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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
An Comhchoiste um Chumarsáid,
Gníomhú ar son na hAeráide agus Comhshaol
TUARASCÁIL BHLIANTÚIL
MEITHEAMH 2016 – NOLLAIG 2016
A leagadh faoi bhráid dhá Theach an Oireachtais13 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 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
Draft Annual Report 2016
Joint Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment
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
Draft Annual Report 2016
Joint Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment
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;
Draft Annual Report 2016
Joint Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment
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.
Draft Annual Report 2016
Joint Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment
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.
Draft Annual Report 2016
Joint Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment
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).
Draft Annual Report 2016
Joint Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment
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.
It was agreed that this proposal
does not warrant further
scrutiny.
COM(2016)42 Proposal for a Council Decision on the
conclusion of the Minamata Convention
on Mercury.
It was agreed that this proposal
does not warrant further
scrutiny.
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.
It was agreed that this proposal
does not warrant further
scrutiny.
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.
It was agreed that this proposal
does not warrant further
scrutiny.
Draft Annual Report 2016
Joint Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment
Page 6
Proposal No. Proposal Title Outcome
COM(2016)395 Proposal for a Council Decision on the
conclusion on behalf of the European
Union of the Paris Agreement adopted
under the United Nations Framework
Convention on Climate Change.
It was agreed that this proposal
did not warrant further
scrutiny.
COM(2016)399 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.
It was agreed that this proposal
did not warrant further
scrutiny.
COM(2016)456 Proposal for a Council Decision on a
proposal to establish the Energy
Community list of energy infrastructure
projects.
It was agreed that this proposal
did not warrant further
scrutiny.
COM(2016)479 Proposal for a Regulation of the
European Parliament and of the Council
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.
It was agreed that this proposal
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.
Draft Annual Report 2016
Joint Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment
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Proposal No. Proposal Title Outcome
COM(2016)482 Proposal for a Regulation of the
European Parliament and of the Council
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
It was agreed that this proposal
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.
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
It was agreed that this proposal
did not warrant further
scrutiny.
Additional information was
sought from the Department of
Communications, Climate
Action and Environment.
On the basis of further
information received, it was
agreed that this proposal did
not warrant further scrutiny.
Draft Annual Report 2016
Joint Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment
Page 8
Proposal No. Proposal Title Outcome
COM(2016)590 Proposal for a Directive of the European
Parliament and of the Council
establishing the European Electronic
Communications Code
It was agreed that this proposal
did not warrant further
scrutiny.
COM(2016)591 Proposal for a Regulation of the
European Parliament and of the Council
establishing the Body of European
Regulators for Electronic
Communications.
It was agreed that this proposal
did not warrant further
scrutiny.
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 organisations and
retransmissions of television and radio
programmes (Text with EEA relevance)
{SWD(2016) 301} {SWD(2016) 302}
It was agreed that this proposal
did not warrant further scrutiny
Additional information was
sought from the Department of
Communications, Climate
Action and Environment.
On the basis of further
information received, it was
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
Draft Annual Report 2016
Joint Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment
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,
Draft Annual Report 2016
Joint Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment
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.
Draft Annual Report 2016
Joint Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment
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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.
Draft Annual Report 2016
Joint Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment
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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.
Draft Annual Report 2016
Joint Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment
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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
Draft Annual Report 2016
Joint Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment
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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.
Draft Annual Report 2016
Joint Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment
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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
Draft Annual Report 2016
Joint Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment
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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
and Natural Resources.
Government Department: Communications, Climate Action and Environment
New name of Select Committee: Communications, Climate Action and
Environment.
Draft Annual Report 2016
Joint Committee on 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.
Draft Annual Report 2016
Joint Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment
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; …
Draft Annual Report 2016
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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
Draft Annual Report 2016
Joint Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment
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OVERSIGHT OF BODIES UNDER THE AEGIS OF THE DEPARTMENT -
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
Draft Annual Report 2016
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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.
OVERSIGHT OF BODIES UNDER THE AEGIS OF THE DEPARTMENT -
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”.
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Joint Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment
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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—
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(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).
Draft Annual Report 2016
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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, ...
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Joint Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment
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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 …
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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.
Draft Annual Report 2016
Joint Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment
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.
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Joint Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment
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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.
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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
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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
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COMMITTEE CONTACT DETAILS
Leo Bollins, Clerk to the Committee
Joint Committee on Communications,
Climate Action and Environment.
Houses of the Oireachtas,
Leinster House,
Kildare Street,
Dublin 2,
D02 XR20
Ireland
Leo Bollins, Cléireach don Choiste
An Comhchoiste um Chumarsáid,
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
Draft Annual Report 2016
Joint Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment
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
Communications, Climate
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.
Draft Annual Report 2016
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Meeting No.
and Date
Topic Organisations, Groups and
Individuals who attended
J03
27/09/16
(i)Private Business
(ii)EU Scrutiny
Legislative Proposals:
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
Legislative Proposals:
Schedule A:
Further scrutiny of:
COM(2016)479
COM(2016)482
Department of Communications, Climate
Action and Environment
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)
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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
Legislative Proposals:
Schedule A:
Further scrutiny of:
COM(2016)479
COM(2016)482
Schedule B:
COM (2016) 589
COM (2016) 594
Department of Communications, Climate
Action and Environment.
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].
Draft Annual Report 2016
Joint Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment
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Meeting No.
and Date Topic Organisations, Groups and
Individuals who attended
J07
06/12/16
(i) Private Business
(ii) EU Scrutiny
Legislative Proposals
COM (2016) 590
COM (2016) 591
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APPENDIX 4: MINUTES OF MEETINGS OF THE JOINT COMMITTEE
An Comhchoiste um Chumarsáid,
Athrú Aeráide agus Acmhaínní Nádúrtha
Joint Committee on Communications,
Climate Change and Natural Resources
Minutes of Meeting J01
Thursday, 8 September 2016
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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.
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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
11. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE SESSION
12. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE SESSION
.
13. 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
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An Comhchoiste um Chumarsáid,
Athrú Aeráide agus Acmhaínní Nádúrtha
Joint Committee on Communications,
Climate Change and Natural Resources
Minutes of Meeting J02
Wednesday, 21 September 2016
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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.
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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.
7. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE SESSION
8. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE SESSION
9. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE SESSION
10.ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE SESSION
11.ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE SESSION
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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
Convention on Climate Change.
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.
Draft Annual Report 2016
Joint Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment
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.
____________________
Hildegarde Naughton T.D.
Chairman
27 September 2016
Draft Annual Report 2016
Joint Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment
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
Draft Annual Report 2016
Joint Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment
Page 46
An Comhchoiste um Chumarsáid,
Gníomhú ar son na hAeráide agus Comhshaol
Joint Committee on Communications,
Climate Action and Environment
Minutes of Meeting No. J03
Wednesday, 27 September 2016
Draft Annual Report 2016
Joint Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment
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,
Deputy Hildegarde Naughton in the chair.
2. Apologies
Timmy Dooley, Michael Lowry, Bríd Smith
3. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE SESSION
4. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE SESSION
5. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE SESSION
6. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE SESSION
7. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE SESSION
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.
____________________
Hildegarde Naughton T.D.
Chairman
25 October 2016
Draft Annual Report 2016
Joint Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment
Page 48
An Comhchoiste um Chumarsáid,
Gníomhú ar son na hAeráide agus Comhshaol
Joint Committee on Communications,
Climate Action and Environment
Minutes of Meeting No. J04
Tuesday 25 October 2016 at 5.00 pm
Draft Annual Report 2016
Joint Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment
Page 49
SEISIÚN POIBLÍ / PUBLIC SESSION
The joint committee met in public session at 17.00 in Committee Room 2, a quorum
being present.
Deputy Hildegarde Naughton in the chair.
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
Further scrutiny of:
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)
Draft Annual Report 2016
Joint Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment
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.
The following members asked questions:
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.
Proposed that the meeting be suspended for 5 minutes.
AGREED
The witnesses left the meeting.
Meeting suspended.
Draft Annual Report 2016
Joint Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment
Page 51
PRÍOBHÁIDEACH /PRIVATE SESSION
4. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE SESSION
5. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE SESSION
6. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE SESSION
7. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE SESSION
8. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE SESSION
9. ITEM DISCUSSED IN 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
____________________
Hildegarde Naughton T.D.
Chairman
8 November 2016
Draft Annual Report 2016
Joint Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment
Page 52
An Comhchoiste um Chumarsáid,
Gníomhú ar son na hAeráide agus Comhshaol
Joint Committee on Communications,
Climate Action and Environment
Minutes of Meeting No. J05
Tuesday 8 November 2016 at 5.00 pm
Draft Annual Report 2016
Joint Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment
Page 53
PRÍOBHÁIDEACH /PRIVATE SESSION
The joint committee met in private session at 17.00 in Committee Room 2, a quorum
being present.
Deputy Hildegarde Naughton in the chair.
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.
Proposed that this proposal does not warrant further scrutiny.
Agreed.
Draft Annual Report 2016
Joint Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment
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
Proposed that this proposal does not warrant further scrutiny.
Agreed.
5. PUBLIC SERVICE BROADCASTING
The chairman welcomed the following Officials from the Department of Communications,
Climate Action and Environment
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
The following members asked questions:
Deputies Hildegarde Naughton, Eamon Ryan, Brian Stanley, James Lawless
The chairman thanks the witnesses for attending.
Draft Annual Report 2016
Joint Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment
Page 55
Proposed that opening statements and supporting documentation be published on the
Committee’s Web site.
Agreed.
Proposed that the meeting be suspended for 5 minutes.
AGREED
The Witnesses left the meeting.
Meeting suspended.
PRÍOBHÁIDEACH /PRIVATE SESSION
6. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE
7. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE
8. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE
9. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE
10. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE
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.
____________________
Hildegarde Naughton T.D.
Chairman
22 November 2016
Draft Annual Report 2016
Joint Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment
Page 56
An Comhchoiste um Chumarsáid,
Gníomhú ar son na hAeráide agus Comhshaol
Joint Committee on Communications,
Climate Action and Environment
Minutes of Meeting No. J06
Tuesday 22 November 2016 at 5.00 pm
Draft Annual Report 2016
Joint Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment
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.
Draft Annual Report 2016
Joint Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment
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.
PRÍOBHÁIDEACH /PRIVATE SESSION
2. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE
3. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE
4. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE
5. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE
6. Adjournment
The committee adjourned until Tuesday 6 December 2016 at 5.00 p.m.
____________________
Hildegarde Naughton
Chairman
6 December 2016
Draft Annual Report 2016
Joint Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment
Page 59
An Comhchoiste um Chumarsáid,
Gníomhú ar son na hAeráide agus Comhshaol
Joint Committee on Communications,
Climate Action and Environment
Minutes of Meeting No. J07
Tuesday 6 December 2016 at 5.00 pm
Draft Annual Report 2016
Joint Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment
Page 60
PRÍOBHÁIDEACH / PRIVATE SESSION
The committee met at 17.00.
Deputy Hildegarde Naughton in the chair.
1. Members Present
Deputies
Timmy Dooley
Hildegarde Naughton
Eamon Ryan
Brian Stanley
Senators
Terry Leydon
Michael McDowell
Joe O’Reilly
Apologies
None
2. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE
3. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE
4. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE
5. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE
6. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE
7. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE
8. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE
9. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE
10. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE
Draft Annual Report 2016
Joint Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment
Page 61
11. Next meeting
The committee adjourned until Tuesday 17 January 2017 at 5.00 pm.
____________________
Hildegarde Naughton
Chairman
17 January 2017
Draft Annual Report 2016
Joint Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment
Page 62
Draft Annual Report 2016
Joint Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment
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.
Draft Annual Report 2016
Joint Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment
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
Communications, Energy
and Natural Resources].
Department of Communications,
Energy and Natural Resources
Mr Colm Ó Conaill
Department of Communications,
Energy and Natural Resources
Mr Mel Molloy
S02
29/06/16
Public Session
1. Consideration of the
Estimate for Vote 29 -
Communications, Energy
and Natural Resources.
[Minister Denis Naughten
T.D., Minister for
Communications, Energy
and Natural Resources]
Department of Communications,
Energy 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
Draft Annual Report 2016
Joint Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment
Page 65
Meeting No.
and Date
Topic Organisations, Groups and
Individuals who attended
S03
14/07/16
Public Session
Energy Bill 2016, Committee
Stage
Private Business
Department of Communications,
Energy and Natural Resources
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)
Department of 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.
Draft Annual Report 2016
Joint Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment
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
Draft Annual Report 2016
Joint Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment
Page 67
Draft Annual Report 2016
Joint Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment
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
Draft Annual Report 2016
Joint Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment
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.
2. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE
3. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE
4. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE
5. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE
6. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE
7. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE
8. Adjournment
As there was no other business the Committee adjourned at 19.46 until 9.00 on
Wednesday 29 June 2016.
____________________
Hildegarde Naughton T.D.
Chairman
28 June 2016
Draft Annual Report 2016
Joint Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment
Page 70
Select Committee on
Communications, Climate Change and Natural Resources
An Roghchoiste um
Chumarsáid, Athrú Aeráide agus Acmhaínní Nádúrtha
Minutes of Meeting Number S02
Wednesday, 29 June 2016
Draft Annual Report 2016
Joint Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment
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
The following members were present:-
Deputies:
Deputy Timmy Dooley,
Deputy Eamon Ryan,
Deputy James Lawless,
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)
2. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE
3. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE
4. ADJOURNMENT
The select committee adjourned at 11.17 p.m. sine die.
____________________
Hildegarde Naughton T.D.
Chairman
29 June 2016
Draft Annual Report 2016
Joint Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment
Page 72
Select Committee on
Communications, Climate Change and Natural Resources
An Roghchoiste um
Chumarsáid, Athrú Aeráide agus Acmhaínní Nádúrtha
Minutes of Meeting S03
Thursday, 14 July 2016
Draft Annual Report 2016
Joint Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment
Page 73
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
The following members were present:-
Deputies
Deputy Timmy Dooley,
Deputy Eamon Ryan,
Deputy James Lawless,
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.
____________________
Hildegarde Naughton T.D.
Chairman
20 July 2016
Draft Annual Report 2016
Joint Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment
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)
proposed and, by leave, withdrawn.
Section agreed to.
(iv) Aontaíodh ailt 6 go 11 go huile. (iv) Sections 6 to 11, inclusive, agreed to.
Draft Annual Report 2016
Joint Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment
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)
proposed and, by leave, withdrawn.
(vi) Aontaíodh ailt 12 agus 13. (vi) Sections 12 and 13 agreed to.
(vii) Section 14.
Tairgeadh leasú 5 (An tAire Cumarsáide,
Fuinnimh agus Acmhaínní Nádúrtha)
aontaíodh an leasú.
(vii) Section 14.
Amendment 5 (Minister for
Communications, Energy and Natural
Resources) proposed and agreed.
Aontaíodh an t-alt, mar a leasaíodh. Section, as amended, agreed to.
(viii) Ailt nua. (viii) New sections.
Tairgeadh leasú 6 (An tAire Cumarsáide,
Fuinnimh agus Acmhaínní Nádúrtha agus
aontaíodh an leasú - cuireadh isteach an
t-alt nua.
Amendment 6 Minister for
Communications, Energy and Natural
Resources proposed and agreed to – new
section inseRTÉd.
Tairgeadh leasú 7 (An tAire Cumarsáide,
Fuinnimh agus Acmhaínní Nádúrtha)
agus aontaíodh an leasú -cuireadh isteach
an t-alt nua.
Amendment 7 (Minister for
Communications, Energy and Natural
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.
Tairgeadh leasú 9 (An tAire Cumarsáide,
Fuinnimh agus Acmhaínní Nádúrtha)
aontaíodh an leasú.
Aontaíodh an t-alt, mar a leasaíodh.
Amendment 9 (Minister for
Communications, Energy and Natural
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)
proposed and, by leave, withdrawn.
Section agreed to.
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Joint Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment
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(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)
proposed and, by leave, withdrawn.
(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.
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Joint Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment
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Draft Annual Report 2016
Joint Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment
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Select Committee on
Communications, Climate Change and Natural Resources
An Roghchoiste um
Chumarsáid, Athrú Aeráide agus Acmhaínní Nádúrtha
Minutes of Meeting S04
Wednesday, 20 July 2016
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Joint Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment
Page 79
The Select Committee met in public session at 5.07 p.m. in Committee Room 4, LH
2000, a quorum being present.
1. MEMBERS PRESENT
The following members were 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.
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Joint Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment
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.
____________________
Hildegarde Naughton T.D.
Chairman
22 November 2016
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Joint Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment
Page 81