Wednesday, 20 May 2020

Written Answers Nos. 1-20

Departmental Contracts

Questions (1)

Carol Nolan

Question:

1. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Taoiseach if his Department has engaged the use of external consultants from 1 January 2020 to date; and the details and costs of such engagements. [5537/20]

Written answers

The Taoiseach

My Department has not engaged any consultants in the period since 1 January 2020.

Departmental Advertising

Questions (2)

Niall Collins

Question:

2. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Taoiseach the way in which his Department co-ordinated, organised, procured and financed the radio, television and newspaper advertisements relating to Covid-19. [5548/20]

Written answers

The Taoiseach

A whole-of-government communications response was mobilised in response to the COVID-19 emergency to formulate and implement a coordinated response that ensures maximum clarity for citizens, businesses and our wider community.

This aligns with both World Health Organisation (WHO) and European Centre for Disease Control (ECDC) advice, both of which emphasise the importance of ensuring the general public is aware of the seriousness of the COVID-19 outbreak and further that a high degree of population understanding, community engagement and acceptance of the measures put in place are key in preventing further spread.

This advice also recommends the provision of easily accessible information such as signs and symptoms of COVID-19, contact details of local health services, the population groups at risk, self-isolation, social distancing measures and travel advice.

It is also recommended that communication strategies should target different audiences and provide the rationale behind the measures, also outlining the necessity to put a support system in place to provide essential services and supplies (e.g. food and medication), and to monitor vulnerable individuals.

The focus of the Government’s public awareness programme to date has been to invest in media to build mass awareness and understanding of Government information related to the COVID-19 emergency response as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Given the importance of the information, the detailed understanding that is required, and the speed at which the information needed to be deployed, the mediums of radio and press, have led the programme to date. These mediums are trusted as both news sources and fixtures of the Irish media landscape, and allow the dissemination of information in a detailed and effective manner to as wide an audience as possible. The press and radio programme has been augmented by a cross-Government coordinated programme on digital media.

Both national and local media have been deployed to get the balance right between main national news sources, which help to communicate information which is important to all of Ireland, and local news sources, which resonate particularly strongly with local communities.

The communications programmes run as part of the Covid 19 response include Community Call, Business Supports, Social Distancing in Public Spaces, Large Scale restrictions, publication of the Roadmap for Reopening of Society and Business and measures being lifted during Phase 1 of the roadmap.

The advertising space is booked through existing contracts which were procured through the Office of Government Procurement (OGP).

European Council Meetings

Questions (3, 4)

Micheál Martin

Question:

3. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the latest EU Council meeting and the issues that were discussed. [5550/20]

Micheál Martin

Question:

4. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach if he has spoken directly to other EU leaders recently about the Covid-19 crisis and associated issues. [5551/20]

Written answers

The Taoiseach

I propose to take Questions Nos. 3 and 4 together.

On 23 April, I joined fellow members of the European Council by video conference to discuss management of the coronavirus crisis and to chart a path towards economic and social recovery. This was the fourth such meeting, with previous videoconferences having taken place on 10, 17 and 26 March.

In our meetings, we focussed on five strategic areas of work in which it makes sense to cooperate together:

- Limiting the spread of the virus;

- ensuring the supply of medicines, equipment and goods;

- supporting research;

- tackling socio-economic consequences; and

- co-operating to bring citizens home from other countries.

At our most recent meeting on 23 April, we welcomed the Joint European Roadmap towards the lifting of COVID-19 containment measures published by the Commission on 15 April. It sets out a principles-based and science-led approach to re-opening our societies and our economies and aligns with the approach we have taken as a Government to date.

We also endorsed an economic package, agreed by the Eurogroup, worth up to €540 billion, and asked that it be operational in June. This comprises three safety nets, one for citizens, one for companies, and one for Member States.

Looking beyond the immediate crisis, we agreed on the need to put in place a Recovery Fund commensurate to the scale of the challenge we will face in rebuilding our economies and businesses, and getting our citizens back to work, as soon as circumstances permit.

On 8 May, I spoke with the Prime Minister of Sweden, Stefan Löfven. We discussed the current Covid-19 crisis and the importance of ongoing discussions at EU level on a recovery fund and on the MFF. We also discussed the current state of play in the EU-UK negotiations on the future partnership, we well as implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement, including the Irish Protocol.

PM Löfven took the opportunity to thank Ireland for assisting in the repatriation of Swedish citizens from India.

On 17 May, I spoke with President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen. We discussed the detailed work that the Commission is undertaking in analysing the impact of the Covid19 crisis, sector-by-sector and region-by-region, and its work on a Recovery Fund. We also discussed how this Fund will interact with the Union’s budget for the next seven years, and the Commission’s plan to bring forward a new proposal in that regard in the near future.

Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements

Questions (5)

Micheál Martin

Question:

5. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach if he has spoken with Prime Minister Johnson recently; and if so, the issues that were discussed. [5552/20]

Written answers

The Taoiseach

I spoke with the UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Friday 15 May. I offered my sympathies to him on his recent illness and hospitalisation, and I also congratulated him on the birth of his son.

We discussed the general Covid 19 situation and our respective experiences in seeking to contain the virus and manage its impacts. We shared information on our respective plans to start easing restrictions. We also talked about how Covid related travel restrictions might be adapted, and agreed that we both want the common travel area to be respected in our respective approaches.

We discussed Brexit and noted the state of play after last week’s round of negotiations. We also recalled our commitment to working together on strengthening North - South and East -West links after Brexit, and looked forward to being able to make progress in the period ahead.

I also spoke with First Minister Arlene Foster and deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill on Friday, 15th May, when I informed them of the Government plans to start easing the Covid related restrictions from the 18th of May as set out in the Roadmap. We also discussed ongoing North South cooperation on dealing with Covid and the Memorandum of Understanding agreed to underpin and strengthen North South co-operation on the public health response to the pandemic .

I had previously spoken by phone with the UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson on 19 March. The main focus of our discussion on that occasion was the Covid 19 situation and the actions being taken by the two Governments, including in particular in relation to closing schools. We both expressed the wish that political parties in Northern Ireland work collaboratively in the recently restored Executive, and briefly discussed the British proposals on legacy issues.

Departmental Staff

Questions (6)

Micheál Martin

Question:

6. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach the number of non-Civil Service staff recruited by his Department since 1 February 2020. [5553/20]

Written answers

The Taoiseach

In this period, one officer, at a grade equivalent to Administrative Officer, has been formally seconded to my Department from a Public Sector organisation.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (7)

Thomas Byrne

Question:

7. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Taoiseach the number of persons from outside the house allowed to travel in one car. [6478/20]

Written answers

The Taoiseach

The current public health advice states that we should stay at home in all circumstances, except in the following situations:

- to travel to and from work, if your work cannot be carried out from home

- to shop for essential food and household goods

- to attend medical appointments and collect medicines

- for vital family reasons, such as providing care to children, elderly or vulnerable people - but excluding social family visits

- for farming purposes - that is food production or care of animals

- to engage in physical exercise within 5 kilometres of home, adhering to 2 metre social distancing

- to meet with friends or family within 5 kilometres in groups of no more than 4, adhering to 2 metre social distancing

- to escape domestic violence

Therefore there are limited situations where it would be necessary for a person to make a car journey with someone from outside their household. To the greatest extent possible, people should not mix with others from outside their household except as permitted in small groups, outdoors, maintaining social distancing. However, there may be circumstances where a car journey may be necessary with someone from outside your household. In such circumstances the latest public health advices including handwashing and respiratory hygiene should be followed at all times.

For those who are cocooning who wish to go for a short drive within 5km, HSE advises that you should only share the journey with someone who is also cocooning in your home and no one else.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (8)

Marian Harkin

Question:

8. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Taoiseach if consideration is being given to lifting Covid-19 restrictions on a county basis or by province subject to and in line with all advice from the NPHET. [6488/20]

Written answers

The Taoiseach

The Roadmap, and the Principles of Approach to reducing measures set out therein, states that ideally a ‘whole-of-country-approach will be taken, however it also includes potential for a differentiated geographical approach depending on circumstances.

Under the framework, Government will decide what restrictions to ease, at what point in time, having regard to the public health advice of the Department of Health as well as other social and economic considerations.

Departmental Advertising

Questions (9)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

9. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Taoiseach the amount spent on online advertising or digital content including social media (details supplied) from 1 January 2020 to 12 May 2020; and the breakdown of the spending. [6511/20]

Written answers

The Taoiseach

In 2020 so far my Department has spent €4,308.20 on social media buying. This relates to content produced in Autumn 2019.

My Department is coordinating the National whole-of-government communications response to the COVID-19 emergency. There will continue to be expenditure on public information notices to ensure maximum clarity for citizens, businesses and our wider community. This will involve very significant additional expenditure in 2020.

Departmental Advertising

Questions (10)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

10. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Taoiseach the amount spent on advertising from 1 January 2020 to 12 May 2020; and the breakdown of the spending. [6512/20]

Written answers

The Taoiseach

In 2020 so far my Department has spent €4,308.20 on social media buying. This relates to content produced in Autumn 2019.

My Department is coordinating the National whole-of-government communications response to the COVID-19 emergency. There will continue to be expenditure on public information notices to ensure maximum clarity for citizens, businesses and our wider community.

This will involve very significant additional expenditure in 2020.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (11)

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

11. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Taoiseach the number of persons who can attend a small wedding as provided for in phase 4 of the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business; the number of persons who can attend larger weddings scheduled for phase 5; and if will he provide further clarity on the holding of weddings here in 2020. [6772/20]

Written answers

The Taoiseach

The Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business sets out a framework and processes for assessing how we can keep the level of transmission of the virus as low as possible while balancing continuing restrictions proportionately with the positive social and economic benefits which can accrue from the lifting of some restrictions.

The framework approach contains a range of indicative measures set out under a number of different categories and across a number of potential phases. This is a living, flexible document and will be subject to regular review.

As per the framework, Government will decide what restrictions to ease, at what point in time, having regard to the public health advice of the Department of Health as well as other social and economic considerations.

Further details and the criteria of the various measures for easing restrictions in later phases, including the number of persons that can attend small and larger weddings, will be determined by the information available as the situation develops and in line with the prevailing public health advice at the time.

Government will continue to provide as much information as possible in as timely a manner as possible as the situation progresses.

Departmental Contracts

Questions (12)

Carol Nolan

Question:

12. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if his Department has engaged the use of external consultants from 1 January 2020 to date; the details and costs of such engagements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5527/20]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

The following table provides details of external consultants engaged by my Department in the period from 1 January 2020 to date and the associated costs.

Provider of Consultancy Service	Date	Purpose	Amount
Vedette Consulting	28th February 2020	To provide expert advice on the Feasibility of the Establishment of a Research, Technology & Innovation (RTI) Capability for the Irish Defence Organisation	€24,400 ex VAT

Departmental Properties

Questions (13)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

13. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if his Department has ownership of the Napoleonic Artillery Battery at a location (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5880/20]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

As Minister for Defence there are a number of Look Out posts which were invested in me by virtue of the Emergency Powers (No. 315) Order 1944. My Department has advised me that while there are several Look Out posts in Co. Kerry, it does not appear that the one referred to by the Deputy falls within the Department's remit. However, if the Deputy could provide further details in relation to the installation, my officials can investigate the matter further if required.

Overseas Missions

Questions (14, 18, 19, 22, 23, 24)

Michael McGrath

Question:

14. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if members of the Defence Forces serving in Lebanon who are due to return on 19 May 2020 will return on that date; if the required arrangements are in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6179/20]

Eamon Ryan

Question:

18. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence when Defence Forces personnel serving in Lebanon who have been serving since before Christmas and were due to back in May 2020 will now return; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6509/20]

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

19. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the reason Defence Forces personnel are not able to return from oversees in view of the fact that hundreds of seasonal workers travelled here during a pandemic. [6703/20]

Martin Heydon

Question:

22. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the status of delayed rotations of UNIFIL troops from Lebanon; the work of his Department to seek updates and progress on this matter; when he expects to be able to update families on their return; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6802/20]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

23. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence when he will announce a date that Defence Forces personnel serving on a UNIFIL mission will rotate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6965/20]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

24. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence when he will announce a date when Defence Forces personnel serving on a UNIFIL mission will rotate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7031/20]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

I propose to take Questions Nos. 14, 18, 19 and 22 to 24, inclusive, together.

On 5 April, 2020, the United Nations Secretary General directed the suspension of all rotations and leave for military personnel serving in United Nations (UN) missions until 30 June, effective immediately.  

The UN directed that only in certain very limited and extenuating circumstances would any exemption be allowed, and only where a rotation was vital to maintain a critical operational capability and where the requisite quarantine requirements for incoming and rotating contingents required by the UN and the host state can also be guaranteed.  Any such exemption was subject to a decision by the UN Headquarters in New York on a proposal from the Force Commander.  

The UN direction impacted over 100,000 UN uniformed personnel from over 120 countries serving world-wide, including Ireland and Defence Forces personnel serving with UN missions. The suspension was based on the protection of local communities as well as that of the peacekeepers during the Covid pandemic.     

Immediately upon the direction of the UN Secretary General, the Defence Forces, the Department of Defence and the Department Foreign Affairs and Trade engaged with the UN in the mission areas and at UN Headquarters, though both informal and formal contacts to ensure that the rotation of Irish personnel would be achieved as close as possible to the scheduled dates.  

On foot of these efforts, rotations to UNDOF, MINUSMA, KFOR and EUTM Mali have been successfully concluded to date.  However, from the outset, the key focus has been on UNIFIL.  As our largest mission, it involves the rotation of a significant number of personnel in two stages, two weeks apart and is thus more complex, and requires approvals and permissions from both the UN and from the Host State, not least in terms of their health status and that of the local population in a time of a global pandemic health restrictions.   

The UN has agreed to a partial exemption of the suspension for Ireland. This flexibility from the UN resulted from the immediate and coordinated case advanced at mission level, by the Chief of Staff and at UN Headquarters, by the Department of Defence and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. 

Given the size of the contingent and the requirements of the mission, the UNIFIL rotations take place in two stages, (commonly known as “chalks”). 

I am advised that the indications at present are that the first chalk will take place in the latter part of June and the second in early July. However, contacts with the UN in New York are continuing.

I am acutely aware of the impact the UN decision is having on Defence Force members, as well as the anxiety that this has caused for families.  In this connection, I am advised by the military authorities that personnel in mission areas are being briefed as information comes to hand.  Personnel and families will continue to be advised and updated by the Defence Forces as further information becomes available. 

Departmental Budgets

Questions (15)

Matt Carthy

Question:

15. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the estimated amount it would cost in a full year if the capital budget for Defence Forces built infrastructure, construction and maintenance increased by 15%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6245/20]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

The Revised Estimates for Public Services 2020 provides for a Capital allocation of €20 million, for Subhead A.13 - Defence Forces Built Infrastructure; Construction and Maintenance - in the Defence Vote.

This Capital allocation will facilitate the progression of a significant number of Defence Forces Built Infrastructure projects in various military installations located throughout the country.

I published a comprehensive list of individual priority projects in the ‘Defence Forces 5 year Infrastructure Programme 2020 – 2025’, which was published on my Department’s website earlier this year. This programme implements the policy approach contained in the White Paper on Defence to enhance Defence physical infrastructure and accommodation as an important component of defence capability.

The full year cost of increasing this Capital budget by 15% would be €3 million in simple numerical terms.  Any increased funding provided for Defence infrastructural investment would be progressed based on the priorities in the five year Infrastructure Programme and taking account of on-going and future Defence Organisational capabilities and resources.

Defence Forces Data

Questions (16)

Matt Carthy

Question:

16. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of vacancies in the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service in tabular form. [6246/20]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

The following table details the establishment, strength and vacancies of the Permanent Defence Force, as of the 30th April 2020:

Branch	Establishment	Strength   (WTE)	Vacancies
Army	7,520	6,867	653
Air Corps	886	726	160
Naval Service	1,094	892	202
Total	9,500	8,485	1,015

The Government remains committed to returning to, and maintaining the agreed strength of the Permanent Defence Force at 9,500 personnel as set out in the White Paper on Defence (2015) and, in that context, recruitment is ongoing.

Defence Forces Data

Questions (17)

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

17. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the vacancies among instructors in the Defence Forces across each branch. [6377/20]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

It has not been possible to collate the information requested by the Deputy in the timeframe available. I shall provide the figures to the Deputy when they have been collated.

The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51

I refer to PQ 6377/20, which requested the following information and for which it was not possible in the time available to compile all the necessary information:

There are currently 92 Instructor vacancies in the Defence Forces comprised of 68 in the army, 16 in the Navy, and 8 in the Air Corps.

I am advised by the military authorities that in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Defence Forces have suspended the majority of training activities, with the exception of necessary qualifications and skills for overseas deployment. This has allowed some instructors to be temporarily re-tasked.

Instructor appointments may be vacant because there is no individual assigned to that appointment, or because an individual assigned to that appointment is deployed overseas or is undertaking a course of instruction.

Questions Nos. 18 and 19 answered with Question No. 14.

Defence Forces Medical Services

Questions (20)

Mark Ward

Question:

20. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if funding will be provided for the recruitment of an additional full-time clinical psychologist for the Defence Forces. [6788/20]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

There are currently two full-time clinical psychologists employed by the Defence Forces. This number was increased following the review of mental health services for the Defence Forces in 2017, which recommended the appointment of a civilian psychologist in addition to the existing Defence Forces psychologist. There are no plans currently in place to recruit additional clinical psychologists.