Written Answers Nos. 60-79
60. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she is aware of the difficulties for An Garda Síochána in policing anti-social activity associated with public drinking in view of the fact that this is not currently an offence and by-laws vary in this regard depending on the local authority, harbour authority, transport authority, and so on; and the steps she will take to address this escalating problem. [18271/16]
View answerI am advised that the Garda authorities engage regularly with local authorities and other relevant bodies, including those referred to, as well as business and community interests in relation to the management of public events, gatherings in public places and the maintenance of public order, including in relation to the misuse of alcohol and under-age drinking. Gardaí also implement relevant policing operations as required including with respect to areas favoured for public recreation during the summer months.
There is a range of legislation in place to address the misuse of alcohol in public places, including section 37A of the Intoxicating Liquor Act 1988, (as inserted by section 14 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2008), which provides that where a Garda suspects that a person is under 18 years of age and that he or she, or anyone accompanying him or her, is in possession of intoxicating liquor for consumption by a person under 18 years (other than in a private dwelling), the Garda may seek an explanation and if not satisfied with the reply, may seize the bottle or container of intoxicating liquor. The Garda may also seek the name, address and age of the person suspected of being under 18 years of age. It is an offence for a person, when requested by a Garda, to refuse to give his or her name, address and age, to give a name, address or age that is false or misleading, or to refuse to hand over the bottle or container.
Moreover, section 8A of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994, (as inserted by section 19 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2008), provides that a member of the Garda Síochána may, in certain circumstances, seize intoxicating liquor from any person regardless of age. Gardaí may also request the person to provide his or her name and address, to desist from certain behaviour and to leave the place concerned in a peaceable and orderly manner. Gardaí may use these powers to prevent nuisance or annoyance to others and to forestall damage to property or a breach of the peace. Any failure by a person to cooperate with a request to hand over intoxicating liquor or to give his or her name and address is an offence.
In conclusion, I am advised by the Garda authorities that Gardaí continue to utilise the wide-ranging legislative powers which are available to them in dealing with the matters referred to. I might add that if the Garda Commissioner feels that there are other legislative measures that should be taken in this area I would of course give very careful consideration to any proposals which she might wish to make.
61. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality when she will form the appeals board under the public service agreement licence appeals scheme and when it will reach a decision on a particular case (details supplied) on which six jobs are dependent and on many other cases. [18313/16]
View answerThe Private Security Appeal Board (PSAB) is an independent body established under the Private Security Services Act 2004, as amended, to consider appeals against decisions of the Private Security Authority. It is independent in the performance of its functions in accordance with the Act. I wish to inform the Deputy that the necessary arrangements are currently in train to appoint a new Board. When the appointments process has been completed the company to which the Deputy refers will be contacted directly by the PSAB regarding its appeal.
62. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if funding is available for community closed-circuit television and how a community group can apply for it; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18314/16]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the Programme for a Partnership Government includes a commitment to provide investment in CCTV systems along the road network and in urban centres.
I am very conscious of the value that communities, especially rural communities, place on CCTV as a means of deterring crime and assisting in the detection of offenders. With this in mind, I instigated a review of the effectiveness of the Community CCTV Scheme in conjunction with the Garda authorities. The outcome of this review will inform the development of proposals to give effect to the Programme commitment.
63. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she will begin a new recruitment process for An Garda Síochána in 2016; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18335/16]
View answerThis Government is committed to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country in order to maintain and strengthen community engagement, provide reassurance to citizens and deter crime.
As the Deputy will be aware, when the financial crisis hit, the Government of the time introduced a moratorium on recruitment and the four year National Recovery Plan, published in 2010, envisaged a steady reduction in Garda numbers. Thankfully, in a recovering economy, we were able to launch a recruitment campaign and reopen the Garda College in September 2014. Since then a total of 851 Garda trainees have been recruited with a further 300 planned to be recruited during the remainder of this year. So far 463 of the new Garda trainees have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and have been assigned to mainstream uniform duties nationwide. Another 76 will attest on the 7 July with 150 more to attest in November.
The Programme for Government, "A Programme for a Partnership Government" commits to continuing the ongoing accelerated Garda recruitment programme with a view to increasing Garda numbers to 15,000. Taking account of projected retirements, the current rate of recruitment will bring Garda numbers to around the 13,000 mark this year. We must, I believe, endeavour to make more rapid progress than this to reach our target of 15,000 and I am engaging with my colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, in relation to increasing the planned annual intake this year and in coming years .
In accelerating recruitment it is, of course, essential to ensure that An Garda Síochána has the capacity to train larger numbers without any diminution in the quality of its training programme, and to provide appropriate supervision and support to newly qualified Gardaí to ensure that victims, and the public generally, are well served by their policing service. My officials are also engaging with Garda management as a matter of priority in relation to the preparation of a recruitment plan for the next five years that will deliver increased numbers of Gardaí without any compromise on the quality of those recruited or the training programme. I expect to be in position to bring my proposals in this regard to Government before the Summer.
In order to fulfil the recruitment commitment for 2016 and beyond a new recruitment campaign was launched in last November. That campaign, which closed on 6 January, attracted strong interest with in the region of 16,500 applications received by the Public Appointments Service which is organising the competition on behalf of the Garda Commissioner. There are no plans to announce a new recruitment campaign at present, however, the timing of a new campaign will be kept under review in the context of fulfilling the commitment to ongoing accelerated recruitment in the Programme for Government.
64. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of EU1 applications for residence permits by family members of European Union citizens exercising free movement for work or other purposes received by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service in 2015 and in 2016 to date. [18340/16]
View answer65. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she is aware of the fact that it is currently taking 14 to 16 weeks for the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service to acknowledge receipt of an application for a residence permit and the difficulties this poses for family members of European Union citizens bearing in mind the requirement under Article 10 of Directive 2004/38/EC to issue a certificate of application for residence permits; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18341/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 64 and 65 together.
I am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that it received 6,183 EU1 applications for residence permits by family members of EU citizens exercising free movement rights in 2015 and 2,595 up to 23 June, 2016.
Insofar as the current processing time referred to by the Deputy is concerned, I am advised that there is a significant number of cases on hand arising from an unprecedented and sustained increase of approximately 70% in such applications since 2014. INIS appreciates the impact of associated delays on the persons concerned and has taken a number of measures to address the backlog including assignment of additional staff resources and the sanction of regular overtime. I am also advised that available INIS resources and operational and organisational structures are kept under ongoing review to ensure that resources are targeted.
Cognisance must also be given to wider policy issues and in that regard, it is noted that there has been a major increase (now making up over half of such applications) from UK nationals seeking to come here with non-EEA spouse/family members. This obviously raises concerns in relation to the operation of and potential abuses of the Common Travel Area (CTA). In this regard, Ireland's position is that the CTA be retained post BREXIT and accordingly, addressing such potential abuses is critical to maintaining the integrity of the CTA at this time.
66. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality her plans for the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Bill 2015; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18342/16]
View answerIn September 2015, I published the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Bill 2015, as approved by Government. The Bill includes wide ranging provisions to enhance the protection of children from sexual abuse and exploitation including through more effective targeting of acts of child sexual grooming. When enacted, the Bill will facilitate full compliance with the criminal law provisions of a number of international legal instruments and implement the recommendations of a number of Oireachtas committees. The Bill also provides for new offences of purchasing sexual services, in the context of prostitution. The purpose of these offences is to target the demand for prostitution.
The Bill completed all stages in Seanad Éireann in January 2016. This Bill has been returned to the Dáil Order Paper by a motion approved by Dáil Éireann on Wednesday, 1 June. Enactment of this important piece of legislation is a priority for the Government.
67. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the details of Garda Síochána numbers in Ballymun and Santry stations by year for each of the years 2010 to 2016; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18350/16]
View answerAs the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of personnel among the Garda Regions, Divisions and Districts. Garda management keep this distribution under continual review taking into account crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the best possible use is made of these resources. In regard to the deployment of Garda personnel, a distribution model is used which takes into account all relevant factors including population, crime trends and the policing needs of each individual Division. It is the responsibility of the Divisional Officer to allocate personnel within his/her Division as appropriate.
I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the Garda strength of Ballymun and Santry Garda Stations, which form part of the Dublin Metropolitan North (DMR North) Division, in the years 31 December 2010 to 2015 and up to the 30 April 2016, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was as set out in the table.
As the Deputy will be aware, when the financial crisis hit, the Government of the time introduced a moratorium on recruitment and the four year National Recovery Plan, published in 2010, envisaged a steady reduction in Garda numbers. Thankfully, in a recovering economy, we were able to reopen the Garda College in September 2014, and a total of 851 Garda trainees have been recruited with a further 300 planned to be recruited during the remainder of this year. So far 463 of the new Garda trainees have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and have been assigned to mainstream uniform duties nationwide. Another 76 will attest on the 7 July with 150 more to attest in November. I am assured by the Commissioner that the needs of all Garda Divisions are fully considered when determining the allocation of newly attested Gardaí and that so far this year 35 newly attested Gardaí have been assigned to DMR North.
This Government is committed to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country in order to maintain and strengthen community engagement, provide reassurance to citizens and deter crime. Key to achieving this goal is the commitment in the Programme for Government, "A Programme for a Partnership Government" to continue the ongoing accelerated Garda recruitment programme with a view to increasing Garda numbers to 15,000.
Taking account of projected retirements, the current rate of recruitment will bring Garda numbers to around the 13,000 mark this year. We must, I believe, endeavour to make more rapid progress than this to reach our target of 15,000 and I am engaging with my colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, in relation to increasing the planned annual intake this year and in coming years
Garda Strength of Ballymun and Santry Garda Stations 2010 - 2016
|
Station |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016* |
|
Ballymun |
128 |
113 |
118 |
118 |
114 |
124 |
121 |
|
Santry |
82 |
81 |
102 |
95 |
90 |
82 |
82 |
* to 30 April, 2016
68. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the status of legislation that protects victims of cybercrimes (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18355/16]
View answerSection 10 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997 provides that any person who, without lawful authority or reasonable excuse, by any means including by use of the telephone, harasses another by persistently following, watching, pestering, besetting or communicating with him or her, is guilty of an offence. Harassment is deemed to occur where a person seriously interferes with the other's peace and privacy or causes alarm, distress or harm to the other. Section 10(3) also provides for orders to be made by the court to prevent communication by any means with the victim or to approach within any distance specified by the court of the place of residence or employment of the victim. Such an order can be made even in circumstances where the accused person is not convicted of the offence if the court is satisfied, having regard to the evidence, that it is in the interests of justice.
While aspects of what is known loosely as "revenge pornography" are addressed by the harassment offence in Section 10 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997, there has been a growing awareness and concern in relation to issues such as cyber-harassment, revenge pornography, and related harmful internet content in recent years with the growth of cyber technology. The Law Reform Commission (LRC) is currently carrying out a project on Cybercrime affecting personal safety, privacy and reputation, including cyberbullying. In November 2014 the LRC published an Issues Paper and sought the views of interested parties on the key issues it had identified. The issue of revenge pornography was specifically addressed in that paper. In April 2015 it held a seminar to discuss these issues. It is hoped that the LRC Report will be published in the coming months and its recommendations, including any proposals in relation to legislation, will then be considered.
Separately and following the publication by the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Transport and Communications of its Report on Addressing the growth of Social Media and tackling Cyberbullying in 2013, the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources established the Internet Content Advisory Group to provide expert, independent advice on Internet Governance issues (in forming legislative, policy and regulatory recommendations to Government). The Group’s Report was published in June 2014 and included wide ranging recommendations which included changes to institutional, legislative and governance arrangements. The recommendations are currently being progressed in consultations between the relevant Ministers.
69. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of extra Garda Síochána vehicles that were fitted with automatic number plate recognition equipment in each of the years 2014 to 2016 to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18398/16]
View answerAs the Deputy will appreciate, decisions in relation to the provision and allocation of resources is a matter for the Garda Commissioner in the light of her identified operational demands and the availability of resources and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter.
I am informed that the number of official Garda vehicles fitted with ANPR as of 1 March for the years 2014 - 2016 is as follows:
Garda Vehicles with ANPR as of 1 March (each year)
|
2014 |
2016 |
2016 |
|
116 |
121 |
100 |
Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology was introduced into An Garda Síochána in 2008. It works on the basis of an in-car-camera using optical character recognition technology to check vehicle registration number plates against PULSE to identify, for example, stolen or untaxed vehicles, expired NCT certificates and expired certificates of roadworthiness for commercial vehicles.
The technology includes a speed detection and video recording capability and is utilised for both roads policing and as an investigative and intelligence tool. It is an internationally recognised tool which can significantly reduce crime, increase detection rates and provide vital intelligence in the prevention and detection of terrorism and in tackling organised crime groups operating around the country.
While ANPR is fitted in official Garda vehicles in all Garda Divisions and Districts nationwide, the number of vehicles operating the technology can vary from time to time due to such factors as repair and maintenance of the equipment and the need to update software. The use of ANPR, including the current capabilities and any possible expansion thereof, is kept under constant review by An Garda Síochána.
70. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she will significantly increase laboratory facilities at Forensic Science Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18399/16]
View answerI fully recognise the very significant contribution of Forensic Science Ireland (FSI) in the investigation and prosecution of criminal offences. FSI delivers independent expert opinion, advice, training and research to support the Irish criminal justice system. It provides a range of services in this regard, from crime scene attendance to presentation of evidence in court and all of the analysis in between.
The need for a new purpose built forensic science laboratory appropriate to the State's requirements is long-standing. The Government is committed to the construction of a state-of-the-art laboratory at Backweston and the project is included in the Capital Plan with funds due to come on stream in 2019. I have said previously that I am anxious, if at all possible, to bring forward that date and will avail of any opportunity that presents itself to do so.
71. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality her plans to introduce or amend existing equality legislation in order to abolish mandatory retirement ages; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18408/16]
View answerIn my capacity as Minister for Justice and Equality, I have responsibility for equality legislation, which provides for retirement ages in line with the relevant EU Directive provision that differences of treatment on the grounds of age are permissible if, within the context of national law, they are objectively and reasonably justified by a legitimate aim including legitimate employment policy, labour market and vocational training objectives, and if the means of achieving that aim are appropriate and necessary.
I have no ministerial responsibility for retirement age issues generally either in the public sector (where mandatory retirement ages are a feature of public sector employment law) or the private sector (where there is no statutory retirement age). The Deputy will be interested to know that the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform is leading a cross-Departmental working group on Fuller Working Lives which is examining the full range of working life and retirement issues and which is expected to report shortly.
72. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she will consider establishing a heavy recovery unit in County Westmeath for serious accidents and to improve efficiency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18432/16]
View answerAs the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is primarily responsible for contractual arrangements relating to An Garda Síochána and I, as Minister, have no role in the matter.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that, following an appropriate procurement process, a towing management contract was put in place in Westmeath in 2014 which comprehends vehicle recovery, including heavy goods vehicles which have either broken down or been involved in road traffic accidents, storage and the collection of fines.
73. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of cars reported to An Garda Síochána as stolen and the number of these not recovered in each of the years 2010 to 2016 to date in tabular form. [18438/16]
View answerThe Central Statistics Office (CSO), as the national statistical agency, is responsible for the compilation and publication of the official recorded crime statistics, and the CSO has established a dedicated unit for this purpose. I understand that while statistics in relation to the theft of vehicles are produced the position in relation to the recovery of stolen vehicles is not recorded in the official crime figures.
However, I have asked the CSO to forward the available statistics in relation to the information requested directly to the Deputy.
74. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of home burglaries reported to An Garda Síochána in each of the years 2010 to 2016 to date in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18439/16]
View answerThe Central Statistics Office (CSO), as the national statistical agency, is responsible for the compilation and publication of the official recorded crime statistics, and the CSO has established a dedicated unit for this purpose.
I have asked the CSO to forward relevant statistics in relation to the information requested directly to the Deputy.
75. Deputy John Lahart asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of recruits who have opted out of the Garda Síochána Reserve, by division, in each of the years 2010 to 2016 to date in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18448/16]
View answerThe Deputy will appreciate the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of personnel, including the Garda Reserve, among the Garda Regions, Divisions, and Districts. Garda management keep this distribution under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the best possible use is made of all resources.
The Garda Reserve makes a real and tangible contribution to the policing of communities right across the country. This is recognised in the Programme for Government "A Programme for a Partnership Government" which includes a commitment to double the Garda Reserve to act in a supportive role undertaking local patrols and crime reduction measures. The expansion of the Garda Reserve will complement the commitments in the Programme to continue the ongoing accelerated Garda recruitment programme with a view to increasing Garda numbers to 15,000 and also to increase further civilianisation to free up Gardaí to front-line policing duties. The delivery of these measures over the lifetime of the Government will ensure an enhanced visible policing presence in communities nationwide.
The recruitment campaign for 2016 for full-time members of the An Garda Síochána included a special stream for eligible reserve members as a means of giving due recognition to satisfactory service by such members. I am pleased to note that provisional figures show that 169 Garda reserves applied under this stream and that 70 successfully completed the assessment tests and interview.
I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the number of Garda Reserves who were discharged during the years 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016 (to 27 June) is as set out in the table. The breakdown of Garda Reserve discharges by Divisions is not readily available and can only be obtained by the disproportionate expenditure of Garda time and resources relative to the information sought.
Garda Reserves Departures*
|
Year |
Total |
|
2010 |
35 |
|
2011 |
51 |
|
2012 |
51 |
|
2013 |
117 |
|
2014 |
167 |
|
2015 |
195 |
|
2016 (as of 27/06/2016) |
84 |
*Please note that departures include resignations, retirements, dismissals and deaths.
76. Deputy John Lahart asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality about the number of trainee members of An Garda Síochána who have been allowed to pass through any phase of their training without fully completing that phase since the inception of the Bachelor of Arts in Applied Policing; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18449/16]
View answerI am informed by the Garda Commissioner that all Gardaí recruited since the reopening of the Garda College in September 2014 are required to undertake the new 2 year training programme which leads to a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Policing and is accredited by the University of Limerick. The programme is the outcome of a comprehensive review of foundation training for entrants to An Garda Síochána and exemplifies best practice.
The programme is divided into three phases as outlined below, all of which must be fully completed before progressing to the next phase. Participants are required to sit mandatory academic examinations and professional assessments and are required to pass all examinations and assessments in order to progress to the conclusion of the programme. I am advised by the Garda Commissioner that no group of trainee Gardaí has been allowed to progress through a phase without fully completing the previous phase of the programme.
Phase 1, which lasts 32 weeks, is based in the Garda College and places a strong emphasis on problem-based learning where students learn in small groups through engagement with realistic policing scenarios. This methodology emphasises the development of ‘learning to learn’ skills, the development of reflective practice and supports the transition into learning in an operational policing environment. At the end of Phase 1 successful Garda trainees are attested (i.e. become members of the Garda Síochána with full police powers) and are dispersed to Garda stations throughout the country, where they are assigned to mainstream policing duties .
Phase 2, which lasts for 65 weeks, is primarily based in Garda stations with appropriate training and development structures in place that include access to a trained tutor Garda and a permanently appointed supervisory sergeant who is thoroughly familiar with their responsibilities under the training programme. During the course of their placement, trainees move through three development stages from assisting his or her Garda tutor to taking the lead role and being assisted by the tutor, to finally the autonomous stage where they are deployed in regular policing activity and work independently within the operational unit. Over the course of the placement they also return to the Garda College for a number to weeks to further enhance their skills in specialist areas including sexual assault, intelligence–led policing, file preparation and court presentation and so on.
Phase 3 consists of seven weeks of preparation for final exams and assessments and I look forward to the first batch of new recruits graduating from the programme this year. It is, of course, too early to conduct a formal evaluation of the new programme but I understand from those leading the programme that the feedback from managers and colleagues on the ground is positive.
77. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Finance to provide revenue and expenditure current and capital as a percentage of gross domestic product in the years 2015 to 2021 in tabular form. [18273/16]
View answerI presume the Deputy is seeking this information in the context of the publication of the Summer Economic Statement (SES). The information sought is set out in nominal terms in Table 3 on page 16 of the SES. For the Deputy's convenience, the table below sets out, as percentages of GDP, projected gross voted expenditure, both current and capital, and tax revenues and Appropriations-in-Aid, again both current and capital, from 2015 to 2021.
The expenditure and revenue forecasts are compliant with the fiscal rules under the preventive arm of the stability and growth pact. The table does not take account of the planned contributions to the rainy day fund of €1 billion per annum in 2019, 2020 and 2021. If these contributions were spent, then expenditure as a percentage of GDP would increase by c.0.4% in the relevant years.
Non-voted current and capital expenditure, the majority of which relates to interest, the EU Budget contribution and certain deficit neutral cash flow loans, and capital resources, the bulk of which relates to the repayment of the cash flow loans, have been left out of the table below because these elements relate to matters largely beyond our direct control. However, the relevant nominal forecast figures may be found in Table 3 in the SES.
|
- |
2015 - % of GDP |
2016 - % of GDP |
2017 - % of GDP |
2018 - % of GDP |
2019 - % of GDP |
2020 - % of GDP |
2021 - % of GDP |
|
Gross Voted Current Expenditure |
23.7% |
22.4% |
21.8% |
21.1% |
20.5% |
20.0% |
19.6% |
|
Gross Voted Capital Expenditure |
1.8% |
1.7% |
1.8% |
2.0% |
2.2% |
2.3% |
2.4% |
|
Total Gross voted expenditure |
25.5% |
24.1% |
23.6% |
23.1% |
22.7% |
22.3% |
22.0% |
|
Tax Revenue |
21.2% |
20.8% |
20.4% |
21.2% |
20.7% |
20.5% |
20.4% |
|
Current A-in-A's & Departmental Balances |
5.4% |
4.9% |
4.7% |
4.5% |
4.2% |
4.0% |
3.8% |
|
Capital A-in-A's |
0.1% |
0.1% |
0.1% |
0.1% |
0.1% |
0.1% |
0.1% |
|
Total revenue from tax & A-in-A's |
26.7% |
25.9% |
25.2% |
25.8% |
25.0% |
24.7% |
24.4% |
78. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance if he has been invited to the European Parliament's economic and monetary affairs dialogue hearings and his response to any invitation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17946/16]
View answerThe Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs of the European Parliament extended an invitation to me, in late 2015, under Article 2a of Regulation 1467/97 (as amended by Regulation 1177/2011) and Article 14(3) of Regulation 472/2013 (Two-Pack regulation, which provides for Post Programme Surveillance) to appear before the Committee as part of an economic dialogue and exchange of views with Committee Members.
Owing to Parliamentary work commitments surrounding the Finance Bill, the Deposit Guarantee Scheme legislation and the subsequent announcement of the pending general election it was agreed to take up the invitation later in 2016, following the general election. The Committee has been in contact again and the invitation is currently under consideration.
I was also invited by the Committee to attend an exchange of views on a budgetary capacity for the Eurozone on 11 July 2016 along with other Eurozone Ministers. It was decided at EuroGroup that Mr Djesselblom, President of EuroGroup, would attend before the Committee on behalf of the Eurogroup.
79. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the value of investments the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund has made in fossil fuel-related investments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17947/16]
View answerThe Ireland Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF) informs me that its exposure to fossil fuel companies is in its global portfolio. The global portfolio is a transition portfolio the purpose of which is to manage the legacy assets inherited from its predecessor fund, the National Pensions Reserve Fund (NPRF) as the Fund transitions fully into Irish assets. In keeping with the ISIF's mandate to hold or invest its assets (other than directed investments) on a commercial basis in a manner designed to support economic activity and employment in Ireland, these legacy investments are being sold by ISIF over time to fund Irish investment commitments as they arise.
In the absence of a globally accepted definition and list of fossil fuel companies, a company by company analysis of the Fund's entire holdings would be necessary to determine the full exposure. A preliminary and unaudited value of the Fund's investment in the Oil, Gas and Consumable Fuels industry group, as defined by the leading equity index provided by MSCI Inc, indicates exposure of approximately €79m of equity, representing 1% of the Fund's investments as of 31 December 2015. However, the Fund is currently undergoing a significant reshaping of its Global portfolio and current exposure is significantly reduced - estimated to be approximately €50m via both equity and fixed income exposures.
