tithe an oireachtais tuarascáil b · pdf filecommittee terms of reference: motion...

Tithe an Oireachtais

An Comhchoiste um Chumarsáid,

Gníomhú ar son na hAeráide agus Comhshaol

TUARASCÁIL BHLIANTÚIL

MEITHEAMH 2016 – NOLLAIG 2016

A leagadh faoi bhráid dhá Theach an Oireachtais 13 Nollaig 2017

Houses of the Oireachtas

Joint Committee on Communications,

Climate Action and Environment

ANNUAL REPORT

JUNE 2016 – DECEMBER 2016

Laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas on 13 December 2017

32CCAE03

Tithe an Oireachtais



TUARASCÁIL BHLIANTÚIL

MEITHEAMH 2016 – NOLLAIG 2016

A leagadh faoi bhráid dhá Theach an Oireachtais13 Nollaig 2017

_______________

Houses of the Oireachtas



ANNUAL REPORT

JUNE 2016 – DECEMBER 2016

Laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas 13 December 2017

32CCAE03

Draft Annual Report 2016

Joint Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Content and Format of Report ...................................................................... 1

2. Establishment and Functions ....................................................................... 1

2.1. Establishment of the Select Committee ................................................................................. 1

2.2 Establishment of the Joint Committee ................................................................................... 1

2.3 Functions of the Joint Committee ........................................................................................... 1

3. Chairman and Membership ........................................................................... 2

4. Meetings, Attendance and Recording ........................................................... 2

5. Number and Duration of Meetings................................................................ 3

5.1 Joint Committee ...................................................................................................................... 3

5.2 Select Committee .................................................................................................................... 3

6. Witnesses attending before the Committees ................................................ 4

7. Travel ........................................................................................................... 4

8. EU Mainstreaming ........................................................................................ 5

9. Report on Functions and Powers .................................................................. 8

Appendix 1: Orders of Reference – Joint Committee on Communications,

Climate Action and Environment ........................................................................ 9

A: Functions of the Committee – derived from Standing Orders [DSO 84A; SSO 70A] ...................... 9

B: Scope and Context of Activities of Committees ........................................................................... 12

(as derived from Standing Orders) [DSO 84; SSO 70] ....................................................................... 12

C: Establishment of Select Committees: Dáil Éireann Motion, 16 June 2016 .................................. 13

Committee Terms of Reference: Dáil Éireann Motion, 7 September 2016 .................................. 14

D: Establishment of Select Committees: Seanad Éireann Motion, 21 July 2016 .............................. 15

Committee Terms of Reference: Motion – Seanad Éireann 29 September 2016 ........................ 16

E: Functions of the Joint Committee ................................................................................................. 17

Oversight of the Department ........................................................................................................ 17

Public Service Management Act, 1997 ......................................................................................... 18

Engagement with Chairmen Designate of State Bodies under the Aegis of the Department ...... 18

Oversight of Bodies under the Aegis of the Department - Communications, Broadcasting, Postal ...................................................................................................................................................... 19

Oversight of Bodies under the Aegis of the Department - Climate Action and Energy ................ 20



Oversight of Bodies under the Aegis of the Department - Environment and Natural Resources 21

F: Statutory Functions - Joint Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment . 22

Broadcasting Act 2009 ...................................................................................................................... 22

Broadcasting Authority of Ireland – Accountability to the Joint Committee ............................... 22

Proposing Members of the boards of BAI, RTÉ, and TG4 ............................................................. 23

Chairman and Director General of RTÉ and TG4 accountable to the Joint Committee ............... 24

Media Mergers .............................................................................................................................. 24

Inland Fisheries Act 2010 .................................................................................................................. 25

Proposing members of the board ................................................................................................. 25

Chairman and Chief Executive Accountable to the Joint Committee ........................................... 25

Electricity Regulation Act 1999 ......................................................................................................... 25

CRU (The Commission for Regulation of Utilities) ........................................................................ 25

Accountability of Commission to the Joint Committee ................................................................ 26

Communications Regulation Act 2002 .............................................................................................. 26

ComReg (Commission for Communications Regulation) .............................................................. 26

Laying of orders and regulations before Houses of Oireachtas. ................................................... 26

Accountability of the Commission to the Joint Committee .......................................................... 26

National Oil Reserves Agency Act 2007 ............................................................................................ 27

Accountability of the Chief Executive to the Joint Committee ..................................................... 27

Appendix 2: Membership of The Joint Committee on Communications, Climate

Action and Environment ................................................................................... 28

Dáil Select Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment ............................... 29

Seanad Select Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment ......................... 30

Committee Contact Details ............................................................................................................... 31

Appendix 3: Meetings of the Joint Committee .................................................. 32

Appendix 4: Minutes of Meetings of the Joint Committee ................................. 36

Appendix 5: Order of Dáil Éireann19 July 2016 ............................................... 63

Appendix 6: Meetings of the SELECT Committee .............................................. 64

Appendix 7: Proceedings of the Select Committee [Imeachtaí) ....................... 66



Page 1

1. CONTENT AND FORMAT OF REPORT

This report has been prepared pursuant to Standing Order 89 (3), (4), (5) and (6) (Dáil

Éireann) and Standing Order 76 (3), (4), (5) and (6) (Seanad Éireann) which provide for

the Joint Committee to-

undertake a review of its procedure and its role generally;

prepare an annual work programme;

lay minutes of its proceedings before both Houses;

make an annual report to both Houses.

At its meeting on the 31 January 2017, the Joint Committee agreed that all these items

should be included in this report covering the period from 16 June 2016 to 31 December

2016.

2. ESTABLISHMENT AND FUNCTIONS

2.1. ESTABLISHMENT OF THE SELECT COMMITTEE

The Dáil Select Committee was established by Order of Dáil Éireann of 16 June 2016, to

consider Bills, Estimates for Public Services, Motions, and the terms of any international

agreement involving a charge on public funds, which come within the aegis of the

Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment.

The Select Committee may also consider Annual Output Statements, Value for Money

Reviews and Policy Reviews prepared by the relevant Government Department.

2.2 ESTABLISHMENT OF THE JOINT COMMITTEE

The Dáil Select Committee, under the same Order, was enjoined with a Select

Committee of Seanad Éireann, established by Order of Seanad Éireann of 21 July 2016,

to form the Joint Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment.

2.3 FUNCTIONS OF THE JOINT COMMITTEE

Among the principal functions of the Joint Committee are to consider—

public affairs administered by the Department of Communications, Climate Action

and Environment;

matters of policy for which the Minister of Communications, Climate Action and

Environment are responsible;



Page 2

legislative and expenditure proposals of the Departments;

EU legislative proposals;

certain matters relating to bodies under the aegis of the Department of

Communications, Climate Action and Environment

The Orders of Reference of the Dáil Select Committee and the Joint Committee are set

out at Appendix 1.

3. CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERSHIP

Dáil SO 93(2) provides for “a proportion of Chairman post shall be allocated to the party

or parties in government and each group in the Dáil (as defined in SO143) … by means

of the D’Hondt System”. Deputy Hildegarde Naughton was appointed as Chairman of the

Select Committee on 22 June 2016 by an Order of Dáil Éireann. The Chairman of the

Select Committee is also the Chairman of the Joint Committee.

Membership of the Committee is listed at Appendix 2.

4. MEETINGS, ATTENDANCE AND RECORDING

Meetings of the Joint Committee and Select Committee took place in the Committee

rooms in Leinster House 2000. Meetings were in public unless otherwise ordered by the

Committee.

Committee proceedings were broadcast live within Leinster House and also made

available to RTÉ, TV3 and TG4. Proceedings were also webcast making them available

worldwide on the internet. Since September 2014 the proceedings of Committees in

public session, typically recorded but occasionally live, are broadcast on the dedicated

parliamentary channel Oireachtas TV which is available on these channels:

Saorview 22, Sky 574, Virgin Media 207, eir Vision 504

Vodaphone Channels 201, 207 and 208

An Official Report (Parliamentary Debates) of the public meetings of the Committee may

be viewed on the Houses of the Oireachtas website at www.oireachtas.ie.

Copies of other reports published by the Joint Committee are also available on the

Oireachtas Committee website pages at www.oireachtas.ie. A list of these reports is set

out at paragraph 7.

http://www.oireachtas.ie/

http://www.oireachtas.ie/



Page 3

5. NUMBER AND DURATION OF MEETINGS

5.1 JOINT COMMITTEE

The Joint Committee met on 7 occasions during the period under report. The number of

hours of discussion involved in these meetings was in excess of 10 hours.

The subject matter of each meeting of the Joint Committee, including the groups,

organisations or individuals who attended the meetings, is detailed in Appendix 3.

The Minutes of Proceedings of the Joint Committee in public session are attached at

Appendix 4.

5.2 SELECT COMMITTEE

The Dáil Select Committee met on 5 occasions during the period under report. The

number of hours of discussion involved in these meetings was in excess of 5 hours.

In accordance with the Order of Dáil Éireann of 19 July, 2016, the Select Committee

meeting of 20 July, 2016 was to consider business ordinarily considered by the Joint

Committee. Appendix 5

The subject matter of each meeting, including the groups, organisations or individuals

who attended the meetings of the Select Committee, is detailed in Appendix 6.

The proceedings (Imeachtaí) of the Select Committee are attached at Appendix 7.



Page 4

6. WITNESSES ATTENDING BEFORE THE COMMITTEES

During the period, the number of speaking witnesses for each of the Committees was as

follows:

COMMITTEE NAME NUMBER OF WITNESSES

Joint Committee 27

Select Committee 1

7. TRAVEL

The Joint Committee undertook the following travel in accordance with its Orders of

Reference in connection with its Work Programme.

Purpose of travel: Attendance at Meeting in the Danish Parliament, EUFORES 16th Inter-

Parliamentary Meeting on Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency.

Date and Destination: 6 - 9 October 2016, Copenhagen, Denmark.

Members travelling: Deputies Hildegarde Naughton, James Lawless and Eamon Ryan.

Accompanying Official: Leo Bollins (Clerk).



Page 5

8. EU MAINSTREAMING

8.1 LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS

From September to December 2016, the Joint Committee considered EU matters at 5

meetings involving consideration of some 14 legislative proposals, of which further

action or scrutiny was taken on 4 proposals:

Proposal No. Proposal Title Outcome

COM(2016)3 Proposal for a Council Decision on the

position to be adopted, on behalf of the

European Union, at the Seventh

Session of the Intergovernmental

Negotiating Committee on mercury and

at the first meeting of the Conference

of the Parties of the Minamata

Convention on Mercury with regard to

the provisional and subsequent final

adoption of guidance referred to in its

Article 8, paragraphs 8 and 9.

It was agreed that this proposal

does not warrant further

scrutiny.

COM(2016)39 Proposal for a Regulation of the

European Parliament and of the Council

on mercury, and repealing Regulation

(EC) No 1102/2008.



scrutiny.


conclusion of the Minamata Convention

on Mercury.



scrutiny.


signing, on behalf of the European

Union, of the Paris Agreement adopted

under the United Nations Framework

Convention on Climate Change.



scrutiny.


submission, on behalf of the European

Union, of a proposal for the listing of

additional chemicals in Annex A, B

and/or C to the Stockholm Convention

on Persistent Organic Pollutants.



scrutiny.



Page 6



conclusion on behalf of the European

Union of the Paris Agreement adopted

under the United Nations Framework



did not warrant further

scrutiny.



amending Regulation (EU) No 531/2012

as regards rules for wholesale roaming

markets.



scrutiny.

COM(2016)456 Proposal for a Council Decision on a

proposal to establish the Energy

Community list of energy infrastructure

projects.



scrutiny.



on the inclusion of greenhouse gas

emissions and removals from land use,

land use change and forestry into the

2030 climate and energy framework

and amending Regulation No 525/2013

of the European Parliament and the

Council on a mechanism for monitoring

and reporting greenhouse gas

emissions and other information

relevant to climate change.


warranted further scrutiny.

More detailed information on

the current proposal be

requested from the Department

of Communications, Climate

Action and Environment.

Agreed to invite Officials from

the Department of

Communications, Climate

Action and Environment and

the Environmental Protection

Agency and other experts to

brief the Committee on this

proposal.

Library and Research Service

was requested to provide a

Stakeholder Suggestion paper

relating to this proposal.

On the basis of further

information received, it was

agreed that this proposal did

not warrant further scrutiny.



Page 7




on binding annual greenhouse gas

emission reductions by Member States

from 2021 to 2030 for a resilient

Energy Union and to meet

commitments under the Paris

Agreement and amending Regulation

No 525/2013 of the European

Parliament and the Council on a

mechanism for monitoring and

reporting greenhouse gas emissions

and other information relevant to

climate change


warranted further scrutiny.

More detailed information on

the current proposal be

requested from the Department

of Communications, Climate


Agreed to invite Officials from

the Department of


Action and Environment and

the Environmental Protection

Agency and other experts to

brief the Committee on this

proposal.

Library and Research Service

was requested to provide a

Stakeholder Suggestion paper

relating to this proposal.







amending Regulations (EU) No

1316/2013 and (EU) No 283/2014 as

regards the promotion of Internet

connectivity in local communities



scrutiny.

Additional information was

sought from the Department of









Page 8


COM(2016)590 Proposal for a Directive of the European

Parliament and of the Council

establishing the European Electronic

Communications Code



scrutiny.



establishing the Body of European

Regulators for Electronic

Communications.



scrutiny.



laying down rules on the exercise of

copyright and related rights applicable

to certain online transmissions of

broadcasting organisations and

retransmissions of television and radio

programmes (Text with EEA relevance)

{SWD(2016) 301} {SWD(2016) 302}


did not warrant further scrutiny

Additional information was

sought from the Department of





agreed that this proposal

warranted no further scrutiny.

9. REPORT ON FUNCTIONS AND POWERS

The Joint Committee is currently satisfied with its present procedures and role.

____________________

Hildegarde Naughton

Chairman

13 December 2017



Page 9

APPENDIX 1: ORDERS OF REFERENCE – JOINT COMMITTEE ON

COMMUNICATIONS, CLIMATE ACTION AND ENVIRONMENT

A: FUNCTIONS OF THE COMMITTEE – DERIVED FROM STANDING ORDERS

[DSO 84A; SSO 70A]

1) The Select Committee shall consider and report to the Dáil on—

a) such aspects of the expenditure, administration and policy of a Government

Department or Departments and associated public bodies as the Committee

may select, and

b) European Union matters within the remit of the relevant Department or

Departments.

2) The Select Committee appointed pursuant to this Standing Order may be joined with

a Select Committee appointed by Seanad Éireann for the purposes of the functions

set out in this Standing Order, other than at paragraph (3), and to report thereon to

both Houses of the Oireachtas.

1) Without prejudice to the generality of paragraph (1), the Select Committee appointed

pursuant to this Standing Order shall consider, in respect of the relevant Department

or Departments, such—

a) Bills,

b) proposals contained in any motion, including any motion within the meaning of

Standing Order 187,

c) Estimates for Public Services, and

d) other matters as shall be referred to the Select Committee by the Dáil, and

e) Annual Output Statements including performance, efficiency and effectiveness in

the use of public monies, and

f) such Value for Money and Policy Reviews as the Select Committee may select.

4) The Joint Committee may consider the following matters in respect of the relevant

Department or Departments and associated public bodies:

a) matters of policy and governance for which the Minister is officially responsible,

b) public affairs administered by the Department,

c) policy issues arising from Value for Money and Policy Reviews conducted or

commissioned by the Department,



Page 10

d) Government policy and governance in respect of bodies under the aegis of the

Department,

e) policy and governance issues concerning bodies which are partly or wholly funded

by the State or which are established or appointed by a member of the

Government or the Oireachtas,

f) the general scheme or draft heads of any Bill,

g) any post-enactment report laid before either House or both Houses by a member

of the Government or Minister of State on any Bill enacted by the Houses of the

Oireachtas,

h) statutory instruments, including those laid or laid in draft before either House or

both Houses and those made under the European Communities Acts 1972 to

2009,

i) strategy statements laid before either or both Houses of the Oireachtas pursuant

to the Public Service Management Act 1997,

j) annual reports or annual reports and accounts, required by law, and laid before

either or both Houses of the Oireachtas, of the Department or bodies referred to

in subparagraphs (d) and (e) and the overall performance and operational results,

statements of strategy and corporate plans of such bodies, and

k) such other matters as may be referred to it by the Dáil from time to time.

5) Without prejudice to the generality of paragraph (1), the Joint Committee appointed

pursuant to this Standing Order shall consider, in respect of the relevant Department

or Departments—

a) EU draft legislative acts standing referred to the Select Committee under

Standing Order 114, including the compliance of such acts with the principle of

subsidiarity,

b) other proposals for EU legislation and related policy issues, including programmes

and guidelines prepared by the European Commission as a basis of possible

legislative action,

c) non-legislative documents published by any EU institution in relation to EU policy

matters, and

d) matters listed for consideration on the agenda for meetings of the relevant EU

Council of Ministers and the outcome of such meetings.



Page 11

6) The Chairman of the Joint Committee appointed pursuant to this Standing Order,

who shall be a member of Dáil Éireann, shall also be the Chairman of the Select

Committee.

7) The following may attend meetings of the Select or Joint Committee appointed

pursuant to this Standing Order, for the purposes of the functions set out in

paragraph (5) and may take part in proceedings without having a right to vote or to

move motions and amendments:

a) Members of the European Parliament elected from constituencies in Ireland,

including Northern Ireland,

b) Members of the Irish delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of

Europe, and

c) at the invitation of the Committee, other Members of the European Parliament.



Page 12

B: SCOPE AND CONTEXT OF ACTIVITIES OF COMMITTEES

(AS DERIVED FROM STANDING ORDERS) [DSO 84; SSO 70]

1) The Joint Committee may only consider such matters, engage in such activities,

exercise such powers and discharge such functions as are specifically authorised

under its orders of reference and under Standing Orders.

2) Such matters, activities, powers and functions shall be relevant to, and shall arise

only in the context of, the preparation of a report to the Dáil and/or Seanad.

3) The Joint Committee shall not consider any matter which is being considered, or of

which notice has been given of a proposal to consider, by the Committee of Public

Accounts pursuant to Standing Order 186 and/or the Comptroller and Auditor General

(Amendment) Act 1993.

4) The Joint Committee shall refrain from inquiring into in public session or publishing

confidential information regarding any matter if so requested, for stated reasons

given in writing, by—

a) a member of the Government or a Minister of State, or

b) the principal office-holder of a body under the aegis of a Department or which is

partly or wholly funded by the State or established or appointed by a member of

the Government or by the Oireachtas:

Provided that the Chairman may appeal any such request made to the Ceann

Comhairle / Cathaoirleach whose decision shall be final.

5) It shall be an instruction to all Select Committees to which Bills are referred that they

shall ensure that not more than two Select Committees shall meet to consider a Bill

on any given day, unless the Dáil, after due notice given by the Chairman of the

Select Committee, waives this instruction on motion made by the Taoiseach pursuant

to Dáil Standing Order 28. The Chairmen of Select Committees shall have

responsibility for compliance with this instruction.



Page 13

C: ESTABLISHMENT OF SELECT COMMITTEES: DÁIL ÉIREANN MOTION, 16

JUNE 2016

Dáil Éireann Debate, Vol. 913 No. 3

(1) That Select Committees as set out in column (1) of the Schedule hereto are hereby

appointed pursuant to Standing Order 84A.

(2) Each Select Committee shall perform the functions set out in Standing Order 84A in

respect of the Government Department or Departments listed in column (2) opposite

each Committee (in anticipation of the coming into effect of the necessary Government

Orders in relation to names of Departments and titles of Ministers and transfer of

Departmental Administration and Ministerial Functions).

(3) The number of members appointed to each Select Committee shall be seven.

(4) Each Select Committee shall have the powers defined in Standing Order 85 (1), (2)

and (3).

(5) Each Select Committee shall be joined with a Select Committee appointed by Seanad

Éireann to form a Joint Committee to carry out the functions set out in Standing Order

84A, other than at paragraph (3) thereof.

(6) Each Joint Committee shall have the powers defined in Standing Orders 85 (other

than paragraph (2A) thereof), 114 and 116.

(7) The Select Committee on Justice and Equality shall have the powers defined in

Standing Order 115(1) (b).

(8) The Order of the Dáil of 10th March, 2016 in relation to the Standing Order 112

Select Committee is hereby rescinded and the Committee is accordingly dissolved.

Schedule (extract):

Committee: Select Committee on Communications, Climate Change and

Natural Resources

Department: Communications, Climate Change and Natural Resources



Page 14

COMMITTEE TERMS OF REFERENCE: DÁIL ÉIREANN MOTION, 7

SEPTEMBER 2016

That, following Orders made by Government on 5 July, 2016, and 19 July, 2016,

respectively, altering the names of Departments and titles of Ministers, the names of the

Select Committees in column (1) of the Schedule below, which were established by

Order of the Dáil of 16 June, 2016, are hereby amended as set out in column (2) of the

Schedule and each such Committee shall perform the functions set out in Standing Order

84A in respect of the Government Department or Departments listed in column (3)

opposite each Committee.

Select Committee established on 16 June 2016: Communications, Climate Change

and Natural Resources.

New name of Select Committee: Communications, Climate Action and

Environment.

Government Department: Communications, Climate Action and Environment.



Page 15

D: ESTABLISHMENT OF SELECT COMMITTEES: SEANAD ÉIREANN MOTION, 21

JULY 2016

Seanad Éireann Debate, Vol. 247 No. 5

(1) That Select Committees as set out in column (1) of the Schedule hereto are

hereby appointed pursuant to Standing Order 70A.

(2) Each Select Committee shall perform the functions set out in Standing Order

70A in respect of the Government Departments listed in column (2) opposite

each Committee (in anticipation of the coming into effect of the necessary

Government Orders in relation to names of Departments and titles of Ministers

and transfer of Departmental Administration and Ministerial Functions).

(3) The number of members appointed to each Select Committee shall be four.

(4) Each Select Committee shall have the powers defined in Standing Order 71 (1),

(2) and (3).

(5) Each Select Committee shall be joined with a Select Committee appointed by

Dáil Éireann to form a Joint Committee to carry out the functions set out in

Standing Order 70A.

(6) Each Joint Committee shall have the powers defined in Standing Orders 71

(other than paragraph (2A) thereof), 107 and 109.

(7) The Select Committee on Justice and Equality shall have the powers defined in

Standing Order 108(1) (b). Schedule (extract):

Committee: Select Committee on Communications, Climate Change and

Natural Resources

Department: Communications, Climate Change and Natural Resources



Page 16

COMMITTEE TERMS OF REFERENCE: MOTION – SEANAD ÉIREANN 29

SEPTEMBER 2016

That, following Orders made by Government on 5th July, 2016, and 19th July, 2016,

respectively, altering the names of Departments and titles of Ministers, the names of the

Select Committees in column (1) of the Schedule below, which were established by

Order of the Seanad of 21st July, 2016, are hereby amended as set out in column (2) of

the Schedule and each such Committee shall perform the functions set out in Standing

Order 70A in respect of the Government Department or Departments listed in column (3)

opposite each Committee.

Select Committee established on 16 June 2016: Communications, Climate Change


Government Department: Communications, Climate Action and Environment

New name of Select Committee: Communications, Climate Action and

Environment.



Page 17

E: FUNCTIONS OF THE JOINT COMMITTEE

OVERSIGHT OF THE DEPARTMENT

The joint committee shadows the Department of Communications, Climate Action and

Environment, bodies under its aegis, and associated bodies.

The joint committee will also carry out ex ante, current year, and ex post scrutiny of the

performance of the department, including output measures and financial indicators.

There are many bodies under the aegis of the department and they may be required to

appear before the joint committee. The bodies under the remit of the department are

listed below.

Policy

The committee may also, on its own initiative, initiate a review of policy of any area

within its remit, or may also carry out a policy review combined with one or more other

joint committees.

The functions of the department, and consequently the remit of this committee, can be

broadly categorised into the following areas:

Communications, Broadcasting and Postal;

Climate Action and Energy;

Environment and Natural Resources.

Pre Legislative Scrutiny

The committee may carry out prelegislative scrutiny of any legislative proposals from the

Minister, including a public consultation exercise.

EU Scrutiny

The Committee also plays a role in the consideration of legislative proposals from the

European Union. When the Committee is unsatisfied with a legislative proposal, it can

make its observations known to the European Commission through either a reasoned

opinion or a political contribution.

Further information on European Union legislative proposals can be found on the

following Web sites:

European Commission

IPEX (EU Interparliamentary Exchange).

Proposals under consideration by the Committee will be published on the committee's

Web site.

http://www.dccae.gov.ie/en-ie/Pages/home.aspx

http://www.dccae.gov.ie/en-ie/Pages/home.aspx

http://ec.europa.eu/about/ds_en.htm

http://www.ipex.eu/IPEXL-WEB/search.do



Page 18

Select Committee

The Dáil Select Committee mainly deals with bills and estimates referred by the Dáil.

PUBLIC SERVICE MANAGEMENT ACT, 1997

Appearance before committees of Houses of Oireachtas.

10.—The Secretary General of a Department or Head of a Scheduled Office or any

other officer of the Department or Scheduled Office who is designated for the

purposes of this section by the aforesaid Secretary General or Head and to whom

the relevant responsibility for the performance of functions has been assigned,

shall, when requested to do so in writing by a committee of either or both of the

Houses of the Oireachtas authorised in that behalf to make the request in

connection with the subject-matter before the committee, appear before the

committee in relation to any strategy statement that has been laid before each

House of the Oireachtas under section 5 (2) in respect of the Department or

Scheduled Office.

ENGAGEMENT WITH CHAIRMEN DESIGNATE OF STATE BODIES UNDER THE

AEGIS OF THE DEPARTMENT

The Government decision of May 2011 put new arrangements in place for the

appointment of persons to State Boards and bodies.

Reference to this arrangement is also made in the Department of Public Expenditure and

Reform Guidelines on Appointments to State Boards of November 2014.

The 2016 Programme for Government suggests that nominees for Chairs of State Boards

will be required to have their nominations ratified by the relevant Oireachtas Committee

prior to their appointment.

This is also covered by Dáil Standing orders:

Powers of Select Committees.

85. Without prejudice to the generality of Standing Order 84, the Dáil may confer

any or all of the following powers on a Select Committee: …

(6B) power to require that the Chairperson designate of a body or agency under

the aegis of a Department shall, prior to his or her appointment, attend before

the Select Committee to discuss his or her strategic priorities for the role; …

http://www.google.ie/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjlms6ut5fTAhWlAMAKHVUwByAQFggbMAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fper.gov.ie%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2FGuidelines-on-Appointments-to-State-Boards.pdf&usg=AFQjCNGA9w28NZtGVEp50dCoTvSw8Q6DLg

http://www.google.ie/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjlms6ut5fTAhWlAMAKHVUwByAQFggbMAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fper.gov.ie%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2FGuidelines-on-Appointments-to-State-Boards.pdf&usg=AFQjCNGA9w28NZtGVEp50dCoTvSw8Q6DLg



Page 19

OVERSIGHT OF BODIES UNDER THE AEGIS OF THE DEPARTMENT -

COMMUNICATIONS, BROADCASTING, POSTAL

An Post

An Post is Ireland's national postal service provider. It provides postal, communication,

retail and money transmission services. As one of Ireland's largest commercial

companies, An Post employs over 9,600 people in retail, processing and delivery points.

www.anpost.ie

Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg)

ComReg is the statutory body responsible for the regulation of the electronic

communications sector. This includes the telecommunications, radio

communications, broadcasting transmission and the postal sector. www.comreg.ie

Digital Hub Development Agency (DHDA)

The Digital Hub Development Agency was established under the Digital Hub

Development Act 2003. It oversees the development of the Digital Hub, Ireland's

flagship in the digital media sector. www.thedigitalhub.ie

Raidió Teilifís Éireann (RTÉ)

RTÉ is the national public service broadcaster. It is required to provide a comprehensive

range of programmes on its radio and television services. www.RTÉ.ie

Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI)

The BAI was established on 1st October 2009, and is the regulator of broadcasting in

Ireland. It BAI has assumed the roles previously held by the Broadcasting Commission of

Ireland (BCI) and the Broadcasting Complaints Commission (BCC). www.bai.ie

Teilifís na Gaeilge (TG4)

TG4 is an Irish Language television station based at Baile na hAbhann, Co. Galway. TG4

was established as an independent statutory body in 2007 under the Broadcasting Act,

2001. www.tg4.ie

http://www.anpost.ie/

http://www.comreg.ie/

http://www.thedigitalhub.ie/

http://www.rte.ie/

http://www.bai.ie/

http://www.tg4.ie/



Page 20


CLIMATE ACTION AND ENERGY

Electricity Supply Board (ESB)

ESB was established in accordance with the Electricity Supply Board Acts 1927 – 2001. It

is a corporate body which controls and develops Ireland's electricity network. ESB is

involved in the generation and supply of electricity to both domestic and commercial

users. Employing over 7,000 people, it is the largest Electricity Utility in the state. ESB

is actively diversifying their portfolio to include renewable energy and communication

networks. www.esb.ie

EirGrid

EirGrid PLC was established to act as the independent Transmission System Operator

(TSO), in line with the requirements of the EU Electricity Directive. EirGrid became

operational as the TSO on 1 July 2006 www.eirgrid.com

Commission for Energy Regulation (CER)

Established in 1999, CER is Ireland's independent energy regulator. It has a wide range

of economic, customer protection and safety responsibilities in energy sector. In

addition, the CER is Ireland's economic regulator of the Irish public water and

wastewater sector. Policy for this area is the responsibility of the Minister for

Environment, Community and Local Government. www.cer.ie

Note: in accordance with the Energy Act 2016, CER will be renamed CRU (Commission

for Regulation of Utilities).

Bord na Móna

Bord na Móna is the supplier of products and services based principally on peat. The

company is also providing products and services in the environmental, renewable

energy, electricity generation and waste management business sectors. www.bnm.ie

National Oil Reserves Agency (NORA)

NORA was established as a stand-alone agency under the NORA Act 2007. Its main

function is to maintain Ireland’s 90 days of strategic oil reserves for use in an oil supply

disruption. www.nora.ie

Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI)

The SEAI, formerly SEI, was established in 2002 to promote and assist the development

of sustainable energy. www.seai.ie

http://www.esb.ie/

http://www.eirgrid.com/

http://www.cer.ie/

http://www.bnm.ie/

http://www.nora.ie/

http://www.seai.ie/



Page 21

Irish National Petroleum Corporation (INPC)

INPC is a state company which owned the Whitegate refinery and Bantry Bay Terminal

on Whiddy Island. These were sold by the state in 2001, and since then the INPC has

had no staff. It is currently overseen by a 3 person technical board. The board’s

functions relate to upholding the Minister's rights and obligations under the 2001 Sale

and Purchase Agreement. This principally involves managing environmental claims.


ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES

Environmental Protection Agency

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is at the front line of environmental

protection and policing. We ensure that Ireland's environment is protected, and we

monitor changes in environmental trends to detect early warning signs of neglect or

deterioration. www.epa.ie

Inland Fisheries Ireland

Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) was established under the Inland Fisheries Act 2010. IFI is

the agency responsible for the protection, management and conservation of Ireland's

inland fisheries and sea angling resources. www.fisheriesireland.ie

Loughs Agency

The Loughs Agency was established under the British Irish Agreement Act 1999. It is a

North South body under the co-sponsorship of the department. The Agency aims to

provide effective conservation, management, promotion and development of the

fisheries and marine resources of the Foyle and Carlingford areas. It is also responsible

for the development and licensing of aquaculture, as well as the development of marine

tourism www.loughs-agency.org.

Mining Board

The Mining Board is a Statutory Body established under Section 33 of the Minerals

Development Act 1940. The Board is an appellate body principally involved in

consideration as to whether minerals are excepted from provisions of the Minerals

Development Act 1979 which vested in the Minister the exclusive right of working

minerals in the State save for “excepted minerals”.

http://www.epa.ie/

http://www.epa.ie/

http://www.fisheriesireland.ie/

http://www.loughs-agency.org/



Page 22

F: STATUTORY FUNCTIONS - JOINT COMMITTEE ON COMMUNICATIONS,

CLIMATE ACTION AND ENVIRONMENT

BROADCASTING ACT 2009

BROADCASTING AUTHORITY OF IRELAND – ACCOUNTABILITY TO THE JOINT

COMMITTEE

Accountability of chief executive and chairpersons of Authority and statutory committees

to other Oireachtas Committees.

20.—

(1) In this section “Committee” means a Committee appointed by either

House of the Oireachtas or jointly by both Houses of the Oireachtas (other than

the Committee on Members’ Interests of Dáil Éireann or the Committee on

Members’ Interests of Seanad Éireann) or a subcommittee of such a Committee.

(2) Subject to subsection (4), the chief executive shall, at the request in

writing of a Committee, attend before it to give account for the general

administration of the Authority and a statutory committee.

(3) Subject to subsection (4), the chairperson of the Authority or a statutory

committee shall at the request in writing of a Committee, attend before it to

represent the views of the Authority or a statutory committee.

(4) The chief executive or chairperson shall not be required to give account

before, or represent the views of the Authority or a statutory committee to, a

Committee for any matter which is or has been or may at a future time be the

subject of proceedings before a court or tribunal in the State.

(5) Where the chief executive or chairperson is of the opinion that a matter in

respect of which the chief executive or chairperson is requested to give an

account before, or represent the views of the Authority or a statutory committee

to, a Committee is a matter to which subsection (4) applies, he or she shall

inform the Committee of that opinion and the reasons for the opinion and, unless

the information is conveyed to the Committee at a time when the chief executive

or chairperson is before it, the information shall be so conveyed in writing.

(6) Where the chief executive or chairperson has informed a Committee of his

or her opinion in accordance with subsection (5) and the Committee does not

withdraw the request referred to in subsection (2) or subsection (3) in so far as it

relates to a matter the subject of that opinion—



Page 23

(a) the chief executive or chairperson may, not later than 21 days after

being informed by the Committee of its decision not to do so, apply to the

High Court in a summary manner for determination of the question

whether the matter is one to which subsection (4) applies, or

(b) the chairperson of the Committee may, on behalf of the Committee,

make such an application,

and the High Court may determine the matter.

(7) Pending the determination of an application under subsection (6), the chief

executive or chairperson shall not attend before the Committee to give account

for or represent the views of the Authority or a statutory committee in respect of

the matter the subject of the application.

(8) If the High Court determines that the matter concerned is one to which

subsection (4) applies, the Committee shall withdraw the request referred to in

subsection (2) or subsection (3), but if the High Court determines that subsection

(4) does not apply, the chief executive or chairperson shall attend before the

Committee to give account for or represent the views of the Authority or a

statutory committee in respect of the matter.

The Statutory Committees of the BAI are:

The Contract Awards Committee

The Compliance Committee

The Finance, Audit and Risk Committee

PROPOSING MEMBERS OF THE BOARDS OF BAI, RTÉ, AND TG4

The Joint Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment has a role in

proposing members of the boards of certain bodies for nomination by the Minister for

Communications, Climate Action and Environment for appointment by the Government in

accordance with the Broadcasting Act 2009.

The Broadcasting Act 2009 requires the committee to nominate members of the board

(including a panel) of the following broadcasting bodies:

BAI (Broadcasting Authority of Ireland) (4 of 9 members);

RTÉ (Raidió Teilifís Éireann) (4 of 12 members);

TG4 (Teilifís na Gaeilge) (4 of 12 members).

http://www.oireachtas.ie/documents/bills28/acts/2009/a1809.pdf

http://www.bai.ie/en/

http://www.rte.ie/

http://www.tg4.ie/ga/



Page 24

CHAIRMAN AND DIRECTOR GENERAL OF RTÉ AND TG4 ACCOUNTABLE TO THE

JOINT COMMITTEE

The Act also provides that the director general shall attend a meeting of the committee

to give an account of the general administration of their corporation, and the chairman

shall attend a meeting of the committee to represent the board of their corporation.

MEDIA MERGERS

The following is an extract from the Department of Communications, Climate Action and

Environment's Guidelines on Media Mergers May 2015 based on the Broadcasting Act

2009 (as amended).

4.4.3 Submissions

The BAI must invite public submissions and forward a copy of the

request to the relevant Oireachtas Committee inviting them to make a

submission.

All submissions must be made within 20 working days from the date of

publication of the request.

Submissions should clearly indicate any information which should be treated as

confidential.

4.4.8 Basis of the BAI’s recommendation

The BAI when making it report shall form a view as to whether the result of the

media merger is likely to be contrary to public interest in protecting the

plurality of the media in the State. The BAI shall have regard to – ...

(c) All submissions made and information provided

i. to the Minister by the undertakings involved in the media merger

ii. to the BAI by the undertakings involved in the media merger, by any

other person in response to an invitation for submissions under section

28E (2)(b) of the Act or by the Joint Oireachtas Committee in

response to an invitation for submissions under section 28E(2)(c) of

the Act, ...

http://www.dccae.gov.ie/communications/Lists/Publications%20Documents/Finalised%20Guidelines%20on%20Media%20Mergers.pdf



Page 25

INLAND FISHERIES ACT 2010

PROPOSING MEMBERS OF THE BOARD

The Inland Fisheries Act 2010 requires the committee to nominate members of the board

(including a panel) of Inland Fisheries Ireland (3 of 9 members)

CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE ACCOUNTABLE TO THE JOINT COMMITTEE

The Act also provides that the chief executive (or chairperson or an employee) shall

attend a meeting of the committee.

ELECTRICITY REGULATION ACT 1999

CRU (THE COMMISSION FOR REGULATION OF UTILITIES)

Following the commencement of the Energy Act 2016, The Commission for Energy

Regulation (CER) changed its name to the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (6

October 2017) to fully reflect its broadened remit and mission to regulate water, energy

and energy safety in the public interest.

The CRU is Ireland’s independent energy and water regulator and has a wide range of

economic, customer protection and safety responsibilities.

Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) was established in 1999, CER is Ireland's

independent energy regulator. It has a wide range of economic, customer protection

and safety responsibilities in energy sector. In addition, the CER is Ireland's economic

regulator of the Irish public water and wastewater sector. Policy for this area is the

responsibility of the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government.

Policy directions to Commission.

7. — (3) Before giving a direction under subsection (1), the Minister shall—

(a) provide a draft of the proposed direction

to—

(i) the Commission,

(ii) the Joint Committee referred to in paragraph 26 of Schedule 1 of this

Act, and …

http://www.oireachtas.ie/documents/bills28/acts/2010/a1010.pdf



Page 26

ACCOUNTABILITY OF COMMISSION TO THE JOINT COMMITTEE

SCHEDULE

The Commission for Electricity Regulation

26. From time to time, and whenever so requested, the Commission shall account

for the performance of its functions to a Joint Committee of the Oireachtas and

shall have regard to any recommendations of such Joint Committee relevant to its

functions.

COMMUNICATIONS REGULATION ACT 2002

COMREG (COMMISSION FOR COMMUNICATIONS REGULATION)

Communications Regulation Act 2002

LAYING OF ORDERS AND REGULATIONS BEFORE HOUSES OF OIREACHTAS.

3.—

(1) Other than an order under section 4 , every order or regulation made under

this Act by the Minister or the Minister for the Environment and Local Government

shall be laid before each of the Houses of the Oireachtas as soon as practicable

after it is made.

(2) Either House of the Oireachtas may, by resolution passed within 21 sitting

days after the day on which an order or a regulation was laid before it in

accordance with subsection (1), annul the order or regulation.

(3) The annulment of an order or regulation under this section takes effect

immediately on the passing of the resolution concerned, but does not affect

anything that was [done under the order or regulation] before the passing of the

resolution.

ACCOUNTABILITY OF THE COMMISSION TO THE JOINT COMMITTEE

34.—

(2) From time to time, and whenever so requested, the Commission shall account

for the performance of its functions to a Committee of one or both Houses of the

Oireachtas.



Page 27

NATIONAL OIL RESERVES AGENCY ACT 2007

NATIONAL OIL RESERVES AGENCY

National Oil Reserves Agency Act 2007

ACCOUNTABILITY OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE TO THE JOINT COMMITTEE

Information to Oireachtas on performance of functions.

31.— (2) Whenever requested to do so by a committee (other than the

Committee referred to in subsection (1)) of one or both Houses of the Oireachtas,

the chief executive shall account to such committee for the performance of the

functions of the Agency and any of its subsidiaries.



Page 28

APPENDIX 2: MEMBERSHIP OF THE JOINT COMMITTEE ON

COMMUNICATIONS, CLIMATE ACTION AND ENVIRONMENT

Member Party

Deputies:

Hildegarde Naughton [Chairman] Fine Gael

James Lawless [Vice Chairman] Fianna Fáil

Timmy Dooley Fianna Fáil

Michael Lowry Rural Independent Group

Eamon Ryan Social Democrats - Green Party Group

Bríd Smith Solidarity - People Before Profit

Brian Stanley Sinn Féin

Senators:

Terry Leyden Fianna Fáil

Tim Lombard Fine Gael

Michael McDowell Independent Group

Joe O’Reilly Fine Gael

The Dáil Committee of Selection nominated the members of the Dáil Select

committee on 15 June 2016 and the report nominating Deputy Hildegarde

Naughton to be chairman of the committee was agreed by the Dáil on Thursday

16 June 2016.

The Seanad Committee of Selection report on membership of the Seanad select

committee was agreed by the Seanad on 21 July 2016.

This committee's name was changed from the Joint Committee on

Communications, Climate Change and Natural Resources on Thursday 29

September 2016.

Deputy James Lawless was elected vice chairman of the joint committee on

Tuesday 28 February 2017.

http://www.oireachtas.ie/members-hist/default.asp?housetype=0&HouseNum=32&MemberID=2395&ConstID=108







http://www.oireachtas.ie/members/default.asp?MemberName=Leyden&disp=src&housetype=1&HouseNum=25&ConstID=205&ac=0

http://www.oireachtas.ie/members/default.asp?housetype=1&HouseNum=25&MemberID=2466&ConstID=205





Page 29

DÁIL SELECT COMMITTEE ON COMMUNICATIONS, CLIMATE ACTION AND

ENVIRONMENT

Deputy Timmy Dooley

Fianna Fáil

Deputy James Lawless

Fianna Fáil

[Vice Chairman]

Deputy Michael Lowry

Rural Independent

Group

Deputy Hildegarde Naughton

Fine Gael

[Chairman]

Deputy Eamon Ryan

Social Democrats

- Green Party Group

Deputy Bríd Smith

Solidarity -

People Before Profit

Deputy Brian Stanley

Sinn Féin










Page 30

SEANAD SELECT COMMITTEE ON COMMUNICATIONS, CLIMATE ACTION AND

ENVIRONMENT

Senator Terry Leydon

Fianna Fáil

Senator Tim Lombard

Fine Gael

Senator Michael McDowell

Independent Group

Senator Joe O’Reilly

Fine Gael

http://www.oireachtas.ie/members/default.asp?MemberName=Leyden&disp=src&housetype=1&HouseNum=25&ConstID=205&ac=0






Page 31

COMMITTEE CONTACT DETAILS

Leo Bollins, Clerk to the Committee


Climate Action and Environment.

Houses of the Oireachtas,

Leinster House,

Kildare Street,

Dublin 2,

D02 XR20

Ireland

Leo Bollins, Cléireach don Choiste


Gníomhú ar son na hAeráide agus

Comhshaol.

Tithe an Oireachtais,

Teach Laighean,

Sráid Chill Dara,

Baile Átha Cliath 2,

D02 XR20

Éire

Email: [email protected]

Web site:

http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/oireachtasbusiness/committees_list/ccae/

Telephone: 076 100 1745 or + 353 (0)1 618 3575

mailto:[email protected]





Page 32

APPENDIX 3: MEETINGS OF THE JOINT COMMITTEE

The following are the details, in date order, of the scheduled meetings of the Joint

Committee which took place during the period under report.

MEETING NO.

AND DATE

TOPIC ORGANISATIONS, GROUPS AND INDIVIDUALS

WHO ATTENDED

J01

08/09/2016

(i) Meeting with EU

Commission Vice-President Mr.

Andrus Ansip re the Digital

Single Market

(ii) Private Business

EU Commission Vice-President Mr. Andrus

Ansip

The Vice President was accompanied by the

following officials:

Ms Barbara Nolan (EU Commission

Ireland).

Mr Juhan Lepassaar (Head of Cabinet).

Ms Hanna Hinrikus (Member of Cabinet).

J02

21/09/16

(i) Mid-year review of the

Revised Estimates for Public

Services - Vote 29 –

Department of


Action and Environment

(ii) Election of Vice Chairman

(iii)EU Scrutiny

Legislative Proposals:

Schedule A:

COM (2016) 395

COM (2016) 399

Schedule B:

COM(2016)3

COM(2016)39

COM(2016)62

COM(2016)154

COM(2016)456

Mr Denis Naughten, T.D., Minister for

Minister for Communications, Climate

Change and Natural Resources.

Mr. Sean Kyne, T.D., Minister of State for

Gaeltacht Affairs and Natural Resources.

The ministers were accompanied by the

following officials:

Mr. Mark Griffin, Secretary General,

Mr. Martin Finucane, Finance Officer;

Mr. Denis Maher, principal officer, Inland

Fisheries division;

Mr. Jim Whelan, assistant principal

officer, Finance Unit.



Page 33

Meeting No.

and Date

Topic Organisations, Groups and

Individuals who attended

J03

27/09/16

(i)Private Business

(ii)EU Scrutiny


Schedule A:

COM(2016)479

COM(2016)482

Schedule B:

COM(2016)42

J04

25/10/16

(i) Public Business

Election of Vice Chairman

Competition for nomination

to the board of RTÉ

(ii) EU Scrutiny

Private Business


Schedule A:

Further scrutiny of:

COM(2016)479

COM(2016)482

Department of Communications, Climate


Dr. John O'Neill (Principal),

Mr. Eamonn Confrey (Principal),

Mr. Colin O'Hehir (Assistant Principal)

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Dara Lynott (Deputy Director General)

Dr. Tom Ryan (Programme Manager,

Office of Environmental Sustainability)

Stephen Treacy (Senior manager)

Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland

(SEAI)

Dr Eimear Cotter (Head of Low Carbon

Technologies)

Department of Agriculture, Food and the

Marine

Paul McKiernan (Principal),

Eugene Hendrick (Senior Inspector),

John Muldowney (Agricultural Inspector)

Institute of International and European

Affairs (IIEA)

Joseph Curtin (senior research fellow)



Page 34

Meeting No.

and Date

Topic Organisations, Groups and Individuals

who attended

J05

08/11/2016

(i) Public Business

Public Service Broadcasting

Private Business

(iii)EU Scrutiny


Schedule A:


COM(2016)479

COM(2016)482

Schedule B:

COM (2016) 589

COM (2016) 594



Ms Patricia Cronin, - Assistant Secretary

Mr Eanna O’Conghaile – Principal Officer

Mr Dualta O’Broin – Assistant Principal

Broadcasting Authority of Ireland

Mr Michael O'Keeffe – Chief Executive

Ms Celene Craig - Deputy Chief Executive

Mr Diarmaid Breathnach - Manager, Public

Service Broadcasting

J06

22/11/16

(i) Public Session

Public Service Broadcasting

Private Business

Professor Kevin Rafter, School of

Communications, Dublin City University.

Representatives of Independent

Broadcasters of Ireland:

o Mr. John Purcell - Chairman of IBI

and CEO of KCLR 96FM;

o Mr. Tim Collins - Director of IBI

and CEO of Newstalk;

o Ms. Lisa Ni Choisdealbha -

Executive Director].

Representatives of Screen Producers

Ireland

o Mr. Larry Bass - Shinawil

Productions and Screen Producers

Ireland Board member;

o Ms. Jennifer Kenneally - Policy

and Communications Manager].

http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=COM:2016:0589:FIN:EN:PDF




Page 35

Meeting No.

and Date Topic Organisations, Groups and


J07

06/12/16

(i) Private Business

(ii) EU Scrutiny

Legislative Proposals

COM (2016) 590

COM (2016) 591



Page 36

APPENDIX 4: MINUTES OF MEETINGS OF THE JOINT COMMITTEE


Athrú Aeráide agus Acmhaínní Nádúrtha


Climate Change and Natural Resources

Minutes of Meeting J01

Thursday, 8 September 2016



Page 37

Public Session

The joint committee met in public session at 12.00 noon in Committee Room 4, a

quorum being present.

1. Members Present

Deputies: Timmy Dooley, James Lawless, Michael Lowry, Eamon Ryan, Brian Stanley,

Senators: Terry Leyden, Tim Lombard, Joe O'Reilly.

2. Apologies

Senator Michael McDowell

3. In attendance

EU Commission Vice President for the Digital Single Market Mr. Andreus Ansip.

The Vice President was accompanied by the following officials:

Ms Barbara Nolan (EU Commission Ireland), Mr Juhan Lepassaar (Head of Cabinet),

Ms Hanna Hinrikus (Member of Cabinet)

4. Business of the Committee

The chairman welcomed the members to the first meeting of the joint committee.

5. Arrangements for the engagement with the European Union Commission

Vice President for the Digital Single Market Mr. Andrus Ansip

Proposed that the vice President would speak for 10 – 15 minutes, followed by a

question and answer session, where each member may speak for 3 minutes.

Agreed.

6. Engagement with the EU Commission Vice President Mr. Andrus Ansip re

the Digital Single Market

The vice President spoke for 15 minutes followed by a question and answer session.

The following members addressed the meeting:

Deputy Hildegarde Naughton [Chairman], Deputy Brian Stanley, Deputy Timmy Dooley

Deputy Eamon Ryan, Senator Joe O’Reilly

At the conclusion of the session, the chairman thanked the vice president for attending.



Page 38

7. Publication of Submissions

Proposed that the committee publish the supplied script, and other submissions received

relating to the meeting.

Agreed.

8. Committee to write to the Minister for Communications, Climate Action

and Environment

Proposed that the committee inform the Minister of this meeting with the EU Commission

Vice president, including the official report of the meeting.

Agreed.

9. Suspension of Sitting

Proposed that the meeting be suspended for 5 minutes.

Agreed.

Sitting suspended at 1.05 p.m. and resumed in private session at 1.10 p.m.

Private Session

10. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE SESSION



.


14. Adjournment

The joint committee adjourned at 1.20 p.m., sine die.

____________________

Hildegarde Naughton T.D.

Chairman

27 September 2016



Page 39



Page 40


Athrú Aeráide agus Acmhaínní Nádúrtha


Climate Change and Natural Resources

Minutes of Meeting J02

Wednesday, 21 September 2016



Page 41

PUBLIC SESSION

The joint committee met in public session at 17.00 in Committee Room 2, a quorum

being present.

1. Members Present

Deputies: Timmy Dooley, James Lawless, Hildegarde Naughton, Eamon Ryan, Bríd

Smith, Brian Stanley;

Senators: Michael McDowell, Tim Lombard, Joe O'Reilly.

Deputy Hildegarde Naughton in the chair.

2. Apologies

Senator Terry Leyden.

3. In attendance

Mr Denis Naughten, T.D., Minister for Minister for Communications, Climate Change and

Natural Resources.

Mr. Sean Kyne, T.D., Minister of State for Gaeltacht Affairs and Natural Resources.

The ministers were accompanied by the following officials: Mr. Mark Griffin, Secretary

General, Mr. Martin Finucane, Finance Officer; Mr. Denis Maher, principal officer, Inland

Fisheries division; and Mr. Jim Whelan, assistant principal officer, Finance Unit.

4. Business of the Committee

Proposed that:

The Vote will be examined on a selected programme basis. Members will be called

upon to ask questions on the subheads under the relevant programme.

Programmes A, B and C have been chosen for examination. These particular

programmes have been chosen as they contain information that will be useful in

illustrating the link between expenditure and performance.

Following the examination of these programmes, Committee Members may wish

to address questions to the Minister on administrative subheads, Appropriations-

in-Aid and questions relating to the Vote as a whole.

Agreed.



Page 42

5. Estimates for Public Services 2016: Vote 29 - Department of

Communications, Climate Action and Environment

The Minister made his opening statement, and the Minister and Minister of State

engaged in a questions and answer session with members.

The following members asked questions:

Deputies Hildegarde Naughton [Chairman], Timmy Dooley, Brian Stanley, Ramon Ryan,

Bríd Smith, James Lawless

Senators Joe O’Reilly, Michael McDowell

At the conclusion of the session, the chairman thanked the ministers and officials for

attending.

6. Publication of Submissions

Proposed that the committee publish the supplied script, and other submissions received

relating to the meeting.

Agreed.

Private session

The joint committee went into private session at 7.05 p.m.




10.ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE SESSION

11.ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE SESSION



Page 43

12. Public Session

The committee resumed in public session at 7.15 p.m.

13. Scrutiny of EU Legislative Proposals

SCHEDULE A

COM (2016) 395 is a proposal for a Council decision on the conclusion, on behalf of the

European Union, of the Paris agreement adopted under the United Nations Framework


Proposed that this proposal does not warrant further scrutiny. Agreed.

COM (2016) 399 is a proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the

Council amending Regulation (EU) No. 531/2012 as regards rules for wholesale roaming

markets.

Proposed that this proposal does not warrant further scrutiny. Agreed.

SCHEDULE B:

COM (2016)3 - Proposal for a Council Decision on the position to be adopted, on behalf

of the European Union, at the Seventh Session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating

Committee on mercury and at the first meeting of the Conference of the Parties of the

Minamata Convention on Mercury with regard to the provisional and subsequent final

adoption of guidance referred to in its Article 8, paragraphs 8 and 9

COM(2016)39 - Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the

Council on mercury, and repealing Regulation (EC) No 1102/2008 (Text with EEA

relevance) {SWD(2016) 14 final} {SWD(2016) 17 final} {SWD(2016) 18 final}

COM(2016)62 - Proposal for a Council Decision on the signing, on behalf of the

European Union, of the Paris Agreement adopted under the United Nations Framework

Convention on Climate Change

COM(2016)154 - Proposal for a Council Decision on the submission, on behalf of the

European Union, of a proposal for the listing of additional chemicals in Annex A, B and/or

C to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants

COM (2016)456 - Proposal for a Council Decision on a proposal to establish the Energy

Community list of energy infrastructure projects

Proposed that the Proposals listed in ‘Schedule B’ do not warrant further scrutiny.

Agreed.



Page 44

14. Any other business

None.

15. Adjournment

The joint committee adjourned at 7.15 p.m. until 5 p.m. on Tuesday, 27 September

2016.

____________________


Chairman

27 September 2016



Page 45

Explanatory Note – EU Scrutiny

This is a very brief synopsis of the EU scrutiny procedure.

The Committee has a role in relation to the examination of EU legislative proposals,

otherwise known as COMs.

National Parliaments are empowered to consider legislative proposals to ensure that the

policies contained within them comply with the principle of subsidiarity.

The Committee will ensure that the EU legislative proposals are in line with the principle

of subsidiarity and will also consider the specific policy proposals by the European

Commission.

The idea behind this is that National Parliaments have the ability to express their views

on draft legislative acts and other matters of interest. It is also to ensure that decisions

are taken as closely as possible to the citizens of the EU.

In terms of an explanation of subsidiarity, it essentially means that the EU shall act only

if and insofar as the objectives of the proposed action cannot be sufficiently achieved by

the Member States… but by reason of scale or effects of the proposed action, it can be

better achieved at European Union level.

The principle of subsidiarity is to ensure that powers are exercised at the appropriate

level. Any action taken by the EU must also be of a proportionate nature.

Today we have 2 Schedule A COMs and 5 Schedule B COMs before the Committee. From

a practical point of view COMs are separated into Schedule A, which are high priority and

Schedule B which are considered as low priority.

Advice Notes are prepared only in relation to Schedule A COMs. Schedule B COMs are

taken as agreed unless a member wishes for further scrutiny to be undertaken. In those

instances an Advice Note will be prepared for a future meeting.

If a COM requires further scrutiny then the Committee has a number of options such as

requesting a more in depth Information Note from the Department, or requesting that

the Department or Minister appear before the Committee to provide a brief on the

proposal or the Committee could engage with other stakeholders.

Committee Secretariat

21 September 2016



Page 46





Minutes of Meeting No. J03

Wednesday, 27 September 2016



Page 47

PRIVATE SESSION

The joint committee met in private session at 17.00 in Committee Room 2, a quorum

being present.

1. Members Present

Deputies

James Lawless, Hildegarde Naughton, Eamon Ryan, Brian Stanley

Senators

Terry Leyden, Tom Lombard, Michael McDowell, Joe O’Reilly,


2. Apologies

Timmy Dooley, Michael Lowry, Bríd Smith






8. Adjournment

The joint committee adjourned at 5.51 p.m. until 5 p.m. on Tuesday, 11 October 2016.

However, as this will be the day the budget statement is made to the Dáil, it was agreed

if members are not available on that date, the chairman may postpone the meeting to

the next available slot on Tuesday 25 October 2016.

____________________


Chairman

25 October 2016



Page 48






Tuesday 25 October 2016 at 5.00 pm



Page 49

SEISIÚN POIBLÍ / PUBLIC SESSION

The joint committee met in public session at 17.00 in Committee Room 2, a quorum

being present.


1. Members Present

Deputies

Timmy Dooley, Hildegarde Naughton, Eamon Ryan, Bríd Smith, Brian Stanley

Senators

Terry Leyden, Michael McDowell, Joe O’Reilly,

2. Apologies

Deputy Michael Lowry; Senators Joe O’Reilly and Tim Lombard.

3. EU Scrutiny


COM(2016)479 (the inclusion of greenhouse gas emissions and removals from

land use, land use change and forestry into the 2030 climate and energy

framework) and

COM(2016)482 (binding annual greenhouse gas emission reductions by Member

States from 2021 to 2030)

The chairman welcomed the following witnesses:

the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment

o Dr. John O'Neill (Principal),

o Mr. Eamonn Conefrey (Principal),

o Mr. Colin O'Hehir (Assistant Principal)

the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

o Dara Lynott (Deputy Director General)

o Dr. Tom Ryan (Programme Manager, Office of Environmental

Sustainability)

o Stephen Treacy (Senior manager)

http://eur-lex.europa.eu/resource.html?uri=cellar:9901f171-5017-11e6-89bd-01aa75ed71a1.0001.02/DOC_1&format=PDF

http://eur-lex.europa.eu/resource.html?uri=cellar:923ae85f-5018-11e6-89bd-01aa75ed71a1.0002.02/DOC_1&format=PDF



Page 50

Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI)

o Dr Eimear Cotter (Head of Low Carbon Technologies)

the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

o Paul McKiernan (Principal),

o Eugene Hendrick (Senior Inspector),

o John Muldowney (Agricultural Inspector)

the Institute of International and European Affairs (IIEA)

o Joseph Curtin (senior research fellow)

Proposed that the three main witnesses will speak for 5 - 10 minutes each followed by a

question and answer session, where each member may ask a question or comment, not

exceeding 3 minutes.

AGREED

Following presentations by the Department of Communications, Climate Change and

Environment, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Institute of International

and European Affairs, there was a questions and answers session with members.


Deputy Hildegarde Naughton, Deputy Brian Stanley; Deputy Timmy Dooley; Deputy

Eamon Ryan; Senator Michael McDowell; Deputy Bríd Smith.

Proposed to forward the transcript of today’s discussion to the Minister for

Communications, Energy and Natural Resources for his information and consideration.

AGREED

Proposed that the submissions and presentations received in relation to this meeting be

published.

AGREED

The chairman thanks the witnesses for attending.


AGREED

The witnesses left the meeting.

Meeting suspended.



Page 51

PRÍOBHÁIDEACH /PRIVATE SESSION







10. Next meeting

The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday 8 November 2016 at 5.00 pm.

11. Adjournment

The committee adjourned at 19.03

____________________


Chairman

8 November 2016



Page 52






Tuesday 8 November 2016 at 5.00 pm



Page 53


The joint committee met in private session at 17.00 in Committee Room 2, a quorum

being present.


1. MEMBERS PRESENT

Deputies: James Lawless, Michael Lowry, Hildegarde Naughton, Eamon Ryan, Brian

Stanley

Senators: Terry Leyden

2. APOLOGIES

Senators Joe O’Reilly, Tim Lombard.

3. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE

SEISIÚN POIBLÍ / PUBLIC SESSION

4. EU SCRUTINY

COMS DEFERRED FROM THE PREVIOUS MEETING

i) COM(2016)479 (the inclusion of greenhouse gas emissions and removals from

land use, land use change and forestry into the 2030 climate and energy

framework)

ii) Proposed that this proposal does not warrant further scrutiny.

Agreed.

iii) COM(2016)482 (binding annual greenhouse gas emission reductions by

Member States from 2021 to 2030)

Proposed that this proposal does not warrant further scrutiny.

Agreed.

New COMs (Schedule A and both have a subsidiarity deadline of

30 November 2016)

iv) COM (2016) 589 - Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and

of the Council amending Regulations (EU) No 1316/2013 and (EU) No

283/2014 as regards the promotion of Internet connectivity in local

communities.


Agreed.

http://eur-lex.europa.eu/resource.html?uri=cellar:9901f171-5017-11e6-89bd-01aa75ed71a1.0001.02/DOC_1&format=PDF

http://eur-lex.europa.eu/resource.html?uri=cellar:923ae85f-5018-11e6-89bd-01aa75ed71a1.0002.02/DOC_1&format=PDF




Page 54

v) COM (2016) 594 - Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of

the Council laying down rules on the exercise of copyright and related rights

applicable to certain online transmissions of broadcasting Public Service

Broadcasting


Agreed.

5. PUBLIC SERVICE BROADCASTING

The chairman welcomed the following Officials from the Department of Communications,


Patricia Cronin, Assistant Secretary

Eanna O’Conghaile, Principal

Dualta O’Broin, Assistant Principal

The chairman welcomed the following Representatives from the Broadcasting Authority

of Ireland

Michael O’ Keeffe (Chief Executive)

Celene Craig (Deputy Chief Executive)

Diarmaid Breathnach (Manager – PSB)

Proposed that the two main witnesses will speak for 5 - 10 minutes each followed by a

question and answer session, where each member may ask a question, not exceeding 3

minutes.

Agreed.

Opening statements were circulated.

The following witnesses addressed the committee:

Ms Patricia Cronin, Mr. Michael O'Keeffe, Mr. Éanna Ó Conghaile, Ms Celene Craig


Deputies Hildegarde Naughton, Eamon Ryan, Brian Stanley, James Lawless

The chairman thanks the witnesses for attending.




Page 55

Proposed that opening statements and supporting documentation be published on the

Committee’s Web site.

Agreed.


AGREED

The Witnesses left the meeting.

Meeting suspended.







11. NEXT MEETING

The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday 22 November 2016 at 5.00 pm.

12. ADJOURNMENT

The committee adjourned at 6.45 p.m.

____________________


Chairman

22 November 2016



Page 56






Tuesday 22 November 2016 at 5.00 pm



Page 57

SEISIÚN POIBLÍ / PUBLIC SESSION 5.00 PM

1. Public Service Broadcasting (resumed)

SESSION A.

The chairman welcomed the following witnesses.

Professor Kevin Rafter, School of Communications, Dublin City University.

Representatives of Independent Broadcasters of Ireland:

o Mr. John Purcell - Chairman of IBI and CEO of KCLR 96FM;

o Mr. Tim Collins - Director of IBI and CEO of Newstalk;

o Ms. Lisa Ni Choisdealbha - Executive Director].

Representatives of Screen Producers Ireland

o Mr. Larry Bass - Shinawil Productions and Screen Producers Ireland Board

member;

o Ms. Jennifer Kenneally - Policy and Communications Manager].

The main witnesses addressed the committee, followed by a questions and answers

session.

The chairman thanked the witnesses.

It was agreed that the committee publish the submissions received in relation to this

meeting.

SESSION B

The chairman welcomed the following witnesses.

Representatives of Raidió Teilifís Éireann

o Ms. Dee Forbes, Director General;

o Ms. Breda O'Keeffe, Chief Financial Officer;

o Mr. Jim Jennings - Managing Director RTÉ Radio.

Representatives of TG4

o Mr Alan Esslemont, Ardstúthóir/ Director General;

o Mr Pádhraic Ó Ciardha, Leascheannasaí/Deputy CEO;

o Ms Mary Uí Chadhain, Stiúrthóir Airgeadais/Director of Finance.

Representative of the Irish Film Board

o Mr. James Hickey, CEO.



Page 58

The main witnesses addressed the committee, followed by a questions and answers

session.

The chairman thanked the witnesses.

It was agreed that the committee publish the submissions received in relation to this

meeting.






6. Adjournment

The committee adjourned until Tuesday 6 December 2016 at 5.00 p.m.

____________________

Hildegarde Naughton

Chairman

6 December 2016



Page 59






Tuesday 6 December 2016 at 5.00 pm



Page 60

PRÍOBHÁIDEACH / PRIVATE SESSION

The committee met at 17.00.


1. Members Present

Deputies

Timmy Dooley

Hildegarde Naughton

Eamon Ryan

Brian Stanley

Senators

Terry Leydon

Michael McDowell

Joe O’Reilly

Apologies

None












Page 61

11. Next meeting

The committee adjourned until Tuesday 17 January 2017 at 5.00 pm.

____________________

Hildegarde Naughton

Chairman

17 January 2017



Page 62



Page 63

APPENDIX 5: ORDER OF DÁIL ÉIREANN RE THE CONSIDERATION

OF CORRESPONDENCE BY SELECT COMMITTEES

Extract from the Order Paper of Dáil Éireann of Tuesday, 19th July, 2016:

12. “Go dtí go gceapfaidh Seanad Éireann

Roghchoistí, go bhféadfaidh Roghchoistí arna

gceapadh de bhun Bhuan-Ordú 84A na nithe go

léir atá leagtha amach i mBuan-Ordú 84A agus

thairis sin ina nOrduithe Bunaithe a bhreithniú

agus go mbeidh na cumhachtaí iomchuí acu mar

a mhínítear i mBuan-Ordú 85 chun na gcríoch

sin.

That, pending the appointment of Select

Committees by Seanad Éireann, Select

Committees appointed pursuant to Standing

Order 84A may consider all matters set out in

Standing Order 84A and otherwise in their Orders

of Establishment and shall have the relevant

powers as defined in Standing Order 85 for those

purposes.”

—Mick Barry, Clare Daly, Jim Daly, Regina Doherty, Aire Stáit, Mattie McGrath, Kevin Boxer Moran,

Michael Moynihan, Catherine Murphy, Aengus Ó Snodaigh, Brendan Ryan.



Page 64

APPENDIX 6: MEETINGS OF THE SELECT COMMITTEE

The following are the details, in date order, of the scheduled meetings of the Select

Committee which took place during the period under report.

MEETING NO.

AND DATE

TOPIC ORGANISATIONS, GROUPS AND

INDIVIDUALS WHO ATTENDED

S01

28/06/16

Private Session

1. Arrangements for the

Consideration of the

Estimate for Vote 29 -

Communications, Energy

and Natural Resources on

Wednesday 30 June 2016.

2. Engagement with chairmen

designate of State Bodies

(An Post).

3. Briefing on the Energy Bill

2016 [Officials from the

Department of


and Natural Resources].

Department of Communications,

Energy and Natural Resources

Mr Colm Ó Conaill



Mr Mel Molloy

S02

29/06/16

Public Session

1. Consideration of the

Estimate for Vote 29 -



[Minister Denis Naughten

T.D., Minister for


and Natural Resources]



Mr Mark Griffin, Secretary General

Mr Martin Finucane, Principal

Ms Finola Rossi, Principal

Mr Denis Maher, Principal

Mr Kenneth Cleary, Assistant Principal

Mr Jim Whelan, Assistant Principal



Page 65

Meeting No.

and Date

Topic Organisations, Groups and


S03

14/07/16

Public Session

Energy Bill 2016, Committee

Stage

Private Business



Minister Denis Naughten

Mr John King

Mr Mel Molloy

Mr Colm Ó Conaill

Mr Des Byrne

Ms Una NicGiolla Choille

Mr Philip Connolly

Mr Conor Lawlor

S04

20/07/16

Public Session

Engagement with chairmen

designate of An Post.

Mr Dermot Divilly, Chairman Designate of

An Post.

S05

22/11/16

Public Session

2016 Further Revised

Estimates for Public Services

- Vote 29 (Communications,

Climate Action and

Environment)



Mr. Denis Naughten TD., Minister

Mr. Martin Finucane, Principal.

Mr. Kevin O’Donoghue, Principal.

Mr. Jim Whelan, Assistant Principal.

Mr. Ken Cleary, Assistant Principal.



Page 66

APPENDIX 7: PROCEEDINGS OF THE SELECT COMMITTEE [IMEACHTAÍ)

IMEACHTAÍ AN ROGHCHOISTE UM CHUMARSÁID,

GNÍOMHÚ AR SON NA HAERÁIDE AGUS COMHSHAOL

PROCEEDINGS OF THE SELECT COMMITTEE ON COMMUNICATIONS,

CLIMATE ACTION AND ENVIRONMENT



Page 67



Page 68

Select Committee on

Communications, Climate Change and Natural Resources

An Roghchoiste um

Chumarsáid, Athrú Aeráide agus Acmhaínní Nádúrtha

Minutes of Meeting Number S01

Tuesday, 28 June 2016



Page 69

PRIVATE SESSION

The Select Committee met in private session at 17.08 in Committee Room 2,

Leinster House 2000, a quorum being present.

1. Members Present

The following members were present:-

Deputies:

Deputy Timmy Dooley,

Deputy James Lawless,

Deputy Hildegarde Naughton (Chairman),

Deputy Brian Stanley.

Apologies:

Deputy Bríd Smith

In attendance:

None.







8. Adjournment

As there was no other business the Committee adjourned at 19.46 until 9.00 on

Wednesday 29 June 2016.

____________________


Chairman

28 June 2016



Page 70

Select Committee on


An Roghchoiste um


Minutes of Meeting Number S02

Wednesday, 29 June 2016



Page 71

Public Session

The Select Committee met in public session at 9.00 a.m. in Committee Room 1, LH

2000, a quorum being present.

1. MEMBERS PRESENT


Deputies:


Deputy Eamon Ryan,


Deputy Bríd Smith,

Deputy Denis Naughten (Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural

Resources), ex officio.

Apologies:

None:

In attendance:

Deputy Seán Kyne (Minister of State at the Department of Communications,

Energy and Natural Resources)



4. ADJOURNMENT

The select committee adjourned at 11.17 p.m. sine die.

____________________


Chairman

29 June 2016



Page 72

Select Committee on


An Roghchoiste um


Minutes of Meeting S03

Thursday, 14 July 2016



Page 73

The Select Committee met in public session at 9.00 a.m. in Committee Room 1, LH


1. Members Present


Deputies


Deputy Eamon Ryan,


Deputy Bríd Smith,

Deputy Brian Stanley.

Deputy Denis Naughten (Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural

Resources), ex officio

2. Engagement with Chair Designate of An Post

Proposed that the committee agreed to invite the chairman designate of An Post to a

meeting of the committee at the earliest convenience, while we are awaiting the

formation of the joint committee.

Agreed.

3. Energy Bill 2016: Committee Stage

The committee considered the Energy Bill 2016 and made amendments thereto.

4. Message to the Clerk of the Dáil

The committee agreed to send a message to the clerk of the Dáil:

“The Select Committee on Communications, Climate Change and Natural Resources has

completed its consideration of the Energy Bill 2016 and has made amendments thereto.”

5. Adjournment

As there was no other business the Committee adjourned at 10.55 a.m. sine die.

____________________


Chairman

20 July 2016



Page 74

IMEACHTAÍ AN ROGHCHOISTE

PROCEEDINGS OF THE SELECT COMMITTEE

__________________

Déardaoin, 14 July, 2016

Thursday, 14th July 2016

__________________

1. Chruinnigh an Coiste ar 9.15 a.m.

2. COMHALTAÍ I LÁTHAIR.

An Teachta Hildegarde Ní Neachtáin (i

gCeannas), An tAire Cumarsáide,

Fuinnimh agus Acmhaínní Nádúrtha, na

Teachtaí - Tadhg Ó Dubhlaoigh, Séamas

Laighléis, Éamon Ó Riain, Bríd Nic

Gabhann, Brian de Stainléigh.

1. The Committee met at 9.15 a.m.

2. MEMBERS PRESENT.

Deputy Hildegarde Naughton (in the

Chair), Minister for Communications,

Energy and Natural Resources, Deputies –

Timmy Dooley, James Lawless, Eamon

Ryan, Bríd Smith, Brian Stanley.

3. AN BILLE FUINNIMH, 2016.

Chrom an Coiste ar an mBille a

bhreithniú.

3. ENERGY BILL 2016.

The Committee took the Bill into

consideration.

(i) Alt 1. (i) Section 1.

Tairgeadh leasú 1 (An tAire Cumarsáide,

Fuinnimh agus Acmhaínní Nádúrtha) agus

aontaíodh an leasú.

Amendment 1 (Minister for

Communications, Energy and Natural

Resources) proposed and agreed to.

Aontaíodh an t-alt, mar a leasaíodh. Section, as amended, agreed to.

(ii) Aontaíodh ailt 2 go 4 go huile. (ii) Sections 2 to 4, inclusive, agreed to.

(iii) Alt 5.

Tairgeadh leasú 2 (An Teachta Brian de

Stainléigh) agus tarraingíodh siar an

leasú, faoi chead.

Tairgeadh leasú 3 (An Teachta Tadhg Ó

Dubhlaoigh) agus tarraingíodh siar an

leasú, faoi chead.

Aontaíodh alt.

(iii) Section 5.

Amendment 2 (Deputy Brian Stanley)

proposed and, by leave, withdrawn.

Amendment 3 (Deputy Timmy Dooley)


Section agreed to.

(iv) Aontaíodh ailt 6 go 11 go huile. (iv) Sections 6 to 11, inclusive, agreed to.



Page 75

(v) Alt nua.

Tairgeadh leasú 4 (An Teachta Éamon Ó

Riain) agus tarraingíodh siar an leasú,

faoi chead.

(v) New section.

Amendment 4 (Deputy Eamon Ryan)


(vi) Aontaíodh ailt 12 agus 13. (vi) Sections 12 and 13 agreed to.

(vii) Section 14.


Fuinnimh agus Acmhaínní Nádúrtha)


(vii) Section 14.



Resources) proposed and agreed.

Aontaíodh an t-alt, mar a leasaíodh. Section, as amended, agreed to.

(viii) Ailt nua. (viii) New sections.


Fuinnimh agus Acmhaínní Nádúrtha agus

aontaíodh an leasú - cuireadh isteach an

t-alt nua.

Amendment 6 Minister for


Resources proposed and agreed to – new

section inseRTÉd.



agus aontaíodh an leasú -cuireadh isteach

an t-alt nua.



Resources) proposed and agreed to – new

section inseRTÉd.

(ix) Aontaíodh alt 15. (ix) Section 15 agreed to.

(x) Aontaíodh ailt 16 go 18 go huile. (x) Sections 16 to 18, inclusive, agreed to.

(xi) Alt 19. (xi) Section 19.




Aontaíodh an t-alt, mar a leasaíodh.



Resources) proposed and agreed.

Section, as amended, agreed to.

(xii) Aontaíodh ailt 20 agus 21. (xii) Sections 20 and 21 agreed to.

(xiii) Aontaíodh alt 22.

Tairgeadh leasú 10 (An Teachta Bríd Nic

Gabhann) agus tarraingíodh siar an

leasú, faoi chead.

Aontaíodh alt.

(xiii) Section 22.

Amendment 10 (Deputy Bríd Smith)


Section agreed to.



Page 76

(xiv) Aontaíodh ailt 23 go 27 go huile. (xiv) Sections 23 to 27, inclusive, agreed

to.

(xv) Aontaíodh alt 28.

Tairgeadh leasú 11 (An Teachta Bríd Nic

Gabhann) agus tarraingíodh siar an

leasú, faoi chead.

(xv) Section 28.

Amendment 11 (Deputy Bríd Smith)


(xvi) Aontaíodh ailt 29 go 31 go huile. (xvi) Sections 29 to 31, inclusive, agreed

to.

(xvii) Aontaíodh an Teideal. (xvii) Title agreed to.

4. CRÍOCHNÚ AN GHNÓ.

Chríochnaigh an Coiste a bhreithniú ar an

mBille ar 10.50 a.m.

4. CONCLUSION OF BUSINESS.

The Committee concluded its

consideration of the Bill at 10.50 a.m.

5. TEACHTAIREACHT CHUIG DÁIL

ÉIREANN.

Cuireadh teachtaireacht chun na Dála á

chur in iúl di gur chríochnaigh an Coiste a

bhreithniú ar an mBille agus go raibh

leasuithe déanta aige air.

5. MESSAGE TO DÁIL ÉIREANN.

Message sent to the Dáil acquainting it

that the Committee had completed its

consideration of the Bill and had made

amendments thereto.

6. ATHLÁ.

Chuaigh an Coiste ar athló ar 10.55 a.m.

sine die.

6. ADJOURNMENT.

The Committee adjourned at 10.55 a.m.

sine die.



Page 77



Page 78

Select Committee on


An Roghchoiste um


Minutes of Meeting S04

Wednesday, 20 July 2016



Page 79

The Select Committee met in public session at 5.07 p.m. in Committee Room 4, LH


1. MEMBERS PRESENT


Deputies

James Lawless,

Michael Lowry,

Hildegarde Naughton (Chairman),

Eamon Ryan,

Bríd Smith,

Brian Stanley.

No apologies were received.

2. ENGAGEMENT WITH CHAIR DESIGNATE OF AN POST

The Committee engaged with Mr. Dermot Divilly, Chair Designate of An Post.

The Chairman, Deputy Stanley, Deputy Lawless and Deputy Ryan engaged in a questions

and answers session with the Chair Designate.

It was agreed to publish the opening statement on the Committee’s website.

It was also agreed to forward the Official Report of today’s engagement with the

chairman designate to the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment

for his information and consideration.

3. PRIVATE SESSION

The Committee suspended from 5.50 p.m. to 5.51 p.m. when it resumed in private

session. The Committee went into private session at 5.51 p.m.

4. FUTURE MEETINGS

The Committee agreed the following meetings:

Tuesday, 13 September: Engagement with the Minister/Minister of State/Department

Officials on the 2017 Estimates.



Page 80

5. WORK PROGRAMME

The Committee agreed to correspond with the Committee Secretariat regarding ideas for

the work programme over the recess period.

6. ADJOURNMENT

As there was no other business the Committee adjourned at 5.59 p.m. until

2.00 p.m. on Tuesday, 13 September 2016.

____________________


Chairman

22 November 2016



Page 81