Written Answers Nos. 30-54
30. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if ex-post reviews are completed and published for all capital projects; and if a summary of lessons from those reviews has been published in the past 18 months. [18057/19]
View answerAll capital projects in excess of €20m have to be subjected to a post-project review to determine if the predicted benefits of the project were realised. For capital projects the benefits will not be realised until the project has completed.
The aim of the post-project review is to determine whether:
- the basis on which the project was undertaken proved correct
- the expected benefits and outcomes materialised
- the planned outcomes were the appropriate response to actual public needs
- the appraisal and management procedures adopted were satisfactory
- conclusions can be drawn which are applicable to other projects; to the ongoing use of the asset; or to associated policies
Post-project reviews, should be undertaken once sufficient time has elapsed, to allow the project to be properly evaluated with sufficient evidence of the flow of benefits and costs from the capital investment.
The Sponsoring Agency – the agency with overall responsibility for the project appraisal, planning and management of the project has responsibility for carrying out and publishing the post project review. Significant lessons emerging from the post project review should inform the Sponsoring Agency’s practices and should be communicated both within the organisation and to the Sanctioning Authority – the agency responsible for granting the project approval.
DPER Circular 06/2018 ‘The Public Spending Code: Publication of Post Project Reviews’ stresses the importance of compliance with the Public Spending Code requirement to conduct post-project reviews in the case of all large scale public investment projects, including PPP’s. Subject to the redaction of any commercially sensitive information publication of post project reviews for all public investment projects, including PPPS is implemented with effect from 26 March 2018.
Responsibility for carrying out and publishing post-project reviews rests with the individual Sponsoring Agencies. It is a matter for the individual sponsoring agencies to confirm the reviews that have been published in the last 18 months.
31. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the flood relief schemes due to be delayed as a result of the €3 million re-profiling of the flood risk management programme. [18053/19]
View answerAs indicated in my reply to the Deputy’s Question on 5 March, 2019, I am fully committed to the delivery of all flood relief capital projects in the quickest possible timeframe and I can assure the Deputy that all projects are being progressed with that objective in mind. The Office of Public Works (OPW) is advancing an extensive programme of flood relief projects and the progress of each project and the associated expenditure can be affected by many issues through the different stages of design, planning and construction. In light of this, the most appropriate means of achieving the €3 million savings in the capital allocation for flood risk management this year is under ongoing review by the OPW.
32. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his priority areas for additional funding in budget 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18070/19]
View answerAs part of the revised budgetary timetable, there are a number of key points in the budgetary process that inform the considerations in relation to budgetary priorities. The draft Stability Programme Update 2019 (SPU), published this week sets out the macroeconomic outlook for the period from 2019 to 2023. Following on from the SPU, the SES to be published later this year will set out the Government’s overall economic and budgetary strategy, and establish the parameters for the forthcoming Budget.
The National Economic Dialogue is an important part of the budgetary process, providing an opportunity for key stakeholders from different sectors of society to come together to discuss what our priorities should be. These stakeholders include representatives of community, voluntary and environmental groups as well as business and unions.
The Mid-Year Expenditure Report (MYER) will set out the pre-Budget expenditure position. The publication of Spending Review papers, alongside the MYER, will also feed into discussions of budgetary priorities. These papers will provide an evidence base for budgetary discussions, building on the previous output of the Spending Review.
The overall aim of this process is to inform the considerations in relation to budgetary priorities, to ensure that Budget 2020 can continue to build on our economic and social progress.
33. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the innovative steps he foresees as being required to ensure maximum benefit to the economy and to the Exchequer by way of ensuring best value for money; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18026/19]
View answerProject Ireland 2040 – comprising the National Development Plan (NDP) and the National Planning Framework (NPF) - was launched by the Government on 16 February 2018. The NDP seeks to reform how public investment is planned and delivered. It sets out a strategic vision for Ireland’s public capital infrastructure priorities over the next 10 years strictly aligned with the National Strategic Outcomes for Ireland’s new spatial strategy contained in the NPF.
The plan signals a shift to a greater integration of regional investment plans, stronger co-ordination of sectoral strategies and more rigorous selection and appraisal of projects to secure value-for-money. Over the course of the plan, €116 billion will be invested in public capital infrastructure priorities. Investment will be increased at a sustainable pace until an average of 4% per annum is invested by 2027.
A suite of key reforms have been introduced to support the efficient implementation of Project Ireland 2040 and its objectives including:
- Establishment of a Construction Sector Group to ensure regular and open dialogue between Government and the construction sector;
- A Project Ireland 2040 Delivery Board of Secretaries General meets regularly to ensure effective leadership of the implementation process;
- The establishment of an Investment Projects and Programmes Office in my Department to coordinate reporting on the plan and to drive reforms included strengthened business case and project appraisal;
- The publication of a Capital Projects tracker to inform citizens about projects in their area and to give a greater overview to the construction sector;
- A Capability Review of public sector bodies is being undertaken by my Department to ensure that the State’s delivery practices are of the highest standard; and
- As part of the ongoing reform of Ireland’s capital management systems, the Office of Government Procurement is conducting a review of construction procurement strategy and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform is reviewing the Public Spending Code. The purpose of these reviews is to strengthen the existing guidance to better align with the realities of project delivery and with a particular focus on improved financial appraisal, cost estimation and management.
These reforms are designed to support public bodies as they work to achieve value for money and to maximise outcomes from investment in public capital infrastructure.
34. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans to carry out a value for money analysis across the public sector in advance of budget 2020 in respect of outsourcing and agency recruitment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18074/19]
View answerThe Government’s Innovation and Development Framework, Our Public Service 2020, includes a commitment to promote external and alternative delivery models for new services in appropriate circumstances.
However, decisions to outsource functions are reached on a case-by-case basis by the organisation that manages the service in question. In line with existing expenditure policy, public bodies are generally required to look at a number of different factors when exploring the potential to outsource a function. These factors include issues such as costs, quality, service effectiveness and the public interest. This continues to be the case in respect of any new service that is being proposed for delivery by public bodies.
In concluding the Lansdowne Road Agreement in the summer of 2015, a limitation was placed on the ability of public bodies to outsource existing services. In particular, a restriction was introduced which prevented direct comparisons being made between total labour costs for direct provision of a service against the total labour costs of a potential outsourced provider in the preparation of the business case. This restriction only applies in respect of existing services; that is services that are currently being provided directly by the State or its agents. It does not apply in respect of newly conceived or planned services.
The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform’s role is to support public service bodies in exploring all service delivery options that are available to them and to ensure evidence-informed decisions are made when selecting a delivery model. In order to meet that objective, the Department has undertaken a substantial programme of learning and development over a number of recent years to up-skill public service managers on best practice around outsourcing using evidence-based techniques.
There are no plans for the Department to conduct a review of all outsourcing contracts within the public service.
However, officials, both within my Department and across the Civil Service, are currently engaged in progressing work in the context of the Spending Review. The Spending Review process aims to improve how public expenditure is allocated across all areas of Government. It places evidence at the heart of policy making by systematically examining existing spending programmes with a view to assessing their efficiency and effectiveness, and to support the re-allocation of funding to meet expenditure priorities.
While it is not intended to assess outsourcing and agency recruitment across the public service within this year’s review, this topic was covered in the context of the health sector in the Spending Review 2018. Further details of this research, and all Spending Review papers, can be found on the Spending Review website.
35. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his views on the spending profile of Departments during the first quarter of 2019; if key spending areas are running behind or ahead of profile; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17778/19]
View answerManaging the delivery of public services within allocations and meeting our budgetary targets forms a key part of the responsibilities of every Minister and Department. The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform is in regular contact with all other Departments and Offices to ensure that expenditure is being managed within the overall fiscal parameters. The drawdown of funds from the Exchequer is reported on each month against expenditure profiles, in the Fiscal Monitor published by the Department of Finance.
As set out in the most recent Fiscal Monitor, total gross voted expenditure at end-March 2019 was €15,039 million. This is €343 million, or 2.2% below profile. Gross voted current expenditure of €14,167 million, is €245 million, or 1.7% below profile. Of the 17 Ministerial Vote groups, 14 are below profile on current expenditure for end-March. Gross voted capital expenditure of €872 million, is €98 million, or 10.1% below profile and up €105 million, or 13.7% on the same period in 2018.
Looking at some key spending areas in particular, gross voted expenditure on Employment Affairs and Social Protection at end-March is €4,997 million, which is €8 million, or 0.2% below profile. Gross voted Health expenditure of €4,219 million is €4 million, or 0.1% below profile for end-Q1. Of this, current expenditure of €4,102 million is €18 million below profile, while capital expenditure of €117 million is €14 million above profile. In relation to Education and Skills, gross voted expenditure of €2,492 million is €71 million, or 2.8% below profile. This is made up of €2,331 million in current expenditure, which is €68 million, or 2.8%, below profile and €161 million in capital expenditure, which is €3 million, or 1.7%, below profile. Finally, expenditure by the Housing, Planning and Local Government group for end-March 2019 is €410 million. This is €161 million, or 28.2%, below profile. Of this, gross voted current expenditure of €260 million is €112 million, or 30.2% below profile. Gross voted capital expenditure of €150 million is €49 million, or 24.5% below profile. This variance from profile is due primarily to the finalisation of the Irish Water Memorandum of Funding Agreement 2019. Once this agreement is finalised it is expected that expenditure will revert to profile for the remainder of the year.
36. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of flooding preparations in view of the report undertaken by a company (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17987/19]
View answerThe Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management Study (CFRAM) is the Office of Public Works (OPW) largest ever study of flood risk in Ireland. It identified 300 communities (and approximately eighty percent of properties) at risk from rivers and the sea. Ninety of these communities were coastal communities.
The OPW has undertaken detailed analysis of the 300 communities including the preparation of flood maps and plans to determine their vulnerability to the potential impacts of climate change. The OPW’s appraisal of flood risk and the choice of future measures took into account the assessment of risk for two potential future scenarios, the: Mid-Range Future Scenario - increase in rainfall of twenty percent and sea level rise of 500mm (20 inches); and, High-End Future Scenario - increase in rainfall of thirty percent and sea level rise of 1,000mm (40 inches).
These maps and assessments provide valuable information for the OPW, local authorities and other sectors in planning for adaptation against increasing flood risks due to climate change.
As Minister of State for Flood Relief, I secured €1bn for a ten year programme of investment in flood relief schemes that will protect ninety five percent of properties at assessed risk of flooding.
The detailed design of the flood relief schemes set out in the Flood Risk Management Plans, published in 2018, will include the comprehensive analysis and assessment of adaptation strategies to ensure that the schemes will protect against, or can be adapted to, potential future increases in flood flows and/or flood levels due to climate change.
The OPW will shortly be publishing, for public consultation, a revised Climate Change Sectoral Adaptation Plan for Flood Risk Management. This is being prepared in line with the requirements of the National Adaptation Framework published in January 2018.
Adaptation planning is a cyclical process, with the National Adaptation Framework and the sectoral plans prepared under it being reviewed at least once every five years in line with the Climate Act. This will ensure that we adopt a dynamic approach to adaptation planning which is informed by the latest scientific evidence thus enabling Government Departments, Agencies and Local Authorities to modify or escalate adaptation actions, as appropriate.
37. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the strength of the Permanent Defence Force with regard to all three services and ranks; the gender breakdown of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18203/19]
View answer39. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of additional recruits the Permanent Defence Force have taken on to date in 2019 with regard to all three services; the gender breakdown of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18205/19]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 37 and 39 together.
The following table provides the latest figures available for
- the strength of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) (as at 31st March 2019)
- Total 2019 inductions (as at 11 April 2019).
|
Service |
Strengths (WTE) Female Personnel |
Strengths (WTE) Total Personnel |
Inductions Female |
Inductions Total |
|
Army |
498 |
7,185 |
4 |
52 |
|
Naval Service |
66 |
958 |
1 |
43 |
|
Air Corps |
32 |
704 |
0 |
0 |
|
Total |
596 |
8,847 |
5 |
95 |
In addition, 2 Direct Entry Medical Officers (male) were inducted during this period along with a female member of the PDF who was awarded a Cadetship in the Air Corps in March 2019.
The Defence Forces continue to implement a policy of equal opportunity for men and women.
The Government remains committed to on-going recruitment to the Defence Forces to reach the establishment level of 9,500 personnel as set out in the White Paper on Defence 2015 and it is anticipated that some 800 personnel will be inducted in 2019.
38. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the strength of the Reserve Defence Force with regard to all three services and ranks; the gender breakdown of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18204/19]
View answer40. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of additional recruits the Reserve Defence Force has taken to date in 2019 with regard to all services; the gender breakdown of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18206/19]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 38 and 40 together.
The Reserve Defence Force (RDF) is comprised of the First Line Reserve (FLR), the Army Reserve (AR) and the Naval Service Reserve (NSR). The Government appreciates the service of the Reserve Defence Force and recognises its importance in contributing to Ireland's defence capability. The White Paper on Defence is clear that there is a continued requirement to retain and develop the RDF and confirms that its primary role is to augment the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) in crisis situations.
The effective strength i.e. those Reservists who comply with the training requirements set out in Defence Force Regulation R5 and breakdown by rank of the RDF, as of 31 Mar 2019 is as follows:
|
EFFECTIVE |
LT COL |
COMDT |
CAPT |
LT |
TOTAL OFFR |
|
ARMY |
4 |
40 |
90 |
172 |
306 |
|
NS |
0 |
4 |
9 |
5 |
18 |
|
Total |
4 |
44 |
99 |
177 |
324 |
|
EFFECTIVE |
SM |
BQMS |
CS |
CQMS |
SGT |
CPL |
TOTAL NCO |
PTE |
TOTAL |
|
ARMY |
1 |
4 |
36 |
44 |
223 |
298 |
606 |
720 |
1632 |
|
NS |
0 |
3 |
3 |
0 |
10 |
26 |
42 |
65 |
125 |
|
Total |
1 |
7 |
39 |
44 |
233 |
324 |
648 |
785 |
1757 |
The effective female breakdown of the RDF for the same period is as follows:-
|
EFFECTIVE FEMALE TOTAL |
LT COL |
COMDT |
CAPT |
LT |
TOAL OFFR |
|
ARMY |
0 |
2 |
8 |
31 |
41 |
|
NS |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
2 |
|
Total |
0 |
2 |
8 |
33 |
43 |
|
EFFECTIVE FEMALE TOTAL |
SM |
BQMS |
CS |
CQMS |
SGT |
CPL |
TOTAL NCO |
PTE |
TOTAL |
|
ARMY |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
16 |
59 |
77 |
98 |
216 |
|
NS |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
4 |
4 |
14 |
20 |
|
Total |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
16 |
63 |
81 |
112 |
236 |
The substantive strength of the First Line Reserve (FLR) at end March 2019 was 288 personnel. The FLR is comprised of personnel who have completed a term of engagement with the PDF and have undertaken, either voluntarily or on foot or a contractual commitment, to complete a period of service in the FLR. There is no set establishment for the FLR. The following tabular statement sets out the current substantive strength of the FLR by rank (a gender breakdown is not available):-
|
Formation |
Officers |
NCOs |
Privates |
Total |
|
Army |
16 |
12 |
129 |
157 |
|
Air Corps |
2 |
4 |
19 |
25 |
|
Naval Service |
17 |
9 |
80 |
106 |
|
Total |
35 |
25 |
228 |
288 |
The Government remains committed to strengthening the Reserve and recruitment is currently underway. Supports being provided to maximise recruitment to the Reserve include the use of social media, local radio and outreach activities by RDF members.
With regard to induction of additional recruits to the Reserve in 2019, the induction figures for the period of 1st January to 15th April are as follows:
Total inductions : 46
Total Male : 44
Total Female : 2
All inductions to the RDF in 2019 have been to the Army Reserve.
41. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of suspect devices that the Army disposal unit has dealt with to date in 2019, by county in tabular form. [18207/19]
View answerThe 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 which, in practice, means to assist An Garda Síochána when requested to do so.
The Defence Forces Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams respond when a request for assistance is made by An Garda Síochána in dealing with a suspect device. The number of EOD callouts, which include viable devices, hoaxes, false alarms, post-blast analysis and the removal of unstable chemicals in laboratories dealt with up 15 April 2019, by county, are set out in the tabular statement.
|
County |
Number |
|
Limerick |
2 |
|
Cork |
1 |
|
Dublin |
1 |
|
Louth |
1 |
|
Total |
5 |
42. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of days spent at sea by members of the Naval Service Reserve to date in 2019. [18208/19]
View answerI am advised by the Military Authorities that the number of days spent at sea by members of the Naval Service Reserve to-date in 2019 is 22.
43. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of sick days taken by members in each service of the Defence Forces to date in 2019. [18209/19]
View answerIn line with other sectors, sick leave statistics for the Permanent Defence Force are compiled annually and provided to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (D/PER). These statistics are used in order to track the level of absenteeism across the Public Service. The absentee rates for the Public Service are then published by D/PER.
As per Defence Force Regulation A12, sick leave may be granted to a member of the Permanent Defence Force, on the recommendation of a Medical Officer, or if not practicable, on the recommendation of a civilian medical practitioner.
The total number of sick leave days taken by members of the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service, to date in 2019*, as advised by the Military Authorities, are as follows:
|
Year |
Army |
Air Corps |
Naval Service |
|
2019 |
17,573 |
1,748 |
1,842 |
*as of 15 April 2019
44. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the specific meetings over the past 18 months between his Department, the Defence Forces and the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment in which the issue of developing civil and military co-operation as set out in the National Cyber Security Strategy 2015-2017 was on the agenda; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18217/19]
View answerThe response to cyber threats remains a whole-of-Government challenge, with the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment taking the lead role and with inputs in the security domain from both An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces. Consequently, there is on-going cooperation and engagement between the Department of Defence, the Defence Forces and the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment. As provided for in the National Cyber Security Strategy 2015-2017, a Memorandum of Understanding and Service Level Agreement have been signed, between the Defence Organisation and the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment, on civil and military cooperation.
45. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 7 of 11 April 2019, if further clarification will be provided (details supplied); the reason this is not a priority; the obstacles to the provision of these critical resources; the specific measures he is taking to address these issues in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18218/19]
View answerThe response to cyber threats remains a whole-of-Government challenge, with the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment taking the lead role and with inputs in the security domain from An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces. The Department of Defence and the Defence Forces are committed to participating, under the leadership of the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment, in the delivery of measures to improve the Cyber Security of the State.
Ireland’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), which is located in the Department of Communications, Climate Action & Environment provides a range of cyber security services to owners of Government IT infrastructure and Critical National Infrastructure. The NCSC is also home to the national Computer Security Incident Response Team (CSIRT-IE) which acts as a national point of contact involving entities within Ireland, and as the point of contact for international discussions on issues of cyber security.
The Department of Defence and the Defence Forces have a Service Level Agreement (SLA) with the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment to provide support in the area of national cyber security.
The SLA includes arrangements for the provision of Defence Forces support to the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) through secondment of personnel when resources allow. In addition, a number of suitably qualified Defence Forces members have been seconded to the NCSC and have subsequently transferred to the Centre to work there on a full time basis. The overall aim of the SLA is to improve the Cyber Security of the State through various types of assistance and support whilst also ensuring the operational requirements of the Defence Forces are prioritised.
From an operational perspective it would be inappropriate to comment on specific elements of the Cyber capability of the Defence Forces other than to say that there is on-going development of Cyber capabilities within the Defence Forces.
46. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the State agencies and bodies under the remit of his Department; the location of each such body by county; and the number of full and part-time persons employed in each such body. [18229/19]
View answerThe only State body currently under the aegis of the Department of Defence is the Army Pensions Board. The Army Pensions Board is an independent statutory body, established under the Army Pensions Act 1927, and is based in St. Bricin's Military Hospital in Dublin.
The Act specifies that the Board shall consist of a chairman and two ordinary members. The two ordinary members must be qualified medical practitioners of whom one must be an officer of the Army Medical Corps. The chairman and the non military ordinary member are appointed by the Minister for Defence with the concurrence of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. The Army Medical Corps ordinary member is appointed by the Minister for Defence on the recommendation of the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces.
Day to day worked related to the Board is undertaken by Board's Secretary who is a full time civil servant employed by the Department of Defence. The Board does not directly employ any staff.
47. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of persons employed at each level of the Civil Service from Secretary General to cleaner each year since 2016; the number of those at each level who are female in each year since 2016, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18348/19]
View answerThe number of persons employed at each grade in my Department at the end of 2016, 2017 and 2018, and at 31 March 2019 are as set out in the tables. My Department is fully committed to equality of opportunity for all employees.
31 December 2016
|
Grade |
Female |
Male |
Total |
|
Secretary General |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
Assistant Secretary |
0 |
2 |
2 |
|
Director |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
Principal |
6 |
10 |
16 |
|
Assistant Principal Officer |
14 |
27 |
41 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
38 |
24 |
62 |
|
Administrative Officer |
5 |
1 |
6 |
|
Executive Officer |
58 |
24 |
82 |
|
Staff Officer |
20 |
1 |
21 |
|
Clerical Officer |
90 |
23 |
113 |
|
Storeman/Storekeeper |
0 |
2 |
2 |
|
Head Services Officer |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
Services Officer/Cleaner |
1 |
9 |
10 |
|
Ministerial Staff |
1 |
3 |
4 |
|
Total |
233 |
129 |
362 |
31 December 2017
|
Grade |
Female |
Male |
Total |
|
Secretary General |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
Assistant Secretary |
0 |
3 |
3 |
|
Director |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
Principal |
7 |
9 |
16 |
|
Assistant Principal Officer |
15 |
29 |
44 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
41 |
23 |
64 |
|
Administrative Officer |
4 |
1 |
5 |
|
Executive Officer |
72 |
25 |
97 |
|
Clerical Officer |
85 |
18 |
103 |
|
Storeman/Storekeeper |
0 |
2 |
2 |
|
Head Services Officer |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
Services Officer/Cleaner |
1 |
9 |
10 |
|
Ministerial Staff |
1 |
3 |
4 |
|
Total |
227 |
124 |
351 |
The grade of Staff Officer was amalgamated with Executive Officer with effect from 1 January 2017.
31 December 2018
|
Grade |
Female |
Male |
Total |
|
Secretary General |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
Assistant Secretary |
0 |
3 |
3 |
|
Director |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
Principal |
6 |
11 |
17 |
|
Assistant Principal Officer |
20 |
25 |
45 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
44 |
26 |
70 |
|
Administrative Officer |
2 |
3 |
5 |
|
Executive Officer |
82 |
24 |
106 |
|
Clerical Officer |
79 |
13 |
92 |
|
Storeman/Storekeeper |
0 |
2 |
2 |
|
Head Services Officer |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
Services Officer/Cleaner |
1 |
9 |
10 |
|
Ministerial Staff |
0 |
4 |
4 |
|
Total |
235 |
122 |
357 |
31 March 2019
|
Grade |
Female |
Male |
Total |
|
Secretary General |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
Assistant Secretary |
0 |
3 |
3 |
|
Director |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
Principal |
6 |
11 |
17 |
|
Assistant Principal Officer |
19 |
26 |
45 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
46 |
26 |
72 |
|
Administrative Officer |
2 |
3 |
5 |
|
Executive Officer |
82 |
23 |
105 |
|
Clerical Officer |
82 |
14 |
96 |
|
Storeman/Storekeeper |
0 |
2 |
2 |
|
Head Services Officer |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
Services Officer/Cleaner |
2 |
8 |
10 |
|
Ministerial Staff |
0 |
4 |
4 |
|
Total |
240 |
122 |
362 |
48. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his views on the claims of the Defences Forces occupational social workers for being regarded as senior single-handed practitioner grade (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18376/19]
View answerOccupational social workers are employed as civilian employees by my Department on a payscale commensurate to the HSE payscale for Professionally Qualified Social Workers. There are established mechanisms for the management of industrial relations for the employees of my Department and the wider public sector. Any requests for re-grading or pay increases are considered in the context of the Public Service Stability (and predecessor) Agreement(s), and the parties to those agreements have agreed that cost increasing claims are not permissible under those Agreements.
49. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the political crisis in Sudan; the position of the European Union on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18111/19]
View answerOn 11 April it was announced that a transitional military council had assumed control in Sudan and that Omar al-Bashir, who had been President for three decades, was being held in a "safe place". The transitional military council has said it will govern Sudan for a two-year transitional period after which it promises presidential elections. Sudan's constitution has been suspended, its parliament has been dissolved, and a three-month state of emergency has been declared.
Despite al-Bashir's removal, the Sudanese Professionals' Association, which is one of the main organisers of the protests, has called for a continued sit-in outside the Defence Ministry. This is to demand a return to constitutional and civilian government. In an attempt to placate the protestors, the initial appointment of the Minister of Defence as head of the transitional military council was swiftly withdrawn , to be replaced by another senior military figure. Negotiations between protestors and the military are continuing and the situation on the ground remains dynamic.
The recent political changes follow five months of demonstrations, triggered initially by spiralling costs of living. These protests took on renewed emphasis earlier this month, coinciding with the 34th anniversary of a bloodless coup against a former president, Jaafar Nimeiri.
In attempts over the past months to suppress and disperse protests, Sudanese security forces have used tear gas, stun grenades and live bullets. The use of violence against demonstrators has been widely condemned.
On 11 April, EU High Representative Mogherini issued a statement complementing a statement by the Chairperson of the African Union Commission which highlighted that a military council does not provide the answers and breached the principles of the African Union Charter. High Representative Mogherini said that only a credible and inclusive political process can meet the aspirations of the Sudanese people and lead to the political and economic reforms Sudan needs. That can only be achieved through a swift handover to a civilian transitional government. In that process, she called on all concerned to exercise calm and utmost restraint. I fully endorse the High Representative's statement.
On 15 April, the Peace and Security Council of the African Union issued a communiqué strongly condemning and rejecting the seizure of power by the Sudanese military and calling on the military to transfer power to a civilian led political authority within 15 days or face suspension from the Union.
Events continue to evolve and my officials are monitoring developments, through the Embassy of Ireland in Nairobi, which has responsibility for Sudan, and through our membership of the European Union, including through cooperation with the European Union delegation in Khartoum. Senior officials from my Department also met with the Sudanese Ambassador to Ireland earlier this year to discuss the situation in Sudan.
Officials from my Department visited Sudan earlier this month on a UN organised visit, a key element of Ireland's chairing of the donor group supporting the Office of the UN Humanitarian Coordinator. During this visit, my officials took the opportunity to raise concerns about the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the country and the need for timely delivery of principled humanitarian assistance and protection. Ireland continues to respond to on-going humanitarian needs in Sudan through the provision of humanitarian funding, with almost €29 million provided through our UN, NGO and Red Cross partners since 2012.
50. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the State agencies and bodies under the remit of his Department; the location of each such body by county; and the number of full and part-time persons employed in each such body. [18233/19]
View answerThere are no State agencies or bodies under the remit of my Department.
51. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of male and female applications, respectively, received from Irish election observers for the OSCE observation mission covering the first round of presidential elections in Ukraine; the number of male and female observers, respectively, sent for the first round; his views on whether this is in line with the policy of having an appropriate gender balance; the reason no long-term election observers were sent; the number of observers requested by the OSCE for the second round; the reason for scaling back the number of observers being sent to the second round to just five observers; when the decision was made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18246/19]
View answerInternational election observation missions play an important role in the promotion of democracy and human rights. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade aims to ensure that, when requested, Ireland is represented at an appropriate level on international election observation missions. Irish observers participate primarily in missions organised by the European Union or the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE-ODIHR).
The EU and the OSCE-ODHIR regularly issue calls for the nomination of observers to participate in the election missions organised under their auspices. The Department reviews each call and responds accordingly on a case-by-case basis, including with regard to the overall annual budget available for participation in election observation missions and the resources of the Department's Elections Desk.
On 3 January 2019 the OSCE-ODHIR issued a call for the nomination of Long Term Observers (LTOs) in respect of the Presidential Elections in Ukraine. As security vetting of the new roster and preparation for training was underway at the time, a decision was taken not to circulate the LTO call.
On 12 February 2019 the OSCE-ODHIR issued a call for the nomination of Short Term Observers (STOs) in respect of the same election. This call was circulated to roster members who had completed the minimum required National Vetting Bureau procedures. Twenty three roster members - 6 women and 17 men - applied. Having considered each application, and having given full consideration to a special request from the OSCE-ODHIR that Participating States consider increasing their nominations, on an exceptional basis the Department nominated all 23 volunteers - 22 of whom subsequently participated in the mission.
To support the observation mission during the election's second round, the OSCE-ODIHR requested the nomination of 750 STOs. This call was circulated to those who were already accredited as observers having participated in the first round. In line with the normal number of short-term observers deployed to OSCE election observation missions, Ireland nominated five observers for the second round: on this occasion those nominated comprise 2 women and 3 men.
52. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if a person (details supplied) qualifies for an Irish passport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18250/19]
View answerAll passport applications are subject to the provisions of the Passports Act 2008. The Act provides, among other things, that a person must be an Irish citizen before a passport can be issued to him/her. In order to meet this requirement, each person must demonstrate an entitlement to Irish citizenship by providing acceptable documentary evidence of this entitlement. Entitlement to Irish citizenship is determined by the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended. Matters in relation to citizenship fall under the responsibility of the Department of Justice and Equality.
It is not clear from the information provided if the individual in question is an Irish citizen. In the absence of such information, it is not possible to give specific guidance but it may be helpful to set out the ways in which an individual can demonstrate a claim to Irish citizenship.
The citizenship of persons born on the island of Ireland on or after 1 January 2005 is determined by the citizenship or residency status of one of their parents at the time of the person’s birth.
An individual born on the island of Ireland before 2005 or born to a parent who was born on the island of Ireland before 2005 is automatically an Irish citizen.
A person born on or after 1 January 2005 may claim citizenship by birth where a parent has been lawfully resident in the State for three years of the four preceding his/her birth (a total of 1,095 days).
Individuals born outside of Ireland can also claim citizenship through a parent who was not born in Ireland but was an Irish citizen at the time of the individual's birth, or through a grandparent born in Ireland. Individuals who wish to claim citizenship through these means must have his/her birth entered on the Foreign Births Register (FBR). Citizenship commences after inclusion on the FBR. Further information regarding the process can be found on the Passport Service's website.
Irish citizenship can also be acquired through naturalisation. Minimum residency terms must be satisfied before an individual is eligible to apply. Where a child born in the State did not have an entitlement to Irish citizenship at birth, the parent or guardian or person who is in loco parentis to the child may lodge an application for naturalisation on behalf of the child if and when the conditions for naturalisation are satisfied.
53. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the outcome of the most recent discussions at the EU Foreign Affairs Council regarding Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18292/19]
View answerBrexit was not on the agenda of the most recent Foreign Affairs Council on 8 April. However, it was discussed at the General Affairs Council (Article 50) on 9 April, which I attended together with Minister of State McEntee. At that meeting, the Ministers prepared the agenda for the European Council the following day. In light of Prime Minister May's letter of 5 April, Ministers considered the UK's request for a further extension to the Article 50 process.
On 10 April the European Council agreed to extend the date of the UK's departure from the European Union until 31 October. However, should the UK ratify the Withdrawal Agreement before then, it will leave the EU on the first day of the following month. One of the conditions of the extension is that the UK must now hold European Parliamentary elections. If it does not, the UK will leave the EU on 1 June.
The Government welcomes the decision of the European Council, which provides the UK more time to ensure an orderly withdrawal. Of course, the UK retains the right to revoke its Article 50 notification at any time.
The European Council made clear again that the Withdrawal Agreement, including the backstop, cannot be re-negotiated, and that any unilateral commitments by the UK Government should be compatible with the letter and the spirit of the Withdrawal Agreement. We welcome these important assertions.
The European Council also made clear that this time cannot be used to begin negotiations on the future relationship, which will begin once the withdrawal has taken place. Hoevever, importantly, should the position of the UK evolve, then the EU would be prepared to reconsider the Political Declaration on the future relationship.
Throughout the duration of the extension, the UK will remain a full member of the EU. We welcome the UK’s commitment to act in a responsible and constructive way during the extension. This commitment is important as we must safeguard the effective functioning of the EU. The EU27 can therefore discuss matters related to long term decisions without the UK.
Responsibility for avoiding a no deal Brexit now firmly lies with the UK . We hope that the ongoing process between the UK Government and the main opposition, the Labour Party, will lead to a positive outcome and an orderly withdrawal.
54. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on the rights of LGBTQ+ persons in Kenya; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18293/19]
View answerKenyan law criminalises male homosexual relations. However, some interpretations suggest that it also prohibits female same sex relations. Consequently both men and women in same sex relationships in Kenya fear the possibility of legal persecution.
A petition seeking to decriminalise same sex relations is currently before the High Court of Kenya, arguing that two sections of the relevant legislation contravene the articles of the 2010 Kenyan Constitution guaranteeing equality, dignity and privacy for all citizens. In particular, they argue that the provisions in question are contrary to the right to privacy. In February 2019 a decision on the case was deferred to 24 May, with the significant volume of judicial caseloads the reason for the adjournment.
In a separate case in March of this year, the Kenyan Court of Appeal upheld a High Court decision directing the Non-Governmental Organisations Coordination Board to register the National Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (NGLHRC) as an NGO. The NGLHRC had been struggling for formal registration as an NGO since its foundation in 2012.
In 2018, the Kenyan Film Classification Board banned the screening of a film, Rafiki, selected to premiere at the Cannes Film Festival. The film was banned for its “clear intent to promote lesbianism”. The High Court later granted an application to lift the ban for seven days to allow the director to submit it to the 2019 Oscars selection committee of Kenya.
Against a backdrop of societal unease, a change in current laws would assist in enabling a broader acceptance across Kenyan society of same sex relations.
The promotion and protection of human rights, including LGBTI+ rights, is at the heart of Irish foreign policy. In accordance with our commitment in The Global Island – Ireland’s Foreign Policy for a Changing World, Ireland works on an international level to promote the rights of LGBTI+ people, who continue to face disproportionate levels of violence and systematic discrimination, through our multi-lateral engagement with the United Nations and the European Union as well as our engagement in regional organisations such as the Council of Europe and the OSCE.
A Better World, Ireland’s new policy for international development, acknowledges that members of the LGBTI+ community often experience systemic levels of discrimination and marginalisation, and that threats to human rights and civil society space undermine the basis for peaceful sustainable development in many contexts.
Ireland continues to actively monitor human rights, including LGBTI+ rights, in Kenya through our Embassy in Nairobi, and through our cooperation with the European Union Delegation in Nairobi.
