Written Answers Nos. 123-142
123. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of an application to erect a new school (details supplied) in County Westmeath; when same will go to planning stage; the anticipated completion date of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48412/17]
View answerThe building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is in Architectural planning. The School Authority attended a meeting with Department Officials last week to review the plans for the new school in advance of lodging a planning application to the Local Authority. The school was advised that the application is being finalised and is expected to be lodged in late December/ early January.
124. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of an application to erect a new school (details supplied) in County Westmeath which is currently at architectural planning stage; the anticipated completion date of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48413/17]
View answerThe building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is in Architectural planning. The School Authority attended a meeting with Department Officials last week to review the plans for the new school in advance of lodging a planning application to the Local Authority. The school was advised that the application is being finalised and is expected to be lodged in late December/ early January.
125. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the stance taken by Ireland in relation to an embargo on arms sales to Venezuela. [48382/17]
View answerAt the Foreign Affairs Council on Monday 13 November 2017, I joined with my EU foreign minister counterparts to adopt Council Conclusions on Venezuela and to agree by unanimity targeted restrictive measures, including an arms embargo and a legal framework for an asset freeze and travel ban against persons involved in the non-respect of democratic principles or the rule of law and the violation of human rights in Venezuela. These measures were designed not to harm the Venezuelan population, whose plight the EU wishes to alleviate. Ireland fully supports the introduction of these measures, which is in line with our foreign policy position on the promotion and protection of human rights, and which builds on the Council Conclusions of July 2016 and May 2017 in addressing continued concerns at the situation in Venezuela and the many challenges facing the country. I have on previous occasions expressed my profound concern at the deteriorating situation in Venezuela, a country faced with grave political, economic, and humanitarian crises. During the summer, there were almost daily mass protests and violence across the country, resulting in dozens of deaths in clashes between security forces and opposition demonstrators. The reported human rights violations, excessive use of force, and mass detentions were unacceptable. The continued political polarisation of Venezuela is deeply worrying, and has been exacerbated by the establishment by the government of a constituent assembly which is not recognised by Ireland or the European Union.
I would like to assure the Deputy that Ireland, along with its EU partners, will continue to monitor the situation closely. It is my hope that the restrictive measures we agreed last Monday, 13 November, in the Foreign Affairs Council will, in addition to political and diplomatic efforts, assist in fostering a peaceful negotiated solution through credible and meaningful dialogue.
126. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the measures his Department is taking to assist Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh and stop the ethnic cleansing of Rohingya in Myanmar; and if he has contacted his counterpart in Myanmar to condemn the actions of the Myanmar government which amount to ethnic cleansing. [48410/17]
View answerI remain deeply concerned about the violence which has taken place in Rakhine State, Myanmar since 25 August, which has resulted in a severe humanitarian crisis both within Rakhine State and across the border in Bangladesh. Ireland is committed to contributing to international efforts to alleviate the immediate needs of the refugees that have entered Bangladesh, which now number over 600,000. To this end, we pledged €2m in direct support at the Pledging Conference for the Rohingya Refugee Crisis in Geneva on 23 October. €1m has already disbursed to civil society partners and international organisations that are providing services to vulnerable refugees in Cox’s Bazar and two experts have been deployed via the Irish Aid Rapid Response Corps. The UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) and the International Committee of the Red Cross, to which Ireland contributes funding, have also scaled up their operations in operations in Bangladesh and in Myanmar. My Department will continue to closely monitor the humanitarian situation as it unfolds.
In addition to providing humanitarian support, my Department has been consistent in emphasising the need to bring an end to violence in Rakhine State, for full restoration of humanitarian aid and media access, and for a comprehensive investigation into the serious allegations of human rights violations by the Myanmar security forces. We continue to press for this through our own statements, in the context of our EU membership and through participation in UN fora. Ireland’s position on this issue is reflected in Conclusions adopted by the Foreign Affairs Council on 16 October, which furthermore announced the suspension of invitations to the EU by senior military officers from Myanmar, reaffirmation of the EU arms embargo, and that further measures would be considered if the situation does not improve.
I had an opportunity to raise Ireland’s concerns in my statement to the UN General Assembly on 23 September, and Ireland co-sponsored a resolution on this issues [which was adopted by the Third Committee of the UN General Assembly on 14 November]. At the most recent session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva in September 2017, Ireland also actively supported the extension of the mandate of the UN Fact Finding Mission which has been tasked with investigating allegations of human rights abuses by the Myanmar security forces.
The ASEM Foreign Minister’s Meeting will take in Nay Pyi Taw next week and will present an important opportunity for EU member states to engage with the Government of Myanmar on this issue. Ireland will be represented by Minister of State Ciarán Cannon at this meeting, and I have asked him to convey the Government’s concerns directly to representatives of the Government of Myanmar on my behalf.
127. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the fact that according to an organisation (details supplied) more than 80 social leaders have been killed in Colombia in 2017; and if he has raised the level of assassinations with his Colombian counterpart. [48411/17]
View answerI am aware of the incidences of violence and intimidation perpetrated against social leaders in Colombia as well as of the worrying level of assassinations to which the Deputy refers. I wish, first of all, to extend to all of those affected by recent acts of violence in Colombia my sincere sympathies and condolences. Violence and intimidation against local communities in marginalised rural areas of Colombia, as well as the continued presence of armed groups in such communities, remain a matter of great concern.
I reiterate that such violence is entirely unacceptable. I am glad to have this opportunity to again urge the Government of Colombia to ensure that all such violent incidents are thoroughly investigated and their perpetrators brought to justice.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has an ongoing commitment to support peace and human rights in Colombia. As well as exchanges with the Colombian authorities at Government level, officials of my Department engage regularly with human rights defenders and civil society leaders active across Colombia. We also provide funding directly to the Office of the United Nations High Commission for Human Rights in Colombia to support its work in promoting and protecting human rights including in some of Colombia’s most isolated and challenging regions. Officials from the Embassy in Mexico maintain regular contact with the OHCHR in Colombia and receive updates from that office on the violence affecting communities.
Colombia’s peace accord provides the framework in which the endemic violence and impunity which has afflicted Colombian society for decades can successfully be addressed. Historic strides have been made to date in its implementation, including the full decommissioning of FARC weapons by July 2017, eight months after the agreement was finalised. A ceasefire with the country’s second largest guerrilla group, the ELN, took effect at the beginning of October. However, as we know from our own experience, peace is the work of decades. Ireland is committed to supporting the full implementation of the agreement to ensure a future of peace for all Colombians.
128. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the dramatic increase in Ireland’s funding to the EU’s development co-operation budget in 2016; the political imperatives for increasing it, both from Ireland’s and from the European Union’s perspective; the oversight which is possible of this funding; the reporting which will be done to the Houses of the Oireachtas; the parts of the world this money is being spent in; if a breakdown of its spending by geographical region can be provided; the objectives and results of same; if this trend will continue in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48423/17]
View answerThe EU is collectively the biggest donor in the world. Official Development Assistance (ODA) provided by the EU and its Member States reached €75.5 billion in 2016, an 11% increase compared to 2015 levels and bringing it to the highest level to date. This increase took place in a context of worsening man-made and natural disasters, an unprecedented migration crisis in Europe, and a global refugee crisis of historic proportions, with the number of refugees and displaced people reaching 65 million world-wide - the largest number since World War II. These factors led to an increase in EU aid in order to respond to humanitarian disasters, to support refugees and to help developing countries to overcome poverty and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In 2016, ODA provided through EU institutions, managed by the European Commission, amounted to US$ 15.7 billion, an increase of 14.3% over 2015. More than half of this was programmed with partner countries. Bilateral ODA from the European Commission focused primarily on Eastern Europe (30%) and Sub Saharan Africa (27%), with the Middle East and North Africa being allocated 15%, South and Central Asia 8%, Latin America and the Caribbean 7%, and other countries in Asia and Oceania 3%.
Ireland believes that this development assistance is delivering strong results. For example, because of assistance provided to developing countries by the EU Commission in 2015, over 400,000 people benefitted from programmes to support post-conflict peace building; 5 million women and children under 5 benefitted from nutrition-related programmes, helping to reduce child mortality; 2,600 KM of electricity transmission/distribution lines were built or upgraded; 10.6 million children were enrolled in primary education and 7.6 million in secondary education; over 8 million births were attended by skilled health personnel, helping to reduce maternal mortality; 4 million hectares of protected areas were managed to ensure biological diversity and to preserve natural heritage, and; 10,000 firms gained access to credit to boost investment and avoid risk.
Ireland’s share of the EU development cooperation budget is assessed by the European Commission on an annual basis, and is calculated by attributing our percentage share of the overall EU budget as a Member State to the total EU expenditure on ODA. An increase in the size of Ireland’s economy and thus our contribution to the EU generally therefore results in an increase in our assessed contributions. This in turn helps to fund the EU Development Cooperation Instrument, Humanitarian Aid, and the European Development Fund (EDF). In addition, Ireland also supports a number of specific EU Trust Funds, such as that on Africa.
In 2016, Ireland’s total contribution to EU-managed ODA amounted to €182.26 million. Almost €9.13 billion in ODA expenditure was allocated from the EU’s general budget, of which Ireland’s determined share was 1.613%, or €147.25 million. This is a marked increase on the 2015 figures which show ODA eligible expenditure at €7.41 billion and Ireland’s share at 1.28%, or €94.55 million. Meanwhile, Ireland’s contribution to the European Development Fund in 2016 was €32.76 million. Assessed contributions from Ireland to the EU will continue to rise in 2018, and though we do not know yet what the final figures will be we are expecting another increase.
EU development assistance is subject to various forms of rigorous monitoring and evaluation by a number of different and separate bodies: the European Court of Auditors; the EU’s Results-Oriented Monitoring (ROM) system, an external, independent review system; the EU’s Evaluation Unit; the European Parliament, and; contributing Member States, including Ireland.
Ireland plays a full and active part in overseeing EU development assistance, and ensuring that there is effective oversight, accountability, and transparency. In addition, Ireland is a member of the European Development Fund Management Committee which manages this component. Reporting on this, and the other aspects of our official development assistance programme, Irish Aid, will continue to be done to the Oireachtas primarily through the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the Public Accounts Committee. In addition, my officials are currently engaging with the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade with regards to EU development financing.
In Europe, Ireland engages actively at the political and official levels in discussions with our EU partners and with the European Commission to ensure that our development policy priorities are reflected in EU programmes – including the targeting of aid to where it is needed most, and the tackling of problems at the root cause. Earlier this year Member States agreed a revised EU Consensus on Development which ensures that EU development policy is fully aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals and responding to new global challenges.
Discussions are currently underway between Member States on the successor arrangements to the Cotonou Agreement governing Europe’s relations with African, Caribbean and Pacific states and Ireland is actively involved in these discussions – including through participation in the African Union and European Union Summit in Côte d’Ivoire later this month. We will continue to promote European core values of peace, security, sustainable development, poverty reduction, and human rights worldwide, with the aim of ensuring that no one is left behind.
129. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason the number of sergeants at a Garda station (details supplied) has gone from a total of 12 in 2007 to 2008 to six in 2017; if this number will be reviewed and increased in the interest of the supervision and assistance of junior members of the force which are needed in each district; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48292/17]
View answer130. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if an adequate number of sergeants will be provided in counties Cavan and Monaghan to prevent double jobbing occurring in certain stations and to ensure best possible practice for the welfare of persons involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48293/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 129 and 130 together.
As the Deputy will be aware, the severe economic crisis in Ireland led to the closure of the Garda College in Templemore in 2010 when a moratorium of Garda recruitment was also imposed by the then Government. The Government that came into power in 2011 had to first stabilise the public finances, bring the State to the position where we could exit the bailout, and then steer the economy into growth. As the Deputy will be aware, in recent years, the country has had the fastest growing economy in the EU. As a consequence of the recovery, the Government re-opened the Garda College at the first available opportunity and began an ambitious recruitment campaign.
Since the reopening of the Garda College in September 2014, close to 1,400 recruits have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and have been assigned to mainstream duties nationwide. In addition, another 200 trainee Garda are scheduled to attest later this year which will see Garda numbers, taking account of projected retirements, increase to around the 13,500 mark by year end - an increase of 500 since the end of 2016.
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 to deter crime. The substantial increase in Garda numbers is tangible progress on achieving this Government’s vision of an overall Garda workforce of 21,000 personnel by 2021 comprising 15,000 Garda members, 2,000 Reserve members and 4,000 civilians.
It will take time to address the impact of the moratorium on Garda recruitment imposed in 2010 but the active recruitment which began in 2014 will in due course have a positive impact on the number of Gardaí in supervisory roles within the Force, including in the Cavan/Monaghan Division. I am advised by the Commissioner that competitions for promotion to the ranks of Sergeant and Inspector are currently in train and that the requirements of each Garda Division including the Cavan/ Monaghan Division will be considered by the Commissioner when assigning successful candidates from these competitions.
As the Deputy will be aware, it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for the distribution of resources, including personnel, among the various Garda Divisions and Districts and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter. I am assured by the Commissioner that the allocation of Gardaí is continually monitored and reviewed taking into account all relevant factors including crime trends, demographics, and security assessments relating to the area in question so as to ensure optimal use is made of Garda human resources.
The Garda Station referred to forms part of the Cavan/Monaghan Division. I am informed by the Commissioner that on the 30 September 2017 the latest date for which figures are readily available the strength of the Cavan/Monaghan Division was 321, of whom 50 were Sergeants. I am further informed that the strength of the Garda Station in question on the 31 December 2007 was 40 of whom 6 were Sergeants and on 30 September 2017 it was 43 of whom 6 were Sergeants. There are also 12 Garda Reserves and 38 civilians attached to the Division. When appropriate, the work of local Gardaí is supported by a number of Garda national units such as the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau and the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau.
The filling of vacancies in the supervisory ranks of Sergeant and Inspector is a matter for the Garda Commissioner who has responsibility under the Garda Síochána (Promotion) Regulations 2006 (as amended) for holding competitions for the selection of members for promotion to these ranks.
131. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason the rural Border Garda division particularly in counties Cavan and Monaghan is being starved of Garda resources in view of the fact that in 2010 it had 413 members and that the number in 2017 is at 330 members; if Garda personnel in this area will be increased; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48295/17]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the severe economic crisis in Ireland led to the closure of the Garda College in Templemore in 2010 when a moratorium of Garda recruitment was also imposed by the then Government. The Government that came into power in 2011 had to first stabilise the public finances, bring the State to the position where we could exit the bailout, and then steer the economy into growth. As the Deputy will be aware, in recent years, the country has had the fastest growing economy in the EU. As a consequence of the recovery, the Government re-opened the Garda College at the first available opportunity and began an ambitious recruitment campaign.
Since the reopening of the Garda College in September 2014, close to 1,400 recruits have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and have been assigned to mainstream duties nationwide, 33 of whom have been assigned to the Cavan/Monaghan Division. In addition, another 200 trainee Garda are scheduled to attest later this year which will see Garda numbers, taking account of projected retirements, increase to around the 13,500 mark by year end - an increase of 500 since the end of 2016.
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 to deter crime. The substantial increase in Garda numbers is tangible progress on achieving this Government’s vision of an overall Garda workforce of 21,000 personnel by 2021 comprising 15,000 Garda members, 2,000 Reserve members and 4,000 civilians.
I am pleased to say that Budget 2018 will support the continuation of this high level of investment in the Garda workforce and ensure that the vision of an overall workforce of 21,000 by 2021 remains on track. A further 800 new Garda Recruits will enter the Garda College, an additional 500 civilians will also be recruited to fill critical skills gaps across the organisation and to facilitate the redeployment of Gardaí from administrative and technical duties to front-line operational duties. There are plans to strengthen the Garda Reserve with new Reserves expected to commence training early in 2018.
We are now rebuilding the organisation and providing the Commissioner with the resources needed to deploy increasing numbers of Gardaí across every Garda Division, including the Cavan/Monaghan Division, in the coming years.
This investment in personnel is complemented by substantial investment in resources across the board for An Garda Síochána. Some €330 million, including €205 million under the Capital Plan, is being invested in Garda ICT infrastructure over the period 2016 to 2021.
The Capital Plan 2016 – 2021 provides for an investment of €46 million the Garda fleet to ensure that An Garda Síochána has a modern, effective and fit for purpose fleet. This is in addition to the investment of almost €30 million in the period 2013 to 2015. In the period 2013 to end of 2017 almost €44 million will have been invested in the fleet with some 2,000 vehicles coming on stream in that period.
This investment in resources will facilitate the provision of more effective policing services and I expect that the Cavan/Monaghan Division, like all other Garda Divisions will benefit from these new resources becoming available.
The Deputy will be aware that it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for the distribution of resources, including personnel, among the various Garda Divisions and Districts and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter. I am assured by the Commissioner that the allocation of Gardaí is continually monitored and reviewed taking into account all relevant factors including crime trends, demographics, and security assessments relating to the area in question so as to ensure optimal use is made of Garda human resources.
I am informed by the Commissioner that on the 30 September 2017 the latest date for which figures are readily available the strength of the Cavan/Monaghan Division was 321 compared to 397 in 2010. There are also 12 Garda Reserves and 38 civilians attached to the Division. When appropriate, the work of local Gardaí is supported by a number of Garda national units such as the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau and the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau.
The Deputy will also be aware that there is close and ongoing cooperation between An Garda Síochána and the PSNI on all aspects of policing, with a particular focus on combatting security threats and cross-border crime. The Garda Commissioner and the Chief Constable of the PSNI, who are responsible for operational policing cooperation, have repeatedly emphasised the scope and the value of the close and high quality cooperation between the two police services in combating crime, protecting community safety and saving lives. The two police services operate a joint Cross-Border Policing Strategy which has as its aims to improve public safety throughout Ireland, to disrupt criminal activity and to enhance the policing capability of both police services on the island.
132. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if consideration will be given to increasing Garda numbers at Coolock Garda station. [48347/17]
View answerAs the Deputy will appreciate, it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for the distribution of resources, including personnel, among the various Garda Divisions and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter. Garda management keeps this distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the optimum use is made of these resources.
As the Deputy will be aware Coolock Garda Station forms part of the Dublin Metropolitan Region (D.M.R.) North Garda Division. I am informed by the Commissioner that on the 30 September 2017, the latest date for which figures are readily available, the strength of the D.M.R. North Division was 654, 101 of whom are assigned to Coolock Garda Station. There are also 46 Garda Reserves and 38 civilians attached to the Division. When appropriate, the work of local Gardaí is supported by a number of Garda national units such as the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau and the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau.
I am further informed by the Commissioner that since the reopening of the Garda College in September 2014, close to 1,400 recruits have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and have been assigned to mainstream duties nationwide, 105 of whom have been assigned to the D.M.R. North Division, including 23 to Coolock Garda Station. In addition, another 200 trainee Garda are scheduled to attest later this year which will see Garda numbers, taking account of projected retirements, increase to around the 13,500 mark by year end - an increase of 500 since the end of 2016.
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 to deter crime. The substantial increase in Garda numbers is tangible progress on achieving this Government’s vision of an overall Garda workforce of 21,000 personnel by 2021 comprising 15,000 Garda members, 2,000 Reserve members and 4,000 civilians.
I am pleased to say that Budget 2018 will support the continuation of this high level of investment in the Garda workforce and ensure that the vision of an overall workforce of 21,000 by 2021 remains on track. A further 800 new Garda Recruits will enter the Garda College, an additional 500 civilians will also be recruited to fill critical skills gaps across the organisation and to facilitate the redeployment of Gardaí from administrative and technical duties to front-line operational duties. There are plans to strengthen the Garda Reserve with new Reserves expected to commence training early in 2018.
This focus on investment in personnel is critical. The moratorium on recruitment introduced in 2010 resulted in a significant reduction in the strength of An Garda Síochána. We are now rebuilding the organisation and providing the Commissioner with the resources needed to deploy increasing numbers of Gardaí across every Garda Division, including the D.M.R. North Division, in the coming years.
133. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if documentation relating to an application (details supplied) to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal has been received; if a receipt can be issued for this documentation; and the timeframe for an award to be made in respect of this case. [48370/17]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that the Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal, which has responsibility for the administration of the Scheme of Compensation for Personal Injuries Criminally Inflicted, is independent of my Department in the processing of individual applications under the Scheme. However, to be of assistance to the Deputy I have had enquiries made with the Tribunal.
Applications in the first instance are decided on a file of papers submitted to a single Tribunal Member for consideration as to whether payment of compensation is appropriate. Each case is addressed on the basis of its individual circumstances. While applications are processed with the minimum of formality compared to court proceedings, in making their decisions Tribunal members must be satisfied that all supporting documentation submitted is in order e.g. Garda reports arising from the related criminal investigation, vouched receipts for expenses, medical reports.
With regard to your specific query concerning an application, I understand that an initial acknowledgement has issued from the Tribunal, however, it has sought further information from the applicant. This information has not yet been received by the Tribunal and therefore the file cannot be submitted to a member for consideration. I would point out to the Deputy that there can be delays in progressing applications pending the availability of all required documentation and as a result, waiting times can vary significantly.
134. Deputy Josepha Madigan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of the Domestic Violence Bill 2017; and when he expects it to be enacted. [48374/17]
View answerThe Domestic Violence Bill 2017 is awaiting resumption of Committee Stage in the Seanad. The Deputy will understand that it is not possible for me to predict the outcome of the legislative process with regard to this or any other Bill. However, my aim is that the Bill will be enacted as soon as possible.
135. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the Secretary General of his Department and-or any of the officials in his Department have provided information to the tribunal or engaged with it in any way following on from the request for information from Mr. Justice Charleton as part of the disclosures tribunal; if not, the reason therefor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48424/17]
View answerMy Department has cooperated fully with the Disclosures Tribunal since its establishment. In that regard, I can confirm to the Deputy that my Department has provided documents to the Tribunal in connection with its work.
136. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the average waiting times for processing of naturalisation applications according to country of origin, gender of applicant, marital status and familial relationship to other citizens; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48427/17]
View answerThe granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is governed by the provisions of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended. Every application for naturalisation is considered on its individual merits and in accordance with the provisions of the Act. As the grant of naturalisation is a privilege and an honour which confers certain rights and entitlements, not only within the State but also at European Union level, and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.
It is recognised that all applicants for citizenship would wish to have a decision on their application without delay. While most straightforward cases are now generally processed within six months, the nature of the naturalisation process is such that, for a broad range of reasons, some cases will take longer than others to process. In some instances, completing the necessary checks can take a considerable period of time particularly with regard to establishing whether the statutory conditions for naturalisation as set out in the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act, such as good character and lawful residence, are satisfied.
In many cases delays can arise as further documentation may be required from the applicant, or payment of the required certificate fee is awaited, or the applicant has not been engaging with the office. In some instances delays can arise at the final stage of the naturalisation process, for example where information comes to light which requires further investigation. In other instances the applicant may request that a hold be put on their application, for example where they may have returned to their country of origin for a prolonged period, to facilitate them in making arrangements to return to reside in the State, or where they have difficulty in obtaining satisfactory evidence of their identity or nationality.
Records are not maintained which would facilitate the production of the detailed information requested by the Deputy. The retrieval and compilation of the detailed information would necessitate a disproportionate use of time and resources which could not be justified in circumstances where the priority is to deal with the cases on hand.
137. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the status of silt clearing projects along the Royal Canal; the way in which water depths are managed and maintained; if seasonal cutting of trees and bushes is undertaken along the route; if there is an ongoing project regarding the maintenance and repair of lock gates; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48263/17]
View answerI am informed by Waterways Ireland that a silt clearing (dredging) project is currently ongoing along the Royal Canal from Kilmore Bridge to Moyvalley Bridge with completion anticipated by end 2018. Dredging work from Darcys Bridge towards Ballasport Bridge is proposed for late 2018. Other dredging works will be carried out as required.
Water depths are managed by waterway patrolling staff and maintained by lockgates and overflows etc. I am informed that the water supply on the Royal Canal leads to low water levels and that seasonal cutting is undertaken on the route of the royal Canal. Waterways Ireland has an ongoing annual programme for upgrade and maintenance and repair of lock gates and lock gate replacement as resources permit.
138. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the steps her Department is taking to support orchestras; if her attention has been drawn to the publicity regarding the shortages in the RTÉ concert orchestra and the review RTÉ is carrying out into the provision of orchestra services; if her Department will be making a submission or has an input into this review; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48349/17]
View answerMy colleague the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and the Environment has statutory responsibility for broadcasting including RTÉ. I am not aware that submissions have been sought in relation to this matter.
139. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the reason it is proposed to hold the Famine commemoration for the second year running in Munster in view of the fact that up to now the tradition has been to rotate sequentially between the four provinces; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48388/17]
View answerThe decision to hold the National Famine Commemoration for 2018 in University College Cork was taken by the National Famine Commemoration Committee earlier this year in recognition of the University's long tradition of research and study of the Famine including the publication of the Atlas of the Great Irish Famine and the development of the Great Irish Famine Online to be launched next year. Notwithstanding the particular circumstances applying in 2018, the Committee will continue to have regard to the location of previous events and national impact of the Great Famine in the selection of locations for future commemorations.
140. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if her attention has been drawn to findings by wildlife officers that confirm the presence of leverets at a number of hare coursing venues; if her Department will investigate those findings and revoke licences for those venues; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48390/17]
View answerI am aware of the reports of National Parks and Wildlife Service officers of my Department in relation to coursing meetings monitored this year. All issues arising from such reports will be reviewed and considered in the context of licences for the 2018/19 coursing season.
141. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the reason the awarding of the ferry contract to service the Aran Islands from Rossaveal is delayed; the number of operators that responded to the tender by the closing date on 12 October 2017; when she expects to award the contract; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48431/17]
View answerBy agreement with the current operator of the Inis Meáin/Inis Oírr service, an extension of one month was secured for this contract in order to provide time to complete the tender process for the new service covering the three islands. In relation to the new contract, as there is an ongoing tendering process in relation to same, I am not in a position to comment publicly on same.
142. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health the reason a person with a learning disability who was admitted to the emergency department of Tallaght Hospital was lying on a trolley for three days (details supplied); his views on whether this is a human rights violation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47986/17]
View answerUnder the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
