Written Answers Nos. 261-265
261. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she is concerned at the recent decision of the Workplace Relations Commission on au pairs confirming that these are normal contracts of employment; if this will have a detrimental effect on the provision of child care; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12485/16]
View answerIssues relating to the Workplace Relations Commission and au pair contracts are a matter for the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation.
The Department of Children and Youth Affairs (DCYA) is not aware of whether the Workplace Relations Commission decision will reduce the numbers of families who rely on au pairs for their child-minding requirements. In relation to the provision of childcare, the report of the Interdepartmental Group on Future Investment in Childcare found that au pairs or nannies comprise a small percentage of childcare arrangements. The 'Growing Up in Ireland' longitudinal study indicated in December 2011 that one percent of nine-month-olds, and one percent of three-year-olds are cared for by au pairs/Nannies.
Parents are encouraged to make contact with their local City or County Childcare Committee (CCC) if they require advice or support with childcare choices. CCCs are available in 31 locations across Ireland. Childminding Ireland may also be able to assist in finding a registered childminder.
The DCYA administers a number of programmes to assist parents in accessing affordable childcare. These programmes are predominantly available through formal childcare settings only (crèches or pre-schools) but in some instances are available through Tusla notified childminders who meet contract requirements.
The largest scheme operated by my Department is the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme, which, from September 2016, will make free pre-school available, 15 hours per week, to all children from the time they turn three, until they go to school, entering at three points in the year, September, January and April. On average, from September 2016, children will benefit from 61 weeks, up from 38 weeks. It is estimated that access to the average 61 weeks of ECCE can reduce the cost of childcare by €4,000 per child.
My Department also operates the Community Childcare Supplement (CCS), the After-School Childcare (ASCC), Childcare Education and Training Support (CETS), and Community Employment Childcare (CEC) programmes which subsidise childcare for eligible parents. In 2017 my Department plans to replace these with a single and simplified programme that will be available through community (not for profit) and private childcare providers. This programme, when developed, will provide a framework thorough which any further investment in the subsidisation of childcare can be delivered. Some subsidised childcare places through the Community Childcare Supplement (CCS) programme remain available and low income parents are encouraged to make inquiries regarding their possible eligibility for CCS with their local City and County Childcare Committee.
262. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the role the Defence Forces have played in security arrangements at Shannon Airport in County Clare; the cost of such arrangements in each of the years 2003 to 2016 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12327/16]
View answerThe Department of Justice and Equality and An Garda Síochána have primary responsibility for the internal security of the State. Among the roles assigned to the Defence Forces in the White Paper on Defence is the provision of Aid to the Civil Power (ATCP) which, in practice, means to assist An Garda Síochána when requested to do so.
Since 5 February 2003, the Gardaí have requested support from the Defence Forces at Shannon Airport on occasion. The costs incurred in the provision of ATCP support at Shannon Airport in each of the past 13 years and to date in 2016 are set out in the following table. The costs comprise payment of Security Duty Allowance, provision of rations, and fuel.
|
Year |
Amount (€) |
|
2003 |
1,113,200 |
|
2004 |
760,500 |
|
2005 |
225,900 |
|
2006 |
403,375 |
|
2007 |
275,054 |
|
2008 |
286,273 |
|
2009 |
258,040 |
|
2010 |
203,366 |
|
2011 |
259,739 |
|
2012 |
275,008 |
|
2013 |
196,769 |
|
2014 |
180,913 |
|
2015 |
180,814 |
|
To date in 2016 |
81,090 |
These costs are met from within the Defence Vote.
263. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he has been invited or if he expects to be invited to the NATO summit in Warsaw in Poland in July 2016; if he would accept such an invitation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12328/16]
View answerAs Ireland is not a member of NATO, the question of attendance at the Summit in Warsaw does not arise.
Ireland's co-operation with NATO is conducted through the Partnership for Peace (PfP) which we joined in 1999 following approval by Dáil Éireann. Our purpose in participating in the PfP is to improve our military capabilities so as to ensure that our Defence Forces have the necessary interoperable capabilities to participate effectively and safely with other like-minded nations in UN mandated operations.
At the NATO Summit in Wales in September 2014, the establishment of the Partnership Interoperability Initiative was endorsed with the purpose of reinforcing the Alliance’s commitment to co-operative security.
As a participant in the PfP, Ireland is also a member of the Partnership Interoperability Initiative which is now referred to as the Partnership Interoperability Platform. For Ireland, this Platform sets in place measures designed to ensure that the deep connections built up between partner forces during overseas operations will be maintained and deepened, so that together we can contribute to future crisis management operations.
I have received a formal invitation to participate at a meeting of the Interoperability Platform at the Warsaw Summit on 8-9 July 2016 to which Defence Ministers have been invited to participate. The invitation is under consideration with regard to attendance.
264. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans for the Defence Forces to participate in any European Union battle groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12329/16]
View answerParticipation in the EU Battlegroups demonstrates Ireland’s commitment to the development of EU capabilities in the area of crisis management and contributes to our reputation as professional and effective peacekeepers and our credibility within the Union.
Ireland's participation in the Nordic Battlegroup in 2008, 2011 and 2015 and the Austro-German Battlegroup in 2012 has enhanced the Defence Forces’ understanding of the operational doctrine and processes of other EU Member States enabling them to work more effectively with other nations in a multinational environment and has served to enhance the Defence Forces reputation as a provider of a credible military capability for crisis management operations.
The Defence Forces participation in Battlegroups supports Ireland’s efforts in securing partners for UN blue hat operations due to the close civil and military relationships built through our participation. For example, Finland, which participated in the Nordic Battlegroup has since partnered with Ireland in Chad and remains partnered with Ireland in Lebanon.
In January 2014, the Government approved Ireland’s participation in the German led EU Battlegroup 2016 , which will be on stand-by for the second six months of 2016. The Defence Forces contribution to the Battlegroup will involve a Recce/ISTAR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Target, Acquisition and Reconnaissance) Company together with staff posts at both the Operational and Force headquarters. The total number of Irish Defence Force personnel that will be involved in the German Battlegroup will be about 175. The other members of the Battlegroup are Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, Croatia, Luxembourg and the Netherlands.
In July 2015, the Government approved Ireland’s participation in the UK Battlegroup, which will also be on stand-by for the second six months of 2016. The total number of Irish Defence Force personnel involved in the UK Battlegroup will be 5. Apart from Ireland, the other members of the Battlegroup are UK, Cyprus, Sweden, Finland, Latvia and Lithuania.
Ireland’s participation in an actual Battlegroup operation would, as always, be subject to the usual “Triple Lock” requirements of a UN Mandate and Government and Dáil approval, as appropriate, in accordance with the Defence Acts.
265. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the action that has resulted from the January 2015 memorandum of understanding with the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12330/16]
View answerThe Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence provides a framework for developing and furthering bilateral co-operation and relations between the Department of Defence and the UK Ministry of Defence. The MoU takes into account matters such as military forces training; exercises and military education; exchange of views on EU Common Security and Defence Policy; potential for joint contributions to UN Crisis Management Operations; joint procurement initiatives; pooling and sharing resources; general sharing on reform in defence services; potential for staff exchanges; sharing of information, and joint contribution to Security Sector Reform and capacity building in crisis locations. It envisages co-operation and exchanges involving both civil and military personnel. The MoU provides opportunities for more joint and collaborative work in support of international peace and security. It will also enhance the potential for further joint contributions to UN peacekeeping operations.
A three year Action Plan on the implementation of the MoU was finalised between the Department of Defence and the UK Ministry of Defence in January this year. These actions will be progressed by the Defence Organisation with their UK counterparts over the three year period.
