20 working days.
The Passport Service takes its responsibility to protect the integrity of the Irish passport very seriously. The Irish passport has a strong international reputation due to the strength of the security features within the passport book and the robust processes involved in its issuance. The Irish passport was recently ranked third in the Henley Global Passport Index, as it provides our citizens with visa-free access to 193 countries. Accordingly, there is a rigorous checking process in place for first time applications.
With regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, the application was made online on the 07 June 2024. The Passport Service sent a reminder email to the applicant's guardian on 24 June 2024, requesting the necessary supporting documents. The applicant requested new links on 19 August and 03 September 2024. Supporting documents for this application were received by the Passport Service on 09 September 2024. However, the application was still incomplete and the Passport Service requested further supporting documents on 30 September 2024, which were received by the Passport Service on 02 October 2024. The turnaround time following receipt of additional documents is 15 working days. This application is within the turnaround time and has not yet reached its issue-by date.
2. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his response to Israel's attempted invasion of Lebanon, its deliberate targeting of civilians and healthcare workers; if Ireland has or will provide humanitarian assistance to the Lebanese government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40510/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am deeply concerned about the surge of violence in Lebanon in recent days, including continuing Hezbollah rocket fire on Israel, Israel's massive aerial bombardments and ground incursions across the Blue Line by the Israeli Defence Forces.
Recent developments in Lebanon represent a further dangerous escalation in an already tense and fragile region. I call for an immediate ceasefire, and urge all who have influence to use this positively to that end. We need to see urgent de-escalation and a surge in humanitarian assistance in Lebanon.
The safety of Irish personnel serving in UNIFIL is a priority for the Government. I am in regular contact with the Chief of Staff regarding the situation on the ground. Irish soldiers continue to take shelter in secured positions, and all are currently safe and accounted for. I have spoken on a number of occasions with UN Under Secretary General for Peacekeeping, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, to underline the Government's concerns including regarding the activity of the Israeli Defence Forces in the vicinity of Irish outposts. The Taoiseach has discussed the situation with UN Secretary General Guterres. I welcome the news that the IDF has moved from its previous position and are currently not located near the Irish UNIFIL outposts.
Since 8th October 2023, over 2,000 people have died in the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel. The humanitarian impacts in Lebanon are severe. The country was already in a fragile situation and ill-equipped to respond to this. I remain concerned about the threat to UN staff and medical workers who take exceptional risks to provide vital aid, and who should be protected.
The level of destruction and displacement in Lebanon is shocking. Current estimates are that over 1 million people have been displaced, further exacerbating already acute humanitarian needs. This is an extraordinarily challenging time for the Lebanese people.
I last met Foreign Minister Bou Habib in May when I visited Lebanon. At that time I reassured him of Ireland's support for his country. I announced an additional €1 million in support of humanitarian relief in Lebanon at the end of September. This brings Irish support to €5 million in 2024 alone and €33 million since 2018. While it was not possible to meet Minister Habib last month when I was in New York at the UN, I addressed the UN Security Council on the crisis on the Middle East including the situation in Lebanon.
Since the beginning of this crisis, I have been in regular contact with my counterparts in European Union Member States and the EU institutions, pressing the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian assistance at scale. Last week, I participated in an emergency meeting of EU Foreign Ministers by video conference on the situation in Lebanon. HRVP Borrell issued a press statement after the meeting which focused on support measures to Lebanon.
I will continue my intensive engagement with EU partners to take concrete steps which demonstrate the Union’s commitment to de-escalation in the region and a diplomatic solution, including at the meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council next week.
3. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his efforts to bring about the implementation of United Nations resolutions regarding self-determination for the Sahrawi people; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40511/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland’s long-standing position on Western Sahara is one of full support for the UN-led process, including the MINURSO Mission, and the efforts of Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for Western Sahara, Staffan de Mistura, to achieve a political solution to this long-standing dispute.
UN Security Council Resolution 2703, adopted on 30 October 2023, extended the mandate of the MINURSO Mission by one year, until 31 October 2024. As per this, and previous Resolutions, I have called on all parties to the dispute, and on the wider international community, to support and assist the efforts of the Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for Western Sahara as he continues his engagements with the parties to the dispute. I welcome the visits and consultations he has undertaken to the region over the past year.
I also support the call in the UNSC Resolution on all parties to cooperate fully with MINURSO in carrying out its important mandate.
My officials, at HQ and in our Mission network, continue to be in ongoing contact with all relevant and interested parties in support of efforts to achieve a solution to this long-standing dispute.
4. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his engagements with the Cuban government; his efforts to bring an end to the illegal blockade of Cuba; the efforts to have Cuba removed from the list of state sponsors of terror; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40512/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland uses various platforms to raise issues in respect of Cuba. These include through our Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York, and through our EU partners, whenever appropriate. Ireland also engages with the Embassy of Cuba in Dublin, through our Embassy in Mexico, to which Ireland is accredited to Cuba, and through the various dialogue mechanisms that are provided under the Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement (PDCA) in place between the EU and Cuba. In November last year, former EU Special Representative for Human Rights, Eamon Gilmore, visited Cuba to hold the regular Human Rights Dialogue with the Cuban authorities, and discussed issues around human rights including the US embargo.
Ireland’s position on the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the United States on Cuba is very clear. We, alongside our EU colleagues, have long considered that it serves no constructive purpose, that it has resulted in significant negative impacts for the Cuban people, and that it has ultimately failed to bring about any reforms in Cuba’s political system. We believe that a lifting of the embargo would be beneficial for the Cuban economy and people.
Ireland’s view in this regard has been consistently expressed in multilateral fora. Ireland, alongside our EU colleagues, voted in favour of a UN resolution calling for the ending of the embargo before the United Nations General Assembly in November 2023. The comprehensive EU statement delivered at the General Assembly again highlighted the fact that the embargo has a damaging impact on the economic situation of the country and negatively effects the living standards of the Cuban people.
I note that the United States has recently removed Cuba from its list of countries that are “not cooperating fully” with counter-terrorism efforts. However, it is regrettable that Cuba remains designated by the US as a state sponsor of international terrorism. The EU has firmly voiced its opposition to this designation and its associated measures, which it has stated clearly are in violation of commonly accepted rules of international trade.
5. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the outcome of his most recent discussions with the secretary of state for Northern Ireland and with the British foreign secretary in relation to legacy issues in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40602/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince his appointment in July, I have had a number of engagements with the Secretary of State on legacy issues. I spoke to him on his first day in office, and have met with him in Belfast and in Oxford. I also discussed legacy with the Foreign Secretary on the day of his appointment, and met with him in Dublin on 3 October.
I welcome the British Government's stated intention to repeal and replace the Legacy Act. What this means in practice and how this work can be taken forward has been the primary focus of my conversations with the Secretary of State.
I have also noted the Secretary of State’s intention to retain the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery. In my engagement with him I have made clear that any framework to address the legacy of the past needs to command the support of victims and families. Achieving this will require a robust, thorough, and ambitious process, involving root and branch reform of the ICRIR. It will only be effective if it is advanced in partnership between the two governments.
As we take this work forward, the needs of victims and the obligation to ensure a framework compatible with the European Convention on Human Rights will remain central to this Government’s approach. The Government is committed to working with the British Government to explore whether and how we can develop an agreed approach on this fundamentally important issue. Conversations to date have been constructive, but more work is needed. Fundamental and meaningful reform of this deeply flawed legislation must be at the heart of our efforts.
6. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to outline any new initiatives or measures that will be implemented to promote reconciliation in Northern Ireland and the Border counties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40603/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Reconciliation Fund, administered by my Department continues to make a vital and effective contribution to peace on these islands through its support for reconciliation based projects in a range of sectoral and geographical areas. The Fund continually seeks to broaden its reach in terms of organisations funded.
At the beginning of 2024, the Reconciliation Fund team engaged in a series of outreach workshops across Belfast, Derry, Armagh and online, to engage with both new contacts and established partners on how to apply for the Reconciliation Fund. In addition, the Reconciliation Fund team also attended a number of funding fairs throughout Northern Ireland, in an effort to encourage as many applications as possible, and broaden our funding footprint across Northern Ireland and the border counties.
As a result, the Fund received 42 applications from new organisations, and recommended funding for 25 new partners, out of a total of 138 recommended partners. This compares with 9 new partner recommendations in the annual round last year.
All projects supported by the Fund must be aligned to the Reconciliation Fund Strategy, available on my Department's website. The Strategy sets out the core aims and objectives of the Fund against the evolving context for reconciliation across these islands. A new strategy for 2025-2029 is in preparation at this time and my Department will be carrying out consultations throughout Northern Ireland and border counties in the coming months to ensure that the Fund continues to support our vision of a reconciled Ireland and that the strategy remains relevant, effective and efficient over the coming years.
In addition, my Department continues to play an active role under the Shared Island Initiative, including through its Shared Island Civic Society Fund, which I launched in 2023 to promote practical North South engagement and dialogue across a range of sectors and themes. To date the Shared Island Civic Society Fund has allocated €1.5 million to 55 cross-border projects, encompassing the environmental, community development, heritage, social enterprise and sporting sectors.
7. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the total funding provided in 2024 for the emigrant support programme; the allocation for 2025; if any new measures will be supported through this important initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40604/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government remains strongly committed to supporting Irish diaspora communities all over the world, in line with its Global Ireland: Ireland’s Diaspora Strategy 2020-2025.
The most tangible expression of that support is through the Emigrant Support Programme, administered by the Department of Foreign Affairs, which this year will see the disbursement of over €16 million in grants to Irish community and other organisations all over the world. The 2025 allocation will be €16,493,000.
The emphasis of the Emigrant Support Programme rightly remains on supporting culturally sensitive, frontline welfare services, targeted at the most vulnerable members of our overseas communities. We will continue also channel funding in support of cultural, heritage, business and Irish Studies projects.
I was particularly pleased to see a strong increase in new organisations applying for support with some 70 new Irish community organisations from around the world receiving support for their projects.
8. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of times his Department was contacted by the Department of Transport and or the Department of Justice in relation to determining if any foreign policy issues need to be considered in the context of an application for an exemption under the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Orders 1973 and 1989, since October 2023 to date in 2024, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40614/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Orders 1973 and 1989, it is expressly prohibited for civil aircraft to carry munitions of war in Irish sovereign territory, without being granted an exemption to do so by the Minister for Transport.
In considering any application for such an exemption, the Department of Transport consults with the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Justice on applications to determine if there are foreign policy or security considerations to take into account. This process includes the provision of advice from my Department in respect of international humanitarian law, Ireland’s international obligations and our wider arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation policy.
The Department of Transport regularly publishes statistics related to the carriage of munitions of war on civil aircraft on the gov.ie website, which is available at this link:
www.gov.ie/en/publication/15da60-the-carriage-of-munitions-of-war-on-civil-aircraft/#statistics
The data the Deputy has requested for the period up to the end of August 2024 (the last complete month for which the data has been compiled) is as follows:
|
October 2023 |
190 |
|
November 2023 |
94 |
|
December 2023 |
71 |
|
January 2024 |
97 |
|
February 2024 |
82 |
|
March 2024 |
136 |
|
April 2024 |
162 |
|
May 2024 |
162 |
|
June 2024 |
80 |
|
July 2024 |
76 |
|
August 2024 |
65 |
9. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of permissions under the Air Navigation (Foreign Military Aircraft) Order 1952 sought and granted for military aircraft to overfly or land in the State going to or from the Middle East, either directly or indirectly, by month, since October 2023, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40615/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the terms of the Air Navigation (Foreign Military Aircraft) Order, 1952, all foreign military aircraft wishing to overfly, or land in, the State require diplomatic clearance from the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Diplomatic clearance is subject to strict conditions, including that the aircraft is unarmed; that it carries no arms, ammunition or explosives; that it does not engage in intelligence gathering; and that the flight in question does not form part of a military exercise or operation.
The policy of diplomatic clearance is well known and is fully understood by the United States and other international partners.
Details of permission sought and granted for military aircraft to overly and land in the state since October 2023 are listed in tabular form below.
I am fully satisfied that the stringent procedures for diplomatic clearance were followed in full on each of these occasions.
In establishing these figures, the following countries of the Middle East were considered to be in scope of the question: Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Kuwait, Jordan, Lebanon, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia. Syria, UAE and Yemen.
To ensure full transparency, information on all military flights is published on the gov.ie website and updated on a monthly basis. The details published on the website include the name of the requesting state.
|
Month |
Overflights sought (with origin/destination in Middle East) |
Overflights granted(with origin/destination in Middle East) |
Landing permissions sought (flights with origin/destination in the Middle East) |
Landing permissions granted (flights with origin/destination in the Middle East) |
|
October 2023 |
3 |
3 |
6 |
6 |
|
November 2023 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
|
December 2023 |
2 |
2 |
7 |
7 |
|
January 2024 |
3 |
3 |
4 |
4 |
|
February 2024 |
0 |
0 |
4 |
4 |
|
March 2024 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
2 |
|
April 2024 |
0 |
0 |
4 |
4 |
|
May 2024 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
|
June 2024 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
3 |
|
July 2024 |
0 |
0 |
11 |
11 |
|
August 2024 |
0 |
0 |
11 |
11 |
|
September 2024 |
7 |
7 |
7 |
7 |
|
Total |
19 |
19 |
64 |
64 |
10. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he had any discussions or engagement with any Israeli counterpart or any person with regard to preventing the passage of the Control of Economic Activity (Occupied Territories) Bill 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40616/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government’s legal advice is that the Occupied Territories Bill is not compatible with EU law, as the EU has exclusive competence for external trade. The Government’s approach has not changed since the matter was considered by the Oireachtas in 2018 and 2019 and it has not been the focus of any recent engagement on my part, with Israeli or other counterparts.
Engagement with third-country counterparts is a central part of my work and that of my officials in the Department of Foreign Affairs.
In relation to Israel, I most recently met with then Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen on 16 November 2023, during my visit to the region. During this visit, I reiterated Ireland’s condemnation of the terror attack by Hamas on Israel on 7 October and underlined the need for the unconditional release of all hostages. I also underlined my concern over the catastrophic situation in Gaza and reiterated calls for an immediate ceasefire, an issue on which Ireland demonstrated early and clear leadership at EU and international level.
Current Israeli Foreign Minister, Israel Katz, engaged with EU Foreign Ministers at the Foreign Affairs Council in January of this year, enabling a further full and frank exchange on the situation in Gaza, during which I underlined Ireland’s concern at potential breaches of international humanitarian law in Gaza, notably with regard to the principles of distinction, proportionality and precaution.
11. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to outline the responsibilities of his Department in terms of ensuring that aircraft which land on Irish soil are not carrying arms, weapons, or military equipment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28230/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the terms of the Air Navigation (Foreign Military Aircraft) Order, 1952, all foreign military aircraft wishing to overfly, or land in, the State require diplomatic clearance from the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Diplomatic clearance is subject to strict conditions which include stipulations that the aircraft must be unarmed, carry no arms, ammunition or explosives and must not engage in intelligence gathering, and that the flights in question must not form part of military exercises or operations. This policy is well known and is fully understood by the United States and other international partners, and is conducted in compliance with Ireland’s traditional policy of military neutrality.
Furthermore, under the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Orders 1973 and 1989, it is expressly prohibited for civil aircraft to carry munitions of war in Irish sovereign territory, without being granted an exemption to do so by the Minister for Transport. Statistics on such exemptions are published on the Department of Transport’s website.
In considering any application for such an exemption in respect of munitions of war, the Department of Transport consults with the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Justice on applications to determine if there are foreign policy or security considerations to take into account. This process includes the provision of advice from my Department in respect of international humanitarian law, Ireland’s international obligations and our wider arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation policy.
12. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the targets for each of the SEAI's retrofitting schemes for heat pump installations in each of the years between 2020 to 2030, in tabular form; how the number of installations compares to the targets in each of the years to date; how the number of installations compares to the targets in 2025 and in 2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40356/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
The National Retrofit Plan estimates that, between 2019 and 2025, almost 185,000 home energy upgrades will be delivered with over 83,000 to a B2/cost optimal level and includes a target to install 45,000 heat pumps in existing dwellings in the same period. This implies that there will be a need to deliver on average, approximately 75,000 B2-equivalent home upgrades per year from 2026 to 2030 with the majority installing heat pump systems in order to achieve the overall 2030 targets.
A range of measures have been put in place in recent years under the National Retrofit Plan including in 2022 when an enhanced package of SEAI retrofit supports were introduced which saw significant increases in grant supports for energy efficiency measures including the heat pump grant. In addition, two SEAI heat pump pilot schemes are underway, aimed at informing appropriate processes and approaches to increase the number of heat pump installations as well as a range of other initiatives to encourage uptake of heat pumps. Most recently, it was announced as part of Budget 2024 that the VAT rate that applies to heat pumps will fall from 13.5% to 9%. This is the lowest rate allowable under the EU VAT Directive.
In recent years, demand across the SEAI residential and community energy upgrade schemes has been exceptionally high. Data from SEAI shows that in the period 2020 to end-September 2024 just over 145,000 property upgrades have been supported through the residential and community energy upgrade schemes, including the Solar PV scheme. Of these, almost 48,750 have been upgraded to a post works building energy rating of B2 or better. In the same period over 12,000 heat pumps installations have been supported by SEAI.
In addition, most recent figures from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage show that in the period 2021-23 there were a further 4,863 heat pumps installed under the Local Authority Energy Efficiency Retrofit Programme. This means that almost 17,000 heat pumps have been installed with Government support in recent years.
In relation to the information requested by the Deputy, the following available data has been provided by SEAI and is set out in the attached tables:
• A breakdown of the number of heat pumps installed, per SEAI scheme, in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and to end September 2024,
• A breakdown of heat pump installation targets, per SEAI scheme, in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024.
The targets for heat pump installations for the period 2025-2030 will be agreed annually as part of the SEAI business planning and Estimates processes.
13. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his views on the Government's directive regarding the development of solar farms in Ireland, particularly in relation to obligations around community engagement and protections for farming quality agricultural land; the way concerns in relation to the intensification of solar farming in specific areas, such as County Meath will be addressed; and the safeguards that are in place to ensure that such developments do not negatively impact the long-term viability of agriculture in these regions. [40374/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Climate Action Plan 2024 reaffirms Ireland’s ambitious targets of 9 GW of onshore wind capacity, 8 GW of solar capacity and at least 5 GW of offshore wind capacity connected to the grid by 2030 in order to meet the requirement of 80% of electricity demand supplied by renewables. Under the aegis of the Accelerating Renewable Electricity Taskforce (ARE Taskforce), officials from my Department and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage have been developing a renewable electricity spatial policy approach that provides for the alignment between local plans and national policy.Regional renewable electricity targets for solar and onshore wind have been included in the draft First Revision of the National Planning Framework. This will deliver a regional balance and distribution of renewable technologies, including solar, and provide a supporting policy framework for Ireland’s electricity supply to keep pace with economic growth, protect Irish homes and businesses from volatile fossil fuel prices through the deployment of indigenous wind and solar energy across our regions. Ireland now has over 1 GW of solar energy generation with significant further development needed to support Ireland’s economic growth through the deployment of 8 GW of solar connected to the grid by 2030. While solar energy development guidelines are a future policy consideration under the ARE Taskforce Implementation Plan, it should be noted that planning matters fall within the remit of the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Strong and early community engagement, as well as the provision of benefit funds, by developers is essential for the sustainable development of renewable energy projects. Late last year, industry published best practice guidance for the delivery of solar farms in Ireland. The guidelines encompass a range of areas such as community engagement, archaeological assessments and glint and glare.Solar energy has a strong role to play in providing income diversification for farmers with opportunities for farmers to generate their own indigenous renewable energy from micro and small scale renewable projects as well as receive income from larger scale developments. Development of grid scale solar can include co-location of wind and solar generation with agricultural activities that result in a net reduction in carbon emissions and support land-use diversification options for farmers.The Programme for Government committed to a Land Use Review to ensure that optimal land use options inform all relevant Government decisions. The second phase of the Land Use Review, which is currently underway, will seek to identify the key demands on land (both public and private) to inform policies for land use across key government objectives, improving socioeconomic, climate, biodiversity, water, and air quality outcomes.
14. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he is aware that the European Commission has decided to open an infringement procedure against Ireland for failing to fully transpose the revised renewable energy Directive into national law; the measures he is taking to address this; to provide a timeline for the transposition of the revised Renewable Energy Directive into national law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40393/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe third Renewable Energy Directive (RED III, EU Directive 2023/2413) entered into force in November 2023 and provides for the increased deployment of renewable energy across the EU by 2030, including provisions to simplify and accelerate the permit-granting procedure for renewable energy projects. While the majority of the Directive has a transposition deadline of 21st May 2025, there was an earlier deadline of 1st July 2024 for these permitting provisions.
On 25th September 2024, Ireland, and 25 other Member States, received a letter of formal notice from the European Commission.
Ireland is supportive of efforts to reduce overall permitting timelines for renewable energy projects. However, the scale and complexity of changes necessary to implement these provisions requires an extensive programme of work. Efforts to reduce permitting timelines have been underway, in this context, for some time. This programme of work includes legislative changes to the planning system to meet the RED III requirements. These are being advanced by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the drafting of a Statutory Instrument under the European Communities Act 1972 is at an advanced stage. This SI will amend the Planning and Development Act, as amended, and the Planning and Development Regulations, as amended.
Steps are also being taken to align grid-permitting timelines with the requirements of the Directive. On 26th September 2024, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities published a new electricity generation and system services connection policy, which will shorten the process of obtaining connections.
These changes will allow planning and grid connection processes for renewable energy projects, as defined under RED III, to run concurrently in order to speed up overall permitting timelines.
In addition, an Accelerating Renewable Electricity Taskforce was established by my Department to coordinate the fast-tracked and increased deployment of onshore renewable electricity generation to enable us to meet our 2030 onshore renewable targets. A number of working groups have been established under the aegis of this Taskforce to focus on key work areas, including the relevant permitting articles of RED III. This ensures that matters related to these articles are considered in detail by the relevant Departments and State Bodies.
Every effort is being made to put in place the measures necessary to comply with the permitting requirements of RED III as soon as possible and my Department will continue to engage constructively with the European Commission in this regard.
15. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide an update on the provision of fibre broadband to Birr, County Offaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40516/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland's Digital Connectivity Strategy, published by my Department, sets ambitious targets, which include providing a Gigabit network to all households and businesses in Ireland by 2028 and access to 5G in all populated areas by 2030.
The National Broadband Plan (NBP) is the government's initiative to deliver high speed broadband services to all premises in Ireland.
National Broadband Ireland (NBI) are connecting circa 4,000 homes each month.
I am advised by NBI that, over 300,000 premises are passed across 26 counties and available for immediate connection. Over 98,600 premises are already connected to the National Broadband Plan high-speed broadband network. In the Deputy’s own county of Offaly over 2,810 premises are passed with a high-speed fibre broadband network and available for immediate connection with 908 premises now connected.
Within the Birr Deployment Area the network build is in progress for 1,853 premises. It is anticipated that high speed Fibre Broadband will be available for this area within the date range January 2026 – December 2026.
Further details are available on specific areas within County Offaly and can be monitored via nbi.ie/reps.
Along with the NBP intervention contract, progress is being made by commercial operators’ in expanding their next generation networks throughout the State and ensuring the targets set out in the Digital Connectivity strategy are achieved.
16. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications how an Eircode can be connected to broadband (details supplied). [40549/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Broadband Plan (NBP) is the government's initiative to deliver high speed broadband services to all premises in Ireland.
The premises in question is in the BLUE area on the broadband map. The BLUE area represents those areas where commercial providers are either currently delivering or have plans to deliver high-speed broadband services. The Department defines high-speed broadband as a connection with minimum speeds of 30 Mbps download and 6 Mbps upload.
The activities of commercial operators delivering high-speed broadband within BLUE areas are not planned or funded by the State and the Department has no statutory authority to intervene in that regard. There may be a choice of operators offering this service in any given area. Further information in this regard is available at www.comreg.ie/compare/#/services.
If a person lives in the BLUE area and after contacting their Retail Service Provider are told they cannot get access to greater than 30 Mbps, they should raise a query via the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC) webform at secure.dccae.gov.ie/forms/NBP-Customer-Service.aspx and the Department will escalate with the commercial operator to investigate this matter further.
As per records made available to this department the premises in question is a new build and has been included in open eir’s Full Fibre deployment programme which will provide a full fibre Gigabit connection however the build process has not yet commenced within this premises' area.
17. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to review a case related to a connection to fibre broadband (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40622/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Broadband Plan (NBP) is the government's initiative to deliver high speed broadband services to all premises in Ireland.
The premises in question is in the BLUE area on the broadband map. The BLUE area represents those areas where commercial providers are either currently delivering or have plans to deliver high-speed broadband services. The Department defines high-speed broadband as a connection with minimum speeds of 30Mbps download and 6Mbps upload.
The activities of commercial operators delivering high-speed broadband within BLUE areas are not planned or funded by the State and the Department has no statutory authority to intervene in that regard.
There may be a choice of operators offering this service in any given area. Further information in this regard is available at www.comreg.ie/compare/#/services.
If a person lives in the BLUE area and after contacting their Retail Service Provider are told they cannot get access to greater than 30Mbps, they should raise a query via the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC) webform at secure.dccae.gov.ie/forms/NBP-Customer-Service.aspx and the Department will escalate with the commercial operator to investigate this matter further.
As per records available to the Department, the premises in question is passed by both open eir and Siro fibre and is also capable of getting 90Mbps copper HSBB.
18. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence with regard to the boarded-up houses and disintegrating buildings on the Curragh Military Camp, to state with certainty if any of the additional capital of €39 million as announced in Budget 2025 will be ringfenced for the restoration and remediation of the boarded up houses and disintegrating buildings on in the Curragh Camp as part of plans to modernise built infrastructure in military installations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40371/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Defence Forces Infrastructure Development Plan (IDP) sets out a programme of project delivery for the years 2023 to 2027. Under the programme, the following capital works in the DFTC, (Curragh Camp, Kildare) are completed or nearing completion:
• Cadet School
• Engineers Logistics Office
• Engineer Stores
• New Electric Target Range
• Upgrade of Accommodation at Plunkett Barracks
The Deputy may also wish to know that the following additional capital works for the DFTC are included in the IDP and are at various stages of design, procurement and construction:
• CIS Corps Workshop and Stores
• New Army Ranger Wing HQ Block
• Refurbishment of 1 Accommodation Block Ceannt Barracks
• New Garaging Facility
• Military College Auditorium Suite
• New Student Accommodation Facility.
My Department also allocates funding each year to the Defence Forces for the maintenance, repair and upkeep of its building stock. This devolved budget is a regular feature of the Delegated functions assigned to the Defence Forces by my Department. The individual prioritisation of specific projects to be carried out is solely a matter for the Defence Forces in keeping with the delegated nature of this budget.
With regard to vacant residential type properties in the Curragh, I am advised that none of these properties can be occupied without considerable refurbishment and were built before the Building Regulations and associated standards arising from same came into effect. A consultant was commissioned by the Defence Forces to assess the condition of the vacant housing in barracks and its suitability for conversion/refurbishment to provide for additional single living-in accommodation for Defence Force personnel. This report is near completion and my officials will submit recommendations to me shortly on the remediation programme to be undertaken.
19. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the extra resources that have been made available to the Irish contingent of UNIFIL currently in Lebanon given the vastly increased daily attacks by Israel and the retaliatory response from Hezbollah, especially in the region the Irish soldiers are operating in; to confirm that contingency measures are in place to safely evacuate them if needs be; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40470/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra20. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if consideration has been given to temporarily locating Air Corps or Naval Service assets in the vicinity in case of the need to evacuate Irish soldiers who are part of the UNIFIL detachment located within Lebanon in the region under continual aerial bombardment and ground invasion Israeli attack; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40471/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 19 and 20 together.
At the outset I want to assure the Deputy that every effort is being made to support all of the Defence Force personnel who are serving in Lebanon during these very volatile times.
The situation in Lebanon is still tense and unpredictable. Both I and the Government are deeply concerned about the surge of violence in Lebanon and the launch of Israeli ground incursions, and have made this concern clear both bilaterally to Israel and to UN headquarters.
Thankfully all our troops are well and accounted for, and I want to assure you that the safety and security of our personnel is of the utmost priority for both me and for Government.
I will continue to monitor the situation closely, along with our partners in the UN and the wider international community. I am in regular contact with the UN and with the Chief of Staff. The Department of Defence is also regularly kept apprised of all developments in the area on an ongoing basis.
There is currently an evolving and fluid situation. While the situation is tense and worrying, Military management have assured us that all Defence Forces personnel are highly trained, professional, and have undergone rigorous preparation to effectively handle the challenges that come with the situations they are now facing.
There are robust force protection measures in place which have been augmented. These measures are continually reviewed and enhanced as necessary to address any emerging threats. All Defence Forces’ personnel continue to comply with UN security precautions, including taking shelter in protected positions as and when appropriate. They remain vigilant and are in regular contact to update us on the ongoing situation. They remain focused on, and are committed to, continuing to uphold the UNIFIL Mandate. I wish to add also that contrary to recent media reports, the Defence Forces has advised that there are sufficient supplies of both water and food in Camp Shamrock and in the outposts. There is both fresh food and contingency food packs available.
Though it is not the practice to ordinarily comment in detail on operational matters, contingency planning is part and parcel of the planning in operational deployments, including in UNIFIL. The UN is working on several scenarios in case of an improvement or deterioration of the situation in southern Lebanon. These contingency plans are under constant review. Likewise, the Government has been engaging with the UN and with international partners as part of this process. Given the contingency plans that are already in place, there is currently no requirement to deploy Air Corps or Naval Service assets in the region.
Finally, it should be underlined that the Government remains committed to our Missions in the Middle-East with UNIFIL.
Question No. 20 answered with Question No. 19.
