Written Answers Nos. 162-190
162. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the extent of contact she has had with her portfolio holding counterpart north of the border; the specific initiatives they have discussed and have or do now plan to undertake; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17271/13]
View answerThe ongoing North South work of my Department takes place under the auspices of the North South Ministerial Council. The North South Ministerial Council meets in Sectorial Format to oversee co-operation in agreed areas/sectors. At these Sectorial meetings the Irish Government is represented by the Minister or the Minister of State responsible for that Sector, and the Northern Ireland Executive is represented by two Ministers nominated by the First Minister and deputy First Minister on a cross-community basis.
Following a North South Ministerial Council Plenary meeting in February 2008, the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety [DHSSPS] and the then Office of the Minister for Children (now DCYA) established a Cross Border Group on Child Protection, comprising officials from relevant departments to intensify cooperation on Child Protection including early progress on an all-island Child Protection awareness campaign; the identification of other medium/long term measures to improve Child Protection, including an examination of an all-island approach to child protection, focusing in particular on vetting and exchange of information; any areas for co-operation on children’s services emerging from the North South Feasibility Study on health and social services.
The cross border group is co-chaired by DCYA and DHSSPS. In June, 2008, it was agreed to take forward 5 initiatives through a sub-group structure, in areas where co-operation, shared learning and best practice could be of benefit to both jurisdictions, and to meet every six months to review progress. The first five sub-groups were:
(i) Vetting and Barring Protocol
Terms of Reference: to work together to ensure that the land border between the north and south of Ireland cannot be exploited by individuals considered unsuitable to work with vulnerable groups by: Considering existing or planned vetting and barring arrangements in each jurisdiction; establishing if and how these arrangements could be strengthened by or benefit from the mutual exchange of relevant information; exploring the potential for the alignment of legislation around vetting and barring requirements between the two jurisdictions.
(ii) Research and Knowledge Transfer in Child Protection
Terms of Reference: to seek to ensure that key Government policy documents, publications of inquiries and inspections as well as executive summaries of case management and serious case reviews in the field of child protection should be readily available to practitioners; to explore the potential for a dedicated North-South child protection database resource for practitioners as well as the optimum structures for enabling knowledge and learning to be transferred into practice:
(iii) Internet Safety
Terms of Reference: To share best practice in the area of internet safety, i.e. the protection of children and young people from illegal and harmful internet content; To consider the scope for cross-border co-operation in this field, particularly in the area of public awareness raising of internet safety issues; To explore the strategic alignment of the approach to addressing internet safety issues and related technologies in both jurisdictions.
(iv) All-Ireland Media Awareness
Terms of Reference: To examine how best all-island public awareness campaigns can be developed in relation to child welfare and protection and be carried out to complement any such information dissemination on either side of the border and to exchange learning on these issues for mutual benefits and coordination.
(v) Inter-Jurisdictional Protocol for the Transfer of Child Care cases between Northern Ireland and Ireland
Terms of Reference: To review existing arrangements, structures and legislative framework in the different jurisdictions regarding the movement of vulnerable children and their families across Irish and UK borders; To develop a common protocol (taking account of existing arrangements, structures and legislative framework) for the movement of vulnerable children and their families across Irish and UK borders. This protocol will give guidance on agreed thresholds and definitions which will trigger exchange of information.
The Steering Group agreed that since the work of the first five sub-groups has largely been completed these can be stood down and a new work programme developed. The group, in July 2012, explored a number of areas of potential co-operation and recommended that a future programme of work be taken forward through five specific work streams focussing on:
Work Stream 1
Knowledge Exchange Forum - This work stream will promote continued learning through use of research and evidence based practice. The first ‘product’ of this work stream will be an ‘All-Island Conference’, to be held on the first of May 2013. This conference aims to share practice knowledge, research and learning amongst policy makers, practitioners and managers in relation to safeguarding and child protection practices.
Work Stream 2
Quality and Effectiveness - This work stream will progress initiatives to build workforce capacity and improve the quality and effectiveness of social work and social care work interventions and practice. It is anticipated that ‘learning pathways’ and resources in relation to agreed key practice areas (eg; Child Development) will be developed to inform professional education and training curricula and planning and to support joint or shared training initiatives.
Work Stream 3
Deaths of Children in Care - This work stream will contribute to learning in relation to deaths of children in care by developing an overview and analysis of the features of deaths of children in care in both jurisdictions.
Work Stream 4
Cultural Competence in Safeguarding - This work stream will assist to develop common guidance for practitioners working with other cultures and develop a publication of Good Practice Notes for work with new communities. It will focus upon promoting safeguarding practice in the context of legislative and procedural compliance whilst respecting equality and diversity.
Work Stream 5
Specialist Services - This work stream will explore opportunities to develop specialist services on a cross-border basis to assist in meeting the needs of those children and families where there is a requirement for a high volume of expertise combined with a low volume turnover of clientele.
In addition, the Irish Youth Justice Service in my Department is involved in a North-South Process which is led by the Department of Justice and Equality under the auspices of the St. Andrews Agreement. The Youth Justice Project Advisory Group is one of six strands in this process. It aims to guide and support co-operation in the youth justice area on both sides of the border; to provide a forum for the active exchange of information, ideas and expertise between participating bodies on matters including restorative justice and tackling re offending; and the examination and identification of the areas where joint working could take place. The North-South Youth Justice Project Advisory Group meets twice a year and reports to the North-South High Level Senior Officials Group.
163. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will provide details on the progress that has been made on the national rollout of the youth café initiative; her plans for future development of the network; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17264/13]
View answerFunding of up to €1 million is available in 2013 from my Department for fit-out, refurbishment works or building enhancement projects for the startup of new Youth Cafés. One of the core functions of a youth café is that it offers support to young people, ranging from practical support to advice through their participation in activities that are of interest to them and that are varied and on offer at times that suit their normal activities. In awarding funding, my Department will endeavour to ensure that there is a geographical spread of youth cafés from the funding commensurate to existing provision in the area.
Applications are only eligible from community and voluntary organisations with a minimum of three years experience of working with young people and the delivery of youth services. Details of the scheme and the guidelines for applicants are set out on my Department’s website. Pobal is assisting my Department in managing the Youth Café Programme 2013.
The closing date for applications was last Friday, 12 April. The appraisal process will take place up to the end of May and those applicants who successfully make it through the first phase will proceed to phase 2 of the application process at the end of which, those successfully through that phase, will receive funding approval from my Department.
The €1m in funding available for the Youth Café scheme in 2013 will bring the total funding provided for Youth Cafés to date to €3.2m. It is estimated by my Department that 75-100 youth café facilities now operate across the State. These facilities are proving hugely beneficial to local communities in terms of broader engagement with young people. In addition, my Department supports a range of youth services and volunteer-led youth groups which offer similar resources and spaces for young people locally.
Under the 2012 Irish Research Council Research Development Initiative, co-funded by my Department and the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government, a research project is underway in the National University of Ireland, Galway to examine the impact of the youth café initiative. It is expected that this research will be completed by the end of 2013 and the results of this will be taken into consideration in the deliberations by my Department concerning the future direction of youth café development.
164. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if a short-list or final selection has been reached in the context of the already announced extension of the successful Prevention and Early Intervention Programme's area-based initiatives at Tallaght, Ballymun and Darndale; if the new project sites will also be in Dublin or will include locations outside the capital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17267/13]
View answerThe Area-Based Approach to Child Poverty Initiative was allocated €2.5m in Budget 2013. The amount allocated will rise to €4.75 in 2015. It is envisaged that this Initiative will be co-funded by a philanthropic partner and discussions are ongoing to this end. A Project Team, which is chaired by my Department and includes officials from a number of key Government departments and agencies, was established in February of this year to progress the Initiative.
The new Initiative will build on and continue the work of the Prevention and Early Intervention Programme (PEIP). The PEIP involved a range of pilot programmes to improve outcomes in areas such as literacy, speech and language, parenting, health and pro-social behaviour. These programmes are currently being evaluated by national and international experts. The three PEIP sites are expected to participate in the new Area Based Approach to Child Poverty Initiative later this year along with at least 3 further sites.
The new Initiative reflects the Programme for Government commitment to adopt an area-based approach to child poverty in co-operation with philanthropic partners, drawing upon best international practice and existing services, to break the cycle of child poverty where it is most deeply entrenched and improve the outcomes for children and young people where these are currently significantly poorer than they are for children and young people living elsewhere in the State.
The Initiative will consist of the following components: continuation of interventions, where appropriate, in the 3 existing PEIP sites, subject to those programmes being supported by positive evaluations and evidence; selection of at least 6 sites (including as appropriate existing PEIP sites), where multifaceted approaches to addressing Child Outcomes via evidence based programmes will be implemented. The impact of these interventions will be monitored in a cost-effective manner, to ensure they have the intended outcomes on child well-being. In time, the mainstreaming of proven, cost-effective evidence-based programmes into service delivery in a wider context than the areas specifically participating in the Area-Based initiative.
I understand that comprehensive details and guidance in relation to the application process will e available from my Department from the end of this week. In addition, my Department will hold an Information Seminar on 25 April next to provide further guidance and information to applicants. The closing date for the receipt of applications will be 31 May 2013.
165. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will support the introduction of symbol road signs specifically designated to warn motorists of the location of crèche and child care facilities; if she will liaise with the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport on this matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17250/13]
View answerI welcome any initiative which will increase awareness of child safety. Officials in my Department liaise on a regular basis with their counterparts in other Government Departments to discuss issues of common interest, and in this context I have asked officials to liaise with the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport in this matter.
167. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will refer to the current situation in relation to the drafting of a bilateral agreement on inter country adoption between Ireland and the Russian Federation; if she will report on whether negotiations are taking place to draft bilateral agreements on adoption between Ireland and other non-Hague Convention countries; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16103/13]
View answerI recently travelled to Moscow, accompanied by Dr Geoffrey Shannon, Chair of the Adoption Authority of Ireland, in order to discuss at a diplomatic level issues in relation to the potential for a bilateral agreement with Russia. During my visit I met with my counterpart, Minister Dmitry Livanov, Minister of Education and Science of the Russian Federation. This meeting was productive and allowed for an exchange of views on the possibility of Ireland entering into a bilateral agreement on intercountry adoption with Russia.
The Russian authorities acknowledged the satisfactory outcomes for Russian children adopted in Ireland and expressed a willingness to conclude an agreement with Ireland which would be subject to the approval of the Russian parliament. My Department, in consultation with the AAI, is continuing efforts to draft wording of a bilateral agreement, which would satisfy our legal and Constitutional requirements, in particular in relation to the Russian requirement for post adoption reports. Any wording produced will be sent to the Attorney General's office for advice in advance of any further discussions with the Russian authorities.
168. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the current position regarding the preparation of the Adoption (Tracing and Information) Bill; when she expects to publish this long awaited legislation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17277/13]
View answerWork is continuing in relation to the preparation of the Heads of Bill of the Adoption (Information and Tracing) Bill. My view is that persons affected by adoption should be provided with a statutory right to as much information as possible within permissible Constitutional boundaries. The proposed legislation is intended to provide for a structured and regulated approach for applicants seeking access to adoption information and is also intended to facilitate contact between parties affected by adoption, including in circumstances where an adoption order was not effected.
It is intended that the Bill will provide for the Adoption Authority to be responsible for providing access to adoption records, in accordance with the provisions of the Bill. The Bill will provide for the Adoption Authority to establish and maintain a National Index of Adoption Records, the purpose of which is to help an applicant for adoption information to identify the location of his or her adoption records. The intention is that the Bill is to provide that either the Adoption Authority, the HSE or an accredited body may hold adoption records, with the Authority having overall charge of those records.
It is also intended that the Bill will provide for placing the National Contact Preference Register on a statutory basis. The purpose of the Register is to allow a person affected by adoption to enter his or her name on the Register with a view to receiving information about another person from whom he or she has been separated as a result of adoption and also to indicate a preference as to whether or not contact is being sought with that person.
A National Tracing Service will be established under the provisions of the Bill, the operation of which will be subject to guidelines to be set out in regulations. It is intended that the Tracing Service is to be made available to an adopted person, a birth parent and a relative of either an adopted person or a birth parent, and that the Adoption Authority is to have overall responsibility for providing the tracing service.
It is also intended that, prior to the release of adoption information, counselling will be offered by the Adoption Authority, the HSE or by an accredited body to an adopted person, a birth parent or to an adoptive parent.
Complex legal and Constitutional issues have arisen during the course of preparation of the Heads of Bill including the setting of criteria for balancing an adopted person's right to information about his or her identity as against a birth parent's right to privacy. I have recently received further legal advice from the Office of the Attorney General in this regard and that advice is currently being examined in my Department. I am anxious to bring these matters to resolution in order to advance the Heads of Bill to Government. However, there are undoubtedly challenges remaining in developing a workable framework which respects the Constitutional rights of all parties. I remain committed to achieving my policy objectives notwithstanding these challenges.
169. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the reason the Irish Montessori Education Board's montessori schools fared so poorly in the last round of capital funding; the reason IMEB schools are now not eligible for the new round of funding; if she will include IMEB schools for eligibility for the new round of funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17283/13]
View answer1089. Deputy Paudie Coffey asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if any final decision has been made in respect of capital funding for Montessori schools for this year and where applicants may apply; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17243/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 169 and 1089 together.
The Childcare Capital Programme 2012, which provided €6 million for remedial, maintenance and renovation work and/or to purchase equipment for early education and childcare services, was implemented by Pobal on behalf of my Department last year.
This capital programme was hugely oversubscribed with almost 90% of applicants being declined. Given the huge number of applications the programme was very competitive and all applications were considered in their own right against the programme criteria. In prioritising applications with similar merits the criteria gave consideration to levels of deprivation in the immediate locality of the service and, to a lesser degree, to whether the applicant received previous capital grant funding that represented a stake meriting protection.
I have been successful in securing €2.75m in capital funding in Budget 2013 to support the ongoing improvement of the childcare sector. Community/not-for-profit and private childcare providers/childminders that are currently providing services under one or more of the Department of Children and Youth Affairs funding programmes - the Community Childcare Subvention (CCS) programme, the Childcare Education and Training Support (CETS) programme and the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme - are eligible to apply. This includes those services registered with the Irish Montessori Education Board that meet the new programme criteria.
The 2013 funding programme covers four strands: Strand 1 - small grants to purchase equipment or carry out small maintenance work; Strand 2 - grants to improve accessibility of services for children with disabilities; Strand 3 - grants to provide natural outdoor spaces that promote active outdoor play; and Strand 4 - grants towards critical works to ensure that buildings are fit for purpose under the childcare regulations (open to community/not-for-profit services only). It should be noted that in the case of applications for funding under Strand 3, the HSE will be consulted in relation to the proposed works. Applicants who are not required to be notified to the HSE will receive an on-site visit from Pobal or the local City/County Childcare Committee to verify the application and validate the need for the proposed works.
The 2013 Childcare Capital Programme will also be administered by Pobal on behalf of the Department. Full details of the Programme, including instructions on how to apply for a grant, are available on the Pobal website at www.pobal.ie. Applications must be made on-line, and the closing date for applications is Tuesday, 30 April 2013.
170. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the progress achieved towards a resolution of the issue of the proposed transfer of community psychology services from the Health Service Executive to the new Child and Family Support Agency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17279/13]
View answerArising from the Government's consideration and decision with regard to the range of functions to be discharged by the new Child and Family Support Agency, it was agreed that an impact analysis would be jointly developed by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs and the Department of Health regarding the proposed future arrangements for the provision of the community psychology service as it relates to children and family services covered by the Child and Family Support Agency and to services provided by the HSE. This work was undertaken as a priority, and I am advised that a report on the outcomes of the impact analysis is being finalised.
I have met with representatives from the Heads of the Psychology Services Ireland and with a delegation from the IMPACT trade union to discuss issues relating to the future governance and organisational arrangements for the provision of community based psychology services. Our shared objective is to ensure that the optimal national governance and service delivery framework is in place to ensure the best possible outcomes for children and families and other clients who need to avail of this key service. The views of the profession and its representatives have received appropriate consideration as part of the impact analysis.
171. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Taoiseach if he will provide, in tabular form, the number of staff employed and the positions held in the Government Information Services since it was set up; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16007/13]
View answerThe following tables detail, as far as possible, the staffing levels of the Government Information Service since 1987. Information prior to this is not readily available and it would require considerable resources and research to provide it.
Staff serving in the Government Information Service in 1987
|
Position held |
Number in each position held |
|
Government Press Secretary |
1 |
|
Deputy Government Press Secretary |
1 |
|
Assistant Director |
1 |
|
Press Officer |
4 |
|
Media Researcher |
1 |
|
Staff Officer |
1 |
|
Clerical Assistant |
2 |
|
Paper Keeper |
1 |
|
Total: |
12 |
Staff serving in the Government Information Service in 1989
|
Position held |
Number in each position held |
|
Government Press Secretary |
1 |
|
Deputy Government Press Secretary |
1 |
|
Assistant Government Press Secretary |
1 |
|
Information Officer |
1 |
|
Assistant Director |
1 |
|
Press Officer |
3 |
|
Media Researcher |
1 |
|
Clerical Assistant |
2 |
|
Paper Keeper |
1 |
|
Total: |
12 |
Staff serving in the Government Information Service in 1993
|
Position held |
Number in each position held |
|
Government Press Secretary |
1 |
|
Head of GIS |
1 |
|
Assistant Government Press Secretary |
1 |
|
Personal Secretary |
1 |
|
Press Officer |
3 |
|
Media Researcher |
1 |
|
Clerical Assistant |
2 |
|
Total: |
10 |
Staff serving in the Government Information Service in 1994
|
Position held |
Number in each position held |
|
Government Press Secretary |
1 |
|
Assistant Government Press Secretary |
1 |
|
Press Officer |
3 |
|
Media Researcher |
1 |
|
Clerical Officer |
2 |
|
Clerical Assistant |
2 |
|
Total: |
10 |
Staff serving in the Government Information Service in 1995
|
Position held |
Number in each position held |
|
Government Press Secretary |
1 |
|
Deputy Government Press Secretary & Head of GIS |
1 |
|
Assistant Government Press Secretary |
1 |
|
Press Officer |
2 |
|
Media Researcher |
1 |
|
Personal Secretary |
2 |
|
Staff Officer |
1 |
|
Clerical Assistant |
3 |
|
Total: |
12 |
Staff serving in the Government Information Service in 1997
|
Position held |
Number in each position held |
|
Government Press Secretary |
1 |
|
Deputy Government Press Secretary and Head of GIS |
1 |
|
Special Adviser |
1 |
|
Media Monitoring |
1 |
|
Personal Secretary |
1 |
|
Press Officer |
2 |
|
Executive Officer |
1 |
|
Clerical Officer |
1 |
|
Clerical Assistant |
3 |
|
Total: |
12 |
Staff serving in the Government Information Service in 2002
|
Position held |
Number in each position held |
|
Government Press Secretary |
1 |
|
Deputy Government Press Secretary and Head of GIS |
1 |
|
Assistant Principal |
1 |
|
Press Officer |
4 |
|
Executive Officer |
1 |
|
Personal Assistant |
1 |
|
Clerical Officer |
3 |
|
Communications Unit |
|
|
Position held |
Number in each position held |
|
Executive Officer |
2 |
|
Staff Officer |
1 |
|
Clerical Officer |
3 |
|
Total: |
18 |
Staff serving in the Government Information Service in 2007
|
Position held |
Number in each position held |
|
Government Press Secretary |
1 |
|
Deputy Government Press Secretary and Head of GIS |
1 |
|
Deputy Government Press Secretary |
1 |
|
Assistant Principal |
1 |
|
Press Officer |
4 |
|
Executive Officer |
1 |
|
Personal Assistant |
1 |
|
Clerical Officer |
1 |
|
Communications Unit |
|
|
Position held |
Number in each position held |
|
Executive Officer |
4 |
|
Clerical Officer |
1 |
|
Total: |
16 |
Staff serving in the Government Information Service - current position
|
Position held |
Number in each position held |
|
Government Press Secretary |
1 |
|
Deputy Government Press Secretary and Head of GIS |
1 |
|
Assistant Press Secretary |
1 |
|
Assistant Principal |
1 |
|
Press Officer |
5 |
|
Communications Unit |
|
|
Position held |
Number in each position held |
|
Executive Officer |
1 |
|
Staff Officer |
1 |
|
Clerical Officer |
1 |
|
Government News Website |
|
|
Position held |
Number in each position held |
|
Executive Officer |
2 |
|
Total: |
14 |
172. Deputy Shane Ross asked the Taoiseach the total cost to the taxpayer of paying the aggregate fees, salaries and any other remuneration to directors of all State bodies, to include majority State owned banks, all public interest directors, all semi-State bodies, all State agencies and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16009/13]
View answerThe National Economic and Social Council (NESC) is the only State Agency under the aegis of my Department. The NESC provides guidance to Government on strategic issues for Ireland’s economic and social development.
Membership of the NESC, consists of a Chairperson, a Deputy Chairperson and members appointed on the basis of nominations received from representatives of ICTU, business and employers interests, farming and agricultural interests, the environmental sector, the community and voluntary sectors, in addition to a number of public servants and independent experts.
Appointments are made in accordance with the National Economic and Social Development Act 2006 and SI Number 603 of 2010 – National Economic and Social Council (Alteration of Composition) Order 2010.
No remuneration is paid to members though they are entitled to claim for travel and subsistence for their attendance at Council meetings.
Although not classed as directors, I am happy to provide the Deputy with information on the stipends received by members of the National Statistics Board (NSB). Appointments to the NSB are made in line with the provisions of Section 18 of the Statistics Act 1993.
The Chairperson receives an annual stipend of €8,978 and four of the seven Board members are eligible to receive an annual stipend of €5,985. The other members are serving Civil Servants and receive no additional remuneration for serving on the Board. Stipends were paid to four members of the NSB during 2012 with a total cost of €26,933. NSB members may receive travel and subsistence on a vouched basis. The costs of the Board are met from the CSO Vote.
174. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Taoiseach if he will provide the full cost of ministerial transport and the breakdown of this cost between salaries, mileage allowance and other travel costs for Ministers and Ministers of State in his Department for 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16011/13]
View answerThe total expenditure by my Department on Ministerial transport in 2012 is detailed in the following table:
|
Name |
Mileage |
|
Minister of State P Kehoe |
€25,220.84 |
I have been provided with a Garda car under the Ministerial transport scheme and do not use a private car for official purposes. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade pay transport and salary costs in relation to Minister of State Creighton and the Department of Defence pay salary costs in relation to Minister of State Kehoe.
175. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Taoiseach the cost incurred by his Department, in respect of this year’s overseas travel programme for St. Patrick’s Day; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16614/13]
View answerThe St Patrick's Day period offers an unparalleled opportunity to showcase Ireland and to promote our strengths as a location for investment, trade and jobs. This year I again travelled to the United States for the St. Patrick's Day period, where I undertook a comprehensive programme of political, economic and civic engagements in New York, Washington DC, and in a range of locations on the West Coast including Los Angeles, Silicon Valley, San Francisco and Seattle.
The Chief Whip, Deputy Paul Kehoe T.D. travelled to Australia and New Zealand, where he undertook an extensive programme of engagements, including high-level political meetings with the Prime Minister of Australia and other senior Federal and State politicians, as well as a series of speaking engagements and meetings with business groups and civic organisations in both countries.
The total costs of the visits have not yet been finalised. Outstanding invoices will be submitted in due course through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for reimbursement by my Department, and will include hotel costs, local transportation, and other miscellaneous costs.
I would point out that details of ministerial travel costs paid for by my Department are regularly published on the Department website, www.taoiseach.gov.ie. The costs paid to date by my Department in respect of the 2013 St Patrick's Day overseas travel programme are detailed in the following table.
Table 1 - St. Patrick's Day 2013
|
Cost Centre |
Flight costs |
Accommodation |
Transport |
Catering |
Official Protocol Gifts |
Incidental Costs |
|
Taoiseach and his delegation |
€ 1,151.65 * |
Not yet available |
Not yet available |
Not yet available |
€ 799.09 |
Not yet available |
|
Chief Whip and his delegation |
€ 13,635.85 |
€ 3,193.64 |
€ 254.83 |
€ 170.24 |
€ 57.62 |
€ 47.48 |
* Cost of commercial flights paid by the Department of the Taoiseach. Does not include costs associated with the Ministerial Air Transport Service, which is operated and administered by the Department of Defence.
176. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Taoiseach if he and his Department have been liaising with the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office regarding the upcoming G8 Summit taking place in June 2013 in County Fermanagh in Northern Ireland; if they have requested any assistance or help with the event taking place; if any actions by his Department will be taken as a result of the summit occurring in Northern Ireland; if there are any costs involved with any operations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16947/13]
View answerAt our meeting in Downing Street on 12 March, Prime Minister Cameron confirmed his intention to invite me to attend the forthcoming G8 Summit which is to take place in Co. Fermanagh on 17-18 June. The detailed arrangements for the event have not yet been settled but we will consider positively any request for assistance with the event, should this be forthcoming.
177. Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Taoiseach the position regarding the inauguration of the dialogue between Government and the churches, philosophical bodies and non-confessional organisations which began in 2007 (details supplied) under article 17 of the Lisbon treaty; if this process is to continue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17136/13]
View answerI previously advised the House of my intention to continue with the process of structured dialogue with the churches, faith communities and philosophical, non-confessional bodies that was inaugurated in 2007.
The structure for dialogue includes meetings both at official and Ministerial level and meetings may be sought by either side on the basis of a proposed agenda agreed in advance of the meeting. Arrangements in this regard are made by my Department, who provide the administrative support for the process.
The process of structured dialogue is envisaged as a channel of consultation and communication on matters of mutual concern.
However, it does not displace arrangements for the conduct of policy and administration by Government Departments and agencies in their functional responsibilities.
I met representatives of the Catholic Church on Friday 18 January and I will be meeting representatives of the Church of Ireland on Friday next, 19 April. These are the first in a series of bilateral meetings that I expect will be held with dialogue partners over the coming year.
178. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will detail the reasons a new passport will not be issued to an individual who has changed their name (details supplied) in County Tipperary; the legality of such; if his attention has been drawn to the hardship, distress and financial impact caused as a result of this; if an exemption will be made in this case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16389/13]
View answerA passport name change results in the establishment of a new identity for the passport holder. Accordingly the Passport Service must insist on certain minimum evidentiary requirements to protect against fraud and identity theft. The Passport Service change of name policy is provided for in the Passports Act 2008. The Passport Service has written to the applicant in relation to this specific change of name request. The applicant should contact Mr. Ray Devine, Passport Office Cork and provide him with any and all proofs of usage of the new name. Upon receipt of these proofs the application can be considered further.
179. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the cost incurred by his Department, in respect of this year’s overseas travel programme for St. Patrick’s Day; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16608/13]
View answerSt. Patrick’s Day offers a unique opportunity to promote Ireland’s economic and political interests overseas, with levels of publicity and media attention unmatched by the national day of any other country. Programmes were put together with a view to maximising the promotion of Ireland’s trade, tourism and investment interests overseas and to spread a positive message about Ireland’s economic recovery. Programmes were put together with a view to maximising the promotion of Ireland’s trade, tourism and investment interests overseas and to spread a positive message about Ireland’s economic recovery. As the Deputy will be aware, I travelled to Atlanta, New Orleans and Washington DC over the Saint Patrick’s Day period. The full cost of my programme is not yet available, but I can confirm that my own flights, covering the three locations were economy class and cost a total of €1,287. I was accompanied by three officials whose economy flight costs came to €3,948 in total.
Hotel accommodation, and other local costs, in Atlanta and New Orleans came to €4,036 for the full party. No hotel costs were incurred in Washington. Final details of other incidental costs are awaited.
In Atlanta, the centrepiece of my programme was an ‘Invest in Ireland’ Business Leaders forum hosted by the IDA in conjunction with the Consulate and targeting existing IDA clients and potential new investors. Other engagements in Atlanta included bilateral meetings with senior management of multinational and Irish companies; an address to 150 guests from the city’s business, political, media, international and Irish communities at the official Consulate St. Patrick’s Day networking reception; an Irish Chamber of Commerce Business breakfast attended by 170 business and political contacts; and promoting the Gathering in speeches and other engagements.
My programme in New Orleans included speaking at a lunch event hosted by the Irish Network of New Orleans and an address to over 400 guests at the annual Ancient Order of Hibernians St. Patrick’s Day Ball.
In Washington DC, in addition to participating with the Taoiseach in meetings with President Obama, I held a number of high level political meetings with Secretary of State Kerry and other members of Congress during which US immigration reform matters, the proposed Transatlantic Trade & Investment Partnership and Ireland’s economic recovery were discussed. I also attended a State Agency business and networking lunch with senior board members from companies with investments in Ireland.
180. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide details of the deal he has signed with the British Ambassador to Ireland regarding the agreement establishing a single maritime boundary between the exclusive economic zones and continental shelves between Ireland and the UK; if he will disclose the discussion on details regarding boundary issues between the two countries and the agreement reached; if the protection of Irish fisheries and the marine were included; the implications the agreement has for the Irish development of offshore renewable-energy projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16639/13]
View answerThe Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) is the body of water which stretches from 12 nautical miles offshore out to a distance of 200 miles. Under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea a coastal state has exclusive rights within its EEZ over fishing (although all EU member states have transferred their competence for conservation and management of sea fisheries to the EU), the production of energy from water and wind, the protection of the marine environment and the conduct of marine scientific research. A coastal state also enjoys exclusive sovereign rights to the recovery of oil and gas from the seabed beneath the EEZ, although this is governed by the separate legal regime of the continental shelf. Ireland and the UK negotiated an agreement on continental shelf boundaries in 1988 but an agreement on boundaries in what became the exclusive economic zones above the continental shelf was not attempted at that time. Since the UK became a party to the UN Convention in 1997 the declared zones of the two countries have overlapped at the edges. Since the UK became a party to the UN Convention in 1997 the declared zones of the two countries have overlapped at the edges. Over the past few years negotiations between Ireland and the UK have been undertaken with the objective of establishing EEZ boundaries between the two countries and I am glad to say that these have now been successfully concluded. As the Deputy is aware the British Ambassador and I signed t he Agreement establishing a single maritime boundary between the Exclusive Economic Zones and continental shelves of Ireland and the UK in Dublin on 28 March last. This Agreement removes the overlaps between the EEZs of the two countries and now both the EEZs and the continental shelf beneath them will follow the same boundaries. This involved some small technical adjustments to the existing continental shelf boundaries in order to ensure that for any part of the boundary areas the same state exercises jurisdiction over the seabed and the water directly above it.
The Agreement brings legal certainty to boundary issues. This in turn will improve the protection of fisheries. While EU member states have transferred competence to the EU for the conservation and management of sea fisheries they remain responsible for enforcement of EU fisheries law within their own jurisdictions. Under the new Agreement therefore it will now be clear which state is responsible for law enforcement in EEZ areas that previously overlapped. Likewise there will now be clarity about which state is responsible for licensing renewable energy projects within EEZ boundary areas and for protecting the marine environment in those areas.
Before the Agreement can be brought into force the Government must make an Order under the 2006 Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act to prescribe the new EEZ boundaries and an Order under the 1968 Continental Shelf Act to amend the existing continental shelf boundaries. The Orders will then be laid before each House of the Oireachtas in accordance with the relevant provisions of the two Acts. Once the Agreement has been brought into force it will be laid before Dáil Éireann in accordance with Article 29 of Bunreacht na hÉireann.
181. Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position in relation to the opening of Ireland’s embassy to the Holy See; his plans to reopen it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16722/13]
View answerThe Government decision in November 2011 to close our resident embassy to the Holy See was taken with considerable reluctance as part of a necessary budget process to reduce costs. The closure of the resident embassy to the Holy See has yielded substantial savings, not least as it enabled the significantly larger embassy to Italy and the residence of the ambassador to Italy to be relocated to the State-owned Villa Spada, formerly occupied by the embassy to the Holy See, thereby saving €445,000 per annum in rent on two properties. Ambassador Cooney travels to Rome regularly and was present for the inauguration of Pope Francis, to which he accompanied the President and the Minister for Finance who represented the Government and subsequently at the Pope’s meeting with the Diplomatic Corps. I am satisfied that the current arrangement for Ireland’s representation at the Holy See is the most effective possible in light of the resource constraints faced by my Department. The resident embassy to the Holy See will not be reopened in the immediate term. I will, however, be keeping the deployment of our diplomatic and consular resources under review in light of ongoing national priorities and the availability of resources.
182. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of officials who have left or retired from his Department in the past 15 years; the rank and-or grade they left or retired at from his Department; if diplomatic passports are still in their possession; the number of diplomatic passports that are currently held by former officials from his Department and the ranks-grades each are at; if the privileges that a diplomatic passport provides is valid for former officials from his Department who are holders of diplomatic passports apply when abroad; if he will consider revoking diplomatic passports for former and retired officials from his Department and instead issue them with regular passports; if he will clarify that no retiring officials will receive diplomatic passports in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16759/13]
View answerDiplomatic passports are issued in accordance with the provisions of the Passport Act, 2008. Section 16 of the Act makes particular provision for the issue of diplomatic passport to persons who hold a diplomatic rank or to persons whom the Minister for Foreign Affairs considers it appropriate to issue such a passport in order to carry out their duties. The broad provisions of this are as follows. Passports are issued to officers of diplomatic grade who are assigned abroad to serve in Irish diplomatic and consular missions, their spouses and accompanying children in full-time education. It should be noted that some officers serving in non-diplomatic grades may be issued diplomatic passports as a result of requirements of the host country. The validity of a diplomatic passport covers the duration of the foreign posting which usually is for three or four years. Officials and family members are required to surrender their diplomatic passports for cancellation on their return to Headquarters at the end of their postings. Diplomatic passports are renewed in the event that an officer’s foreign posting at a particular mission is extended or if that officer is transferred to another mission. These passports are issued to HQ-based officers who are required to travel abroad on official Departmental business. Officials of my Department who are assigned to international organisations such as European Union or the United Nations and who are required to travel on behalf of these institutions are eligible for diplomatic passports.
It is important to clarify that possession of a diplomatic passport does not, as a matter of international law, entitle the holder to any privileges or immunities, except in certain cases specifically provided for in international law or in the domestic law of the host country. However, most countries do extend some form of courtesy and consideration to persons in possession of diplomatic passports, including in some cases a fast-track immigration channel. The nature of such courtesies depends on the law and practice of each state, and, accordingly varies from state to state.
Additionally, possession of a diplomatic passport does not exempt the holder from immigration or visa requirements. Indeed, the holder of a diplomatic passport may be required by certain host countries, e.g. the United States, to obtain a visa in cases where the holder of an ordinary passport would not. Visas attached to diplomatic and official passports are normally issued free of charge.
Since 1999 a total of 224 officials of the Department have retired. A breakdown of their grades is provided in the following table.
|
Grade |
Numbers |
|
Secretary General |
2 |
|
Second Secretary |
2 |
|
Deputy Secretary |
6 |
|
Assistant Secretary |
28 |
|
Counsellor/Principal Officer |
29 |
|
First Secretary/Assistant Principal Officers |
25 |
|
Higher Executive Officers and Executive Officers |
20 |
|
Staff and Clerical Officers |
81 |
|
Technical staff (Legal advisers, Aid specialists etc) |
8 |
|
Support staff ( Services Officer, Cleaners) |
23 |
Officers who retire and/or who no longer qualify to hold a diplomatic passport are required to surrender their diplomatic passport for cancellation. A very small number of persons who were formerly employed by my Department currently hold diplomatic passports on the basis of their current status. These are officials serving in other Government Departments, the EU or the UN, or accompanying diplomatic spouses. I am informed that no retired officer outside these categories currently holds a valid diplomatic passport.
Diplomatic officers in my Department travelling for non-official purposes (other than in the case of those posted abroad who are travelling to or from their country of accreditation) are expected to travel on a standard non-diplomatic passport for which they must apply and pay for on the same basis as any other citizen. Retired officers wishing to travel abroad must do so using a standard non-diplomatic passport.
183. Deputy John O'Mahony asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of passports issued to persons living here in 2010, 2011 and 2012 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16819/13]
View answerThe Passport Service technology system does not record “address” information in the structured format necessary to facilitate the production of management information in relation to place of residency, place of birth etc. The availability of this information would require a fundamental redesign of the system, which could not be cost justified for this facility alone. This matter will be addressed in the context of any major system changes which may emerge in the future.
|
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
|
477,437 |
482,637 |
504,447 |
184. Deputy John O'Mahony asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of passports issued to persons living in County Clare 2010, 2011 and 2012 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16820/13]
View answer185. Deputy John O'Mahony asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of passports issued to persons living in County Galway 2010, 2011 and 2012 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16821/13]
View answer186. Deputy John O'Mahony asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of passports issued to persons living in County Leitrim 2010, 2011 and 2012 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16822/13]
View answer187. Deputy John O'Mahony asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of passports issued to persons living in County Roscommon 2010, 2011 and 2012 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16823/13]
View answer188. Deputy John O'Mahony asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of passports issued to persons living in County Sligo 2010, 2011 and 2012 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16824/13]
View answer189. Deputy John O'Mahony asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of passports issued to persons living in County Donegal 2010, 2011 and 2012 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16825/13]
View answer190. Deputy John O'Mahony asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of passports issued to persons living in County Mayo 2010, 2011 and 2012 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16826/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 184 to 190, inclusive, together.
The Passport Service technology system does not record “address” information in the structured format necessary to facilitate the production of management information in relation to place of residency, place of birth etc.
The availability of this information would require a fundamental redesign of the system, which could not be cost justified for this facility alone. This matter will be addressed in the context of any major system changes which may emerge in the future.
