Tuesday, 23 Oct 2018

Programme for Government Implementation

Questions (164)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

164. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Taoiseach the progress made to date in implementing the commitment in A Programme for a Partnership Government (details supplied) regarding the provision of external experts for Oireachtas committees; the name of the officials or the section in his Department taking the lead on the implementation of this commitment; the number of meetings held to discuss this commitment; if engagement or consultation has taken place with committee chairpersons or officials in the Houses of the Oireachtas regarding the way in which this commitment will be delivered and the level of expertise that will be required; if funds or a budget has been allocated for the implementation of the commitment; and if a tender process has been considered or undertaken regarding this issue. [43537/18]

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Written answers

The Taoiseach

The Programme for a Partnership Government was agreed in May 2016 during the formation of the Government. This is a five year programme of work being undertaken for the duration of the present Dáil.

The relevant commitment in the Programme which focuses on the Oireachtas Committee Structure, Resources and Responsibilities, sets out a number of commitments in this area, including Panels of outside experts being made available to assist committees in their work.

Since 2016 significant progress has been made in reforming how business is done in the Oireachtas. While my Department is playing its part, the Houses of the Oireachtas and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform have also been key players in driving the reform agenda. However, the engagement of experts by a committee is, in the first instance, a matter for the committees and similarly the allocation of resources is a matter for the Houses of the Oireachtas Service.

Local Authority Funding

Questions (165)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

165. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Taoiseach the categories of funding available to local authorities through his Department; and the amount of funding provided for each scheme in 2016 and 2017. [43737/18]

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Written answers

The Taoiseach

In 2016 the Department of the Taoiseach supported the Minister for the Diaspora in overseeing implementation of a national diaspora strategy. Funding was provided to Local Authorities for the development of strong diaspora links at local and community level in order to benefit local and regional development.

The Local Diaspora Strategy Development Fund was open to all Local Authorities to invest in developing strategies for diaspora engagement at local and community level. A maximum of €10,000 was available for each of the 31 local authorities. 24 local authorities availed of funding under this scheme at a cost of €240,000.

In 2017 the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade took over responsibility for local diaspora initiatives.

Work Placement Programmes

Questions (166)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

166. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of University of Limerick students who had been sent to Baldonnel for work experience. [43321/18]

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Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

My Department facilitated work experience under the University of Limerick student Placement Programme for 3 students per year commencing in 1992 and ending with the 2008/2009 academic year.

Curragh Plains Representative Forum

Questions (167)

Fiona O'Loughlin

Question:

167. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the engagement between his Department and Kildare County Council regarding ongoing land management and maintenance of the Curragh plains. [43213/18]

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Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

Both the Department of Defence and Kildare County Council are members of the Curragh Forum which was established in March 2016 and provides "stakeholders with an opportunity for the consideration / progress of a wide range of issues regarding the use, management and long term development of the Curragh Plains".

My Department met with Kildare County Council on 18 September 2018 to discuss the vision paper commissioned by the Council reflecting on the potential of the Curragh Plains and to highlight some of the challenges currently faced in the management of the Plains.

The Department and Kildare County Council are currently exploring the potential for collaboration on addressing issues and identifying opportunities for the improved management and presentation of the Plains. These plans will take account of necessary military requirements of the Defence Forces.

To this end, the Department has confirmed its support of Kildare County Council's recent application for funding from the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund administered by the Department of Rural and Community Development, to appoint a multidisciplinary consultancy team in order to examine the current and future challenges arising for the Curragh Plains in the context of the conservation and management of the Curragh Plains and the scope for branding and the development potential as a high value visitor and cultural amenity attraction.

Defence Forces Remuneration

Questions (168)

Fiona O'Loughlin

Question:

168. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his views on the Defence Forces veterans and families' march over pay and conditions. [43217/18]

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Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

I am aware of the views expressed and the issues raised in relation to the Parade which took place on 19 September 2018. I note in particular the call for the restoration of pay.

Similar to other areas of the public service, the pay of Permanent Defence Force personnel was reduced as one of the measures necessary to stabilise national finances during the financial crisis.

The economic recovery and a resumption of economic growth has provided the fiscal resources to provide for a sustainable and fair recovery in public service payscales.

Defence Forces pay and that of other public servants is increasing in accordance with public sector pay agreements. The focus of these increases is weighted in favour of those on lower pay. The Permanent Defence Force Representative Associations balloted their members, who voted to accept the terms of these pay agreements.

Members of the Permanent Defence Force have received the pay increases due under the Lansdowne Road Agreement. In addition in 2017, following negotiations with PDFORRA improved pay scales for general service recruits and privates, who joined the Permanent Defence Force post 1 January 2013, were implemented.

The Public Service Stability Agreement 2018-2020, provides for increases in pay ranging from 6.2% to 7.4% over the lifetime of the Agreement. The first increase due under this agreement from 1 January 2018 has been paid to Permanent Defence Force personnel and a second increase has been applied from 1 October 2018. Further increases in pay under this agreement are scheduled for 2019 and 2020.

By the end of the current Public Service Pay agreement the pay of all public servants (including members of the Defence Forces), earning under €70,000 per annum, will be restored to pre Financial Emergency in the Public Interest (FEMPI) levels. The restoration of the 5% reduction to allowances cut under FEMPI is also scheduled in the agreement.

The recently announced proposal by the Minister for Finance and Public Expenditure and reform in respect of new entrant payscales will also benefit those who joined the Defence Forces since January 2011.

Measures such as the implementation of the Working Time Directive for members of the Permanent Defence Force and a review of contracts for enlisted personnel are under active consideration. The Department of Defence is engaging with the Permanent Defence Force Representative Associations on these matters through the Conciliation and Arbitration scheme.

Defence Forces Remuneration

Questions (169)

Fiona O'Loughlin

Question:

169. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if a review will be carried out into the pay and conditions of Defence Forces veterans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43218/18]

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Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

I recognise the valued public service given by former servicemen and women of the Defence Forces to the State. As such, officials from my Department and I hold regular meetings with recognised Veterans’ Associations at which issues of concern to their members are discussed.

My Department has Service Level Agreements with the Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel (O.N.E.) and the Irish United Nations Veterans Association (IUNVA) which set out the services the Department provides to these Associations. Under the terms of these SLAs my Department provides financial support by way of an annual subvention to O.N.E. and IUNVA to encourage their valuable efforts and the range of services they offer to ex-service personnel. In further recognition of this work, last week I announced that I was increasing my Department’s annual grant to O.N.E. from €44,000 to €100,000. This significant increase in the grant will make a substantial contribution to the work of O.N.E.

I was honoured to recently officially open a new Veteran Support Centre located in Custume Barracks Athlone I am strongly supportive of O.N.E.’s plans to establish further Veteran Support Centres around the country. Fitting out new Centres with equipment, training volunteers and the increased administration and insurance liability will increase O.N.E.’s overheads. The increase in the grant will defray some of these costs and allow O.N.E. to press ahead and bring to fruition their plans for a network of Veteran Support Centres nationwide.

I am also supportive of the annual Veterans’ Day and the launch of O.N.E.’s annual Fuchsia fundraising appeal and I am committed to continued engagement with Veterans’ Associations into the future.

Defence Forces Recruitment

Questions (170)

Jack Chambers

Question:

170. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 108 of 26 September 2018, the reason for the delay by the military authorities in the release of information sought; if this information will be released; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43294/18]

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Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

I am informed by the military authorities that, in order to verify that no applicant has progressed in any competition since 2012 despite not meeting the set down criteria, a thorough review of records since that time would be required.

In this context, the information is not readily available and, I regret, cannot be provided to the Deputy.

Ministerial Meetings

The amount provided in 2016 was €3.81m and in 2017 was €3.48m.

National Development Plan Funding

Questions (176)

Fiona O'Loughlin

Question:

176. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the specific projects that will receive the €106 million in capital funding allocated in 2019; the amount each project will receive of the €106 million, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43763/18]

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Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

The National Development Plan provides for an overall capital allocation of €541m for Defence for the period 2018 to 2022, including an allocation of €106m for 2019, as confirmed in the recent Budget. This capital funding will allow the Defence Organisation to undertake a programme of sustained equipment replacement and infrastructure development as identified in the White Paper, over the lifetime of the Plan.

The following major projects are being progressed during 2019 :-

- Mid-life upgrade of the Mowag Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) fleet;

- Procurement of Fixed Wing Utility aircraft (Pilatus) as replacement for Cessna aircraft;

- Procurement of replacements for the two CASA 235 Maritime Patrol aircraft;

- Mid-life refit of the Naval Service vessels LÉ Niamh and LÉ Roisín and ongoing planning for the acquisition of a multi-role vessel;

- Virtual Desktop Architecture (VDA) project for Defence Forces IT infrastructure;

- Investment in the Defence Forces built infrastructure, including the following specific projects -

- Secure storage facilities in the Defence Forces Training Centre, Curragh Camp;

- Target range facilities in the Defence Forces Training Centre;

- Training facilities in Sarsfield Barracks, Limerick and Stephens Barracks, Kilkenny;

- Accommodation facilities in the Defence Forces Training Centre and Cathal Brugha Barracks, Dublin;

- Accommodation upgrade in Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel;

- Catering facilities in Custume Barracks, Athlone;

- Fuel storage safety system upgrade in the Naval Base, Haulbowline.

These projects are multi annual and precise expenditure timeframes are not finalised. Accordingly, the Department is not in a position to provide a more detailed breakdown of the 2019 allocation. However, I am satisfied that the capital allocation for Defence for 2019 and for the period to 2022 will allow the Defence Organisation to undertake a programme of sustained equipment replacement and infrastructural development as identified and prioritised in the White Paper.

Defence Forces Public Relations

Questions (177)

Robert Troy

Question:

177. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his views on whether there is merit in conducting an advertising campaign promoting the positive work that the members of the Defence Forces undertake on an ongoing basis. [43821/18]

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Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

The work of the Defence Forces is extremely important in contributing to the State and its well-being. This work is frequently promoted in media coverage and in promotional campaigns run by the Defence Forces’ Public Relations Branch which are focused on recruitment. Such campaigns make use of traditional and social media platforms, and have proven very successful with multiple awards, including a Cannes Silver Lion award.

As Minister, on all public occasions, I avail of the opportunity to promote and draw attention to the roles of the Defence Forces and the importance of these. Other opportunities to promote the work of the Defence Forces are also availed of, including the recent commemoration of the 60th anniversary of Ireland’s contribution to UN Peacekeeping. The level and nature of the promotion of the work of the Defence Forces is regularly reviewed to ensure the best use of resources having regard to its roles in the service and support of the State.

Northern Ireland

Questions (178)

Micheál Martin

Question:

178. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has discussed the reconvening of the Northern Ireland Executive in the near future with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. [43486/18]

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Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

Since the Northern Ireland Assembly elections of March 2017, the Irish and British Governments, as co-guarantors of the Agreement, have worked tirelessly to support and facilitate the parties in their efforts to form a new power-sharing Executive.

Unfortunately, to date, it has not proved possible to reach an agreement on the formation of an Executive, despite intensive engagement. The absence of the Executive also means that North South Ministerial Council cannot meet.

I am currently engaging with Secretary of State Bradley on how both Governments can most effectively secure the effective operation of all of the institutions of the Good Friday Agreement. I met with Secretary of State Bradley in Dublin on 17 September and again in Belfast on 8 October.

Both Governments are continuing to engage with all of the political parties to seek a way forward to get the Institutions up and running again. All parties have re-affirmed their commitment to operating the devolved institutions and have provided views on their key concerns and issues.

In the period ahead, I believe a new political process is required to get beyond the current impasse and secure the necessary agreement between the parties on operating the devolved institutions again.

I do not underestimate the way to go in achieving that, but I firmly believe that a resolution is possible and that the calls from across all sections of the community in Northern Ireland for the devolved institutions to operate will be heeded.

The Government will continue to do everything in its power, in accordance with its responsibilities as a co-guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement, to secure the effective operation of all of the institutions of the Agreement.

Election Monitoring Missions

Questions (179)

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

179. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has given consideration to entering into co-operation agreements with election observer NGOs (details supplied) in order that Ireland can deploy election observers to more locations outside of the OSCE member states and to countries of priority to the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43247/18]

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Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

I refer the Deputy to related parliamentary questions on this matter, Question 164 of 25 October 2017 and Question 214 of 3 October 2018.

International election monitoring missions play an important role in the promotion of democracy and human rights. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade maintains a roster of election observers for such missions.

Observers from the Department’s roster are deployed to election observation missions organised either by the European Union (EU) or the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe Office (OSCE). This is the only means by which my Department provides a structure to support Irish election observers. The EU and OSCE each have an acknowledged international role in election observation activities, and are recognised for their solid engagement in the consolidation of democracy, human rights and the rule of law. Missions deployed by the EU and OSCE apply the highest standards of professional integrity, impartiality and independence.

Furthermore, the EU and OSCE have extensive processes, principles, codes of conduct, and practical measures to ensure safety and security. These are factors on which my Department relies not just to ensure the protection of observers in the field but also to ensure that appropriate standards of conduct are maintained by those deployed.

Both the EU and OSCE have endorsed the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation. All endorsing organisations pledge to cooperate with each other in conducting such missions. EU and OSCE missions frequently cooperate closely with NGOs such as that referred to in the question.

In addition, while drawing their own assessments and conclusions, EU and OSCE election observation missions liaise closely on the ground with local election observer groups.

As noted, a number of independent organisations also deploy monitors to observe elections throughout the world. There are Irish nationals who have deployed on such missions. However, there are no plans for my Department to deploy observers other than through the EU and OSCE.

Human Rights

Questions (180)

Niall Collins

Question:

180. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding the situation in Venezuela; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43310/18]

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Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I am gravely concerned at the ongoing political, economic, social and humanitarian crisis in Venezuela.

I am particularly alarmed by the humanitarian needs affecting the country, including severe shortages of food and medicine. Shortages of medicine alone are putting at risk the lives of 3m people with chronic diseases, and the growing number of malaria cases, expected to reach 2m by the end of the year, will make it the highest incidence of malaria anywhere in the world.

Ireland believes that the government of Venezuela must acknowledge the humanitarian crisis and allow humanitarian actors to operate without interference. I urge the Venezuelan government to allow the entry of humanitarian assistance into the country. Last month, Ireland co-sponsored the resolution on Venezuela adopted at the 39th session of the Human Rights Council on this subject.

The crisis has caused one of the biggest population displacements in the world, and Ireland believes that countries hosting Venezuelan migrants must be supported.

Ireland has supported the deployment of a Rapid Responder to assist UNHCR in supporting the Colombian Government’s efforts to enhance its asylum system and respond to the humanitarian and protection needs of Venezuelans in Colombia, as well as fully supporting the €35 million EU humanitarian package announced in August.

I also welcome the recent appointment of Mr. Eduardo Stein as UNHCR and IOM Joint Special Representative for Venezuelan refugees and migrants in the region, to ensure a coordinated approach to dealing with the crisis.

The situation in Venezuela continues to be raised at the highest levels within the EU and was discussed by Foreign Ministers at our meeting on Monday 15 October. I welcome the high priority given to the issue by the EU, and I believe that it is important for us to work in step with our like-minded regional partners.

I am deeply concerned by the reports of human rights violations, and I condemn any attempt to infringe on the fundamental rights to freedom of expression and the right to peaceful assembly. Ireland fully supports the EU sanctions introduced in June of this year. These sanctions are aimed at materials that can be used by the Government for internal repression, and create a legal framework for a travel ban and asset freeze against those who have shown blatant disregard for the rule of law and disrespect for democratic principles, including a number of Government officials.

I have repeatedly called for the Venezuelan government to engage in dialogue with the opposition, to respect the electoral calendar and to fully restore the country’s democratic institutions.

Our Embassy in Mexico is responsible for our diplomatic relations with Venezuela and is monitoring the situation closely, engaging with partner organisations on the ground and with EU Missions in Caracas. Ireland will continue to engage regularly with our EU partners on this issue, as well as with affected countries in the region. I can assure the Deputy that Ireland is committed to seeking a peaceful and democratic solution to this crisis.

Undocumented Irish in the USA

Questions (181)

Niall Collins

Question:

181. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on the progress regarding the undocumented Irish in the United States of America; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43311/18]

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Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I refer the Deputy to my response to PQ40303 on this issue earlier this month. Then, as now, the Government continues to pursue two key objectives with regard to Irish immigration to the United States; firstly, increased pathways for legal migration by Irish citizens to the US; and secondly, seeking some form of relief for undocumented Irish citizens living in the US.

The Taoiseach discussed the issue with President Trump in the Oval Office last March and also in his meetings on Capitol Hill during this year’s St. Patrick’s Day visit. I have also prioritised this issue in my own engagements with the US Administration and Congress, and discussed it most recently with Congressman Richie Neal last week in Dublin.

The Government’s Special Envoy to the United States Congress on the Undocumented, Deputy John Deasy, has also been active on the issue and has, since his appointment, travelled to Washington, D.C., on ten separate occasions for meetings with key contacts.

In addition, our Embassy in Washington, D.C., continues to engage on an ongoing basis with the Administration and with a wide range of contacts on Capitol Hill.

Through these many high-level contacts and discussions, the Government continues to explore a number of different options. This remains a very challenging issue, however. Immigration reform has been a sensitive and divisive issue within the US political system for decades, with pronounced disagreement, even within the same political parties, on the best way to deal with an issue which directly affects over 11 million people, from many different countries of origin.

On the welfare of the undocumented Irish, the Embassy, as well as our six Consulates across the United States, work closely with Irish Immigration Centers, which support the needs of Irish citizens in the United States, including those who are undocumented. These Centers all receive annual funding from the Government’s Emigrant Support Programme to support their important work.

I can assure the Deputy that both the Taoiseach and I, together with our Government colleagues, Special Envoy Deputy Deasy, and our Embassy in Washington, D.C., will continue to give full priority to these issues.