Friday, 7 Sep 2018

Written Answers Nos. 26-45

Commemorative Medals

Questions (26)

Niamh Smyth

Question:

26. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans to sanction the awarding of medals (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36268/18]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

The Programme for Government provided for the award of the 1916 Commemorative medal to all Defence Forces personnel, Permanent and Reserve, who were recorded as being in service in the course of 2016. This was a special acknowledgement from the Government to the members of Óglaigh na hÉireann who served during the centenary year of 2016.

There are no plans however to award the 1916 Centenary Commemorative Medal to former members of the Defence Forces.  Since the foundation of the State many thousands of personnel have served in the Defence Forces.  It would not be administratively possible within the resources of the Department to identify and contact all of these persons, decide on eligibility and, in the case of infirm or deceased former members, resolve who should get the medal on their behalf.

At my request, discussions took place between the Department and the Veterans’ Associations, the Irish United Nations Veterans Association (IUNVA), the Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel (ONE), and the Association of Retired Commissioned Officers (ARCO), to explore alternative means of recognition of the contribution of veterans to the centenary commemorative events in 2016.

Following these discussions, it was agreed that a single presentation would be made to each of the Veterans Associations of a framed medal with an accompanying citation in recognition of the significant contribution of members of the three organisations to the 1916 centenary commemorative events and their service to the State.

I also agreed that a plaque would be given to each of IUNVA’s 21 Posts and to each of O.N.E.’s 41 Branches.  I presented one plaque to each of the three Veterans’ Associations at last year's Defence Forces’ Veterans’ Day which took place in the Defence Forces Training Centre, the Curragh, on Sunday 8 October 2017. The other plaques were subsequently provided to the Associations for distribution to each of their individual branches/posts.

White Paper on Defence

Questions (27)

Seán Fleming

Question:

27. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will report on the implementation of the recommendations of the 2000 and 2015 White Papers on defence; when the balance of the recommendations will be implemented in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36372/18]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

The first White Paper on Defence was published in February 2000. This was an important milestone that recognised the requirement for a coherent and clearly articulated Defence policy. In addition to confirming the roles of the Defence Forces and providing a policy framework, it set out specific recommendations for change, re-organisation and investment throughout the Defence Organisation. A review of its implementation was carried out by a civil-military group and their report was published in February 2007. This concluded that the goals outlined in the White Paper were being achieved and that the challenges that had emerged since 2000 were being met.  

Following Government approval to prepare a new White Paper on Defence, the then Minister for Defence published a Green Paper on Defence in July 2013 and in doing so initiated a broad public consultative process. This was considered necessary as the White Paper 2000 had provided Ireland’s defence policy framework and development strategy for over a decade. A new policy framework was required to reflect the many changes that had occurred in the defence and security environment at global, regional and domestic levels since 2000. As such, the latest White Paper, which was published in 2015, provides the current defence policy agenda over a ten year planning horizon and encompasses all work carried out by the Department of Defence, the Defence Forces and Civil Defence. It comprehends the Government’s policy on defence of the State from armed aggression, the defence contribution to domestic security, the defence contribution to international peace and security and a broad range of other “non-security” roles which the Government require the Defence Forces and Civil Defence to undertake. It considers the defence capabilities required so that the Defence Forces can successfully deliver on the roles assigned by Government. Finally, the White Paper also considers implementation and the actions required to ensure that defence planning and provision processes are further developed.

During scoping of the White Paper implementation programme 88 actions or projects were specifically identified. These actions represent a subset of the totality of the work being carried out as part of the implementation programme for the White Paper. While it is currently intended to have all 88 projects initiated or completed by the end of the ten year implementation programme, work in certain areas will continue beyond 2025 in order to ensure that changes, improvements and actions envisaged in the White Paper are fully implemented and to assure that positive outcomes endure and are embedded in the day to day business of the Defence Organisation.

To date, 37 projects have been initiated with 10 more projects due to initiate during 2018. Of these, 6 projects have been completed and closed/transitioned to normal business with a number of other projects close to completion. 

Departmental Communications

Questions (28)

Seán Fleming

Question:

28. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the positions in his Department and the organisations under its aegis that have arrangements in place for lo-call numbers or 1800, 1850 and 1890 telephone numbers for members of the public to contact his Department or organisations under its aegis; the number of these that are completely free to call for persons who use mobile telephones and may incur major bills phoning such organisations; if the situation will be reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36396/18]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

The Department of Defence and the organisations under its aegis have no 1800, 1850 or phone numbers that are completely free to call. We have four 1890 numbers – two for contacting the Department’s offices, one for contacting the Office of Emergency Planning and one for contacting the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces.

The 1890 numbers are listed on the contact pages of the Department’s websites.  For each of the 1890 numbers there are also national landline numbers listed alongside the 1890 numbers.  This allows members of the public to choose their preferred method of contacting the Department.  The costs of calling 1890 or national landline numbers will vary depending on the landline or mobile phone provider. 

Having regard to the nature of the Department’s business, I am satisfied that the option to use an 1890 number or a national landline number provides members of the public with an appropriate means to contact the Department and the organisations under its aegis.  The situation is not currently under review.

Defence Forces Properties

Questions (29)

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

29. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if funding has been provided for the upgrading of the apprentice hostel at Baldonnel; when works on this project will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36421/18]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

Infrastructure projects are undertaken at military installations as part of the ongoing Defence Forces Built Infrastructure programme.  The programme is designed to modernise and enhance the training, operational and accommodation facilities available to members of the Defence Forces.  The programme is implemented by the Department on a priority needs basis in consultation with the Military Authorities.

The capital element of the programme focuses mainly on infrastructural projects comprising the construction of new buildings and the refurbishment of existing buildings and facilities where appropriate.

A project to upgrade the Apprentice Hostel, Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel, Co. Dublin is currently underway. Work on design and planning for this project is well advanced, with a Design Team appointed and the tender process for the works currently underway.

It is anticipated that the tender evaluation process and contract signing will be completed by January 2019 and that construction works will commence shortly thereafter, subject to approval of the award of contract and the capital provision for the built infrastructure programme for 2019.

Defence Forces Museums

Questions (30)

Seán Fleming

Question:

30. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 66 of 1 May 2018, when the matter being investigated will be completed; the up to date information in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36472/18]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

I can advise the Deputy that the Defence Forces have carried out an investigation into the origins and provenance of this military artefact. As the Deputy will be aware the cannon in question has been in the possession of the Defence Forces for over sixty years and was previously on display in Devoy Barracks, Naas. In 1998 the Minister for Defence wrote to Naas Urban District Council informing them that on completion of the refurbishment of the cannon it would not be returned to Naas but would be displayed in the Curragh Camp thereafter. The cannon is currently on display in a secure indoor location in the DFTC Museum in the Curragh. It is not intended to relocate the Cannon from its current location which is accessible to members of the public.

Defence Forces Remuneration

Questions (31, 36)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

31. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans to increase pay for the Defence Forces in budget 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36673/18]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

36. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the level of reduction to each of the allowances in the Defence Forces since 2008; if these cuts are part of FEMPI legislation; the provision for restoration of the cuts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36679/18]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

I propose to take Questions Nos. 31 and 36 together.

Amongst other pay adjustments, the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (No. 2) Act 2009, provided for a 5% reduction in fixed rate allowances payable to public servants in receipt of basic pay not exceeding €125,000. In this regard, certain Defence Forces allowances were reduced by 5% with effect from 1 January 2010.

In accordance with the Public Service Stability Agreement, 2013-2016, (the Haddington Road Agreement), all sectors across the public service were required to contribute to additional pay and productivity measures. Other sectors delivered these savings through a variety of approaches including additional working time and reduced rates of overtime payments.

The contribution from the Defence sector included a further reduction of 10% on the rate of certain allowances payable to the Defence Forces. As part of the cost saving measures to be secured under the agreement, it was also agreed with the Representative Associations that the Saturday and Sunday rates for Security Duty Allowance would be flat rated.

Defence Forces pay is increasing in accordance with public sector pay agreements. The Public Service Stability Agreement 2018-2020, which was considered and accepted by the Permanent Defence Force Representative Associations, provides for further increases in pay, ranging from 6.2% to 7.4% over the lifetime of the Agreement, with the focus of the agreement once again being on the lower paid. An increase of 1% due from 1 January 2018 has been paid to Permanent Defence Force personnel and a second increase is due to be applied from 1 October 2018.

In 2019, a 1% increase is due to be paid from 1 January for all those on annualised salaries up to €30,000. A further 1.75% increase in annualised salaries is due for all public servants (including Defence Forces personnel) from 1 September 2019.

By the end of the agreement (end 2020), the pay scales of all public servants encompassed by the Agreement, (including members of the Permanent Defence Force), earning up to €70,000, will be restored to pre-FEMPI levels. The restoration of the 5% reduction to allowances is also scheduled in the agreement.

Overseas Missions Data

Questions (32)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

32. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if Defence Forces missions are planned to Mali; if so, the number to be deployed; if Lariam has been purchased for the purposes of the deployment; if so, the quantities of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36675/18]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

Ireland is contributing troops to the European Union Training mission in Mali since 2013 and our current contribution stands at twenty (20) personnel. Continued participation in this mission supports Irelands ongoing obligations to international peace and security and the commitment to maintaining the Defence Forces capabilities in international operations.

The choice of medication for overseas deployment is a medical decision made by Medical Officers in the Defence Forces having regard to the specific circumstances of the mission and the individual member of the Defence Forces.

I am advised that pharmaceuticals are purchased by the Defence Forces on a demand basis.

Defence Forces Operations

Questions (33)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

33. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if there are restrictions on military leave for the week commencing 18 September 2018; the barracks and number affected; the reasons for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36676/18]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

The day-to-day operational management of Defence Forces personnel is a matter, in the first instance, for the appropriate military authorities. The Defence Forces operates on a 24 hours a day, 365 days a year basis and this means that, on occasion, military leave has to be restricted for operational reasons.

The approval of annual leave is a matter for the military authorities in line with the operational requirements of the Defence Forces. The Ministerial Review of the 58th Infantry Group who are due to deploy to UNDOF the following week will be held on 19 September. The Air Corp’s Annual General Officer Commanding inspection will take place on 21 September 2018 and some units will hold Unit Inspections on 17 and 18 September 2018.

Defence Forces Strength

Questions (34)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

34. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the way in which the recommended establishment figure for the Defence Forces is calculated; if it is based on population density or other considerations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36677/18]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

The establishment figures for the Permanent Defence Force (PDF), the Army Reserve (AR)and the Naval Service Reserve (NSR) are set on the basis of the operational requirements to ensure that the Defence Forces can meet the roles assigned to it by Government. Other considerations include the security environment and available funding resources.

In 2011, the Government stabilised the establishment of the PDF at 7,520 Army, 886 Air Corps and 1,094 Naval Service personnel. In 2013, the establishments of the AR and the NSR were set at 3,869 and 200 personnel respectively.

The subsequent White Paper on Defence, published in 2015, resulted from a comprehensive examination of Defence requirements over a ten year planning horizon. Having regard to the revised assessment of the security environment, and consideration of the operational requirements needed to ensure that the Defence Forces can continue to meet all roles assigned to it in the White Paper, the Government decided to retain the PDF establishment at 9,500 and to make provision for an increase in the overarching establishment of the AR and NSR to 4,169 personnel.

Defence Forces Medicinal Products

Questions (35)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

35. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if mefloquine continues to be purchased under the four year framework agreement on the supply and pricing of medicines for use by the Defence Forces; when this agreement is due to expire; if the Defence Forces plan to renew the agreement; if the agreement stipulates the quantity of mefloquine to be provided; if this quantity will be reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36678/18]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

I have sought an update from the military authorities in regard to this matter. I will revert to the Deputy as soon as the information is to hand.

Question No. 36 answered with Question No. 31.

Defence Forces Operations

Questions (37)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

37. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the steps he will take to address the concerns of the Defence Forces regarding pay and conditions for deployment during the Papal visit in respect of the provision of overtime payments and safe working conditions; the number of Defence Forces staff deployed during the Papal visit; if he has met with members of the Defence Forces about their concerns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36680/18]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

The Department of Justice and Equality and An Garda Síochána have primary responsibility for the internal security of the State. Among the roles assigned to the Defence Forces in the White Paper on Defence is the provision of Aid to the Civil Power (ATCP) which, in practice, means to assist An Garda Síochána when requested to do so.

The Gardaí requested ATCP assistance from the Defence Forces in support of the Papal Visit and the number of members of the Defence Forces deployed was 3,104.

Unlike other areas of the Public Service and due to the nature of the duties performed, overtime is not available to members of the Defence Forces. In its place a Military Service Allowance (MSA) is paid to all ranks up to the level of Colonel. Military Service Allowance is designed to compensate for the special conditions associated with military life. These include unsocial hours of duty, exposure to danger, and the restrictions inherent in military discipline. For Privates, Corporals and Sergeants with more than 3 years in service, MSA is worth €115.43 per week, per person. For Senior NCOs the rate is €122.87 per week.

In line with any other occasion when the Defence Forces are requested to operate in an Aid to the Civil Power, Defence Force members on duty in support of An Garda Síochána during the Papal visit will receive Security Duty Allowance (SDA).  The current rates of SDA is €23.81 for each day on duty for less than 24 hours.  The rate is increased to €47.59 for a 24 hour duty.  Security Duty allowance is paid to all enlisted personnel and to officers up to and including the rank of Commandant.

Defence Forces personnel routinely encounter difficult conditions when deployed operationally, personnel are trained and equipped to have the resilience to deal with the conditions in order to successfully complete their mission.

I can confirm that I engage with the Defence Forces on an ongoing basis. 

The assistance provided by the Defence Forces for the duration of the Papal visit is greatly appreciated and acknowledged by myself and my colleagues in Government.

Defence Forces Remuneration

Questions (38)

Brendan Smith

Question:

38. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the status of a review of pay and other issues an organisation (details supplied) was seeking to address through the conciliation process regarding the terms and conditions of members of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36773/18]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

The Defence (Amendment) Act 1990 and Defence Force Regulations S6 provided for the establishment of representative associations for members of the Permanent Defence Force. The associations that have since been established are RACO (for commissioned officers) and PDFORRA (for enlisted personnel).

The scheme of Conciliation and Arbitration (C&A) for members of the Permanent Defence Force provides a formal mechanism for the determination of claims and proposals from the Permanent Defence Force Representative Associations relating to remuneration and conditions of service.

Having regard to commitments made under pay agreements, members of the Permanent Defence Force can make representations in relation to their pay and conditions of service through their representative association. Where agreement is not reached it is open to both official and representative sides to refer the matter to an adjudicator or an arbitration Board to settle the matter.

Officials from my Department continue to work with the Representative Associations in a positive and collaborative process within the C&A Scheme to resolve issues. There is also ongoing engagement on a regular basis between the Official side and the Representative side on a range of items which are processed through C&A.

Matters dealt with under the C&A Scheme are confidential in nature and therefore it would not be appropriate for me to comment further.

Defence Forces Strength

Questions (39)

Brendan Smith

Question:

39. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of personnel serving in the Permanent Defence Forces to date; the projected enlistment by the end of 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36774/18]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

The current strength (whole time equivalent) of the Defence Forces, as of 31 July 2018 (the latest date for which figures are available) is 8,898 personnel.

There are significant recruitment opportunities available in the Defence Forces, at both enlisted and officer level, for eligible individuals who wish to have a rewarding and positive career in service to the State. A general service recruitment campaign, the 2018 officer cadetships competition, a competition for Air Corps apprentices and the 2018 RDF recruitment campaigns all took place in the first half of this year and the applications from these various competitions are being progressed.

Arising from the general service recruitment campaign held earlier this year, new recruits will be inducted between September and December. Army Cadet intake will commence on 24 September. Final figures for numbers enlisted in 2018 will not be available until later in the year.

International Agreements

Questions (40, 41)

Clare Daly

Question:

40. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if Ireland has an active status of forces agreement with the United States of America; if so, the date that this agreement was signed; and if he will provide a copy of same. [36093/18]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

41. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if there is an international status of force agreement in place whereby crimes committed by forces of the United States of America here will not be prosecuted here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36674/18]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I propose to take Questions Nos. 40 and 41 together.

Ireland has not concluded a Status of Forces Agreement with the United States.

United States military personnel transiting or visiting Ireland are under a duty to respect Irish law.

As with all other States, only military personnel duly accredited through their Embassy, under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961 have a legal status that is governed by the Diplomatic Relations and Immunities Act 1967, as amended.

Middle East Issues

Questions (42)

Ruth Coppinger

Question:

42. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the change in the law in Israel defining the state as a Jewish one and changing the official status of the Arabic language. [35449/18]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I have previously expressed my concerns about the passing of the Nation State Law in Israel. Much of the Law is declaratory in nature, and it remains to be seen how much direct impact it will have in practice. However, even on a symbolic level, it risks marginalising Israeli citizens who are not Jewish, in particular the 20% of Israeli citizens who identify as Arab or Palestinian. It sends worrying signals about their status and their right to equality in the country which is their home. Some of these Israelis have already expressed fears that the new law, which has the status of a Basic Law, may be a starting point for discrimination against minorities within Israel. There have been public demonstrations in Israel to express concerns about this Law.

The Israeli Declaration of Independence stated that Israel will ensure complete equality of social and political rights to all its inhabitants irrespective of religion, race or sex. For those Israelis whose first language is Arabic, the official status which that language has hitherto had is symbolically important of their status as equal citizens, as well as being important from a practical perspective. This new law sets out to privilege Jewish communities, and I know that many Israelis, both Arab and Jewish, have reacted with dismay to this.

A key point is that this new law states that "... the right to exercise national self-determination in the State of Israel is unique to the Jewish people". Nobody is denying the strong connection between the Jewish people and Israel. But Israel is also a home to many who are not Jewish, and this law sends a worrying signal about their rights as Israeli citizens, and the part they have to play in Israel’s democracy.

I am also particularly concerned about the references to Jewish settlement. There have been different interpretations of whether this refers to Israel only, or also to the West Bank, but the ambiguity is very unhelpful in a volatile situation. The Government is wholly opposed to the construction of settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory. This language is also extremely worrying in the context of a number of pieces of legislation being proposed, and already passed, by the Knesset, which blur the lines between Israel and the West Bank.

As I said, it remains to be seen what this will mean in practice. My Department has signalled our concerns to the Israeli Embassy here, and continues to monitor the situation closely.

Departmental Contracts Data

Questions (43)

Eoin Ó Broin

Question:

43. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the cost of the contracting out of secure printing by his Department in 2016, 2017 and to date in 2018. [35533/18]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

Details of costs associated with secure printing for my Department are outlined in the following table.

These costs refer to spending associated with the printing of travel documents, including passports and emergency travel documents. Such documents, by their nature, require advanced security features which are only available from a specialist printing provider.

Similarly, my Department uses secure printing for Foreign Birth Registration (FBR) certificates.

Year	Travel Documents	FBR Certificates
2016	€10,400,000	Nil
2017	€8,600,000	Nil
2018 (to date)	€3,100,000	€9,069

Foreign Conflicts

Questions (44)

Ruth Coppinger

Question:

44. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the current political and military situation in the Republic of Cameroon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35664/18]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

I am aware of the current political and military situation in Cameroon.

I met the Cameroon Minister for Education in February, when we discussed the situation in his country. The escalation of violence in its southwest is the most pressing threat to political stability in Cameroon.

I am particularly concerned by reports of violence against civilians. I believe that constructive dialogue remains the way towards a lasting solution to the crisis, preserving unity and peace for all the people of Cameroon. Furthermore, it is the responsibility of the Government of Cameroon to ensure free, transparent, and credible elections and strongly discourage election related violence during next month’s presidential elections.

While Ireland does not have an Embassy in Cameroon, we continue to monitor the circumstances there closely. The Embassy of Ireland in Nigeria, which hosts many refugees from Cameroon, tracks the evolving situation and its regional impact, including through engagement with regional bodies. This is supplemented by ongoing contacts with the EU delegation in Yaoundé.

In this context, I recall the EEAS statement of 7 February on the situation in Cameroon, which called on all sides to refrain from acts which might exacerbate tensions. It remains the responsibility of the Government of Cameroon to create a secure environment in which all citizens are protected from violence, and where international human rights standards, including protection for minority groups, are upheld.

Ireland supports the efforts of United Nations bodies providing aid to those affected by the conflict. An Irish Aid rapid responder has been deployed to Cameroon to assist the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA).

The human rights situation in Cameroon was most recently reviewed in May by the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, under the Universal Periodic Review mechanism. Ireland fully participated in those discussions.

Travel Documents

Questions (45)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

45. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the reason when travelling using a passport for a minor it is advised to also carry a birth certificate in view of the fact that an application for a passport for a minor has parent details; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35788/18]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade provides travel advice for around 200 countries on its website at www.dfa.ie/travel/travel-advice. This information is also provided through our free-to-download SmartPhone App TravelWise and via our social media presence. The information provided is continuously reviewed and updated to ensure that it is as accurate and relevant as possible. Travel Advice is developed based on assessments and reports from our Embassy and Consulate network, and material available from host countries and local authorities and agencies. My Department also liaises with other countries including EU Member States and other relevant third country sources, with the objective of ensuring that Irish citizens are able to make informed decisions regarding their travel plans.

Border enforcement or management authorities of any state are responsible for determining the documentary evidence required to permit entry and exit from that state. My Department is aware that some jurisdictions will require that birth certificates of minors may be requested, in addition to a valid travel document and other documentation, particularly where only one parent is travelling with a minor.

My Department makes this information available on the Department’s Travel Advice webpages so that Irish citizens intending to travel with minors can make informed decisions about their travel plans. It is recommended that Irish citizens intending on travelling with minors contact the Embassy accredited to Ireland to seek further information on particular requirements that may apply.