Written Answers Nos. 1-20
1. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Taoiseach the number of persons that availed of and the costs incurred by his Department regarding the cycle to work scheme since it was introduced to date by year and cost in tabular form. [9990/20]
View answerSince the introduction of the Cycle to Work scheme in January 2009, 100 applications have been made by staff of my Department. There is no discernible cost to my Department's vote in administering the Cycle to Work scheme, as the bicycles and equipment are paid for by way of salary sacrifice by those acquiring the bicycles. There are minor costs in processing forms and in carrying the up-front costs until such time as those are offset by the gradual deductions from salary. Neither of these is quantifiable. The only material cost of the scheme to the State is the tax relief inherent in the scheme.
The total amount sanctioned to date by way of bicycle purchases for staff of my Department is €77,279.69 which is in turn recouped from staff by way of salary deductions. The following table shows the number of applications and the breakdown of amounts sanctioned by year.
|
Request Year |
Number of Applications |
Amount Sanctioned |
|
2009 |
6 |
€2,923.47 |
|
2010 |
10 |
€7,887.95 |
|
2011 |
4 |
€3,184.00 |
|
2012 |
11 |
€9,266.54 |
|
2013 |
11 |
€8,290.89 |
|
2014 |
10 |
€6,571.10 |
|
2015 |
15 |
€10,677.82 |
|
2016 |
9 |
€7,874.21 |
|
2017 |
9 |
€7,013.77 |
|
2018 |
6 |
€6,053.95 |
|
2019 |
6 |
€4,637.00 |
|
2020 |
3 |
€2,898.99 |
|
Total |
100 |
€77,279.69 |
2. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans to evacuate members of the Defence Forces from the Democratic Republic of the Congo due to the worsening security situation in the region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9651/20]
View answerTwo Defence Force personnel serving in the MONUSCO mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo were due to complete their 6 months deployments in March/mid-April but were extended within the mission by a further month. This then brought them into the period when the UN suspended rotations in all UN missions due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. The rotation of these personnel was further extended at mission level by a further three months.
As the deployment of the personnel to a sub-Saharan African country had been extended beyond their initial six month deployment, there was a requirement to extract them as soon as possible to allow for a national medical assessment of the officers.
The officers in question returned to Ireland on Sunday, 31 May by commercial means, and following a medical assessment, they are currently self-isolating at home for a two week period.
New entrants into the mission are currently precluded under UN and MONUSCO mission protocols. The UN has recently advised that transitional measures will apply from July to December 2020 which will include a partial resumption of UN rotations with rigorous quarantine requirements and periodic reviews built into the process.
The full impact of Covid 19 on future rotations is currently being examined by my Department with the Defence Forces.
3. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if a full health and safety audit will be carried out on the entire Air Corps fleet of AW139 helicopters and other craft if deemed necessary in view of a recent safety incident; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9652/20]
View answerI am advised by military management that, from initial investigations, they have not deemed it necessary to carry out a full health and safety audit on the entire Air Corps fleet of AW139 helicopters or other aircraft in the fleet. A formal investigation into the incident is on-going at present. I understand that this investigation is examining the technical and operational aspects of the incident and will make appropriate recommendations. I will await the outcome of this investigation. Thankfully, there were no casualties on the ground, and no Air Corps personnel were injured in the incident.
4. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if members of the Defence Forces replacing those serving on UNIFIL missions by rotation will serve the full length of missions and receive allowable expenses and allowances that would be associated with a full mission on overseas duty in view of his announcement of a return date for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9653/20]
View answerAs part of its response to the global Covid pandemic, on 5 April, 2020 the United Nations Secretary General directed the suspension of all rotations and leave for military personnel serving in UN missions until 30 June. The suspension was based on the protection of local communities as well as that of the peacekeepers during the Covid pandemic.
On foot of the subsequent efforts of the Department of Defence, the Defence Forces and the Department Foreign Affairs and Trade, a number of rotations of Irish Defence Forces personnel have been successfully concluded. While the rotation of troops to and from UNIFIL, which was to take place mid-May, has been delayed as a result of the UN suspension, Ireland has secured an exemption and approval for a rotation of the full contingent in June, during the UN moratorium.
The UN has recently advised that transitional measures will apply in the following six month period, July to December 2020, which will include a partial resumption of rotations with rigorous quarantine requirements and periodic reviews built into the process.
While the Defence Forces have advised that the duration of the next UNIFIL deployment will be shorter than the normal six months duration, the full impact of Covid 19 on future rotations continues to be examined by my Department with the Defence Forces. As you will appreciate, the health and welfare of Defence Forces personnel serving overseas remains our primary concern at this time.
5. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he or his officials had an input into the drafting of the job specification for the recently advertised role of Secretary General of the Department of Defence; the reason the job specification does not stipulate the requirement for experience or qualifications in defence, security, international relations or a related field; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9778/20]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, the running of competitions for Secretaries General is a function of the Top Level Appointments Committee. As the competition is ongoing, it would be inappropriate for me to comment on the requirements as set out the information booklet for the post. The booklet contains a range of factual information in relation to the organisation, which would have been provided by my Department, as is the norm for such competitions.
6. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of persons that availed of and the costs incurred by his Department regarding the cycle to work scheme since it was introduced to date by year and cost in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9980/20]
View answerThe following table outlines the number of staff in the Department of Defence that availed of the Cycle to Work Scheme since it was introduced in 2009 to date.
|
Year |
Number of staff that availed of scheme |
|
2009 |
20 |
|
2010 |
43 |
|
2011 |
44 |
|
2012 |
29 |
|
2013 |
19 |
|
2014 |
27 |
|
2015 |
28 |
|
2016 |
15 |
|
2017 |
20 |
|
2018 |
13 |
|
2019 |
16 |
|
2020 (to date) |
6 |
|
Total |
280 |
The Cycle to Work Scheme is implemented under a salary sacrifice arrangement through an employee's payroll. Under this arrangement my Department funds the purchase of the bicycle and/or safety equipment for the employee who agrees to forego or sacrifice part of his or her salary for over an agreed period in order to cover the cost. In this context there is no cost to my Department to implementing the Scheme.
7. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of members of the Defence Forces that have exited the services by retirement and resignation in each of the years 2017 to 2019 and to date in 2020. [10082/20]
View answerThe following table outlines the number of Defence Forces discharges in each of the years 2017 to end April 2020.
DEFENCE FORCES DISCHARGES
|
Year |
Total Discharges |
No. of Personnel who Discharged by Purchase |
Other Discharges, incl voluntary retirements & retirements on age grounds |
|
2020* |
215 |
77 |
138 |
|
2019 |
882 |
367 |
515 |
|
2018 |
731 |
290 |
441 |
|
2017 |
742 |
315 |
427 |
*as at 30 Apr 2020
There are a range of reasons why personnel discharge from the Defence Forces.
Discharge by purchase occurs when a Non Commissioned Officer or Private elects to resign from the Defence Forces and pays an appropriate sum to discharge, in accordance with Defence Force Regulation A10 Para 61 (3). Recruits can also elect to discharge by purchase and a significant proportion of recruits, approximately 22% on average, depart from the Defence Forces during the training phase for various reasons.
Voluntary early retirements occur when personnel wish to end their service at break points before reaching the mandatory retirement age limit for his/her respective rank. These retirements occur at the persons own request, at his/her request after 12 years, expiry of PDF service, on pension after 21 years, or on termination of engagement.
Other discharges include retirement on age grounds, death, below medical standards, service no longer required, or unlikely to become effective.
8. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the average buy-out fee that serving soldiers were asked to pay to end their contract in each of the years 2017 to 2019 and to date in 2020. [10083/20]
View answerThe following table provides details of the number of Defence Forces personnel that discharged by purchase in each of the years 2017 to end April 2020, the amount received by the Department and the average cost for these discharges.
DEFENCE FORCES - DISCHARGE BY PURCHASE
|
Year |
No. of Personnel who Discharged by Purchase |
Amount received by the Department from Discharge by Purchase |
Average Cost |
|
2020* |
77 |
€37,620.50 |
€488.58 |
|
2019 |
367 |
€241,149.75 |
€657.08 |
|
2018 |
290 |
€143,782.60 |
€495.80 |
|
2017 |
315 |
€109,233.49 |
€346.77 |
*To 30/04/2020
It should be noted however, that the average cost is not reflective of the amount paid by the majority of personnel. Of the 1,049 personnel who have discharged by purchase since 2017, 46% have paid discharge costs of less than €100, with a further 46% paying between €100 and €300.
Discharge by purchase occurs when a Non Commissioned Officer or Private elects to leave the Defence Forces and pays an appropriate sum to discharge, in accordance with Defence Force Regulation A10 Para 61 (3). Recruits can also elect to discharge by purchase and a significant proportion of recruits, approximately 22% on average, depart from the Defence Forces during the training phase for various reasons.
Monetary sums in relation to discharge by purchase are assessed on a case by case basis depending on years of service, undertaking etc. The guidelines associated with determination of the amount payable on discharge are contained within DFR A10 Para 58(H), DFR A10 Para 61 and DFR A15 Para 19(2).
9. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the targeted admission of new recruits for 2020 and 2021 to the Defence Forces. [10084/20]
View answerWhile there have been 46 inductions to date in 2020, the capacity of the Defence Forces to induct and train recruits has been severely impacted by the COVID-19 situation as it resulted in the postponement of the majority of inductions in the first quarter of 2020.
The net effect of this postponement in recruitment activities is unclear at this time but the Defence Forces remain committed to optimising the number of personnel inducted during 2020. In that context, the military authorities have advised that they are currently finalising plans to re-commence collective training and recruitment, taking public health guidelines into account.
The results of this recruitment plan in 2020 will inform targets for 2021.
10. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the amount that has been spent on refurbishment and maintenance to Finner Camp, County Donegal in each of the years 2018, 2019 and to date in 2020; the refurbishment works that will be carried out in the camp over the next 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10232/20]
View answerI am advised by the military authorities that refurbishment and maintenance works at Finner Camp, Co Donegal amounted to €329,010.92 in 2018, €431,864.98 in 2019 and €48,417.64 to date in 2020.
I am further advised that refurbishment and new works including photovoltaic installation, heat pump installation and a gym roof replacement costing in the region of €0.5m are planned for later in 2020.
11. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of personnel that re-enlisted in the Permanent Defence Force since 1 April 2020; the areas of the Permanent Defence Force these personnel are serving in; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10240/20]
View answerOn 1 April last, I launched the scheme to re-enlist former PDF enlisted personnel who have the skills and expertise required to fill identified vacancies that currently exist. This includes technicians, fitters, chefs, communications and IT specialists and naval staff. The scheme will allow for initial re-enlistment for a minimum of six months and up to 3 years. The duration of the re-enlistment offered will be dependent on the vacancies that exist.
Since the announcement of the Scheme, over 600 applications have been received, with some 500 going forward for further assessment by the Chief of Staff. I am advised by the military authorities that interviews are currently underway. Given the numbers involved and the need for a transparent and consistent approach across the various specialties within the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service, it is understandable that this process takes time. In addition, personnel recommended and approved for re-enlistment will also have to successfully meet medical and security clearance requirements. I understand however, that Chief of Staff will very shortly be submitting for my approval, a list of candidates recommended for re-enlistment.
12. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of personnel serving in the Permanent Defence Force; his plans to bring personnel numbers to the approved establishment strength of 9,500; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10241/20]
View answerThe military authorities have advised that the strength of the Permanent Defence Force, at 30th April 2020, was 8,485 whole time equivalent personnel.
While the Government remains committed to returning to, and maintaining the agreed strength of the Permanent Defence Force at 9,500 personnel, the capacity of the Defence Forces to induct and train recruits has been severely impacted by the COVID-19 situation as it resulted in the postponement of the majority of inductions to date.
The net effect of this postponement in recruitment activities is unclear at this time but the Defence Forces remain committed to optimising the number of personnel inducted during 2020. In that context, the military authorities have advised that they are currently finalising plans to re-commence General Service training and recruitment, taking public health guidelines into account. A campaign to re-enlist former members of the Permanent Defence Force, to fill certain vacancies, is also underway
In addition, the report of the Public Service Pay Commission (PSPC) of 2019 contains a range of recommendations aimed at improving work-force planning, recruitment and conditions of service for members of the Defence Forces. A High Level Plan to giver effect to the recommendations of the PSPC is being implemented.
It should be noted that as the High Level Implementation Plan contains short, medium and long term measures, the full impact of these measures will take time to determine. There are also a range of external variables which impact on recruitment and retention and which can change and these will be carefully monitored to assess their effect as they arise.
13. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the status of the high level Strengthening our Defence Forces – Implementation Plan; the progress to date in implementing the 15 projects identified in the plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10242/20]
View answerThe Government’s high level plan “Strengthening Our Defence Forces – Phase 1” sets out a range of actions to be undertaken in the short-medium and longer term. The plan is complemented by a range of other HR actions which were already underway.
The immediate pay measures set out in the plan i.e. an increase in Military Service Allowance, the reversal of 10% cuts to allowances and the restoration of weekend premium rates for overtime were implemented immediately upon their acceptance by the PDF Representative Associations. A service commitment scheme for pilots was also re-introduced, with very positive uptake.
The remaining projects in the plan contain both pay and non-pay measures.
The pay related projects include a review of pay structures, consideration of incentivised long service arrangements and a review of technical pay (grade 2-6) arrangements.
The review of pay structures is a medium term project being led by DPER . Some initial preliminary work has commenced on this project within my Department, however, the main body of work will be done as part of a wider review of public sector pay arrangements. The Defence Forces Representative Associations have submitted views regarding pay and allowances and these will be fully considered.
In relation to the project to consider incentivised long service arrangements, a report has been prepared on this matter which will be used to inform future pay negotiations. In relation to the review of technical pay, this has been undertaken in two phases and the reports produced are under consideration.
The Covid-19 emergency has impacted project timeframes for the remaining non-pay related projects. For some projects resources were necessarily reassigned to matters relating to the COVID-19 response and where other essential work necessarily took priority. However these challenges are now being overcome and work on all of the outstanding projects either remains ongoing or has recently re-started and projects are being progressed as quickly as is possible in the circumstances.
The following table summarises the current status for each of the 15 projects included in the plan:
|
- |
Project |
Current Status |
|
V1 |
Review of Pay Structures - Led by DPER |
Some initial preliminary work commenced within DoD. Main body of work to be done as part of a wider review of public sector pay arrangements. Timeframe for this wider review not confirmed at present. |
|
V2, V3, V4 |
Increase in MRA, Restoration of allowances Restoration of weekend premium rates |
Complete |
|
R1 |
Restore Pilot Service Commitment Scheme |
Complete |
|
R2 |
Tech 2 – 6 arrangements |
2 reports on the Review of Technical Pay Groups 2-6 arrangements remain under consideration. [It should be noted that these reports were completed in accordance with the timelines set out in the plan] |
|
R3 |
Incentivised long service arrangements |
Report was submitted to Project Sponsors [DPER and DoD] in October 2019. The report is due to be used to inform future pay negotiations. |
|
R4 |
Barriers to extended participation in the PDF |
This Project was divided into two phases. The first phase, which focuses on reviewing mandatory retirement ages for Officers is nearing completion. The second phase, which will look at enlisted contracts is about to commence. However, it was agreed with PDFORRA that enlisted privates and corporals who had reached 21 years’ service, could remain in service until they reach age 50 until end 2022. Sergeants are also permitted to serve beyond 50 until that timeframe. These measures mean that the review can take place in an extended timeframe. |
|
R5 |
Bespoke management training for leaders and managers |
The final draft of this Report is currently being reviewed and it is hoped to finalise this project in the near future. |
|
R6 |
Professional Military Education (PME) Strategy |
First draft of the PME Strategy nearing completion. It is anticipated that the strategy will be finalised during Q3 2020. |
|
R7 |
Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy |
First draft of the Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy is under consideration by the DF Mental Health and Wellbeing Working Group (DFMHWWG). This project is on target for completion in August 2020. |
|
R8 |
Non-Pay Retention Measures in the PDF |
Phase 1 report (Review of Current Retention Measures) and Phase 2 report (Review of Retention Measures in other PDFS) are completed. Phase 3 Report (Proposed Further Non-pay Retention Measures PDF) was nearing completion in early March, however, the project team was temporarily reassigned to Covid-19 work. Work has now recommenced and the Phase 3 Report is currently being reviewed in light of any issues that arose due to Covid-19. |
|
R9 |
Additional specialist posts for high turnover/long lead in appts |
This project has required detailed consideration of turnover, specialist training and associated personnel requirements in specialist areas and was taking longer than originally planned. In addition, a number of the senior project team members were reassigned/diverted to deal with COVID-19 related work and as a consequence this project was temporarily suspended. Work has now re-commenced on the project, albeit at a slower pace than prior to the COVID-19 crisis. |
|
A1 |
Recruitments methods for PDF |
Project teams meetings were temporarily suspended due to challenges arising in the context of the COVID-19 crisis, however the external recruitment specialist leading the review, Mr Padraig Love, has continued to work on the project and the project is well advanced. |
|
A2 |
Workforce Planning |
Project A2 is being progressed with the assistance of an independent HR specialist. The timeframe set out for the development of an integrated workforce plan was overly ambitious when requirements were analysed in more detail, particularly given the range of specialisms in the Defence Forces and recruitment and training processes. In this context, there is significant overlap and interdependencies with other projects. When completed, this important project will better inform recruitment and retention and broader HR policy. |
14. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if foliage emanating from Cathal Brugha Barracks, Rathmines, Dublin 6 onto the lane at the back of the houses at 16 to 30 Grosvenor Square, Dublin 6 will be cut back, in view of the fact it has obstructed access through the lane. [10403/20]
View answerI am advised that environmental maintenance in military installations is overseen by the Defence Forces and that the Defence Forces in Cathal Brugha Barracks have prepared an annual plan for environmental care of the barracks.
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the Defence Forces have also advised that the area referred to at the back of the houses 16 to 30 Grosvenor Square, Dublin 6 is included in scheduled environmental works and will be attended to subject to environmental guidelines and COVID 19 restrictions.
15. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has been in contact with the President of the United States of America and-or the US ambassador in view of the recent events in the US and recent comments regarding the dangers of racism. [10419/20]
View answer24. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has or will communicate to the President of the United States of America the alarm and anger regarding incidents of racist police brutality and killings, the use of violent force and plastic bullets against protesters, threats to use the military against protestors and at the use of force against members of the press; and his views on whether several fundamental human rights have been and are being broken by the actions of the US. [10117/20]
View answer25. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the steps he is taking to convey the condemnation of persons here of the actions of the President of the United States of America and those that seek to fuel racial tensions and racial inequality in the United States of America and elsewhere. [10154/20]
View answer37. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has contacted the US ambassador to condemn actions by a police force (details supplied) in view of the recent events in the United States of America; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10420/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 15, 24, 25 and 37 together.
Like the people of the United States, and indeed the people of Ireland, I was shocked and saddened by what happened on 25 May in Minneapolis. The death of George Floyd was appalling and the circumstances surrounding his death were deeply upsetting and unsettling.
I am also deeply concerned at the underlying issues of racial inequality that have given rise to protests in many cities across the United States and elsewhere. I join with all those who have raised their voices in recent weeks against racism in all its forms. Wherever such injustice occurs, voices must be heard. The right to peaceful assembly, freedom of expression, and a robust, independent media are fundamental values in any democratic society.
I have also been disappointed by the violent scenes witnessed at some of the protests in the US. Violence is not the way to bring about fundamental change and is not the answer to the problems of communities suffering racial and other forms of inequality. Rather, it is through solidarity, inclusive economic development, and community and political-level leadership that genuine and lasting change can be brought about.
Clearly, every State has the right, indeed the duty, to enforce its laws and police its communities. This duty must, however, be discharged in a proportionate and accountable manner, avoiding excessive use of force, in line with international obligations, and with respect for the human rights of all involved.
I continue to call for a de-escalation of tensions in the US, and a deepening of engagement at the community and political level to address the underlying issues of racial inequality which have led to such widespread protest.
The disturbing events over the past weeks in the US have also sharply brought into focus the need to look hard at our own societies, in Ireland and elsewhere. I welcome the debate it has opened up in Irish society. We must listen to those speaking out about their own experience of racism and exclusion, identify the challenges in our society, and tackle these scourges head-on, collectively and pro-actively.
Ireland and the United States share strong ties of kinship and enjoy deep and friendly relations, as well as enduring economic, cultural and social connections. As part of our regular dialogue, I have raised these issues with the US Ambassador, Edward Crawford, both on a telephone call we had last week and at a meeting this week. I clearly set out our concerns about the circumstances surrounding the death of George Floyd and the underlying issues of racial inequality, as well as some of the policing responses to peaceful protest. We had a good exchange of views on these issues and undertook to stay in ongoing contact in the period ahead.
16. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of a foreign birth registration in respect of a person (details supplied) in Qatar. [9666/20]
View answerForeign 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.
With regard to the specific application the Deputy has enquired about, I can confirm that the Foreign Birth Registration team in my Department has been in direct contact with the father of the applicant and this application has now been approved.
17. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will address the human rights concerns arising from the decision by China to impose new national security laws on Hong Kong; if he has made representations to the Chinese ambassador with respect to the violence being directed at peaceful protestors in Hong Kong; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9723/20]
View answer28. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has spoken recently to his EU counterparts regarding China's proposed new security laws for Hong Kong; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10229/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 17 and 28 together.
The Government is closely monitoring the situation in Hong Kong in light of the recent announcement by the Chinese National People's Congress to implement a national security law in Hong Kong.
Ireland, along with our EU partners, supports the principle of "One Country, Two Systems" under which Hong Kong enjoys a high degree of autonomy, along with an independent political and legal system, as set out in the Basic Law. We have a strong interest in the continued stability and prosperity of Hong Kong under this principle, underlined by Ireland's long history of engagement and the presence of a large Irish community there.
I have not yet spoken to the Chinese Ambassador in relation to this matter. However, the matter was discussed at the informal EU Foreign Minister's meeting on 29 May, after which a statement was released on behalf of the EU by High Representative Borrell, which Ireland fully supports. This statement expresses our grave concern at the decision and its conformity with the Sino-British Joint Declaration of 1984 and the Hong Kong Basic Law. An earlier statement made on 22 May called for democratic debate, consultation of key stakeholders, and respect for protected rights and freedoms in Hong Kong when proceeding with the adoption of the proposed national security legislation.
I will continue to follow developments in Hong Kong closely as the situation evolves.
18. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade further to Parliamentary Question No. 21 of 27 May 2020, if he will provide more specific details on the legislative measures that will be required for the end of the Brexit transition period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9860/20]
View answerAs part of the Government's ongoing Brexit readiness work, Government Departments have indicated the potential need for further legislation to be in force at the end of the transition period.
Based on this analysis, the Government decided, at its meeting of 28 May, to approve the development of a scheme of a new Brexit Omnibus Bill. This work will now be brought forward across the relevant Government Departments and a draft scheme will be brought to Government for approval in due course. While work is now underway with Departments to determine the particular scope of the new Scheme, it is expected that many of its elements will draw to a large extent on legislation prepared in 2019 to address issues arising in the event the UK and EU failed to conclude a Withdrawal Agreement under Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union.
19. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade when persons will be able to apply online again to renew adult and children’s passports respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9874/20]
View answer23. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if passport applications are now being processed; if passports are being issued to those needing to travel for work or study abroad in circumstances in which travel is permitted; if processing has not resumed, when the service will resume; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10114/20]
View answer26. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade when he expects a return of regular passport services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10167/20]
View answer31. Deputy Norma Foley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans for the reopening of passport offices; and the status of passport applications that were finalised as per tracking advice and awaiting dispatch. [10280/20]
View answer38. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade when passport applications received by the passport office prior to Covid-19 restrictions are due to be processed; when the passport office is due to reopen to the public under the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business; the estimated date for the reopening of passport applications online; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10439/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 19, 23, 26, 31 and 38 together.
Once the potential impact of Covid-19 became obvious, contingency planning commenced to minimise the impact of restrictions on the delivery of passport services. In particular, plans were put in place to ensure that we continued to provide an emergency service for the issuance of passports in cases of serious illness or death abroad. The Passport Service also assisted those whose applications were regarded as urgent. While staff were on site during the pandemic, carrying out this necessary work, they also produced approximately 6,000 additional passports. The additional passports were adult passport renewal applications received online which required minimum staff intervention.
Personnel from the Passport Office were also redeployed into other essential public service roles, such as Covid-19 contact tracing for the HSE and working with the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection to facilitate the processing of Covid-related benefits.
The Passport Office has now started a phased return to full operation. This planning is in line with the wider Government plan to reopen in phases. The Passport Service resumed processing of non-essential online applications this week (in Phase 2 of the Government roadmap). The Passport Service has a great deal of experience in dealing with peaks in demand, and we believe that we are well-placed to ensure the online service will be meeting its usual turnaround times of approximately two weeks by phase 3 in July.
The Passport Online service has won awards for its user-friendly process, including a NALA award for the use of plain English. If an applicant is not familiar with using a computer, a friend or relative with basic computer skills can help them to apply online – the process only takes ten minutes to complete. Passport Online can also facilitate social distancing, given that a renewal application for an adult does not require the signature of a witness.
Passport Online expanded in 2019 to include first time applicants, both children and adults, in Ireland, Northern Ireland, Great Britain and Europe. Irish citizens, including children, can also renew their passports online 24/7, from anywhere in the world.
20. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if Ireland will support the WHO and Costa Rica proposal on a global pooling mechanism of Covid-19 related health technologies (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9876/20]
View answerIreland welcomes Costa Rica’s leadership on the Covid-19 Technology Access Pool. We share the objectives for the initiative to achieve a common outcome in public health for the benefit of all. Ireland has championed coherence, and coordinated and collaborative responses to the global public health challenges which we currently face, with a focus on ensuring that the needs of poorest and most vulnerable are served by our collective effort. The proposal touches on the work of a number of Government Departments and other stakeholders. My Department is consulting with relevant stakeholders with a view to considering practical engagement.
