Pat Rabbitte - Recent appearances (From KildareStreet.com)

Leaders' Questions | Dáil debates

2013-05-16T10:40:00+00:00

Driving over cyclists.

Leaders' Questions | Dáil debates

2013-05-16T10:40:00+00:00

Has Mary been relegated?

Departmental Expenditure | Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources | Written Answers

2013-05-15T00:00:00+00:00

I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department incurred a sum of €480 in travel costs in 2008 in connection with attendance at a European Court of Justice case in Luxembourg. My Department is not aware of any other expenditure on legal or travel costs as a result of litigation in the courts mentioned during the years in question.

Renewable Energy Exports | Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources | Written Answers

2013-05-15T00:00:00+00:00

No current or capital programme expenditure has been incurred by my Department arising from the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on Energy Cooperation between the Governments of Ireland and the United Kingdom. Administrative costs relating to this work are covered from the administrative budget of my Department.

Broadband Services Speeds | Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources | Written Answers

2013-05-15T00:00:00+00:00

The broadband service contracted under National Broadband Scheme (NBS) was designed as a basic, affordable, scalable product in keeping with EU State Aid clearance for the Scheme. Under the terms of the contract which my Department has in place with 3, the NBS service provider, the NBS mobile wireless service is required to offer minimum download and upload speeds of 2.3Mbps and 1.4Mbps respectively, subject to a maximum contention ratio of 18:1. The NBS satellite service, which is utilised in a small number of cases for technical reasons associated with the location of the premises, offers minimum download and upload speeds of 3.6Mbps and 384 kbps respectively, subject to a maximum contention ratio of 48:1.

As regards service quality, my Department has well-established monitoring arrangements in place to ensure that the NBS delivers the minimum specified service or better to all users. The NBS contract guarantees service levels and imposes a service credit regime on 3, with significant financial consequences in the event that minimum specification service levels are not met. The NBS contract also provides that where NBS customers do not receive the minimum guaranteed service, as set out in the terms and conditions of their contract, they are entitled to service rebates.

Should any NBS customer experience problems with the NBS service, they are advised to contact 3's customer care centre, 24 hours a day 7 days a week, by phone at 1913 (free of charge), via email to or by post to 3 Customer Services, Hutchison 3G Ireland Limited, PO Box 333, Dublin 2. I note that the customer in question has contacted the customer care centre, but is not satisfied with the response received.

My Department has a role where customers have fully utilised the established complaints process and consider that their complaint has not been resolved. My officials operate a dedicated NBS mailbox, which NBS customers can contact by email at , with any comments or complaints they may have about their NBS service. My Department will then liaise with 3 personnel at its Head Office in Dublin to remedy any service performance issues. In this instance, my officials had, directly upon receipt of the correspondence from the person referred to in the Question contacted this NBS customer on Thursday, 9 May. The details of the complaint were forwarded to 3, which advises that they have contacted the customer and commenced a thorough investigation of the issues raised. My officials will remain in touch with 3 and the customer until such time as the service issues are resolved.

Electric Vehicle Grants | Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources | Written Answers

2013-05-14T00:00:00+00:00

A €1 million capital allocation has been made in my Department’s 2013 budget for grants towards the purchase of new electric vehicles and the Electric Vehicle Grant Scheme will continue this year as long as this funding remains available. To date in 2013, 14 grants totalling €67,600 have been allocated and there are 11 further grants awaiting payment.

Since the scheme was introduced in April 2011, grants have been provided for 240 vehicles at a cost of just over €1 million.

Energy Schemes | Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources | Written Answers

2013-05-14T00:00:00+00:00

The Energy Efficiency Fund (the Fund) will be established to provide finance to energy efficiency initiatives in the public and private sectors. The aim is to attract matching funding from the private sector, such that the overall amount available for investment is greater than €70 million.

NewERA has been asked by Government to coordinate establishment of the Fund and ensure it is appropriately managed. It has recently concluded an extensive period of engagement with sector participants and parties with experience in making and managing investments in the energy efficiency sector.

My Department is currently evaluating a number of issues associated with the Fund’s establishment, including important legal considerations. I anticipate being in a position to make an announcement on the Fund in the near future.

Broadband Services Provision | Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources | Written Answers

2013-05-14T00:00:00+00:00

The market has since developed into a well-regulated market, supporting a multiplicity of commercial operators, who provide services over a diverse range of technology platforms. Details of broadband services available in each County, including County Cavan, can be found on ComReg’s website at www.callcosts.ie. Decisions by private operators relating to investment in infrastructure, including the upgrading of telephone exchanges, are taken purely on commercial grounds, having regard to the cost of service provision and the anticipated revenue returns from any such investment. You will appreciate, therefore, that I do not have a role in this regard.

The State can only intervene to ensure access to broadband services in areas where the competitive market has failed to deliver such services, as in the case of the National Broadband Scheme (NBS) and the Rural Broadband Scheme. NBS services are available within 45 of the 93 Electoral Divisions in County Cavan, the list of which is set out below.

With basic broadband services widely available across Ireland, the focus is now on accelerating the roll out of high speed services. The Government’s National Broadband Plan, which I published in August last, aims to radically change the broadband landscape in Ireland by ensuring that high speed services of at least 30Mbps are available to all of our citizens and businesses, well in advance of the EU’s target date of 2020, and that significantly higher speeds are available to as many homes and businesses as possible.

During the preparation of Ireland’s National Broadband Plan, the commercial market operators indicated that they expect to provide 70Mbps to 100Mbps services to 50% of the population by 2015. Since the publication of the Plan, investments by the commercial sector are underway in both fixed line and mobile high speed broadband services, particularly in urban and semi-urban areas.

The Government is also committed in the Plan to investing in areas where high speed services are not commercially viable and will not be provided by the market. In an important milestone towards delivery of this commitment in the Plan, my Department has appointed experts to assist it in the design, planning and procurement of the State-led investment. Intensive technical, financial and legal preparations including stakeholder engagement will be on-going throughout 2013 with a view to the launch of a procurement process in 2014.

Through the implementation of the National Broadband Plan, we are committed to increasing the availability of next generation speeds significantly, with a view to ensuring that all citizens and businesses can participate fully in a digitally enabled society.

I would reiterate that the Government remains committed to ensuring that all parts of Ireland, including Bailieboro in County Cavan, will have at least 30Mbps connectivity, through public or private sector investment, as outlined in the National Broadband Plan.

National Broadband Scheme (NBS)

Electoral Divisions (ED) covered by NBS in Co. Cavan

ED Name	ED Reference No.
ARDUE	ED 27001
BALLYMACHUGH	ED 27009
BALLYMAGAURAN	ED 27010
BAWNBOY	ED 27011
BENBRACK	ED 27014
BILBERRY	ED 27015
CANNINGSTOWN	ED 27018
CARN	ED 27019
CARRAFIN	ED 27021
CASTLERAHAN	ED 27022
CASTLESAUNDERSON	ED 27023
COOTEHILL RURAL	ED 27027
CORR	ED 27029
CORRANEARY	ED 27030
CROSSBANE	ED 27031
CROSSDONEY	ED 27032
DERRYLAHAN	ED 27037
DERRYNANANTA	ED 27038
DIAMOND	ED 27039
DOOGARY	ED 27040
DRUMANESPICK	ED 27042
DRUMCARN	ED 27044
DRUMLUMMAN	ED 27045
DUNMAKEEVER	ED 27047
KILBRIDE	ED 27052
KILCOGY	ED 27053
KILGOLAGH	ED 27055

National Broadband Scheme (NBS)

Electoral Divisions (ED) Covered by the NBS in Co. Cavan

ED Name	ED Reference No.
KILL	ED 27056
KILLINKERE	ED 27059
KINAWLEY	ED 27062
KNAPPAGH	ED 27064
LARAH SOUTH	ED 27066
LISAGOAN	ED 27067
LISSANOVER	ED 27068
LOUGHDAWAN	ED 27069
MILLTOWN	ED 27071
MUNTERCONNAUGHT	ED 27074
PEDARAVOHERS	ED 27075
REDHILL	ED 27077
SKEAGH	ED 27080
SPRINGFIELD	ED 27081
TEMPLEPORT	ED 27086
TERMON	ED 27087
TIRCAHAN	ED 27088
WATERLOO	ED 27093

Telecommunications Services Provision | Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources | Written Answers

2013-05-14T00:00:00+00:00

I understand that ESB is currently considering the prospect of utilising its network to rollout fibre services. To this end, it sought expressions of interest in 2012 for a joint venture with the telecommunications sector. This process has not yet been completed and I await a detailed proposal from the company in this regard.

The ESB proposition is just one of a number of encouraging developments in Ireland’s telecommunications market. I note with interest that a number of fixed line and wireless broadband operators are now rolling out improved broadband services across Ireland.

Energy Conservation | Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources | Written Answers

2013-05-14T00:00:00+00:00

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) administers the Better Energy Homes Scheme under the Better Energy Programme. Better Energy Homes provides a financial incentive to private homeowners who wish to improve the energy performance of their homes. Fixed grants are provided towards the cost of a range of measures including attic insulation, wall insulation, heating systems upgrades, solar thermal panels and accompanying BER.

The National Energy Efficiency Action Plan and the Programme for Government include a commitment to roll out a Better Energy Financing (formerly known as Pay-As-You-Save) energy retrofit scheme for domestic buildings after 2013. The Better Energy Financing (BEF) model proposes that the current suite of Exchequer funded grants for energy efficiency measures, excluding the low-income housing retrofit programme, will be replaced by a new financing scheme open to households and commercial operators.

The key benefit to the homeowner of such a financing mechanism is that the scheme will allow them to secure upfront financing for energy efficiency upgrades to their homes, and in the process remove one of the key energy efficiency barriers. The consumer will also benefit through the creation of a robust quality assurance process that will protect consumers and ensure high-quality workmanship.

My Department has put in place a project team to design a replacement retrofit financing scheme under the direction of a Project Board representing key state and industry stakeholders. Project resources have been drawn from industry experts and elsewhere in the public sector. It is planned that the design of the scheme will be developed over the coming months and that a public consultation process will be undertaken in quarter three of this year.

EU Directives | Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources | Written Answers

2013-05-14T00:00:00+00:00

The Energy Efficiency Directive, which replaces the Cogeneration Directive (2004/8/EC) and the Energy Services Directive (2006/32/EC), was formally adopted by the Council of Ministers and European Parliament in October 2012. This Directive translates elements of the European Efficiency Plan into binding measures on Member States, in response to the Commission’s assessment that the EU is unlikely to achieve its energy efficiency target of 20% primary energy savings by 2020 based on the current policy mix. While there are no binding targets in the Directive there are a number of binding measures. A review of each Member State’s progress towards the European 20% objective will take place in 2014.

Member States have 18 months to transpose the Directive, with a transposition deadline of 5 June 2014. However, there are a number of policy decisions and reporting requirements to be notified to the Commission in advance of the transposition deadline. The first of these, a report on the indicative national target for energy efficiency, was due by 30 April 2013. This report, confirming Ireland’s 20% national target, and sectoral target of 33% for the public sector, was sent to the Commission in advance of the deadline.

A series of subgroups have been set up with relevant stakeholders in order to progress the transposition of the Directive, with a formal consultation on the transposition and implementation of the Directive expected over the summer months.

Better Energy Homes Scheme Expenditure | Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources | Written Answers

2013-05-14T00:00:00+00:00

The Better Energy Homes and the Better Energy Warmer Homes schemes are administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland under the Better Energy Programme.

The Better Energy Homes scheme provides support to homeowners towards the installation of attic and wall insulation, and heating system upgrades including solar thermal with the works being undertaken by privately appointed contractors.

The Better Energy Warmer Homes scheme delivers a range of energy efficiency measures to low income households vulnerable to energy poverty. The scheme is delivered through a combination of SEAI appointed Community Based Organisations (CBOs), augmented by a panel of private contractors in order to ensure national coverage and via an area based approach. Measures available include; draught proofing, attic insulation, lagging jackets for hot water tanks, low energy light bulbs and cavity wall insulation and are free of charge to the customer.

The following tables outline the number of homes completed and the value of the grants received for both schemes:

Better Energy Homes	No. of homes completed	Value of applications drawn down (€m)	Budget Allocation (€m)
2011	47, 716	57.6	-
2012	26, 185	28.9	-
2013 (to end April)	5, 087	4.5	18

Better Energy Warmer Homes	No. of homes completed	Value of applications drawn down(€m)	Budget Allocation (€m)
2011	20, 388	20.2	-
2012	12, 175	20.5	-
2013 (to end April)	2, 292	2	17

In relation to the Warmer Homes scheme the Deputy may wish to note that the bulk of expenditure under this scheme takes place in the second half of the year.

In respect of the Better Energy Homes Scheme, I am advised by the SEAI that the principle reason for the decline in applications relates to the downturn in consumption. Dependent on the particular application, homeowners are required in general to put up matching funds of the order of two to one. The Programme for Government requires the transition in 2014 from the existing Better Energy Scheme to a type of Pay As You Save model.

Departmental Expenditure | Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources | Written Answers

2013-05-14T00:00:00+00:00

The amount of overtime paid in the case of political/Ministerial appointees from June 2007 to date in 2013 relative to my Department is as follows:

Minister	Term of Office	Staff Paid Overtime	Cost €
Mr. Pat Rabbitte TD, Minister	March 2011 to date	Personal Assistant Personal Secretary	22,225 1,838

No overtime payments were made to the Secretary General or Special Advisers engaged during this period.

Broadband Services Provision | Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources | Written Answers

2013-05-14T00:00:00+00:00

Ireland’s telecommunications market has been fully liberalised since 1999 in accordance with the requirements of binding EU Directives. The market has since developed into a well-regulated market, supporting a multiplicity of commercial operators, who provide services over a diverse range of technology platforms. Details of broadband services available in each County, including County Louth, can be found on ComReg’s website at www.callcosts.ie.

The State can only intervene, as in the case of the National Broadband Scheme (NBS) and the Rural Broadband Scheme, to ensure access to broadband services in areas where the competitive market has failed to deliver such services, NBS services are available within 1 of the 42 Electoral Divisions in County Louth, (Creggan Upper ED 147012).

I would reiterate that the Government remains committed to ensuring that all parts of Ireland, including County Louth as well as all rural areas in Ireland, will have at least 30Mbps connectivity, through public or private sector investment, as outlined in the National Broadband Plan.

Tailings Management | Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources | Written Answers

2013-05-14T00:00:00+00:00

As the Deputy knows, I am very aware of the issues surrounding the Gortmore Tailings Management Facility in the Silvermines area. Following my visit to the area and meetings with interested parties, my Department retained the services of expert agricultural advisors to conduct negotiations with the landowner. I am sure that the Deputy will understand that this is a sensitive process requiring adherence to statutory procedures and that I am not therefore at liberty to divulge precise details at the present. The Deputy may be assured, however, that the matter is being actively pursued with a view to conclusion within a reasonable period of time. I would expect that the tailings management facility will be appropriately managed and monitored on behalf of the State in the future.

Public Sector Staff Remuneration | Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources | Written Answers

2013-05-14T00:00:00+00:00

The information requested by the Deputy, in respect of my Department, is outlined below:

Salary Band	Number of Staff
0 - 20K	6
20K - 30K	23
30K - 40K	45
40K - 50K	53
50K - 60K	42
60K - 70K	20
70K - 80K	22
80K- 90K	16
90K -100K	12
100K- 125K	5
125K - 150K	4
150K - 175K	N/A
175K - 200K	1

No member of staff in my Department is paid a salary greater than €200,000.

Information in respect of bodies and agencies under the aegis of my Department is a day to day matter for those organisations and my Department does not have the information sought by the Deputy.

Television Licence Fee Yield | Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources | Written Answers

2013-05-14T00:00:00+00:00

In 2012 my Department received €215m in respect of television licence fee sales and ‘free’ licences issued by the Department of Social Protection.

As the Deputy will be aware, An Post receives a portion of licence fee revenue to cover the cost of its activities as the Minister's issuing and collecting agent for TV licences.

Under the provisions of the Broadcasting Act 2009, 7% of net licence fee revenue is distributed to the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) for onward distribution via the Broadcasting Funding Scheme to assist independent producers and broadcasters in the development of appropriate audiovisual and sound broadcasting programmes, as well as archiving projects. The remaining funds are distributed to the public service broadcasters, RTÉ and TG4.

My Department does not retain any of the TV licence fee funds, which are fully distributed upon receipt.

Seismic Surveys | Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources | Written Answers

2013-05-14T00:00:00+00:00

During the period 1 January 2010 to date my Department has not incurred expenditure on the conducting of seismic surveys.

Active promotion and research are important elements of Ireland’s offshore hydrocarbon strategy. In that regard my Department is currently in the process of commissioning an extensive regional seismic acquisition programme over a number of Ireland's major Atlantic basins during the course of 2013.

The data from this survey will be used by the Department to promote further investment in the Irish offshore in future hydrocarbon exploration licensing rounds and will also provide an important input to research projects aimed at deepening understanding of the petroleum potential of the Irish offshore.

International Agreements | Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources | Written Answers

2013-05-14T00:00:00+00:00

I understand that under the EU's Common Commercial Policy, the EU Commission is responsible for negotiations on the EU - Canada Free Trade Agreement, commonly referred to as the CETA. I am advised that negotiations are still underway on this agreement and that the EU and its Member States will continue to be free to legislate for legitimate public policy reasons in a non-discriminatory way.

Payable Orders | Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources | Written Answers

2013-05-14T00:00:00+00:00

This matter relates to a payment which was made when my Department had responsibility for Marine functions. These functions have since transferred to the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine. I have passed these details to that Department and asked them to reply directly to the Deputy.