Tuesday, 24 Oct 2017

Written Answers Nos. 158-171

State Examinations

Questions (158)

John Brassil

Question:

158. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding leaving certificate results; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44953/17]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

The State Examinations Commission has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the certificate examinations.

In view of this I have forwarded the Deputy's query to the State Examinations Commission for direct reply.

Data Retention

Questions (159)

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

159. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason persons must provide their PPSN when taking part in workshops that are part funded by an education and training board; if this information is shared with other organisations or agencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44969/17]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills

A key aspect of the Further Education and Training (FET) Strategy 2014-2019 is to ensure that good data is available to support planning and funding of effective and high quality programmes.

SOLAS and the Education and Training Boards (ETBs) have developed a new FET data system, entitled the ‘Programme and Learner Support System’ (PLSS), to provide a single platform for information on Further Education and Training (FET) courses and the profile of learners.  PLSS comprises a national FET course calendar, a national FET programme database and a national FET learner database.  PLSS supports evidence based planning, co-ordination and funding of FET provision.  The public facing element of the PLSS, www.fetchcourses.ie, which was launched last year, provides information on over 6,000 FET courses that are available nationwide and facilitates online application for courses.

The PLSS has been fully implemented since January of this year.  The PPSN is used as the unique identifier of participants within the PLSS. SOLAS is a ‘specified body’ under the Social Welfare Consolidation Act, 2005 and is legally permitted to collect PPS numbers.  The register of PPSN users on the DEASP website includes SOLAS and confirmation by SOLAS that it complies with the eight rules of Data Protection.  SOLAS has procedures to ensure personal data is kept secure.  Measures such as physical security and  restricted access in the case of physical records and firewalls, user access controls, passwords, encryption and other appropriate technologies in relation to electronic records are in place to ensure full compliance.

 PLSS was developed in full compliance with the Data Protection Acts, 1988 and 2003.

In relation to the sharing of the data, the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection (DEASP) transfers appropriate client data when it refers clients to the ETBs for participation in FET courses.  These referrals necessitate the transfer of client data by the DEASP when making the initial referral to the ETBs and subsequently the provision of feedback to DEASP on their client participation in FET courses (e.g. acceptance, attendance, completion, etc.). The DEASP may share FET learner data with SOLAS and the ETBs on the basis of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act, 2005 which provides for the exchange of information between the DEASP and specified bodies. 

The PPSN is a mandatory requirement for QQI certification and is shared with Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) in respect of learners on certified programmes for the purpose of the issue of awards.  Learner data is also shared with my Department in the context of the annual October returns which are used to inform funding and the allocation of teachers.  All learners who register on the PLSS acknowledge that they are aware that their data will be shared with named bodies.

Cyber Security Policy

Questions (160)

Alan Farrell

Question:

160. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Education and Skills the steps taken by his Department to enhance knowledge of cyber-security risks and protection measures among students in the education system at both primary and post-primary level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44981/17]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

School management authorities are responsible for having appropriate policies and supports in place for students who encounter cyber related issues while at school. My Department provides information and specialist support including training for teachers and schools to support their planning in this area.

Awareness on Internet Safety for Schools is carried out by the Professional Development Service for Teachers (PDST- Technology in Education) in partnership with the Safety Internet Ireland Project. The PDST is a cross-sectoral support services, operating under the remit of the Department of Education and Skills. Awareness raising is carried out through a Webwise Initiative which was set up in 2005 by the PDST Technology Team and which continues to be developed to reflect new technologies and the changing use of social media.

The Webwise Initiative is part of the Safer Internet Ireland Project coordinated by the Office for Internet Safety (an Executive Office of the Department of Justice & Equality) to develop national initiatives promoting the safer use of electronic media and enhance protection of the vulnerable, particularly children, against the downside of the internet. Webwise promotes the autonomous, effective, and safer use of the internet by young people through a sustained information and awareness strategy targeting parents, teachers, and children themselves with consistent and relevant messages including guidance on Acceptable Usage in schools. The PDST Technology Team develops and disseminate resources that help teachers integrate internet safety into teaching and learning in their schools.

Under the Digital Strategy for Schools 2015-2020 one of the key objectives is to promote responsible and ethical use of the internet and related technologies and to continue to undertake awareness-raising actions and programmes that promote responsible and ethical use of the internet in close cooperation with all relevant actors at European, national and local level.

Social Personal Health Education (SPHE) is a mandatory subject at primary level and is mandatory up to junior cycle in post-primary schools. Relationship and Sexuality Education (RSE) is a module of SPHE which is taught in an age appropriate holistic manner. Respectful communication, friendships, relationships, personal safety and influences and decisions are all components of SPHE. The SPHE curriculum also promotes media awareness and helps children to examine and explore various forms of media.

The PDST provides continuing professional development for teachers to improve the quality of teaching and learning in primary and post primary schools. Within PDST, there is a team of nineteen full time personnel focusing on health and well-being, with the goal of helping schools to develop and promote students’ mental, emotional, social, sexual, personal and physical health in the context of a positive health-promoting school environment. The programmes offered by this team include:

- Well-being post-primary in-service programme (including RSE, Sexual orientation and homophobia, Alcohol and drugs, Internet safety and cyber-bullying, Role of the SPHE coordinator)

- Child Protection (provision of seminars for primary and post-primary designated liaison persons)

- Anti-bullying workshops (provision of workshops for primary and post-primary schools on the Department’s Anti-Bullying Procedures and policy, seminars on anti-bullying awareness- raising, interventions and prevention strategies)

- PE (primary and post-primary PE communities of practice)

- RSE workshops for primary schools

- In-school support (e.g. for the Staysafe programme)

- Junior and Senior Cycle Personal Safety

Schools Building Projects Status

Questions (161)

Róisín Shortall

Question:

161. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of a school building project (details supplied) as part of the successful planning process pursuant to the timeline information issued by his Department in August 2017; if land acquisition is complete; if the tender documents have been prepared; if the tender date of October 2017, as referred to in his Department's correspondence of August 2017, will be achieved; and the timeline for each stage of the process to completion. [45066/17]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

The site acquisition for the school in question is at a very advanced stage of conveyancing. At the same time the Final Grant of planning has been received and tender documents are in preparation.  It is not possible to give an exact timeline for proceeding to tender at this stage. However when the site acquisition is complete the project will then progress to tender.

Northern Ireland

Questions (162, 166)

Micheál Martin

Question:

162. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the comments made by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Mr. Brokenshire, at the House of Commons Select Committee on Northern Ireland Affairs regarding UK intervention post 30 October 2017 in Northern Ireland due to the lack of progress on the Northern Assembly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44746/17]

Darragh O'Brien

Question:

166. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on the political situation in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44888/17]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I propose to take Questions Nos. 162 and 166 together.

The Government is determined, as co-guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement, to do everything in our power to ensure that all of its institutions are operating effectively, including the devolved Assembly and power-sharing Executive in Northern Ireland and the North-South Ministerial Council.

I remain in continuing and direct contact with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, James Brokenshire, and the political parties in Belfast as both Governments continue intensive work to support and encourage the parties in achieving the urgent and essential objective of forming a new Executive within the mandate of the current Assembly.

There has been sustained engagement between the DUP and Sinn Féin over the last number of weeks in order to resolve key differences which have proved an obstacle to them forming a new Executive, and both parties are continuing these discussions.

As the two parties mandated to lead the next Executive, it is for them in the first instance to establish a basis on which a new administration can work. I have continued to encourage the parties to stretch themselves to reach an agreement which is consistent with their electoral mandates and which reflects the principles of mutual respect, parity of esteem and partnership.

I do not underestimate the differences that remain to be resolved in order for such an agreement to be reached. However, I believe that these can be resolved within the timeframe set out by the Secretary of State last week. Time is now a very real factor, with budgetary and other necessary decisions looming in relation to the provision of public services in Northern Ireland. These need to be addressed by effective and sustainable devolved government in Northern Ireland, as provided for under the Good Friday Agreement. The Government’s focus remains firmly on the restoration of the Executive. The essential work of the North South Ministerial Council also needs to urgently recommence, not least in the context of Brexit.

I am hopeful that the political parties will urgently and successfully conclude their discussions which will allow the Executive and Assembly, and indeed all of the institutions of the Good Friday Agreement, to function effectively.

On behalf of the Government, I will continue to make all possible efforts, working with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and the political parties, to support an agreement on the formation of a new power-sharing Executive in the immediate period ahead.

Humanitarian Aid Provision

Questions (163, 167)

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

163. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the action which has been taken at an international level to raise the plight of the Rohingya people who have been fleeing Myanmar in large numbers due to threats to their lives; the position regarding this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44800/17]

Darragh O'Brien

Question:

167. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on the position of the Rohingya; the efforts being made by the Government and international community to address this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44889/17]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I propose to take Questions Nos. 163 and 167 together.

The escalation of violence in Myanmar’s Rakhine State since 25 August has resulted in a devastating humanitarian crisis both within Rakhine State and in neighbouring Bangladesh, where more than 580,000 refugees, most of them members of the Rohingya community, have fled.

In response, the international community has sought to pursue political engagement to bring the violence to an end, to secure unfettered humanitarian and media access in Myanmar, to establish the impartial investigation of human rights abuses, and to achieve an outcome that permits refugees to return voluntarily and safely to their homes.

The roles played by the EU and UN in addressing the crisis have been important in this regard, and Ireland has contributed to the formulation of the EU policy response most recently elaborated in the Conclusions issued by the Foreign Affairs Council on 16 October.

The UN Security Council met three times between August 28 and September 13 to discuss the situation and was briefed by the UN Secretary General on the matter on 28 September. Furthermore, on 13 October the Security Council heard from Kofi Annan, Chair of the independent Advisory Commission on Rakhine State.

Ultimately, longstanding drivers of tensions between the Buddhist majority and the Muslim Rohingya communities of Rakhine State must be addressed and resolved. The report of the Annan-led Advisory Commission provides a roadmap to surmount the political, socio-economic and humanitarian challenges that currently face Rakhine State. The Government of Myanmar has committed to implementing its recommendations, which include proposals to alleviate poverty for all communities in Rakhine State and the resolution of issues that predominantly affect the Rohingya, such as citizenship. Ireland and the international community is calling for the recommendations to be comprehensively and swiftly implemented.

In tandem with political engagement, the response to the crisis has also sought to alleviate suffering and meet the immediate humanitarian needs of people displaced by violence in Rakhine State, especially those now in Bangladesh.

According to the UN, international humanitarian efforts have to date delivered emergency food assistance to nearly 490,000 people; water and sanitation support to 300,000 refugees and host communities; immunisation to 150,000 children; shelter kits to 150,000 people; and counselling and trauma support to over 50,000 people.

Looking ahead, the UN’s revised response plan for Bangladesh anticipates a humanitarian funding need of US$434 million over the next five months. To this end a Pledging Conference for the Rohingya Refugee Crisis was held in Geneva yesterday, 23 October, co-hosted by Kuwait and the EU.

Ireland is committed to supporting the crisis response and at the conference yesterday pledged €2m in direct support. We have provided €460,000 to the emergency response so far and have pledged to provide an additional €540,000 for programmes in the remainder of 2017. For 2018 we will allocate an indicative budget of €1m. Ireland is directing humanitarian and development support to key civil society and other trusted partners in Bangladesh and Myanmar, including the air shipment of vital supplies to affected communities.

Ireland will continue to closely monitor the humanitarian situation as it unfolds.

Human Rights Cases

Questions (164)

Seán Crowe

Question:

164. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Azerbaijan is refusing to release a person (details supplied) from an Azerbaijani prison; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that the person's imprisonment is in violation of a clear verdict of the European Court of Human Rights which ordered the person's immediate release on 22 May 2014; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Thorbjørn Jagland, is proposing to the Committee of Ministers that it ask the European Court of Human Rights to decide if Azerbaijan can be considered as acting in accordance with the European Convention of Human Rights; and his views on such a move. [44825/17]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I am deeply concerned by the case in question which involves an opposition politician, Mr. Ilgar Mammadov, whose arrest and pre-trial detention have been found by the European Court of Human Rights to have violated the Convention on Human Rights. Ireland has repeatedly called on the Government of Azerbaijan to release Mr Mammadov without delay and to fully implement the judgment in this and other related cases. Ireland is a firm supporter of the Council of Europe which it views as an indispensable platform for the promotion and protection of human rights standards across Europe. Ireland places particular emphasis on the importance of the European Convention on Human Rights and on the obligation on Member States to abide by a final judgment of the European Court of Human Rights in any case to which they are a party. In light of Azerbaijan’s ongoing refusal to implement this judgment, Ireland fully supports Secretary General Jagland’s proposal that the Committee of Ministers refer to the Court the question of whether Azerbaijan has failed to fulfil its obligation to abide by the judgment of the Court in this case. I would urge the Government of Azerbaijan to implement the judgment immediately, to avoid the need to refer the case to the Court.

Foreign Conflicts

Questions (165)

Darragh O'Brien

Question:

165. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the steps the Government is taking along with the international community to de-escalate tension between the United States and North Korea; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44887/17]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

The situation on the Korean Peninsula is a matter of grave concern to the government. The latest actions taken by North Korea, particularly the nuclear test on 3 September, are a major challenge to international efforts to advance global nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. This has been a longstanding goal of Ireland’s foreign policy. Our leadership on this critical global issue was given most recent expression when Ireland co-chaired the 31st Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) Plenary Meeting in Dublin last week. The deeply worrying developments in North Korea’s nuclear and missile programmes present a real threat to peace and security on the Korean Peninsula, the entire North East Asia region, and indeed beyond. Such actions represent a flagrant and provocative violation of North Korea’s international obligations not to conduct such tests. I have unreservedly condemned such actions. The government’s concerns are shared by EU partners. The Foreign Affairs Council adopted Council Conclusions on North Korea on 17 July this year. The Council stressed that lasting peace and the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula must be achieved through peaceful means. It highlighted the importance of the unity of the international community in addressing this challenge.

At its most recent meeting on 16 October, the Foreign Affairs Council adopted new EU autonomous restrictive measures against North Korea to further increase pressure on the regime to comply with its obligations. The measures complement and reinforce UN Security Council sanctions. The Foreign Affairs Council also agreed to actively lobby for a robust implementation of all relevant UN Security Council resolutions on the part of all UN member states.

The United Nations General Assembly in New York in September presented an opportunity for the international community to further demonstrate its resolve in this regard, and I conveyed Ireland’s grave concern about ongoing developments. I unreservedly condemned North Korea’s programme of missile and nuclear weapon testing in my address to the United Nations General Assembly.

Most recently this resolve to implement the sanctions regime was re-affirmed by the European Council on 19 October, and a commitment was made to consider further responses in close consultation with partners.

Throughout, we have been very clear in stating that North Korea must cease the series of provocative acts that have contributed to growing instability in the region and further afield. It must re-engage with discussions on the de-nuclearisation of the Korean peninsula, immediately and without pre-conditions. It must abandon its programmes to develop ballistic missiles, nuclear capabilities and weapons of mass destruction. It must carry out these processes in a manner that is complete, verifiable and irreversible.

Ireland fully supports the international sanctions regime against North Korea, and emphasises that continued disregard of its international obligations will only lead to increased diplomatic isolation. We believe greater emphasis should be placed on effective implementation of the sanctions regime, but further sanctions cannot be ruled out.

The deteriorating situation on the Korean Peninsula can only be resolved by peaceful means, and we have repeatedly underscored the urgent need for dialogue between all stakeholders. We will continue to be a strong voice for a peaceful outcome, and we will work closely with our international partners to this end.

Question No. 166 answered with Question No. 162.

Question No. 167 answered with Question No. 163.

Middle East Issues

Questions (168)

Darragh O'Brien

Question:

168. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the recent efforts at Government, EU and international level to bring about a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44890/17]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

Ireland, along with our EU partners, supports the achievement of a two state solution to the Middle East conflict. This support includes political efforts to encourage a resumption of direct negotiations, which are ultimately the only way to achieve peace, but also action on the ground on human rights and justice issues affecting Palestinians under occupation, including settlement activity, which are progressively endangering the prospects of such a peace agreement. Ireland has been an advocate of EU measures which distinguish between Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory such as the territorial clause in the EU-Israel research agreement and the guidelines on the labelling of products originating from the settlements.

The initiative led by France, which culminated at the Paris Conference in January this year, and which the Government fully supported, restated international support for the two state solution but was unable to achieve international agreement on how to revive the political process to reach that objective. In recent months the new United States administration has been actively exploring the possibilities for re-launching the process to reach a comprehensive peace agreement. This engagement is very welcome, and I have met myself with the US team to encourage their work and to underline to them the key parameters for an agreement which the EU has long espoused. In recent discussions with my EU colleagues, I have urged that the EU must both strongly support the US initiative, but also continue our own work on the ground to help preserve and create the political and physical space in which the two state solution can be achieved. I am actively exploring with EU colleagues how this can best be done.

Passport Applications

Questions (169)

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

169. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if a reply will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal who received a passport in May 2017 and to whom the documentation submitted, such as a birth certificate and other information, has not been returned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44922/17]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

The Passport Services aims to provide the best possible service to all citizens. As the Deputy will be aware, the person in question was issued with a passport in May this year. The Passport Service subsequently received correspondence from the person concerned in relation to matters that arose during the processing of the application. The Passport Services regrets the delay in responding to this correspondence. A reply will issue directly to the person concerned within five working days.

Irish Prisoners Abroad

Questions (170)

Darragh O'Brien

Question:

170. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45046/17]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I am pleased to be able to report that this long-running and complex consular case has now come to a positive conclusion and that this young Irish citizen is now enjoying his liberty again after spending more than four years in prison in Egypt. This young man was finally released from custody in Cairo on 19 October, and the Irish Embassy in Cairo was on hand to support him and to make accommodation arrangements for him at a private location. The Embassy team continued over the following days to provide him with all possible support and assistance, including in relation to the remaining paperwork and formalities necessary to facilitate his departure from Egypt. He and his family are asking that their privacy should now be respected.

This case has been one of the most complex, sensitive and difficult consular cases to which the Irish Government has ever responded. Work on this citizen’s behalf has involved significant and sustained effort at the highest Government levels, by Parliamentarians of all hues; engagement at a range of senior official and diplomatic levels; widespread consultation, dialogue and advocacy with EU partners and in many capitals; the harnessing of expertise in Egyptian and international law and other areas; and an exceptional commitment by many public servants and Embassy officials – both diplomats and locally engaged staff - over more than four years. We never lost sight of our two key objectives – to get this young man home, and to do everything possible to safeguard his rights and welfare for as long as he remained in the custody of the Egyptian authorities. I want to express very sincere thanks to everyone who has been part of this effort.

UN Resolutions

Questions (171)

Darragh O'Brien

Question:

171. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the Government is considering making resources available, be it financial, staffing or otherwise, to the investigation team in view of the passing of UN resolution 2379 on 21 September 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45047/17]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

UN Security Council Resolution 2379 (2017) concerns the creation of an independent Investigative Team, headed by a Special Adviser with the objective of collecting, preserving, and storing evidence of acts of Da’esh in Iraq that may amount to war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide. This evidence is then intended for eventual use in fair and independent criminal proceedings, consistent with applicable international law, conducted by competent national-level courts.

In relation to financial resources, the resolution envisages the establishment of a trust fund to receive voluntary contributions to create and operationalise this Investigative Team. The resolution has the support of the Iraqi authorities and its objectives tie in with the principles of our bilateral and EU humanitarian assistance programmes in Iraq. It also fits with the aims of the Global Coalition against Da’esh, of which Ireland is a member. A future contribution to the fund is something that may be considered in due course, in the context of our support for advancing the rule of law in Iraq.

Since 2012 Ireland has provided just over €8.36 million in humanitarian assistance to Iraq, with just over €2.09 million having been allocated in 2017. As part of Ireland’s response to the Syria crisis, funding of €338,400 has also been provided to Concern for Syrian refugees in Iraq and vulnerable host communities.

Through our annual contributions to EU Institutions, Ireland also supports the EU’s humanitarian response in Iraq which consists of an integrated, multi-sector life-saving response to the most vulnerable groups, including food, health care, water, sanitation and hygiene as well as protection, shelter and education in emergencies. Since 2012, Ireland has also deployed four members of its Rapid Response Corps to Iraq to provide surge capacity to UN organisations working to respond to the humanitarian crisis.