Written Answers Nos. 642-666
642. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her views on a matter (details supplied) regarding early years education; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8797/17]
View answerI believe that staff in the childcare sector have a critical role to play in delivering high quality childcare services and that they deserve to be valued and respected for the important role they play with our children. Because childcare costs to parents in Ireland are one of the highest in the OECD, we need to address affordability and quality at the same time. My Department is not an employer of childcare workers but it is a significant funder of childcare services. I am very conscious that there is an issue with regard to the pay and conditions of workers in the sector and my Department is engaging with the early years sector to explore how this can be addressed in the short, medium and long term.
The Programme for Government commits to carrying out an independent review of the cost of providing quality childcare. This commitment aligns closely with work on the design and development of a new Single Affordable Childcare Scheme, and we are progressing this work in that context. The review will feed into future policy development, including in relation to levels of payments to services.
I am pleased that the last two budgets delivered a 35% increase each year in funding for childcare. In Budget 2017, this amounted to an increase of €121.5m for Early Years, increasing investment from €345m per annum to €466.5m. This represents an additional €86m for the full year 2017 costs of the extension of ECCE, the further roll out of the Access and Inclusion Model (AIM) within ECCE and, €35.5 for further measures to address affordability and quality. For the first time, total early years spending (including spending on infant classes in primary schools) will now exceed €1 billion per year. We need to continue to invest and I will be arguing for further increase in funding in Budget 2018.
To go some way towards addressing cost pressures faced by providers in the sector, I have secured €10m to enable providers to be paid for non-contact time, where they will have no children present and they will be able to pay staff to concentrate on administrative workload. Services themselves can decide how to use the payment when it is received. For the average ECCE service with 25 children, this will mean an additional annual payment of approximately €2,400 per annum. We are also giving additional funding to CCS and TEC providers on a pro-rata basis to acknowledge their administrative burden.
The Affordable Childcare Scheme, when introduced, will replace CCS and TEC and will have recognition of non-contact time built into its cost base. In addition, I made provision under Budget 2017 for a fund of €1m to assist in the investigation of sustainability issues being faced by childcare providers, and to develop a policy to guide any future interventions.
I want to reiterate my respect for childcare professionals, and I am committed to addressing these issues effectively. As the Deputy may know, I established the Early Years Forum shortly after my appointment, and my Department and I will continue to engage with the sector on these important matters. The next meeting of the Forum is scheduled to take place on March 6th, 2017.
643. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will provide a list of the members of the taskforce for the LGBT youth strategy, their title and their organisation. [8100/17]
View answerThe following table names the members of the Oversight Committee and the organisations they represent:
|
Organisation |
Name |
|
Independent Chair |
Una Mullally |
|
Transgender Equality Network Ireland |
Catherine Cross, Family Support and Education Officer |
|
Gay and Lesbian Equality Network |
Áine Duggan,CEO |
|
TUSLA |
Cormac Quinlan, Interim Director of Policy and Strategy |
|
BeLonG To |
Moninne Griffith, Executive Director BeLonG To |
|
Dept. of Justice and Equality |
Deaglán O’Briain, Principal Officer, Equality and Human Rights |
|
Irish Congress of Trade Unions |
Fiona Dunne, Programme Manager |
|
National Youth Council of Ireland |
Mary Cunningham, Director |
|
National Youth Council of Ireland |
Siona Cahill,Vice President for Equality and Citizenship, Union of Students Ireland |
|
Sport Ireland |
Dr Una May, Director of Participation and Ethics |
|
Dept. of Children and Youth Affairs |
Olive McGovern, Assistant Principal,Youth Affairs |
|
Dept. of Children and Youth Affairs |
Mary Robb,Quality Standards Officer |
|
Health Service Executive |
Diane Nurse,National Lead,National Social Inclusion Office |
|
Dept. of Education and Skills |
Gavan O’Leary,Principal Officer, Central Policy Unit Alternate: Grainne Morrissey, Assistant Principal,Central Policy Unit |
Una Mullally, Independent Chair is a journalist, broadcaster, producer, author, activist and spoken word artist.
644. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the post-primary student population by individual school in County Louth for the school year 2013-2014; the number of post-primary pupil suspensions by individual school in County Louth for the school year 2013-2014; the number of post-primary pupil expulsions by individual school in County Louth for the school year 2013-2014; the post-primary student population nationally for the school year 2013-2014; the total number of post-primary pupil expulsions nationally for the school year 2013-2014; and the total number of post-primary pupil suspensions nationally for the school year 2013-2014. [8173/17]
View answerTusla has advised that the Agency does not hold data in relation to school populations. This is retained by the Department of Education and Skills. The other information requested by the Deputy is in the following tables.
|
County Louth |
||
|
School Year 2013/2014 |
||
|
Students Expelled |
Students Suspended |
|
|
School A |
0 |
4 |
|
School B |
4 |
19 |
|
School C |
0 |
14 |
|
School D |
0 |
27 |
|
School E |
0 |
8 |
|
School F |
0 |
12 |
|
School G |
0 |
9 |
|
School H |
0 |
42 |
|
School I |
2 |
81 |
|
School J |
0 |
34 |
|
School K |
3 |
68 |
|
School L |
0 |
24 |
|
School M |
0 |
74 |
|
School N |
0 |
7 |
|
School O |
0 |
26 |
|
Nationally School Year 2013/2014 |
||
|
Students Expelled |
Students Suspended |
|
|
All Schools |
145 |
13316 |
645. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if those persons working in the child care sector have been made aware of a 1997 High Court ruling (details supplied) which notes that those persons that have had child abuse allegations made against them have a constitutional obligation to be made aware of allegations made against them; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8182/17]
View answerTusla, the Child and Family Agency, has a current policy relating to adult disclosure of child sexual abuse cases, "Policy & Procedures for Responding to Allegations of Child Abuse & Neglect" (2014). This policy was prepared in the light of Court judgements, including the High Court ruling referred to by the Deputy, and legal advice obtained by Tusla.
Section 2 of the policy states that: “The Child and Family Agency must ensure that all persons who have allegations made against them are treated fairly, with due consideration given to their right to know who has made the allegations, the nature of the allegations and the right to reply to them. No final conclusion in respect of the allegations should be made until such time as the alleged abuser has had the opportunity to reply and participate in the social work assessment process."
The handling of retrospective disclosures is a complex issue, and the policy and procedures on their handling recognises the practical difficulties that can often arise in relation to alleged events, which may have occurred many years ago. Tusla's policy and procedures aim to preserve a person’s right to fair procedure where there is an allegation involved. Tusla will and does act on behalf of the child where there is a credible report of risk involved.
646. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of children who had previously been living in direct provision who were subsequently placed in care; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8331/17]
View answerThe direct provision system is under the policy remit of my colleague, the Minister for Justice and Equality. I understand that Tusla, the Child and Family Agency records any relevant information on the child's individual files, including where they have been living, but does not collate data in the manner requested by the Deputy.
Children living in direct provision are in the care of their parent(s). Concerns about the welfare, safety or well-being of a child in direct provision are reported to the Child and Family Agency, Tusla, in line with Children First guidelines. I would note that Tusla has seconded a social work team leader to the Reception and Integration Agency, in the Department of Justice and Equality, to assist with their work with families living in direct provision.
647. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the reason for the large divergences in the granting of care orders by different courts; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8332/17]
View answerTusla, the Child and Family Agency may receive a child into care on a voluntary basis or following an application to the Courts. There are a range of orders provided for under the Child Care Act 1991, as amended. I can confirm that Tusla does not hold data on the reasons for the divergences in the granting of care orders by different courts. Decisions on the variation or discharge of a care order are a matter for the relevant Court and I am not in a position to comment on these.
The application for a care order is a serious step and Tusla makes every effort to identify supports or actions that could act as an alternate approach. Tusla engages with parents and children in the preparation of an application for a care order, except where this is not possible or it may not be appropriate under the circumstances. The Court may seek a range of reports or the assistance of a Guardian ad Litem before coming to a decision. It may be of interest to the Deputy that the Courts Service provides some data on the activity in the District Courts in respect of applications for care order to the Child Care Law Reporting Project and this is published on its website, www.childlawproject.ie.
648. Deputy Hildegarde Naughton asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if her attention has been drawn to the irregular nature of payments under the ECCE scheme; if she will arrange for such payments to be made on a regular, monthly basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8569/17]
View answerThe payment calendar for the ECCE scheme is published in advance of the programme year and begins with an advance payment to services. This provides a balance between efficiency and certainty for providers on levels of payment. The 2017-18 payment calendar is currently under consideration and will be circulated to services well in advance of that programme year.
Provision of clear advance notice of a structured calendar informed by service need will ensure that services can put in place appropriate financial plans to maintain their services throughout the year.
649. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs when the national child care information system will be fully rolled out in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8594/17]
View answerInvestment in ICT infrastructure is essential to support both social workers and other staff in their work. The capital provision for Tusla, the Child and Family Agency in 2016 included provision for the continued roll out of the National Child Care Information System (NCCIS). Tusla has also been provided with the full amount of capital funding requested for 2017 to continue the roll out of the system. The NCCIS will operate as the central national database supporting the provision of child welfare and protection services and it is a key priority for Tusla.
The system has been piloted in Tusla’s Mid-West region (North Tipperary, Clare and Limerick). Tusla intends to roll out the system nationally in each of the seventeen areas between now and the end of 2018.
Access to the NCCIS system will ensure that every social work department has a user-friendly technology solution to record the case history of every child, who is the subject of a child protection or welfare concern, from the point of initial referral to case closure. The system will also have the capacity to facilitate the integration and sharing of information on child protection and welfare cases between Tusla areas where appropriate.
650. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the cost of upgrading information technology systems and-or databases to incorporate the use of Eircode postcodes; if the use of Eircode postcodes is mandatory in her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8627/17]
View answerThe use of the Eircode location code did not necessitate any upgrade to my Department's information technology systems or databases and as such, no costs were incurred in relation to its application. However, the Deputy might note that Eircode is featured on all Departmental business cards, headed stationery and used in all email signatures and other outgoing correspondence originating in the Department. As regards inbound communications, it is a matter for individuals and organisations to determine how they want to use Eircode.
651. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she is satisfied that the current out-of-hours social work system meets the needs of children and families nationwide that are in need of support and protection; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8718/17]
View answerTusla, the Child and Family Agency provides a range of out-of-hours services to all areas of the country, aimed at addressing emergency situations in the area of child welfare and protection. In the main, these emergency situations arise out of hours.
Out-of-Hours Services are provided outside of normal office hours including Saturdays, Sundays and Bank holidays. These services can be contacted directly by An Garda Síochána, hospital staff or other professionals who have a concern regarding the safety and welfare of a child outside of normal office hours. Where a young person is referred, or self refers, out of office hours and are out of home and seeking accommodation, an initial social work assessment is carried out to ensure the safety and welfare of the young person. Where a young person who is out of home, and requires accommodation for the night, there are a number of placement options available suited to the child's age and vulnerability. An emergency placement may be provided until the next working day when the case can be referred to the local Tusla Social Work Department. Out-of-Hours services are currently provided to all areas of the country under the following arrangements:
- The Crisis Intervention Service (CIS) provides an Out-of-Hours emergency social work service to young people aged 0 -18 years who are in crisis and reside in Counties Dublin, Kildare and Wicklow.
- The Cork Out-of-Hours Service provides an emergency social work service to young people aged 0 -18 years in crisis who reside in the Cork North Lee and Cork South Lee areas.
- The Emergency Out-of-Hours Social Work Service covers areas outside of Counties Dublin, Kildare, Wicklow and Cork city. This service allows An Garda Síochána to contact a national emergency social work out-of-hours phone service for general advice or consultation. This on call service is staffed by social workers operating from the out-of-hours service in Dublin, supported by on-call social workers in different parts of the country. The social workers providing this service are employed by Tusla.
In 2017, Tusla plans to coordinate the three existing out-of-hours services into a national service.
The aim of Out-of-Hours Social Work Services is to ensure that the disruption and upset to which children may be exposed in emergency situations is minimised and the rights of parents and guardians are respected.
652. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if a meeting took place as requested by a counsellor dealing with an alleged child abuse case in 2013 (details supplied); if Tusla has a record of the outcome of that meeting, if it took place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8722/17]
View answerThe Deputy's question would appear to refer to matters that have been reported in the media recently. I understand that the counsellor involved in the case referred to in the Deputy's question was an employee of a service that is provided by the Health Service Executive, and that this question is one of the issues to be examined by a Tribunal of Inquiry. This matter will be dealt with in this form.
653. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will publish the September 2016 interim report from the commission of investigation into mother and baby homes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8785/17]
View answerAs I have previously confirmed, it is my intention to publish the Second Interim Report of the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby homes.
Given the broad scope of the Commission's work a number of issues in the Report extend beyond the remit of the Department of Children and Youth Affairs. Therefore, it has been necessary for me to consult with Cabinet colleagues and the Attorney General on these matters.
I do acknowledge that this process has taken longer than I initially envisaged and I am sensitive to the expectations of former residents and their advocates in this regard. For this reason, I also want assure the Deputy that the Government's consideration of this Interim Report is not affecting progress of the Commission's investigations.
654. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the EU funds her Department accesses; the plans she is putting in place to access these funds to a greater degree in view of Brexit; if she will outline initiatives she is pursuing to establish access to new funds in view of the challenge of Brexit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8801/17]
View answerMy Department has access to the PEACE IV Programme 2014 - 2020 through which European Regional Development Fund investment is available to support activities in a number of areas, including children and young people. This is a valuable programme and I am keen to ensure that my Department derives the full benefit from the available funds.
There is strong awareness of the impact that Brexit poses for all sectors within the Irish economy. My objective will be to continue to identify all opportunities, including potential funding streams, to overcome any challenges that may impact on the lives of children, young people and their families.
655. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if, regarding job activation programmes for persons on jobseeker's allowance, any person in his Department or on behalf of his Department is inviting persons to participate in any programme in Army barracks in view of the fact that some persons were notified that there would be a two-week course in the Army barracks in Cork and a further six-week course in Limerick Army barracks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8385/17]
View answerThe Programme for a Partnership Government and the White Paper on Defence committed the Government to putting in place a new employment support scheme with the direct involvement of the Defence Forces.
The objective of this scheme is to help develop a path to economic independence for participants, aged between 18 and 24 years, who are at a serious disadvantage owing to their current socio-economic situation. The scheme is designed with the specific aim of equipping participants with life and other marketable and certifiable skills which will assist them both in their capacity to participate fully in society as well as their ability to enter the workforce and or to pursue further education for this purpose. Participation in the scheme is voluntary.
The scheme and the programme content have been developed through detailed discussions involving the Department of Defence, the Defence Forces, the Department of Social Protection and the Dublin and Dun-Laoghaire Education and Training Board. The Department of Social Protection identifies suitable participants. Participants retain any Department of Social Protection benefits that they are currently entitled to for the duration of the Scheme. Participants do not receive any payment from the Department of Defence.
The scheme is a training programme of ten (10) weeks duration, consisting of five (5) weeks of training delivered by the Defence Forces interspersed with five (5) weeks of educational orientated training by the Education and Training Board.
A successful pilot programme was held in Gormanston Camp from Monday 20th June 2016 to 26th August 2016 with 25 participants. Following an evaluation of the pilot programme and Ministerial approval, the current plan is to run up to 2 iterations of programme in 2017.
A programme will commence in Limerick on 22nd May 2017. The Department of Social Protection invited 1,006 persons selected from the Live Register in counties Clare and Limerick aged between 18 and 24 years to attend information sessions about the scheme.
260 persons attended the information sessions which were held on 16th and 17th January 2017 which were conducted jointly by personnel from the Defence Forces and Department of Social Protection. There are 30 places on the programme and the selection process is ongoing.
656. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will instruct the military authorities to convene a military medals board to review the entitlement of the 155 men of A Company of the 35th Infantry Battalion, that served with the UN in 1961, to a medal for their service during the Jadotville siege; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8129/17]
View answerThe issue of the award of medals to the men of “A” Company, 35th Infantry Battalion was comprehensively addressed in 1965. A properly constituted Medals Board considered the various cases presented and made a decision that no medals would be awarded. The Chief of Staff of the day considered the decision of the Board and was satisfied with the findings. Subsequently, the question was raised again in a letter to a newly appointed Chief of Staff. He forwarded the letter to the original Medals Board and asked that they reconvene and review their decision. The Board indicated that the issues raised had received due consideration and that they were not prepared to alter their findings. On the occasion of the 55th anniversary of the Siege of Jadotville, I decided to issue a Unit Citation to honour the collective actions and bravery of the men of “A” Company. I organised and hosted a ceremony in Custume Barracks, Athlone on Saturday 17th September 2016 at which a Unit Citation was presented to the Company in recognition of their collective heroism and professional performance during the Siege of Jadotville whilst cut-off from support and reinforcements.
During the ceremony I presented a copy of the Citation to each member of the Unit or next-of-kin in the case of deceased members. This was the first time a Unit Citation was awarded within the Defence Forces and I was delighted to be able to formally recognise the brave actions of these men. In addition, a specially commissioned insignia will be provided to the members and the next of kin of deceased members of “A” company in the coming weeks.
These are awards that are used internationally by other militaries to recognise those Units that have served with particular distinction. I am satisfied that the events and happenings to date, in particular the award of a unit citation and specially commissioned Insignia, properly honour the collective bravery of the men of “A” Company.
657. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will give consideration towards honouring and paying respect to the thousands of Irish soldiers that served along the Border during the Troubles in Northern Ireland by issuing a service medal to serving and retired Defence Forces personnel in this category; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8383/17]
View answerI wish to state clearly that the Government deeply appreciates and values the contribution of the many members of the Defence Forces who served along the border during the period we have all come to know as the ‘Troubles’ in Northern Ireland. I have no doubt that my predecessors in various Governments over the years share that appreciation and depth of gratitude.
There are currently two medals that mark the service of personnel with either the Permanent Defence Force or the Reserve Defence Force. The medal known as the “The Service Medal” may be awarded to an officer, non-commissioned officer or private of the Defence Forces, or a member of the Army Nursing or Chaplaincy Service who possess the qualifying criteria for the award. The qualifying service for officers and members of the Chaplaincy Service and Army Nursing Service is 5,475 days satisfactory and continuous service. The qualifying service for NCOs and Privates is 3,650 days satisfactory and continuous service.
“The Service Medal (Reserve Defence Force)” (formerly known as the The Service Medal FCA and An Slua Muirí) was introduced in 1961 for members and former members of the Reserve and is awarded after 7 years service.
The award of either of these medals to qualifying personnel reflects the service given by those personnel to either the Permanent Defence Force or the Reserve Defence Force as the case may be, and by extension the wider public, during the periods for which they served.
Whilst acknowledging the significant role of all Defence Forces personnel to the security of the State throughout the period of the ‘Troubles’, I am satisfied that these medals meet the need of marking service of personnel with either the Permanent Defence Force or Reserve Defence Force as the case may be, and I have no plans to introduce additional medals in this regard.
658. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence when additional air traffic controllers and Air Corps pilots will be recruited for Baldonnel Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8430/17]
View answerCurrently in the Air Corps there are 28 cadets, in 3 classes, undergoing the various stages of the Air Corps cadetship to become pilots. There are currently 8 Air Corps cadets in the final stages of their training with commissioning of these cadets likely to take place in Quarter 4 of this year. In addition, a Cadet Recruitment campaign is due to commence in the coming weeks, with a view to the commencement of training in September 2017. Four personnel will complete their Air Traffic Control training between May and September this year. The Air Corps is currently inducting a further Air Traffic Control Course, and it is anticipated that up to eight (8) will be selected for training, with the aim of qualifying in May 2018 and May 2019. A new NCO promotion competition, to fill the ranks of Sergeants and above, including those in the Air Corps, has been launched.
659. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of vacancies currently in the Naval Service; his plans to expand the service up to 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8431/17]
View answerThe numerical establishment of the Naval Service is 1,094 personnel. As of the 17th February, 2017, the strength figure stood at 1,056. Plans are in place to run new General Service and Cadet recruitment competitions in the coming weeks. The recruits from these competitions will help fill current vacancies and help reach the overall establishment figure of 9,500 personnel for the combined elements of the Defence Forces. In addition Direct Entry Competitions are held as required so as to fill specialist appointments.
The current Naval Service Ship replacement programme has already seen the replacement of three Naval Service vessels. The White Paper underpins the ongoing replacement of the Naval Service fleet. An agreement was reached in June 2016 for the provision of an additional ship for the Naval Service to be built to the same specifications as the three newest vessels. This ship is scheduled for delivery in mid 2018. The delivery of future Naval Service capabilities is being planned as part of the White Paper project planning process.
660. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the measures being taken to strengthen the Reserve Defence Force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8538/17]
View answerMy Government colleagues and I recognise the important role that the Reserve Defence Force has played in contributing to Ireland’s defence capability, and in particular, to the voluntary service which has been the hallmark of the Reserve. The Government appreciates the service of the members of the Reserve and the White Paper on Defence is clear that there is a continued requirement to retain and develop the Reserve.
Recruitment to both the PDF and RDF remains a priority in 2017. The last RDF General Service Recruitment Competition was launched in Sept ember 2015 and closed on the 31st December, 2016. In total, there were 5,891 (726 Females) applications for this competition. It is anticipated that the next RDF recruitment campaign will commence in July of this year. However, until then the RDF will continue to induct from the 2015/2016 panel, subject to applicants satisfying all induction criteria.
As the Deputy will be aware, a key challenge is to recruit, train and retain sufficient personnel to meet the reserve establishment provided for in the White Paper. In the context of both finite resources and personnel, it is necessary to strike an appropriate balance in terms of PDF and RDF recruitment, so as to deliver the desired effects of maintaining the capacity of the Defence Forces to undertake all roles assigned to it by Government and to advance the single force structure.
661. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the level of consultation he had with the Department of Education and Skills or Cavan-Monaghan ETB regarding the future use of the Dún Uí Néill Army Barracks in County Cavan. [8574/17]
View answerThe consolidation of the Defence Forces formations into a smaller number of locations was a key objective of the Defence modernisation programme. On 15th November 2011, the Government approved a proposal for the Minister for Defence to proceed with the closure of four military barracks including Dun Ui Neill Barracks, Cavan. In February 2013 the sale of the Barracks to County Cavan Vocational Education Committee was completed.
Therefore there is no ongoing discussion/consultation with either the Department of Education and Skills or Cavan Monaghan ETB regarding the future use of the Barracks.
662. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the cost of upgrading information technology systems and databases to incorporate the use of Eircode postcodes; if the use of Eircode postcodes is mandatory in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8629/17]
View answerThere has been no cost incurred by my Department in relation to the upgrading of information technology systems and/or databases to incorporate the use of Eircode. My Department’s financial systems already have the functionality to capture and maintain postcode data. The use of Eircode is not mandatory in my Department. However, all staff have been advised to use Eircode in communications.
663. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the current position regarding Army Ranger Wing back pay (details supplied); if the minimum pay raise has or will be applied and the pay review carried out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8641/17]
View answerOn 27 September 2010 the Adjudicator under the Conciliation and Arbitration Scheme for members of the Permanent Defence Force awarded an increase in the Army Ranger Wing allowance. This award is backdated to 1 June 2006.
The Adjudicator’s Findings cannot be implemented having regard to the provisions of Sections 2 and 5 of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (No 2) Act 2009.
This adjudication is part of the outstanding adjudication findings covered under paragraph 1.16 of the Public Service Agreement 2010-2014. Paragraph 5.3 of the Public Service Stability Agreement 2013-2018, known as the Lansdowne Road Agreement, states that “The Parties have agreed that any outstanding adjudications as referred to in paragraph 1.16 of the Public Service Agreement 2010-2014 will be reviewed jointly by the Parties prior to the expiry of this agreement.” The review mechanism is the subject of ongoing consideration in the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.
664. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the date of the most recent air quality test carried out within the Air Corps main technical stores, Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel, and adjoining office complex; and if he will provide the results of this test. [8657/17]
View answerI am informed by the Military Authorities that an air quality test was carried out in main technical stores, Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel and adjoining office complex on the 9th February 2017 by an external assessor. The report from this test is expected to be published 3/4 weeks from the date of testing.
665. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the EU funds his Department accesses; the plans he is putting in place to access these funds to a greater degree in view of Brexit; if he will outline initiatives he is pursuing to establish access to new funds in view of the challenge of Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8803/17]
View answerThe Department of Defence currently has the opportunity to access EU funding under Ireland’s European Maritime and Fisheries Fund Operational Programme (2014 – 2020) which was adopted on 4 December 2015 by the European Commission. The Operational Programme provides for funding of €18.5 million, of which €12 million is EU funding, for the replacement and upgrade of ships and aircraft, for undertaking Specific Control Inspection Programmes and for other control priorities.
In addition the programme provides for shared funding with the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority of €5.5 million, of which €4.95 million is EU funded, for the renewal of technologies as well as for training and compliance promotion. In addition, the Department of Defence is also accessing EU funding through the Horizon 2020 programme. Government approved arrangements in July 2011, whereby Enterprise Ireland (EI) would support the Department of Defence and Defence Forces capability development through engagement with Irish-based enterprise and research institutes on the use and application of innovative civilian technologies in the military sphere.
The Government decision allows for greater engagement with EI and EI supported companies, which contributes to Defence Forces capabilities across the full range of its activities. It is through this engagement that the Defence Forces and the Department of Defence has been involved in accessing EU funds under the Horizon 2020 programme. Horizon 2020 is an EU Research and Innovation programme with nearly €80 billion of funding available over 7 years (2014 to 2020). The Defence Forces has been involved, as a consortium member, in a number of proposals for Horizon 2020 funding since the launch of the programme and enjoyed their first success in 2016 as a consortium member of the ROCSAFE project. Over the next three years, funding of up to €90,000 can be accessed for the Defence Forces role in this project.
A further defence related proposal, known as the European Defence Action Plan was made by the Commission in November, 2016 which includes details of a future European Defence Fund. The purpose of this Fund is to promote research and innovation and contribute to the strengthening of the European defence technological and industrial base, and to further stimulate the development of key defence capabilities. The Commission has proposed that the fund would have a research and capability windows.
Under the "research window", €90m in funding would be made available for collaborative defence research projects over the period 2017-2020 in what is known as the “Preparatory Action”. The Commission also propose that post 2020, a European Defence Research Programme will be established with funding of €500m per annum. It should be noted that this has yet to be negotiated as part of the post 2020 Multiannual Financial Framework. The “capability window” of the fund may also bring opportunities for Irish Industry.
While the Action Plan is at the very early stages and a lot has yet to be finalised, a co-ordinated approach is being adopted by relevant Government Departments to ensure that Ireland is optimally positioned to avail of the industrial and employment opportunities that may eventually arise from the Commission proposals. In that regard, officials in my Department are co-ordinating with their counterparts in other Government Departments in relation to the proposals. These include the Departments of Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform, and Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation.
As the UK has not left the EU and withdrawal negotiations cannot begin until Article 50 has been triggered by the UK, it will not be known what impact Brexit may have on these two particular EU Programmes for some time. The Government has adopted a contingency framework to deal with all issues arising in respect of the UK vote to leave the EU. Accordingly, any issues arising will be addressed within that framework.
I am satisfied that all efforts are being made to access EU funding that is available to the Defence sector.
666. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the public funding supplied to trade unions and representative bodies in 2015 and 2016 from his Department in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9096/17]
View answerFull details of the public funding supplied to the representative bodies under the aegis of my Department in 2015 and 2016 are shown in the following table:
|
Representative Association |
2015 |
2016 |
|
PDFORRA |
€168,797 |
€168,797 |
|
RACO |
€47,535 |
€47,535 |
|
RDFRA |
€52,694 |
€52,694 |
