Tuesday, 23 Jun 2020

Census of Population

Questions (1)

Réada Cronin

Question:

1. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Taoiseach the number of persons resident here between 60 and 64 years of age. [11663/20]

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Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach

The reference period for the annual population estimates is mid-April of each year. The estimates for mid-April are calculated by trending forwards the most recent Census of Population data. For example, the base population data for the April 2017 estimates was the number of males and females resident in the State as established by the Census of Population 2016. From this base population, each person was aged by one year, births for the period were added and deaths were subtracted. The estimated number of immigrants was then added and the estimated number of emigrants was subtracted. The end result of this process provided the population estimate for April 2017 which in turn provides the base population for the subsequent year and so on. The population estimates are subject to revision once the definitive results of the next Census of Population become available.

The Central Statistics Office publishes the population estimates annually in August. The latest results were published on August 27th 2019 and estimate that in mid-April 2019 there were 4,921,500 persons resident in the State. Of these, 253,800 persons were estimated to be aged 60-64 years, accounting for 5.2% of the total resident population.

Enterprise Data

Questions (2)

Martin Heydon

Question:

2. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Taoiseach the number of businesses that will experience a fall in revenue of 10% or more in 2020. [12327/20]

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Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach (Seán Kyne)

The exact information requested by the Deputy is not available. However, the Business Impact of COVID-19 Survey conducted by the Central Statistics Office gives some indications of how turnover has been impacted by the crisis. This survey was introduced by the CSO to measure and report quickly on the key features of how the COVID-19 crisis has affected business in Ireland. Two waves of the survey have been published so far and the results for Wave 3 of the survey are being published this week.

The results from the first wave of the survey, published on 1 May, estimated that 54% of businesses had turnover at least 10% below normal in quarter one, while 36.2% had turnover close to normal expectation, and 9.8% had higher than normal turnover. When asked about their expectation for quarter two, three quarters of businesses expected their turnover to be at least 10% lower than normal in the second quarter, 18.6% expected turnover to be close to normal, and only 6.6% expected turnover to be higher than normal in quarter two.

Because of the sample size and design of the survey, and in particular the inability of some businesses to respond, these figures should be considered as indicative rather than definitive estimates of the impact on turnover so far. Future waves of the survey will continue to provide updates on the impacts on business.

Small and Medium Enterprises

Questions (3)

Martin Heydon

Question:

3. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Taoiseach the forecasted level of trading revenue, wages, fixed costs including trading costs and fixed costs, excluding trading costs, for microenterprises of one to nine employees and small businesses of ten to 49 employees for 2020. [12329/20]

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Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach (Seán Kyne)

The exact information requested by the Deputy is not available.

Based on the CSO’s annual Business in Ireland report, there were 249,700 micro-enterprises (those that had 0 to 9 persons engaged) and 17,700 small enterprises (10 to 49 persons engaged) in Ireland in 2017. Micro-enterprises accounted for a total turnover of €123.9 billion in 2017 and small enterprises had turnover of €107.7 billion.

The Business Impact of COVID-19 Survey was introduced by the CSO to measure and report quickly on the key features of how the COVID-19 crisis has affected business in Ireland. Two waves of the survey have been published so far and the results for the third wave of the survey are being published this week.

The results published so far include some indicative estimates of the impact on turnover. The first wave of the survey found that more than 60% of micro-enterprises had seen turnover fall by more than 10% in quarter one, while 35.7% had turnover close to normal expectations. Only 3.1% of micro-enterprises replied that their turnover was above normal expectations in quarter one. When asked what they expected for quarter two, more than three quarters of micro-enterprises expected turnover in quarter two to be at least 10% lower than normal, while 20.2% expected turnover close to normal expectations, and 3.1% expected turnover in quarter two to be above normal expectations.

For small enterprises, the survey found that 55.9% had seen turnover fall by more than 10% in quarter one, while 31.3% had turnover at or close to normal expectations, and 12.8% of small enterprises replied that turnover in quarter one was above normal expectations. More than three quarters of small enterprises projected turnover to be 10% or more below normal expectations in quarter two, while 14.8% expected turnover to be close to normal expectations, and 9.1% expected quarter two turnover to be above normal expectations.

The first two waves of the survey did not ask questions about changes in wages or costs. The third wave, which is being published this week, includes a question on the change in personnel and non-personnel operating costs. The figures from the survey should be considered as indicative rather than definitive estimates, because of the sample size and design of the survey, and in particular the inability of some businesses to respond. Further waves of the survey are due to be collected in July and August, to monitor the impacts of restrictions being lifted.

Cabinet Committees

Questions (4)

Carol Nolan

Question:

4. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Taoiseach when Cabinet committee B, social policy and public services, last met; and when it will meet again. [11811/20]

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Written answers

The Taoiseach

The Cabinet Committee on Social Policy and Public Services last met on 9 December 2019. There is no date set for the next meeting.

In the period since the Cabinet Committee's last meeting, the full Cabinet has frequently considered and received updates on a range of social policy matters and issues relating to public services, including on the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic in these areas.

Since the start of 2020, the Cabinet Committee on Government Response to COVID-19, which considers a range of issues relating to the pandemic including social implications, has met on five occasions.

In addition to the meetings of the full Cabinet and of Cabinet Committees, I meet with Ministers on an individual basis to focus on particular issues, including issues relating to social policy and public services.

Departmental Policy Functions

Questions (5)

Carol Nolan

Question:

5. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Taoiseach if his Department has a diversity and inclusion policy in place; and the measures taken to promote diversity and inclusion from 1 January 2019 to date. [11832/20]

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Written answers

The Taoiseach

My Department, in line with the rest of the Civil Service, is strongly committed to equality of opportunity in all its employment practices and actively supports diversity and inclusion in the workplace. This is aligned with the Civil Service Renewal Plan and the People Strategy for the Civil Service (2017 -2020) which seeks to achieve greater diversity and build a Civil Service that reflects the society in which it works and the communities it serves. This also extends to ensuring equality of opportunity in recruitment through the Public Appointments Service and internal competitions where all interview boards undergo unconscious bias training.

Since 1 January 2019 the measures taken by my Department to promote diversity and inclusion include:

- Participation of 3 staff members at AP level (2 of whom are female) in the 2019 IMI/30% Club Cross-Company Mentoring Programme;

- Participation by staff of my Department in the Civil Service Women’s Network;

- Participation in AHEAD’s Willing Able Mentoring (WAM) Programme 2019;

- Participation in Dublin Pride 2019;

- Implementation of Gender Balance measures linked to talent management opportunities, supporting staff returning from maternity leave and promoting work life balance; and

- Progressing the Department’s well-being programme which provides staff with a regular platform to input into measures and activities to help shape an inclusive and supportive workplace.

Census of Population

Questions (6)

Brendan Smith

Question:

6. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Taoiseach the preparations to date for the holding of a census in 2021. [12020/20]

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Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach ( Seán Kyne)

CSO has a legal obligation under EU law to conduct a census of population in 2021. Planning and preparation for Census 2021 which is due to take place on Sunday 18th April 2021 is well advanced across all areas of the project.

Preparation for the census involves achieving a series of important milestones. Several of the key milestones which have been completed or are on track for completion are listed below.

Following an extensive public consultation process that ran between October 2017 and July 2019, the content of the census forms has been finalised. All of the questionnaires are due to be printed and delivered to CSO by the end of September.

IT systems that will facilitate field staff recruitment, field operations and data processing are either developed or on track for completion according to project timescales.

The first of three scheduled recruitment competitions for field staff launched on June 11th This competition is for the recruitment of 52 senior field managers. Interviews are scheduled to take place in mid-August and appointments are due to be made from the end of September.

Designation of the country into regions, field districts and enumeration areas is expected to be complete by the end of July. This will be followed later in the year by the creation of address lists and the printing of maps for the census enumerators.

A public consultation with users on data outputs has been concluded and a dissemination strategy is currently being prepared for publication.

In light of the current national situation, CSO is following Department of Public Expenditure and Reform working guidelines and all other relevant government safety guidelines for existing CSO staff with respect to Covid-19. Currently almost all CSO staff are working successfully from home and CSO will follow the return to work guidelines and all other relevant government health and safety guidelines as they pertain to the conduct of the census.

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

The 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 at this point 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 table below 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.
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 has just been initiated. 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 is 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 team 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.

Departmental Policy Functions

Questions (10)

Carol Nolan

Question:

10. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if his Department has a diversity and inclusion policy in place; the measures taken to promote diversity and inclusion from 1 January 2019 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11822/20]

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Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

My Department is fully committed to equality of opportunity and this is a fundamental value espoused in its People Strategy. Civil servants in my Department are recruited through the Public Appointments Service, which has diversity as a central element in its recruitment practices.

The officials in my Department are supported in working in a safe, inclusive environment through a Dignity at Work policy and through a range of learning and development opportunities, including unconscious bias training. There are also additional supports available through the Civil Service Employee Assistance Service and the Department Disability Liaison Officer.

Through its various policies and strategies, the Defence Forces are taking all reasonable steps to provide an inclusive workplace environment, free from harassment, intimidation and bullying and where dignity and respect are afforded to all. In addition, a Transgender Policy Working Group has been established and is currently progressing the development of a Transgender Employment Policy for the Defence Forces.

A Committee, led by the Department of Justice and Equality, has being established to oversee and monitor progress on the implementation of the LGBTI+ Inclusion Strategy 2019-2021. Nominees from the Department and the Defence Forces have been appointed to this Committee, which I understand is expected to have its first meeting later this month.

Civil Defence

Questions (11)

Frank Feighan

Question:

11. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if funding will be made available for a north County Leitrim Civil Defence service (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11963/20]

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Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

Civil Defence (Cosaint Shibhialta) is a statutory volunteer-based organisation with a nationwide footprint, established in 1951. Civil Defence policy is set down by the Minister for Defence. My Department also provides up to 70% of the cost of funding Civil Defence in each Local Authority. In addition, my Department provides training for Volunteer Instructors and supplies vehicles, equipment, uniforms and personal protective equipment for Civil Defence volunteers.

Each Local Authority has overall responsibility for day to day Civil Defence operations within their respective Local Authority. In this particular case, Leitrim Local Authority is responsible for civil defence operations in Leitrim.

In 2020, my Department will provide a grant of up to €79,000 to Leitrim Civil Defence. In addition in light of the exceptional circumstances that have arisen as a result of COVID-19, my Department is providing some other smaller financial supports to each Local Authority in 2020.

Programme for Government

Questions (12)

Alan Kelly

Question:

12. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if a copy of all briefing documents provided to Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Green Party for their programme for Government negotiations will be provided. [12146/20]

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Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

The Department of the Taoiseach will be arranging for the publication of material provided by Government Departments in accordance with agreed procedures, via the Department of the Taoiseach, to Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Green Party, as part of Government formation negotiations.

UN Missions

Questions (13)

Holly Cairns

Question:

13. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will report on the delay of UN mission rotation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12668/20]

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Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

As 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 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.

On foot of the subsequent efforts of the Department of Defence, the Defence Forces and the Department Foreign Affairs and Trade, rotations to UNDOF, MINUSMA, KFOR and EUTM Mali were successfully concluded. Two personnel from the MONUSCO mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo were also successfully repatriated at the end of May.

UNIFIL is our largest mission and involves the rotation of a significant number of personnel in two stages and is a complex operation. In accordance with agreed arrangements, the UN is responsible for making the transport arrangements for the next rotation of troops which was to take place mid-May but has been delayed as a result of the UN suspension. Ireland successfully secured an exemption and was granted approval for the rotation of the full contingent in June, during the UN moratorium. The UN initially confirmed that the first UNIFIL rotation would take place on 21 June with the second rotation scheduled for 29 June. However, in order to comply with current stringent UN quarantine requirements, the UN recently rescheduled the second rotation and it is now due to take place during 1 - 2 July.

The health and welfare of Defence Forces personnel serving overseas remains my primary concern at this time. In this connection, the UN has advised that transitional measures will apply for the remainder of the year, which will include a partial resumption of rotations with rigorous quarantine measures for all rotations of military personnel to and from UN peacekeeping operations and periodic reviews built into the process. These revised health and safety measures, including pre-deployment and in theatre quarantine requirements are being applied consistently by the UN across all their missions.

I am keenly aware of the difficulties changes in scheduled rotations causes for both personnel and their families. Personnel rotations, even in normal times, are complex involving diplomatic clearances for overflights, landings and transit which can result in delays given the lead times for securing such clearances. Covid 19 and the restrictions imposed by the UN to ensure the health and safety of both peacekeepers and the host State population have added to this complexity. As the Deputy will appreciate, we do not have full control of these matters, or of the additional and changing requirements which may be imposed either by the UN or the host State. All we can do is to try and ensure that personnel and their families are kept up to date.

All communications on these matters are managed through the military channels. In that regard, I have directed that the personnel and families of contingents deploying and returning from missions be advised and updated by the Defence Forces on a regular basis as soon as information comes to hand. I am assured by the Chief of Staff that this is being implemented and that appropriate channels for relaying information to personnel and their families in a timely manner are in place.

Middle East Peace Process

Questions (14)

Seán Crowe

Question:

14. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to recognise formally the state of Palestine in view of a cross-party Dáil Éireann motion in support and a commitment in the programme for Government; and his views on whether the impending annexation of the West Bank by Israel highlights the need for that to occur as a matter of some urgency. [11658/20]

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Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

The Programme for Government agreed in 2016 states that Ireland will “honour our commitment to recognise the State of Palestine as part of a lasting settlement of the conflict.” Successive Governments have seen recognition coming in the context of an overall peace agreement.

In the context of widespread frustration at the lack of political progress towards an agreement, and not least in light of the views expressed by the Dáil and the Seanad in 2014, we have discussed here in the Oireachtas the question of whether the formal recognition of Palestine, in advance of its full achievement on the ground, would be a helpful step in advancing a resolution of the Israel-Palestine conflict.

I have stated that I will be ready to recommend immediate recognition to the Government, if and when I believe it would be helpful in achieving our objective of a free and sovereign Palestinian State, or advancing the peace process in that direction. However, recognition by Ireland outside the context of an overall peace agreement would also undoubtedly affect Ireland’s influence on the Israel-Palestine conflict at EU and international level. Timing and context would affect whether this loss of influence would be matched by delivering a commensurate benefit for the Palestinian people and a positive impact on the peace process.

I have been forthright on my concerns at statements from members of the new Israeli Government regarding the possible annexation of territory in the West Bank. The unilateral annexation by Israel of any part of the occupied Palestinian territory would be a clear violation of international law. It would have no legitimacy, would not be recognised or accepted by Ireland or the international community more generally, and would be deeply damaging to the two-state solution.

As I stated publicly on 23 April: "I think it important, as a friend and partner of Israel, to be very clear about the gravity of any such step. Annexation of territory by force is prohibited under international law, including the UN Charter, whenever and wherever it occurs, in Europe’s neighbourhood or globally. This is a fundamental principle in the relations of states and the rule of law in the modern world. No one state can set it aside at will."

When this was discussed at the 15 May videoconference meeting of EU Foreign Ministers, there was broad agreement that the EU and its Member States should convey these concerns directly to the new Israeli Government. That outreach has been ongoing over recent weeks. I welcome the very clear statements that have been made on this matter by EU High Representative / Vice President Josep Borrell, who has said that any annexation could not pass unchallenged. I support this position, as it is clear to me that annexation would inevitably have negative consequences for the EU-Israel relationship, as it would for the Ireland-Israel relationship.

Passport Services

The Passport Service 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 the processing of non-essential online applications in Phase 2 of the Government Roadmap and produced over 26,000 passports in the first two weeks of operation. 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 the end of June.

Given the logistical complications of processing of paper applications via Passport Express, this application channel will resume later in the summer. The Passport offices will also reopen to the public later in the summer. 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. 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. Passport Online can also facilitate social distancing, given that a renewal application for an adult does not require the signature of a witness.

Human Rights

Questions (17)

Neale Richmond

Question:

17. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the content of the press statement on protecting sexual and reproductive health and rights and promoting gender-responsiveness in the Covid-19 crisis signed by Ireland and other states; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11726/20]

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Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

COVID-19 is a global crisis, requiring a collective, coordinated, global response.

Ireland believes that international solidarity and a multilateral response are essential to ensure that we do not reverse progress as a result of COVID19. The pandemic is having a disproportionate impact on women and girls, exacerbating existing gender inequalities. International experience from previous public health outbreaks has demonstrated that the delivery of essential health services can be adversely impacted at times of crisis, with particular negative health outcomes for women and girls.

Ireland is championing the needs of vulnerable groups on the international stage during the pandemic. Gender equality is a core priority for Ireland’s international development cooperation and wider foreign policy, including our voice on the UN Security Council. We will continue to use our voice to firmly advocate that women and girls are at the heart of COVID-19 global and country level responses.

These considerations informed the decision to join 58 other countries in signing the press statement in question. The full statement can be found at: https://www.government.nl/documents/diplomatic-statements/2020/05/06/protecting-sexual-and-reproductive-health-and-rights-and-promoting-gender-responsiveness-in-the-covid-19-crisis

Passport Services

Questions (18)

Neasa Hourigan

Question:

18. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade when the passport service will reopen to issue emergency passports for newborn children; the timescale for the delivery of such passports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11739/20]

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Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

The Passport Service 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 the processing of non-essential online applications in Phase 2 of the Government Roadmap and produced over 26,000 passports in the first two weeks of operation. 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 the end of June.

In general, children are not issued with emergency passports as additional checks are required to ensure entitlement to an Irish Passport and that the consent of all guardians has been obtained. However, in the case of a genuine emergency and if the child is based overseas, the guardian should make contact with the local Irish Embassy or Consulate General for further advice.

Foreign Conflicts

Questions (19)

Carol Nolan

Question:

19. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to reports by an organisation (details supplied) that a three year old Christian child and nine others died recently in north-western Kaduna state, Nigeria, in an early morning attack on a Christian village carried out by armed Muslim herdsmen of Fulani origin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11816/20]

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Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

I am deeply concerned by the rise in violence in Nigeria in recent times. I was shocked and saddened by the attacks which took place in Kaduna State and in other parts of Nigeria. There can be no justification for acts of violence and discrimination based on religion or beliefs.

I am concerned by the violent clashes between nomadic herders and sedentary agrarian communities, which have escalated in recent years and pose a serious challenge to stability and security. While the vast majority of herders are Muslim and many of the farmers are Christian, the roots of this violence lie in access to land, in the context of scarce natural resources due to rapid climate change in the Sahel. The clashes have been aggravated in recent years by rapid population growth in Africa's most populous country.

Ireland works bilaterally, within the European Union, and with UN partners to promote peace and security in areas affected by armed groups and insecurity. Ireland’s Embassy in Abuja actively monitors developments in country, advises on the humanitarian response, and supports Ireland’s engagement in EU and UN forums. Over the past number of years Ireland has provided funding to support those affected by this conflict through support to organisations such as The Holy Rosary Sisters and the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue. Ireland also provides funding to the Institute for Integrated Transitions, an NGO working in Nigeria, which has assisted in the establishment of an inter-ethnic and inter-religious committee on long term solutions to ethnic and religious violence.

Ireland is committed to continuing to provide much needed support and assistance to people in Nigeria in working towards peace and stability.

Departmental Policy Functions

Questions (20)

Carol Nolan

Question:

20. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his Department has a diversity and inclusion policy in place; the measures taken to promote diversity and inclusion from 1 January 2019 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11826/20]

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Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is fully committed to ensuring that our staff and workplace are representative and reflective of the people and society we serve.

Within the Department, a Sub-Committee of the Management Board on Gender Equality was first established in 2012 to improve gender balance. In 2017, the Sub-Committee’s remit was formally expanded to include broader diversity, equality and inclusion issues as outlined in the Employment Equality and Equal Status Acts, together with the issue of discrimination on socio-economic grounds.

The Sub-Committee is a key governance structure for the consideration of equality and diversity issues. In December 2019 this structure was formally expanded to include the support of six voluntary staff Working Groups – on Gender, LGBT+, Social Inclusion, Disability, New Irish and Ethnic and Parents and Carers. The Working Groups prepare annual action plans to promote diversity and inclusion, for approval by the Sub-Committee. Policy on these issues is led and managed by the Department’s Human Resources teams and is informed by central Civil Service policies. The Sub-Committee is chaired by two members of the Management Board. The initiative works to foster a culture of respect and equality to benefit the Department, its staff and ultimately, the citizens served. Significant progress has been made on a number of Departmental initiatives to address barriers to equality in our workplace.

The Department’s Human Resources Strategy 2019-2022 has a focus on equality, diversity and inclusion as one of its four pillars, underscoring its commitment to the development of this agenda. The Strategy was developed through wide-scale consultations with the Department’s staff both in Ireland and Missions overseas.

The Sub-Committee, in cooperation with Human Resources and other sections, runs regular events to celebrate and support equality and diversity at home and through our Mission network overseas. Last year was the first year the Department participated, along with other Civil Service Departments, in the Dublin Pride parade and also saw a series of seminars for staff on issues relating to equality, diversity and inclusion, such as “Women in Diplomacy” gender equality seminars and Black History month initiatives. In 2020 to date, social media campaigns and events were held to mark International Women’s Day in March under the theme of “Each for Equal”, International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (May) and National Carers Week (June). Plans are underway to celebrate Pride 2020 through digital campaigns across our Mission network.

The Department works closely with the Civil Service Management Board in the development of new approaches to gender equality and is represented on the committees of the 30% Club (public sector branch) and the recently established Civil Service Women’s Network. The Department is also a supporter of the Willing, Able and Mentoring (WAM) programme and offered two placements on the programme in 2019.

I am committed to communicating our values to our partners around the world and to visible demonstrations of our support for human rights and equality. The Human Rights Unit in my Department supports Embassies in their engagement on these issues, including the provision of appropriate training to staff in advance of their postings overseas.

In January this year, the Department’s 18th annual Human Rights Civil Society Forum focused on the 25th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action to take stock of progress on gender equality.

This Department remains committed to progressing the values of diversity and inclusion and promoting a fair and equal workplace for our people.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (21)

John Brady

Question:

21. Deputy John Brady asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the advice regarding foreign airline travel will be extended beyond 20 July 2020. [11913/20]

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Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

As the Deputy will be aware, my Department publishes advice for outward travel in respect of over 200 countries. The advice provides an objective assessment of the risks individuals could face if travelling overseas, whether by air or other mode of transport, with a view to helping them to make informed decisions for themselves. It is based on consultation with our Embassies and Consulates on the ground, the relevant local authorities in each country and our international partners, together with our domestic partners where appropriate. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and the priority of protecting public health, we have worked particularly closely with the Department of Health and the HSE.

On March 17, my Department issued a general advisory for the public to avoid all non-essential travel overseas, and the security status rating for each country was amended to reflect this advice. This advisory applies to all modes of international travel. This advice initially applied until March 29, and was subsequently extended until further notice. As the Deputy will be aware, the Government continues to advise against all non-essential travel overseas.

Our Travel Advice remains under regular review. Any change will be notified through my Department's website at www.dfa.ie/travel and through our TravelWise app.

Question No. 22 answered with Question No. 15.

Undocumented Irish in the USA

Questions (23)

John McGuinness

Question:

23. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the progress in assisting the undocumented in the United States of America; and the strategy to resolve the issues with the authorities in the United States of America. [11927/20]

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Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

The Taoiseach and I have prioritised the issue of Irish immigration in the United States since taking office and the issue of the undocumented Irish remains a high priority for the Government. We have both continuously raised immigration issues in interactions with the US Administration and political leaders, most recently by the Taoiseach during his St. Patrick's Day visit to the White House in March. The Government Envoy to the US Congress on the Undocumented, Deputy John Deasy, has also worked closely on this issue with this Department, engaging with key US stakeholders. In his role as Senator for the Diaspora, Billy Lawless has also played an important role in raising these issues, as recently as December, when he and other members of the Oireachtas visited the United States.

In the US, Irish officials continue to engage and advocate on behalf of this vulnerable community. Officials in my Department, including our Embassy in Washington, D.C. and our seven Consulates General across the US, are monitoring the situation closely and are continuing to actively support Irish community groups that work with undocumented Irish citizens. They engage with US officials on immigration issues on an ongoing basis, including with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Our Mission network also works closely with the Coalition of Irish Immigration Centres in the US, which, together with its member organisations, provides support and information to vulnerable Irish and the undocumented. This regular engagement has continued virtually in recent months due to social distancing restrictions.

The Coalition and its member organisations receive significant annual funding through the Government’s Emigrant Support Programme for their work. In 2019 alone, over €3m ($3.7m) was allocated to 76 organisations across the US, including those that provide frontline welfare assistance to Irish citizens. Furthermore, in response to the pandemic, a dedicated COVID-19 Response Fund for Irish Communities Abroad has been set up within my Department to help these organisations meet the needs of those who have recently been made particularly vulnerable. Last month, I met virtually with several organisations in New York which, with the assistance of this Fund, are providing much needed emergency support to Irish communities.

This Government has also been engaged on securing future pathways for immigration, primarily through the E3 Visa Bill, which has been passed in the House of Representatives and is currently before the Senate. If passed, this could open up approx. 4,000 US visas per year to Irish graduates. This approach complements Government support to the undocumented Irish living in the US.

In the current context, there is increasing demand in the United States for comprehensive immigration reform. While we recognise that this is an extremely complex issue, our Embassy in Washington D.C., supported by our Consulates General across the United States, continues to monitor the situation and stands ready to engage with any Federal and State initiatives on immigration reform.

Human Rights

Questions (24)

Gino Kenny

Question:

24. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will convey Ireland’s opposition to the Australian ambassador to Ireland of the proposed destruction of 40 to 86 significant Aboriginal sites in the central Pilbara region by a company (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11973/20]

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Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I am aware of many recent initiatives in Australia to acknowledge the sufferings of the First Nations peoples and to protect their heritage.

In regard to these sites, it is my understanding that the company concerned have agreed to suspend any action pending further consultations with the traditional owners, the Banjima people.

I welcome this decision and hope that the matter can be resolved to the satisfaction of all stakeholders.

Question No. 25 answered with Question No. 15.

Departmental Communications

Questions (26)

Alan Kelly

Question:

26. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the communications his Department had with the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates regarding the activities of a person (details supplied); and the date, time and format of the communications. [12123/20]

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Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I can confirm that senior officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade have been in contact with the UAE authorities in recent weeks. Details of diplomatic communications of this nature are not generally disclosed.

Consumer Rights

Questions (27)

James Browne

Question:

27. Deputy James Browne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if consumers will be refunded for flights booked for July 2020 while foreign travel is advised against. [12144/20]

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Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

As the Deputy will be aware, my Department publishes advice for outward travel in respect of over 200 countries. The advice provides an objective assessment of the risks individuals could face if travelling overseas, with a view to helping them to make informed decisions for themselves. It is based on consultation with our Embassies and Consulates on the ground, the relevant local authorities in each country and our international partners, together with our domestic partners where appropriate. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and the priority of protecting public health, we have worked particularly closely with the Department of Health and the HSE.

Any issues relating to terms and conditions of flights, holiday packages, insurance policies or refunds should be pursued directly with the airline, tour operator or insurer. These are not a matter for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

On March 17, my Department issued a general advisory for the public to avoid all non-essential travel overseas, and the security status rating for each country was amended to reflect this advice. This advice initially applied until March 29, and was subsequently extended until further notice. As the Deputy will be aware, the Government continues to advise against all non-essential travel overseas.

Our Travel Advice remains under regular review. Any change will be notified through my Department's website at www.dfa.ie/travel and through our TravelWise app.

Programme for Government

Questions (28)

Alan Kelly

Question:

28. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if a copy of all briefing documents provided to Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Green Party for their programme for Government negotiations will be provided. [12150/20]

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Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I wish to advise the Deputy, that the Department of the Taoiseach will be arranging for the publication of material provided by my Department, along with other Government Departments, to Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Green Party, as part of Government formation negotiations.

Question No. 29 answered with Question No. 15.

Foreign Birth Registration

Questions (30)

Seán Crowe

Question:

30. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the average waiting time for processing individuals on the foreign births register; the number of cases waiting to be processed; and when he expects the service to resume. [12584/20]

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Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

The Foreign Births Registration (FBR) team was reassigned to our consular services at the beginning of the current public health emergency to operate a COVID-19 crisis call centre, assisting our citizens abroad.

Foreign Births Registration, by its nature, can be a detailed and complex process, often involving official documentation related to three generations and issued by several jurisdictions. The Department has seen an increase in the number of applications received, from approximately 6,000 applications in 2015 to over 32,000 in 2019. Almost 10,000 applications have been submitted to date this year. There are currently 27,000 applications waiting to be processed.

Applications that have been sent to the FBR team are being held securely and will be processed when normal services resume later in the summer. The expected processing time for an FBR applications is between 12 and 18 months.