pfg achievements

8/14/2019 PFG Achievements

1/7

Programme for Government 2007 Status Notes

Climate Change

The Government will set a target for thisadministration of a reduction of3% per year onaverage in our greenhouse gas emissions.

In progress Climate change billcurrently being drafted

Introduce over five years an additional 100 million

of energy efficiency measures predominately atticand wall insulation.

Delivered This scheme was upscaled

and is now worth 100mper year. It has alreadycreated 2,000 jobs.

The Minister for Finance will present an outlineCarbon Report (Carbon Budget) in conjunction withthe annual financial Budget.

Delivered Carbon budgets deliveredin 2007 and 2008

Appropriate fiscal instruments, including a CarbonLevy, will be phased in on a revenue-neutral basisover the lifetime of this Government.

In progress Carbon Levy will bedelivered in the upcomingbudget

Introduce measures to further weight VRT andmotor tax in favour of cars with lower emissions.

Delivered The measures, introducedin 2008, led to a doublingin sales of lower emissions

vehicles last year.Ensure Comhar is given a strengthened research roleas part of the National Economic and SocialDevelopment Office. Its functions will includemonitoring and advising on the effectiveness of policyin achieving the goals of the Climate ChangeStrategy.

In progress Grant funding to Comharhas increased from320,000 in 2006 to735,000 in 2009

Improve the energy efficiency of new Irish homes byup to 40% or more

Delivered New building regulationswere enacted in 2007

Complete the phasing out of incandescent lightbulbs in favour of more energy-efficient compactfluorescent bulbs to reduce our carbon emissions and

save on electricity costs

In progress Incandescent bulbs arenow being phased outacross Europe following

John Gormley's lead inIrelandPublic awareness campaign on issue of climatechange

In progress Funding for change.ieand other campaigns

Education

Commit to long-term funding for the 12 centrescurrently in the ABA pilot scheme.

Delivered Dept agreed to providefunding subject to schoolsmeeting set out criteria

Ensure that no rezoning of land for residentialdevelopment can take place without a priorcommitment of an appropriate proportion of landfor schools.

In progress Code of Practice onProvision of Schoolswill be delivered in thePlanning and DevelopmentAmendment Bill

Commitment to spending an additional 350 millionper year on new service developments in education.

Stalled 125m allocated in 2007.534m was allocated toprimary and post-primaryschool building projects in2007; 614m in 2009.

Increase the number of primary teachers by at least4,000. This will enable us to reduce class sizes. Thestaffing schedule will be reduced from a general ruleof at least one teacher for every 27 pupils in 2007/08, by one point a year, to one for every 24 children

by 2010/11.

Stalled Primary school staffingschedules remain thesame as 2007/08 schoolyear due to budget cuts

Prioritise energy efficiency and eco-design in newschool buildings

Delivered Energy efficiency is now acentral part of new schooldesign and theDepartment has also

1


2/7

introduced an energyefficiency scheme in 2009for existing schools.

Ensure that schools help to make our childrenenvironmentally aware and include the GreenSchools Programme as part of any Whole SchoolEvaluation.

Delivered Specific references to theGreen Schools programmewere inserted in thecriteria for whole-schoolevaluation at primary and

post-primary level.Expand the number ofadult literacy training placesby 4000, on top of the extra 3000 places being put inplace in 2007.

In progress Funding for 3,000additional adult literacyplaces was provided in2007

Energy

Dramatically accelerate the growth ofrenewableenergy sources in the electricity, heat andtransport sectors of the economy. One third of allelectricity consumed will come from renewableenergy by 2020.

Delivered With a 26% increase ininstalled capacity in 2008,Ireland now ranks fourthin the world for windpower. One windy day inAugust 2009, 39% ofelectricity demand wasmet by turbines. Targetswere increased to 40percent of consumptionfrom renewable sources by2020.

Remove any regulatory barriers to combined heatand power and district heating systems.

Delivered In January 2008

Introduce new national building standards in2007 to ensure that new housing has 40% lowerheat energy demand than existing building standards

and revise again in 2010 to achieve a 60% target infurther years.

Delivered New building regulationswere enacted in 2007

Facilitate the introduction ofnet metering to allowconsumers to sell electricity back into the grid fromany renewable power supplies they have.

In progress The pilot phase of NationalSmart MeteringProgramme is underwayand a final report is due inmid 2011

Devise a price support scheme to support andencourage investment in the development of waveand tidal power.

Delivered The REFIT supportprogramme has beenextended to includeoperational support forelectricity produced by

guaranteeing a price of220 per MWh produced

Work with the EU Commission and other national gridoperators to develop an offshore wind farm gridconnection system to power the rest of Europe.

In progress The EIB confirmed 300mof support for an East-West interconnector inSeptember 09, (scottishprogramme?)

Amend the remit of Science Foundation Ireland toinclude a third research pillar in the area ofsustainable energy.

Delivered 90m was allocated tothem for this purpose, toturn Ireland into a centreof green energy.

Require the public sector to lead the way on energy

efficiency with a mandatory programme ofefficiency measures including the sole use of energy-efficient lighting and heating in offices, schoolsand hospitals and other public buildings to produce33% energy savings by 2020.

In progress National Energy Efficiency

Action Plan launched

2


3/7

Communications

Rollout ofNational Broadband Scheme. In progress High-speed broadbandgoing to every secondlevel school in the country.

Encourage shift to IP based Next GenerationNetworks

In progress Next generation

broadband 'Gateway to a

knowledge Ireland'published in June 2009

Enact a Broadcasting Bill Delivered Bill will establishframework for Irish filmchannel, Oireachtaschannel and new code for

junk food advertising.Establish the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland Delivered Broadcasting Authority

appointed October 2009Establish a postcode system for Ireland In progress An alphanumeric postcode

system will be introducedin the first half of 2011

Environmental Protection

The EPA is now over a decade in existence. It is nowtimely for a review of the role, procedures andlegislation governing it. Following this review,legislation will be enacted to ensure the Agency canmeet the environmental challenges that lie ahead.

In progress A comprehensive review ofthe EPA will becommenced shortly andwill be carried out by anexpert group to includemembers with relevantinternational experience.

Publish comprehensive legislation on Noise PollutionDelivered Heads of noise have beenapproved and bill is being

draftedFully implement the Aarhus Convention In progress Final piece of legislation

required to be publishedReview the levels of fines and sentences which canbe applied by the lower Courts in cases of pollution,dumping etc., so that the punishment fits the crime.

Delivered Nitrates pollution finesincreased to 500,000max.On-the spot litter fineincreased to 150.Environment(Miscellaneous Provisions)Bill due before the Dilbefore Christmas willincrease fines for airpollution

Continue to invest in waste water schemes toensure that discharges into our rivers, lakes andcoastal waters meet the highest internationalstandards.

In progress Record investment inwater servicesinfrastructure in 2009

Provide supports to facilitate and ensure theimplementation ofEU Directives on water, waste,nitrates and integrated pollution

In progress ECJ case against Irelandover Nitrates Directiveconcluded. Newregulations regardingillegal shipments of waste.New regulations tofacilitate return of usedbatteries to retail outlets

We will establish a Dublin Bay Area Task Force tomaximise the potential of the Bay for the people ofour

Delivered Established in May 2008

3


4/7

capital city. We will consider legislation, if necessary,to implement the recommendations of this Task ForceWe will support the development of environmentaltechnologies in Ireland to achieve a win/winsituation of improved competitiveness andenvironmental performance.

In progress New 13m developmentprogramme for developingdomestic recyclates toproducts industry.

Access to user-friendly information on water quality

data

Delivered Instructions issued to local

authorities to publishonline information onwater quality

Heritage

Update and consolidate the law on nationalmonuments to maximise and clarify the protectionprovided to our archaeological heritage

In progress A Bill to update NationalMonuments legislation isbeing drafted based on therecommendations of theExpert AdvisoryCommittee on the Reviewof Archaeological Policy &Practice. New policy onprotecting historic urbandefences launched in 2009

Foreign Affairs

Extraordinary Rendition: The Government willprioritise effective enforcement of a) Criminal Justice(United Nations Convention Against Torture) Act,2000 b) The Geneva Conventions Acts 1962-1998.The Government will encourage and support AnGarda Siochana in the investigation and enforcement

of these Statutes. It will do so by making resourcesavailable for specialized training in the provisions ofthose Statutes and by other means as may berequired by An Garda Siochana. We will ensure thatall relevant legal instruments are used so that thepractice of extraordinary rendition does not occur inthis State in any form.

In progress Cabinet Sub-Committeeon International HumanRights formed Nov 2008.Two exoneratedGuantnamo detaineesresettled in Ireland in Sept

09

Increase ODA to 0.7% of GNP by 2012. Theannual Budget statement will contain an outline of thetarget for the coming year and a report on progressto date.

In progress ODA remains at 0.48% ofGNP due to budgetary cuts

AgricultureSet a target to convert a minimum 5% of acreageto organic farmland by 2012

In progress Organic Farming ActionPlan published in 2008.Land under organicproduction grew by 9% inthat year. New TeagascFETAC accredited courses.

Seek to negotiate the establishment of an All-Ireland GM-Free Zone

In progress Ireland has changed itsvoting position at theEuropean Council on theimport of GM feed. Therepublic is on track to

declare itself a GM freezone

Review the Forestry Premium levels and, ensureby 2012 that a minimum of 30% broadleaf will beplanted annually

In progress Forestry premiumsincreased by 15% in 2007,but fell by 8% in 2009 due

4


5/7

to budgetconstraints.Under themain Afforestationscheme, higher premiumsare paid in respect ofplantations made up ofbroadleaves.

Encourage more direct selling from farmer to

customer by restoring and promoting a nationalnetworkoffarmers markets.

In progress Significant increase in

number of and interest infarmers' markets.Standards scheme forfarmers' markets launchedSeptember 2009.

Health

We will double the income limit eligibility ofparents of children under 6 years of age and treblethem for parents of children with an intellectualdisability under 18 years of age.

In progress Steering group establishedto review the eligibilitycriteria for the assessmentof medical cards will takeaccount of the PFGcommitments

We will ensure greater equality in access and carebetween private and public patients in the healthcaresystem and audit same to measure progress.

In progress A central objective of thenew consultants contractis to improve access forpublic patients to publichospital services

We will reform use of beds in hospitals to ensureequity of access

In progress A bed designation systemhas been introduced tocontrol the level of privateactivity in publicly fundedhospitals and to helpensure equitable access

for public patients toservices in these hospitals

Planning

Legislation will be brought forward on foot of therecommendations of the All-Party Committee on theConstitution on Property Rights

In progress 80% windfall tax ondevelopment land to beintroduced

We will ensure that residential areas are geared moretowards the needs of children and incorporatesufficient space to safely play, socialise, walkand cycle

In progress The National RecreationPolicy for Young Peoplewas published in 2007 andfunding is in place for

many elements of the planIntroduce new urban design guidelines for buildingnew housing developments so that futuregenerations can look back with pride with theenvironment which we are building today,

Delivered Further guidelines on localarea plans etc. in progress

New e-Planning policy Delivered New online planningsubmissions/objectionssystem.

Justice

Fully implement into Irish law the EU and Council ofEurope human rights instruments againsttrafficking in human beings, and provide supports

for the victims of such trafficking

Delivered Criminal Law (HumanTrafficking) Act 2008 hasbeen enacted.

Appoint a Minister of State to implement a nationalintegration policy, bringing together key officials

Delivered Minister of State appointedin June 2007

5


6/7

from government departments who provide servicesto immigrants.Taking account of the options paper prepared by theColley Group and the pending Supreme Court case,we will legislate for Civil Partnerships at the earliestpossible date in the lifetime of the Government

Delivered Legislation published. Lawby end of 2009.

Political Reform

Establish an independent Electoral Commission totake responsibility for electoral administration andoversight.

In progress Substantial progress hasbeen made in this area

We will introduce a directly elected Mayor forDublin with executive powers by 2011.

In progress Will be in place in 2010, ayear earlier than planned

We will reform Local Government making it moretransparent and more responsive to its customers. AGreen Paper on Local Government Reform will bepublished within six months of coming into office.This will include a review of expenditure in LocalElections.

In progress Green Paper published; forthe first time, limits tospending on localelections, have becomelaw in Ireland.

Transport

We will introduce a multi-criteria analysis of alltransport projects to take into accountenvironmental factors on a whole project basis

In progress Sustainable Travel andTransport Plan publishedin June 09

Conduct integrated transport and land use plansin the Spatial Strategy hubs immediately taking intoaccount both current and future needs

In progress Forthcoming Planning andDevelopment Bill (2009).

Conduct feasibility studies to be completed in twoyears into Luas-style light rail transit systems inCork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford

In progress Near completion: studiesexpanded to include BusRapid Transit as well asLuas. Largely completed in

Cork, Galway andWaterford. Limerick soonbe completed

We will establish and support the work of the DublinTransport Authority (DTA), which will have overallresponsibility for surface transport in the GreaterDublin Area

Delivered Completed: the DTA actwas passed in July 2008and the Authority will befunctioning by the end ofthe year following therecent recruitment of aCEO

We will extend the Safe Routes Programme, andintroduce a National Cycling Route and a Dublin Coast

Walk and Cycle Route

In progress 5m allocated for 2009/2010 for cycling

infrastructure and cyclepath repair. 18%reduction car school tripsresulting from Greenschools travel programme

We will reopen the Western Rail Corridor fromEnnis to Claremorris.

In progress Near completion: due toopen in December

Extending Luas to Docklands In progress Complete by the end ofthe year, services early2010

Extending Luas to Citywest and Cherrywood In progress In construction, services in2010 & 2011

Opening the Cork-Midleton rail service Delivered Services commencedsummer 09Reforming bus licensing In progress Public Transport

Regulation Bill in Seanad

6


7/7

QBCs and bus priority In progress Bus Gate at CollegeGreen, 7/10 green routesin Cork, over 200kms ofQBCs in Dublin

Items not in original Programme forGovernmentCycle to work scheme introduced in January 2009,brought in tax breaks to encourage sustainablecommuting. Tens of thousands of commuters have anew bike under the scheme and are now cycling towork.

Delivered

Housing Bill 2009 introduced important measures onsocial and affordable housing and combating anti-social behaviour

Delivered

New State policy on architecture 2009-2015 Delivered

New regulations regarding illegal shipments ofwaste

Delivered

Planning exemptions for renewable energy micro-generators

Delivered

Ending of the Cinderella clause regarding tax-exiles

Delivered

And end to the electronic voting project Delivered

Significant increase in funding for natural and builtheritage protection

Delivered

Increase in resource tax rate on oil and gascompanies exploring Irish shores

Delivered

Allocation of additional milk quota to organic milkproducers

Delivered

Plan for electrification of Irish motoring: target of10% of Irish cars to be powered by electricity by

2020

Delivered

Cut in number ofjunior ministers Delivered

New strategic plan for the ESB with a renewableenergy future: target of carbon net-zero by 2035.

Delivered

New strategic, greener plan for Bord na Mna withthousands of jobs to be created

Delivered

New regulations to facilitate return ofused batteriesto retail outlets

Delivered

New regulations against backyard burning of waste Delivered Waste ManagementRegulations 2009

High Level Government Action Group on Greeneconomy

In progress Recommendations dueshortly

New legislation to clamp down on text message andphone line scams

In progress Government approval ofBill

New strategy for developing the digital economy In progress 6 Government actions tocreate 30,000 jobs over5-10 year period.

7

pfg achievements

Documents