Tuesday, 2 Apr 2019

Written Answers Nos. 61-79

Cabinet Committee Meetings

Questions (61)

Micheál Martin

Question:

61. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach when Cabinet committee C (European Union including Brexit) last met. [15112/19]

Written answers

The Taoiseach

The remit of Cabinet Committee C covers EU and international issues, including Brexit, and assists my participation as a member of the European Council.

It last met on Thursday 21 June 2018, in advance of the European Council on 28/29 June 2018. The next meeting has not yet been scheduled.

Given the significance of Brexit for the country we have discussed it regularly at full Cabinet rather than at Cabinet Committee level, over the past number of months.

I also meet with individual Ministers or groups of relevant Ministers to focus on particular issues, including those relating to Brexit, and other EU and international issues.

Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements

Questions (62)

Micheál Martin

Question:

62. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach the issues that were discussed when he met the Nordic-Baltic group on 21 March 2019; and if decisions were taken. [14863/19]

Written answers

The Taoiseach

I attended a meeting of the European Council in Brussels on Thursday 21 and Friday 22 March 2019.

In advance of the first working session on Thursday, I participated, for the second time, in a meeting of the Nordic-Baltic Group, along with Prime Minister Rutte of the Netherlands. We discussed Brexit and the agenda for the European Council.

This informal group includes Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia. We are like-minded with these countries on many issues across the EU agenda, and it is useful to strengthen our cooperation in this way, particularly as we look to a post-Brexit future.

Departmental Communications

Questions (63, 65)

Micheál Martin

Question:

63. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach if the Government Information Service, GIS, and other officials and advisers in his Department are co-ordinating the Government of Ireland social media messages or videos; if not, if they feed into another Department; and the process in relation to same. [15380/19]

Micheál Martin

Question:

65. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach the way in which his departmental officials have been contributing to and taking part in Government of Ireland social media messages; the way in which they are co-ordinated in each of the policy areas of his Department; and the Department that is the lead Department in relation to same. [15413/19]

Written answers

The Taoiseach

I propose to take Questions Nos. 63 and 65 together.

MerrionStreet, operated from Government Information Service in my Department, has social media accounts across Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. These channels are used daily to communicate news from across Government on a broad range of subjects depending on developments on any particular day. The channels provide text, photographic and video coverage of news and events from Government buildings and other Government departments. Most Departments have Twitter accounts.

The Merrionstreet account retweets communications from those accounts and, in turn, is frequently retweeted by those accounts where the information is relevant to a particular department.

Departmental Communications

Questions (64)

Micheál Martin

Question:

64. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach if his Department has undertaken procurement processes in relation to consultancy agencies, media or otherwise, to assist it with formulating or contributing to policy messaging on social media or videos relating to his departmental strategies or policies. [15396/19]

Written answers

The Taoiseach

Five tenders for external specialist advice were issued in Autumn 2017, and a further two tenders issued in 2018. Procurement for five of these contracts was overseen by the Office of Government Procurement (OGP). In line with public procurement, one tender, in respect of identity, was managed by my Department as the estimated cost for services was under the €25,000 threshold. The GIS attends meetings of the Department of The Taoiseach Procurement Group and ensures that all procurement is carried out in accordance with DoT Procurement Guidelines.

Service:	Awarded to:	Date issued
Provision of research and insight.	Awarded to Behaviour & Attitudes	2017
Provision of digital creative services.	Awarded to Radical Digital (now trading as Core)	2017
Provision of integrated creative and digital campaign services.	Awarded to TBWA	2017
Provision of media strategy planning and buying services.	Awarded to PHD	2017
Provision of marketing pitch specialist services	Awarded to Agency Assessments	2017
Development of Government identity system for roll out across Government Departments.	Awarded to Zero-G	2018
Provision of Concept Design Services for the Government Identity.	Awarded to Zero-G	2018

Question No. 65 answered with Question No. 63.

White Paper on Defence

Questions (66, 67, 68)

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

66. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the members of the high-level civil-military Steering Group on Defence; the responsibilities of each; the number of times the group has met in recent years; if minutes of these meetings are available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15036/19]

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

67. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the reason a strong strategic defence planning and decision making approach is required in this policy area; the major changes he envisages which may require legislative provision for the conduct of fixed cycle reviews; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15037/19]

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

68. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his views on whether some of the civil society organisations which made submissions to the original Green Paper on Defence should be invited into the review process of the White Paper on Defence; his further views on whether the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs, Trade and Defence would provide the ideal forum for their input into the review cycle; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15038/19]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

I propose to take Questions Nos. 66 to 68, inclusive, together.

The White Paper on Defence sets out the Government's intention to put in place a fixed cycle of defence reviews. These are common internationally and give assurance that policy remains up to date and relevant to changing future circumstances. The White Paper provides that these reviews are to have a three yearly cycle, with every second review being more comprehensive in nature and styled a Strategic Defence Review. The White Paper specified that the first in this new cycle of reviews would be a White Paper Update, which is well underway and close to completion.

The current White Paper Update is being overseen by a high-level civil-military Steering Group that meets regularly to review progress and the overall approach. Since September last year when the Group first met, it has met on a further five occasions to date. The Steering Group is chaired at Assistant Secretary level in my Department and membership also comprises the Defence Forces' Assistant Chief of Staff and the heads of my Department's Planning & Organisation Branch and the Defence Forces' Strategic Planning Branch. Minutes of all meetings of the Group are taken by an Assistant Principal from my Department. Minutes are not being published while the Update process continues.

The White Paper also provides that consideration will be given to whether future reviews will be placed on a statutory footing. The necessity to legislate, or otherwise, is one of a number of issues upon which I am currently deliberating, in the context of the requirement to establish these reviews as a permanent feature of our approach to defence policy. Another relevant aspect of my current deliberations is the question of the extent of consultation that should be carried out as part of such future reviews. In seeking to establish these reviews on a consensual basis, I decided to seek the input of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence, and I wrote to the Committee in August 2018 to obtain their views. In response, the Committee met with me recently to convey their views thus concluding this element of the process.

Defence Forces Equipment

Questions (69)

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

69. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the reason a capital allocation for spending on military equipment under Vote 36 has been increased by €29 million to €106 million for 2019; the reason this extra increase will take place in 2019; his views on whether this is a particularly advantageous time to buy military equipment; if €250 million will be spent on a ship replacement programme in 2019; the status of the multi-role vessel described in the White Paper to be enabled for helicopter operations; the estimated costs in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15039/19]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

A total of €106 million has been allocated for 2019 for capital expenditure in Vote 36 Defence, an increase of €29 million on the 2018 allocation. This is in accordance with the National Development Plan, Project Ireland 2040, which provides for an overall capital allocation of €541m for Defence for the period 2018 to 2022. This capital funding will allow the Defence Organisation to undertake a programme of sustained equipment replacement and infrastructure development across the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service as identified in the White Paper, over the lifetime of the Plan.

My priority as Minister with Responsibility for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service is maintained to the greatest extent possible so as to enable the Defence Forces to carry out their roles as assigned by Government as set out on the White Paper on Defence.

This funding emphasises the importance attached by the Government to ensuring that the Defence Forces have the capabilities necessary to deliver on all the roles assigned by Government.

The acquisition of new equipment for the Defence Forces remains a clear focus for me. Future equipment priorities for the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service are considered in the context of the White Paper on Defence as part of the capability development and equipment priorities planning process. In addition to investment in equipment, the capital programme provides for a sustained programme of investment in physical infrastructure in respect of a range of barracks modernisation and refurbishment projects.

The White Paper provides for the replacement of the current Naval Service flagship, LÉ Eithne, with a multi role vessel (MRV). It is the Government’s intent that this new vessel will provide a flexible and adaptive capability for a wide range of maritime tasks, both at home and overseas.

The acquisition of a modern vessel will ensure that the operational capabilities of the Naval Service, as the State’s principal seagoing agency, are maintained to the greatest extent and takes account of the overall policy approach in the White Paper on Defence.

Planning is ongoing on this project and it is intended to hold a public tender competition in due course to cover the supply of the MRV. The design and configuration of the vessel, including the approach to helicopter flight operations, will be considered as part of the planning process. This procurement is, of course, subject to the availability of funding within the overall Defence capital funding envelope. The cost of the MRV will only be known once the tender competition is concluded.

Naval Service Operations

Questions (70)

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

70. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his views on the increasing criticism of Operation Sophia; his further views on its perceived relative failure to rescue lives in comparison to previous operations in the Mediterranean Sea; his views on its complicity in returning persons in circumstances in which there is clear evidence of torture of detainees; when he will make a decision on continuing to participate in Operation Sophia; the way in which Dáil Éireann will be consulted on the decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15040/19]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

Operation Sophia has played a decisive role in improving the overall maritime security in the Central Mediterranean. The Operation has so far contributed to the apprehension of 151 suspected smugglers and traffickers, removed approximately 550 boats from criminal organisations availability, contributed to over 300 Safety of Life at Sea events and rescued almost 45,000 migrants.

The UN migration agency (IOM) has been compiling migrant arrival data across the Mediterranean since 2014 and has reported that the number of migrants arriving by sea has continued to drop and the numbers arriving in 2018 were the lowest since the crisis began.

Operation Sophia specifically seeks to counter human trafficking and smuggling in the Southern Central Mediterranean by taking action against the criminal networks and disrupting the smugglers business model. By improving maritime security Operation Sophia is actively contributing to EU and international efforts for the return of stability in Libya.

It is important to note that this mission is only one part of the EU response to addressing the causes and not just the symptoms of the crisis. Irish troops are contributing to the EU's efforts as part of EUTM Mali and Ireland participates in CSDP civilian missions in the Sahel region - EUCAF Sahel Niger and EUCAP Sahel Mali as well as to EUBAM Libya. All of these are CSDP missions supported by a UN mandate.

I am deeply troubled by the grave and on-going abuses perpetrated against migrants and refugees in Libya. Instability and lawlessness in Libya is also a major cause for concern. That lawlessness and instability lies at the heart of the migrant crisis and the insecurity and dreadful conditions the migrants face both in transit through Africa and in Libya. These problems can only be solved by the Libyan national authorities in taking control of their borders and their territorial waters, restoring law and order, and countering the activities of criminals and people smugglers operating out of Libya.

EU Member States agreed in December 2018 to extend the mandate for Operation Sophia for a period of three months (a technical roll-over). This was to provide time for a solution to be found in relation to the disembarkation of migrants rescued under this mission. Further discussions took place last week at EU level in relation to renewing the mandate beyond the 31st March 2019.

As no solution on the issue of the disembarkation of rescued migrants has been found, a decision was adopted on 29th March to extend the mandate of Operation Sophia for 6 months with a temporary suspension of its naval assets while Member States continue working on a solution related to disembarkation.

The Operation mandate will continue to be implemented through strengthening surveillance by air assets as well as reinforcing training support to the Libyan Coastguard and Navy. Member States have also highlighted the importance of continuing to work closely with the Libyan authorities and international organisations to improve the protection of refugees and migrants in Libya.

Given these developments, it is difficult to speculate at this time if we will deploy a naval vessel to a future Sophia operation as we would need to see the mission mandate and the role the Naval Service might be able to play in that regard.

Commemorative Events

Questions (71)

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

71. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his views on whether the theme of peacekeeping and human rights protection by the Defence Forces should be promoted during the contribution of his Department to commemorative events even as they refer to the foundation of the State (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15041/19]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

Last year marked important milestones in the history of Ireland's participation in United Nations peacekeeping operations by the Defence Forces and An Garda Síochána and civilian personnel.

2018 was the 60th anniversary of Ireland's first participation in a United Nations peacekeeping mission and the 40th anniversary of the first deployment of Defence Force personnel to Lebanon as part of the UNIFIL mission. Numerous commemorative events took place throughout the year including a State Ceremony in Dublin Castle on 24th June 2018 and a high level event at the United Nations Headquarters in New York in July. At all of these ceremonies and indeed whenever an appropriate opportunity has arisen to date in the course of my work as Minister with Responsibility for Defence, I am very proud to acknowledge and promote the professionalism, the bravery and the commitment to peace and humanitarism that lies at the core of the Defence Forces' engagement as peacekeepers.

Protection of civilians and ensuring the protection of human rights lie at the core of UN missions and the responsibilities of UN peacekeepers. Training in human rights and humanitarian law is a fundamental part of the mission training for all deploying personnel. It is also a key part of the training we provide within the EU Training Mission in Mali.

Last week I attended the United Nations Peacekeeping Conference in New York and I took the opportunity to once again highlight, at the highest level, the contribution that Irish military personnel have made to peacekeeping through their participation in many missions world-wide. I also on behalf of Ireland, pledged continued and enhanced training support by our Defence Forces for Troop Contributing Countries.

Defence Forces Personnel Data

Questions (72)

Jack Chambers

Question:

72. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of Defence Forces members who left the Defence Forces but subsequently returned (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15361/19]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

There is a scheme in place which facilitates the re-entry of former Officers of the PDF. This arose from the difficulties posed in the past in terms of processing applications for re-entry. Previously, in the absence of a standard policy for dealing with requests to re-enter, each case was dealt with on an individual basis and governed by the rules, regulations and circumstances that applied at the time.

The processing of such applications in the absence of a defined policy framework posed a number of difficulties such as defining procedures, identifying the requirements and needs of the organisation and agreeing terms and conditions with the individual. In order to allow for a transparent scheme to facilitate the re-entry of former Officers of the PDF, a policy framework, setting out terms and conditions was necessary.

The terms and conditions for the recommissioning scheme include the provision that the re-commissioning of former officers of the PDF shall only be considered in specific circumstances. These are where the Chief of Staff has identified a deficiency in personnel, military capability or expertise in the PDF, that cannot be resolved in a sustainable or timely manner from within existing personnel resources.

Recommissioned officers will be offered a short service commission for a period of 3 years and in that period they cannot compete for promotion, nor will they block a promotion opportunity for existing Officers. The recommissioned Officers may only be offered a substantive appointment after 3 years on the advice of the Chief of Staff and Secretary General.

This provides a fair and balanced approach to both the former officer and existing members. It is not realistic to suggest that vacancies should be maintained indefinitely for the purpose of ensuring promotions for existing members. To date, the number of expressions of interest is in low single figures.

While this scheme is in place for former Officers of the PDF, the attendant scheme for enlisted personnel is still being progressed and will involve a change in Regulations.

Departmental Communications

Questions (73)

Micheál Martin

Question:

73. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if his Department has undertaken procurement processes in relation to consultancy agencies, media or otherwise, to assist it with formulating or contributing to policy messaging on social media or videos relating to his departmental strategies or policies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15386/19]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

My Department has not undertaken procurement processes in relation to consultancy agencies, media or otherwise, for the purposes of assisting it with formulating or contributing to policy messaging on social media, or videos in relation to Department of Defence strategies or policies. The only engagement of social media supports by my Department is in relation to the annual Be Winter Ready public safety campaign.

Departmental Communications

Questions (74)

Micheál Martin

Question:

74. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the way in which his departmental officials have been contributing to and taking part in Government of Ireland social media messages; the way in which they are co-ordinated in each of the policy areas of his Department; the Department that is the lead Department in relation to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15403/19]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

My Department's principal engagement relating to Government of Ireland social media messages has been in the initial production of the Defence sector numbers for the 'Public Service in Numbers' document which was developed along with Our Public Service 2020, with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform being the lead Department.  The subsequently produced graphic is now being revised and my officials in Planning and Organisation Branch, along with the Communications Unit, have updated the relevant figures and provided them to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, which is again the lead Department producing this graphic.

Irish Language

Questions (75)

Dara Calleary

Question:

75. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if his Department has an operating language scheme in accordance with the Official Languages Act 2003; and the date when such a scheme was introduced. [15488/19]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

My Department's fourth Irish Language Scheme, 2017-2020, is in place since September 2017 in accordance with the Official Languages Act 2003 and commitments under the Scheme continue to be delivered.

Brexit Issues

Questions (76, 101, 102)

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

76. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on discussions with the EU in relation to the Irish Border following a no-deal Brexit. [14909/19]

Lisa Chambers

Question:

101. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the details of the discussions and-or meetings with the EU Commission and-or EU officials in relation to EU requirements of Ireland in the event of a no-deal Brexit regarding protection of the Single Market and potential customs checks on the island of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15305/19]

Lisa Chambers

Question:

102. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the way in which he plans to meet Ireland’s obligations regarding the Single Market and the potential requirement for customs checks in the event of a no-deal Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15306/19]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I propose to take Questions Nos. 76, 101 and 102 together.

The Government remains focused on securing the Withdrawal Agreement, which would ensure an orderly UK withdrawal which protects the Good Friday Agreement, includng by providing a guarantee on avoiding a hard border. Ratification of the Withdrawal Agreement will enable both sides to negotiate a future relationship agreement, with the aim of avoiding tariffs and quotas, and to help protect the thriving trading relationship between Ireland and the UK.

However, the Government continues to advance preparedness and contingencies measures for all eventualities, including a no deal Brexit. The Comprehensive Contingency Action Plan published in December, and updated in January, sets out the whole-of-Government response to implement measures to mitigate the impact of a no deal Brexit. Ireland is committed to protecting the integrity of the Single Market and Customs Union, membership of which is a core element of our economic strategy.

Work is well advanced in respect of our approach in a no deal scenario. We are working with the European Commission and our EU partners to ensure that any potential disruption as a result of necessary additional checks and controls at our ports and airports needed to protect the Single Market is kept to a minimum. This includes the development of temporary infrastructure at ports and airports. We are also advancing plans for permanent infrastructure which will provide for additional controls on a longer term basis.

My department, including officials at embassies London and Paris, stands ready to assist Irish traders and private citizens who might experience problems at UK or French ports, should there be a disorderly UK withdrawal.

Regarding trade with Northern Ireland, Ireland and the EU are at one in our determination to do all we can, deal or no deal, to avoid the need for a border and to protect the peace process. As co-guarantors, the Irish and British Governments will continue to have our obligations under the Good Friday Agreement, and to ensure peace and stability in Northern Ireland.

Our discussions with the European Commission are ongoing, and have intensified on how to avoid a hard border in the case of no deal, while also protecting the integrity of the Single Market and Customs Union and Ireland’s place in them. All options are being discussed within the rules of the Customs Union and Single Market.

Without a Withdrawal Agreement, avoiding a hard border would become more complex and challenging. There are no easy answers. If the UK decides to leave without the Withdrawal Agreement, a short term, temporary solution for trade will be required. Such a solution will be suboptimal compared to the backstop, and, while we are absolutely determined to avoid physical infrastructure at the border, it would be difficult to avoid serious disruption to the functioning of the all-island economy. The seamless trade we enjoy today would not be possible, and the benefits of the backstop for businesses in Northern Ireland will be lost, at least in the short term.

For any sustainable long term solution, it would be impossible to escape the need for close alignment with the Single Market and Customs Union. The UK’s own no deal papers say that they will quickly need talks with the EU and Ireland to get a deal to avoid a hard border. For us, the backstop will be the starting point for these discussions.

I would state again, however, that the Withdrawal Agreement, negotiated by the UK and the EU, provides the best way to resolve all these issues, and to provide certainty as we negotiate and put in place the deep, ambitious agreement which will provide the foundations for our future relationship.

International Agreements

Questions (77)

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

77. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the remarks made at the UN Conference on Disarmament in February 2019 by the UN Secretary-General, Mr. António Guterres, that international arms control mechanisms are collapsing; his further views on the call by the Secretary-General on the United States of America and Russia to recommit to the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty and to extend the new START treaty before it expires in 2021; the role he will play in supporting the views of the Secretary-General and in furthering Ireland's traditional support for disarmament; if these issues of disarmament were raised during St. Patrick's Day engagements including with the Government of the United States of America; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15042/19]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I share the concern of the UN Secretary-General regarding the unravelling of key international arms control agreements.  As I said in my address to the Conference on Disarmament in February 2019, the urgency of the issues we are confronted with cannot be understated. We face the possibility of a new arms race; the development of new weapons that could lower the threshold for use of nuclear weapons; and modernisation programmes that take us further away from the promise of nuclear disarmament enshrined in the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

In particular, the announcements by the United States and the Russian Federation that they are suspending their obligations under the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty are deeply worrying. Throughout its 30-year history, the INF has resulted in the removal and verifiable destruction of almost three thousand missiles with nuclear and conventional warheads.  As Secretary-General Guterres noted in his address to the Conference on Disarmament, “we must take great care to preserve our existing frameworks”. Ireland has consistently called for the US and Russia to address their concerns within the parameters of the Treaty, and I hope that every effort will be made to preserve the Treaty in the time remaining.

Recent challenges to the INF Treaty have also raised concerns for other disarmament and non-proliferation instruments, including the negotiations on NEW START. Ireland strongly supports early negotiations on the extension of this important arms control mechanism.

I support UN Secretary-General Guterres’ efforts to restore disarmament to its central role in building international peace and security.  In my address to the Conference on Disarmament in February this year, I announced that Ireland will champion the implementation of three key actions of the UN Secretary-General’s Agenda for Disarmament: including the action on facilitating dialogue for nuclear disarmament.

My Department has regular, constructive contacts with the US Administration both through our Embassy and Mission network in the US and through the US Embassy here in Dublin.  As part of regular Government engagement in the US, the Taoiseach travelled to Washington DC for the St Patrick’s Day programme, which included a range of engagements with the US Administration and other political leaders.  While those meetings, and all contacts at Ministerial and official level, cover a range of issues of on-going mutual interest, as well as foreign policy issues, disarmament issues were not discussed on this occasion.

Diplomatic Representation

Questions (78)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

78. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has spoken to the Syrian Government or its embassy in relation to a person (details supplied); and if intelligence in relation to the actions of the person in Syria was sought. [15135/19]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I am aware of the case to which the Deputy refers. 

The Deputy will understand that I cannot go into details about options under consideration and contacts ongoing outside of Government in relation to this case. These are very sensitive matters in a zone of active conflict. Speculating about options in public is not in the interests of Irish citizens, or of the partner organisations with whom officials are in contact.

Registration of Births

Questions (79)

David Cullinane

Question:

79. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the case of a person (details supplied) who is waiting for an update on their application for a certificate of citizenship; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15195/19]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

Foreign Births Registration, by its nature, can be a detailed and complex process, often involving official documentation related to three generations and issued by several jurisdictions. The establishment of the new Foreign Births Registration team at the beginning of this year has introduced a short delay in the processing of applications.

Due to the complex nature of Foreign Births Registration, it takes on average between 6 to 12 months to process an application.

With regard to the specific application the Deputy has inquired about, I can confirm that the application in question has been received. A member of the Foreign Births Registration Team will contact the applicant directly if any further documents or clarifications are required to process the application.