Written Answers Nos. 76-95
76. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will address the consistently poor mobile phone reception in a location (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2749/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe roll-out of infrastructure for mobile telecommunications services in Ireland is primarily a matter for private mobile network operators, operating on a commercial basis in a liberalised market, regulated by the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg). ComReg is statutorily independent in the exercise of its functions in accordance with section 11 of the Communications Regulation Act 2002.
To assist consumers to choose the network provider that best meets their needs, ComReg continually updates and enhances its online national outdoor mobile coverage map, available at: coveragemap.comreg.ie/map, which provides clear information on where operators have good 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G coverage.
ComReg completed a Multi-band Spectrum Award in January 2023 to assign long term rights of use in four spectrum bands to enable the market to provide improved services to meet increasing consumer demand for mobile data and new services. This award represents a 46% increase in the harmonised spectrum assigned for the provision of wireless broadband services in Ireland and includes significant coverage obligations for operators.
Outages experienced on the telecom networks can be due to the lack of power to fixed and mobile infrastructure. While many key sites have battery backup to maintain service, once battery capacity was exhausted some network areas would have experienced outages. Deployment of generators maintained connectivity at core sites across the country. For example, the estimated effect of Storm Éowyn on the telecoms networks was the largest in ComReg recording history.
A key focus for government, the National Emergency Coordination Group and all organisations involved is to find ways to support power restoration works that will make the most impact in terms of restoring water, communications and other services.
77. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will publish the ministerial brief he received following the recent formation of the Government. [2758/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department will publish the Ministerial brief I received upon taking office on the Department's website shortly.
78. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications for on update on the transposition into Irish law of the Network and Information Systems Directive II (NIS2) EU Directive concerning cybersecurity; when this is likely to take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2803/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe NIS2 Directive is a revision of the NIS Directive which is currently in force in the State and will remain in full effect covering the most critical operators within the State while the NIS2 Directive is being transposed into national law. It represents a major step forward for cyber resilience in Ireland and in Europe and will enhance cyber risk management including generating significant improvements in our capacity to respond to major incidents and developing the information-sharing platforms which are proving effective to date.
Separatelym Government agreed in 2021 to establish the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) on a statutory basis and provide for related matters including clarity around its mandate and role in general and in relation to other actors in the cyber area. The NCSC will also require additional powers to implement the provisions of the NIS2 Directive. Therefore, transposing of the NIS2 Directive and the additional statutory powers required for the NCSC will be taken forward as a single legislative instrument, the National Cyber Security Bill 2025.
NIS2 is a complex piece of legislation requiring a complete overhaul of existing cyber security legislation. However, the transposition of this legislation is a critical step forward for Ireland in enhancing our national and cyber security posture and it will mean we are better placed to ensure the resilience of our critical entities, infrastructure and Irish citizens from the ever-present threat of cyber security attacks.
A Cabinet decision in July 2024 directed priority drafting of the National Cyber Security Bill. The General Scheme of this legislation was published on the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC) website in August 2024. My Department is currently engaging with the Office of Parliamentary Council (OPC), the Attorney General’s Office, the NCSC and other relevant Government Departments and Agencies on the drafting of the Bill.
My Department was also engaging with the Committee on Transport and Communications on pre-legislative scrutiny of the General Scheme. This process was paused when the general election was called in November 2024. My expectation is pre-legislative scrutiny will resume once the relevant Committee is established under the new Government.
This legislation is a priority for Government and while the aim is to have it enacted as soon as possible, my Department cannot pre-empt the outcome or the length of time the legislative process will take.
79. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to provide an update of the work of the Climate Action Delivery Board; if there will be any changes in the mandate as part of the new mandate for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2822/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Climate Action Delivery Board (CADB) was established in 2019 and is jointly chaired by the Secretaries General of the Department of the Taoiseach and the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications. Membership consists of Secretaries General from those Government Departments who have the main responsibilities for climate action delivery. A full list of the members of the Delivery Board and its terms of reference are available on the CADB website at: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/24f0c-climate-action-delivery-board/
Also available on the website are the minutes of CADB meetings, as well as recent work undertaken to review climate action capacity in the civil service.
In 2023, Ireland achieved a nearly 7% reduction in emissions, equating to almost one tonne less climate pollution per person. The Programme for Government 2025, Securing Ireland's Future, sets out the Government's ambitions in terms of reducing emissions further out to 2030 and 2050. The Government’s approach will be to ensure continued climate progress while growing the economy. In this regard, the Government is committed to strengthening the delivery structures to deliver the Climate Action Plan through the Climate Action Delivery Board and I, as Minister, will be prioritising the delivery of the Climate Action Plan.
81. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to report on the membership of the just transition commission; the mandated duties of the commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2922/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Just Transition Commission is an advisory body established on an administrative basis by Government Decision of 30 April 2024. The chair and members of the Just Transition Commission were appointed by the Government on 22 October 2024 on the recommendation of the then Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, in line with the Commission’s Terms of Reference.
The Commission will support the Government in its responsibility to provide that Ireland’s transition to the National Climate Objective has regard to the requirement for a just transition. The Commission will provide impartial, strategic, and evidence-based advice to inform policy planning related to just transition across different sectors. Delivering a just transition to climate neutrality remains the responsibility of the Government and relevant Ministers.
The Commission is chaired by Ms Ali Sheridan and its membership is as follows:
• Mr Conor Minogue
• Dr Diarmuid Torney
• Dr Evan Boyle
• Ms Michelle Murphy
• Mr Oisín Coghlan
• Mr Ryan McKinney
• Mr Seamus Boland
• Mr Suresh Kumar
• Ms Tanya Ward
• Ms Vanessa Kiely O’Connor
The functions of the Commission, as set out in its Terms of Reference approved by the Government, are:
• To prepare and analyse strategic evidence-based research in relation to just transition: to anticipate and inform long-term climate policy and investment planning, including focusing on the potential impacts, risks and opportunities arising from the climate transition for different sectors of both the economy and society, including the social, economic and employment impacts of this change and the policy responses required.
• To evaluate, advise, and comment on policy planning and implementation and progress on the application of Ireland’s just transition principles into national and sectoral climate policies, based on high-quality, evidence-based analysis.
• To provide strategic advice and engagement on just transition: the Commission will support the National Dialogue on Climate Action, as well as any dialogues on climate/just transition matters within individual sectors, in engagement on the implementation of climate programmes agreed by Government.
• Sectoral or regional engagement and road-mapping: the Commission may, on its own initiative, or at the request of the Government, undertake proactive engagement with particular communities, sectors or regions facing specific acute or long-term challenges arising from the transition, and advise Government on strategic co-ordination by the agencies of the State, on any interventions or targeted supports which may be helpful to address the challenges being faced by that community, sector or region.
Information on the Commission, its membership and its terms of reference are available on the Commission’s website, at www.justtransitioncommission.ie. The Commission held its inaugural meeting in December 2024. Meeting agendas and minutes will be made publicly available on its website.
82. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to report on the review of greenhouse gas emissions on a consumption basis; if this will impact Ireland's climate targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2923/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra90. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the estimated timeframe for completing the review of greenhouse gas emissions on a consumption basis as committed to in the programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3067/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 82 and 90 together.
In 2023, Ireland achieved a nearly 7% reduction in emissions, equating to almost one tonne less climate pollution per person. The new Programme for Government, Securing Ireland's Future, sets out the Government's ambitions in terms of reducing emissions further out to 2030 and 2050. The Government’s approach will be to ensure continued climate progress while growing the economy and I, as Minister, will be prioritising the delivery of the Climate Action Plan.
The Programme for Government 2025 includes a review of greenhouse gas emissions on a consumption basis, with a goal of ensuring that Irish actions support the reduction of global emissions, as well as on our own territories. This review will build upon previous research and initiatives such as the Economic and Social Research Institute’s paper ‘The Global Emissions Impact of Irish Consumption'.
A robust circular economy will play an important part in reducing global carbon emissions and protecting our natural resources, environment, and health. A well-established circular economy will provide consumers with greater access to better designed products, which can be shared, reused, repaired, and remade thereby minimising the use of resources and their carbon footprint.
Our 2024 Climate Action Plan aims to target production-based emissions that also reduce our carbon footprint. For example, policies designed to stimulate demand for alternative construction materials will lower the use of high carbon intensive products.
The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is the EU's tool to measure and put a fair price on the carbon emitted during the production of carbon intensive goods that are entering the EU, and to encourage cleaner industrial production in non-EU countries. It places a carbon price on imports of certain goods from outside the EU, to push EU partners to raise their climate ambition and reduce the risk of 'carbon leakage'; where companies transfer production abroad to countries that have less stringent emission rules in place. All these measure and actions shall provide greater transparency and data for consumers to access data on consumption-based emissions and will be considered in the review.
83. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the way grants under the national retrofit plan will be revised to increase accessibility, in particular for older people, as outlined in the Programme for Government. [2924/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra86. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the amount of spending planned for retrofitting between now and 2030 as part of the revised national development plan and the national retrofit plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2929/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 83 and 86 together.
The Climate Action Plan includes 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. The National Retrofit Plan sets out how these targets will be achieved.
The National Development Plan and National Retrofit Plan committed €8 billion in capital funding to the end of the decade to support the achievement of these objectives. This amount will be supplemented by an additional €264 million which has been secured from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) for the period 2021-2027. This ERDF funding will be drawn down to support additional upgrades under the Warmer Homes Scheme in the coming years. During the period 2020-2024, the SEAI supported almost 162,000 energy upgrades. This has made homes warmer, healthier and more comfortable with lower emissions and lower bills.
My Department and the SEAI will build on this progress in 2025. This year, a record capital budget of almost €550 million has been allocated to support over 64,500 SEAI residential and community energy upgrades, including the Solar PV (photovoltaic) Scheme. The schemes offer grants for individuals who can afford to contribute to the cost of upgrades as well as free energy upgrades for people at risk of energy poverty. This allows homeowners to choose the best home upgrade option to suit their particular needs. The 2025 budget includes a €280 million allocation to the Warmer Homes Scheme to provide fully funded upgrades for households at risk of energy poverty. This represents an 11-fold increase over the spend on the scheme in 2020.
The new Programme for Government commits to a review of the National Development Plan and any revisions to the funding commitments for the National Retrofit Plan will be considered as part of that process. The SEAI's schemes are kept under ongoing review and will be informed by commitments in the Programme for Government.
84. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the measures the legislation to accelerate the roll-out of district heating systems; the measures this will contain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2925/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra100. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the current status of the drafting and approval process for the heat Bill, including the expected timeline for its introduction to the Government; and the steps taken to amend legislation to extend CRU’s regulatory role to all district and communal heating systems, including existing gas-fired schemes, in order to ensure full consumer protection. [3518/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 84 and 100 together.
A District Heating Steering Group Report www.gov.ie/en/publication/3f132-district-heating-steering-group/) was published in 2023 and it contains a suite of recommendations for the development of district heating in Ireland.
The General Scheme of the Heat (Networks and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2024, drafted to give effect to the recommendations of the Steering Group, was approved by Government on 30 October 2024. The Bill will seek to introduce a regulatory system for district heating that ensures consumer protection and facilitates the development of a vibrant district heating sector. The legislation has been designed to provide, inter alia, a legislative underpinning for the district heating sector, regulatory certainty for district heating project sponsors, safeguards for the State in terms of district heating network ownership and price protections for consumers. Officials in my Department have engaged with the CRU in this regard, and will continue to do so as the legislation is further developed and finalised.
The Programme for Government commits to enacting legislation in 2025 to accelerate the roll out of district heating systems.
88. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the measures put in place by his Department to alleviate fuel and energy poverty in County Clare, in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2990/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government has put a range of policies and measures in place to alleviate fuel and energy poverty. These measures supplement lower income households through the Fuel Allowance and other payments, as well as providing free energy efficiency upgrades through the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland schemes and the Social Housing retrofitting programme.
Budget 2025 provided a €2.6 billion package of social protection measures to support households, individuals and businesses across Ireland impacted by recent high levels of inflation. It also introduced the Electricity Costs Emergency Benefit Scheme IV through which over 2.2 million households will receive two payments of €125 (inclusive of VAT) in the November/December 2024 and January/February 2025 billing cycles, at a total cost of €520 million. The payments apply to domestic electricity accounts, including those with Pay-As-You-Go meters, which are subject to distribution use of system charges at the rate for urban domestic customers (DG1) or the rate for rural domestic customers (DG2).
The Warmer Homes Scheme is a fully-funded energy upgrade scheme which aims to improve the energy efficiency and warmth of homes owned by people in or at risk of energy poverty. The scheme is operated by the Sustainable Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and is funded through the Exchequer and the European Regional Development Fund. The Scheme has been in existence in different forms since 2000 and has provided upgrades to over 160,000 homes since then. In 2024, 7,743 fully funded energy upgrades for low-income households were completed. The number of completed Warmer Homes scheme installs completed in County Clare are as follows:
|
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
Total |
|
20 |
48 |
78 |
75 |
137 |
358 |
Additionally, there were 342 households in Clare in the Warmer Homes work programme at the end of December 2024, approved for installation.
89. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the commitment to reaching 51% reduction in emission on 2018 levels is contingent on achieving a reclassification of biogenic methane at EU and international level; can he confirm the commitment to climate targets irrespective of any potential reclassification; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3066/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2021 commits Ireland to a legally binding target of a climate neutral economy no later than 2050 and a reduction in emissions of 51% by 2030 compared to 2018 levels. Following the process set out in the Act, a carbon budget programme proposed by the Climate Change Advisory Council was adopted by the Oireachtas on 6 April 2022. On 28 July, 2022 the Government approved sectoral emissions ceilings for both the first and second carbon budget periods, (i.e. 2021-2025 and 2026-2030). For the Agriculture sector, under this process a 10% emissions reduction target was set for 2025 and a 25% emissions reduction target for 2030.
The current pathways, including carbon budgets and sectoral emissions ceilings, that have been identified to deliver Ireland’s obligations under the Climate Act, as well as relevant EU Regulations including the Effort Sharing Regulation and Land Use, Land Use Change and Forestry Regulation, are premised on Ireland’s national emissions inventories (both past and projected) as calculated by the Environmental Protection Agency. These pathways are set out in the Climate Action Plan. Ireland’s national emissions inventories use the global warming potential values agreed by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, based on the effects of greenhouse gases over a 100-year period.
Building on the nearly 7% reduction in emissions achieved in 2023, the 2025 Programme for Government commits to delivering actions to achieve a 51% reduction in emissions from 2018 to 2030 and net-zero emissions no later than 2050. The Government is committed to delivering it's climate objectives through active delivery of annual Climate Action Plans, and an enhanced delivery framework.
Separately, the Programme for Government also includes a commitment to recognise the distinct characteristics of biogenic methane and advocate for the accounting of this greenhouse gas to be re-classified at EU and international level.
As Minister, I will be prioritising delivery of climate action and reform.
91. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his Department, or any body under its aegis, currently outsources cleaning services and-or service officer or security officer roles to private companies; the value and length of any related contract, by body, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3195/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that my Department does outsource cleaning and security services to private companies. OCS is a facilities management company and they provide security, cleaning, landscaping, shredding and reception duties in Tom Johnson House. Five Star Cleaning and Keyguard Security provide cleaning and security services in our five other buildings. The table below outlines the company, contract length and estimated contract value in euro.
|
Company |
Length |
Est Contract value |
|
Five Star Cleaning |
24 months excluding extensions |
38,500 per annum |
|
Keyguard Security |
24 months excluding extensions |
175,000 per annum |
|
OCS Facilities Management company |
36 months excluding extensions |
225,000 per annum |
The information requested in relation to the agencies under the aegis of my Department is an operational matter for each agency. The Department will request the relevant bodies to reply directly to the Deputy with the information requested in respect of their organisations.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
92. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his Department, or any body under its aegis, currently directly employs cleaners and-or service officers; if so, the number of staff employed in each role; the value and length of any related contract, by body, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3213/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm to the Deputy my Department directly employs four Service Officers. The officers are established civil servants and their remuneration is per the Service Officer salary scale.
|
Length of Service |
Salary Point |
|
24/03/2004 |
11 |
|
30/05/2005 |
7 |
|
20/02/2002 |
11 |
|
02/10/2017 |
10 |
I can confirm to the Deputy that my Department does not directly employ cleaning staff.
I will ask the bodies under the aegis of my Department to respond to your query directly.
93. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the total value of the annual mileage claims for each Minister of State assigned to his Department in 2023 and 2024, respectively; to provide a breakdown for each year of the individual claims; the annual cost of overnight allowances related to the civilian drivers of each relevant Minister of State in 2023 and 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3249/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that no such claims were processed by my Department in 2023 and 2024.
94. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to list the composition of his private office, inclusive of the grade and increment of each civil servant assigned to the office; whether they are located in the private or constituency office; the value of any allowance paid to those individuals and the purpose of each allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3267/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn line with the relevant guidelines, I can confirm to the Deputy the information requested regarding current staffing in my office is as listed below:
|
Grade |
Salary Scale |
Salary Scale Step |
Allowance |
Allowance Value (Gross) |
Location |
|
Assistant Principal |
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL - PPC |
3 |
N |
- |
Minister's Office |
|
Private Secretary (HEO) |
HIGHER EXECUTIVE OFFICER STANDARD |
1 |
Private Secretary Allowance |
24705.34 |
Minister's Office |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
HIGHER EXECUTIVE OFFICER STANDARD |
7 |
N |
- |
Minister's Office |
|
Executive Officer |
EXECUTIVE OFFICER STANDARD |
11 |
N |
- |
Minister's Office |
|
Executive Officer |
EXECUTIVE OFFICER STANDARD |
2 |
N |
- |
Minister's Office |
|
Clerical Officer |
CLERICAL OFFICER - PPC |
2 |
N |
- |
Minister's Office |
|
Clerical Officer |
CLERICAL OFFICER HIGHER SCALE |
14 |
N |
- |
Minister's Office |
|
Executive Officer |
EXECUTIVE OFFICER HIGHER SCALE |
14 |
N |
- |
Minister's Constituency Office |
|
Clerical Officer |
CLERICAL OFFICER - PPC |
10 |
N |
- |
Minister's Constituency Office |
95. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications whether the Moneypoint plant in County Clare will cease burning coal by the end of 2025 as planned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3284/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Minister and the Department have no decision-making role in relation to the future of ESB power stations.
The Government’s stated policy is that the retention of existing power generation is both a necessary and critical component of our energy security at this time. The State continues to work to rapidly develop enduring generation capacity, in line with our commitment to a renewables-led electricity system that is secure, affordable and sustainable.
In 2021, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities announced a suite of measures to enhance the security of Ireland’s electricity supply (CRU 21/115). Extending the life of power plants which were due to close was one such measure. As a result of these measures enhancing security of supply, Ireland's electricity security was significantly improved in Winter 2024/2025 compared to previous years.
I am advised that in 2023, ESB and EirGrid signed an agreement to keep Moneypoint available on oil rather than coal up to 2029, consistent with their strategy to cease coal-powered electricity generation by 2025. Oil generation is less carbon intensive than coal generation, and Moneypoint will not participate in the electricity markets for the duration of this agreement. From July 2025, Moneypoint will only operate on instruction from EirGrid when the electricity system is short of generating capacity, and is expected to see significantly less running and will emit significantly less carbon emissions as a result.
I am also further informed that, ESB was recently granted planning permission by An Bord Pleanála to enable Moneypoint to transition from a coal-fired station to an oil-fired station by the end of 2025 and for a limited period. ESB are currently making the plant modifications needed to safely cease coal-fired capability.
It is expected that over 2GW of new gas fired generation will come online in the late 2020s which will assist with Ireland's transition to an electricity-led energy system and will reduce Ireland's short-term and temporary reliance on older generating units to provide security of supply. This new generation capacity will end the need for Moneypoint to be available to generate on oil. Once the capacity of Moneypoint is no longer required by the system for security of supply purposes, the existing fossil fuel generating plant at Moneypoint will be fully decommissioned.
I am advised that this agreement will not impede ESB’s redevelopment of Moneypoint into an offshore wind and flexible generation energy hub as part of ESB’s Net Zero by 2040 Strategy.
Both the ESB and the CRU have dedicated email addresses for Deputies should they wish to seek further information on this matter.
