Written Answers Nos. 302-321
302. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Justice the number of times for the period from 2004 to date UK immigration officials have been present in Irish airports or ports whether this be in any role, including advisory or training course or exercise; when and the location this has this taken place; the role of liaison officers; the departments and location; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40803/20]
View answerIt has always been the case that Ireland and the United Kingdom cooperate closely on immigration matters, particularly relating to securing the Common Travel Area (CTA). There are excellent working relationships at official and political level in relation to enhancing the operation of the CTA and Ireland is committed to the continuation of same. In this regard, a central feature of the operation of the CTA has been that each State enforces the other's conditions of landing for non-EEA nationals, thus protecting each other's borders.
Officials of my Department and the UK Home Office meet regularly at the Common Travel Area Forum jointly chaired by the Director of the Immigration Service and their UK counterpart. The Forum acts as a steering committee for the ongoing work of protecting the CTA in relation to free movement of people between our countries while at the same time ensuring that it is not abused by those not entitled to avail of it. It provides a framework for a more strategic approach for the excellent co-operation between Ireland and the United Kingdom in this key policy area.
The Border Management Unit and the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) liaise directly with United Kingdom Common Travel Area Liaison Officers of the UK Home Office on an operational day-to-day basis. Due to the current Covid-19 crisis these officers have not attended operational meetings in the State since March 2020.
Since 2003, the GNIB has conducted joint operations with the UK Immigration Service to combat immigration abuses within the Common Travel Area. On occasions, a liaison officer from the UK Immigration Service has been present, as an observer, while checks were conducted at Irish ports and airports. GNIB staff were similarly deployed in the UK, as observers. Such operations were conducted to specifically target, detect, and prevent illegal immigration into the State which included land borders with Northern Ireland. These operations are in addition to the day to day immigration controls at all air, sea and land borders.
Irish Immigration Officials have also, on occasion, deployed to other European ports/airports to liaise with local immigration authorities, as observers, to prevent illegal immigration into the State.
It is not possible to provide details of the number of times for the period from 2004 to date on which UK immigration officials have been present in Irish airports or ports as it would take an inordinate amount of time to complete.
303. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice if her Department has been the subject of an investigation by the Data Protection Commission from 2016 to date; the number of specific investigations underway or completed; the dates on which her Department was first notified of the investigation; the details of the investigation; the nature of the complaints; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40815/20]
View answerI wish to inform the Deputy that my Department is committed to protecting the data privacy rights of all data subjects.
The Irish Prison Service (an Executive Office within my Department) is currently the subject of an investigation by the Data Protection Commission in accordance with sections 110(1), 123(1) and 137 of the Data Protection Act, 2018. The Irish Prison Service was first notified of the investigation on 6 September 2019. The investigation is in respect of personal data processing operations of the Operational Support Group of the Irish Prison Service. The investigation is a Data Protection Commission ‘own volition’ investigation further to the publication of the Inspector of Prison’s report into the Operational Support Group on 25 July 2019.
Separately, while not a formal Data Protection Commission investigation (section 137 DP Act refers), the Data Protection Commission issued preliminary findings and directions to the Irish Prison Service in October 2020 on foot of a complaint regarding biometric data processing. The Irish Prison Service have complied with the directions of the Data Protection Commission in this regard and notified compliance in November 2020.
304. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Justice if consultation will take place with stakeholders before the commencement date of the Gaming and Lotteries (Amendment) Act 2019; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40835/20]
View answer305. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Justice the way in which section 4(1) in conjunction with section 9 of the Gaming and Lotteries (Amendment) Act 2019 will operate for both land-based and online providers of gaming services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40836/20]
View answer306. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Justice the progress of the Gambling Control Bill 2013; when it is likely to come before Dáil Éireann for debate; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40837/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 304, 305 and 306 together.
The Gaming and Lotteries (Amendment) Act 2019 was commenced on 1 December 2020, with all sections coming into effect.
As the Deputy will recall, there was extensive debate on this Act during its passage through the Oireachtas. The then Minister of State received many representations from a range of stakeholders at the time and these were extensively discussed and publicised.
The 2019 Act is an interim reform measure pending the comprehensive reform of gambling. It modernises the Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956 and will help the better promotion of local gaming and lottery activity held primarily for charitable and philanthropic purposes, and which are an important source of funding to sporting clubs and community organisations across the country.
The Deputy, if I understand correctly, asks about the interaction of amended section 4(1) of the Principal Act of 1956 – inserted by section 3 of the Act of 2019 - which restates the prohibition on gaming without a permit or licence and new section 9A of the Principal Act of 1956 Act, as inserted by section 4 of the Act of 2019.
New section 9A provides for a modernised system of gaming permits, without distinction on any particular location or type of gaming (e.g. card games, pool, darts, etc.). Permits would be issued by the Garda Superintendent for the relevant district and have a maximum validity of 12 months. In any one game, the maximum stake is €10 and maximum prize €3,000. This updates the previous 1956 limits of 3 cent and 50 cent for gaming at carnivals, circuses, etc. The gaming may be promoted for charitable or philanthropic benefit, or for the personal benefit of the promoter.
The Gaming and Lotteries Act is essentially concerned with physical forms of gaming taking place at a premises. However, the provisions of the Act make no reference to the online or remote promotion of gaming (where participation in the game is possible), or a mixture of both physical and online promotion and participation. Such online promotion might involve, for example, some form of card games, quizzes, etc. that might not strictly require a physical presence. However, the suitability of the premises from which the gaming is being promoted would be subject to consideration by the Garda Superintendent to whom the application for a Gaming Permit is made.
The Government has made a major commitment in the Programme for Government to the modernisation of our licensing and regulatory environment for all gambling activities. The development of modern gambling legislation is a priority. This reform includes a new independent gambling regulator to enforce necessary and appropriate licensing and regulatory measures in respect of all gambling activities, including online.
Work is underway in my Department on the drafting of a General Scheme of a new Bill to provide for the modern licensing and regulatory provisions for the gambling industry. That work will involve a major updating of the proposals of the General Scheme of the Gambling Control Bill 2013. I hope to be in a position to bring proposals in that regard to Government next year.
307. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice if and the number of times she discussed or communicated with the former Attorney General; the status of the person’s recommendation from the Judicial Appointments Advisory Board for appointment to the Supreme Court vacancy occasioned by the retirement of a person (details supplied); if the possibility of the incoming Government nominating them for appointment to the Supreme Court was mentioned; the nature of any such discussions and communications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40870/20]
View answerI did not communicate with, or discuss any aspect of the appointment to the Supreme Court vacancy with the former Attorney General in advance of the Government decision of the 15th of July.
308. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice if and the number of times she discussed or communicated with the former Minister for Justice matters in relation to the Supreme Court vacancy occasioned by the retirement of a person (details supplied); if the interest of the former Attorney General in being nominated for appointment to that position was mentioned; if a postponement of the previous Government’s decision on the nomination was mentioned; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40871/20]
View answerI have at no point discussed judicial appointments with my predecessor.
309. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice if and the number of times she discussed or communicated with the current Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment issues in relation to filling the Supreme Court vacancy occasioned by the retirement of a person (details supplied); if the interest of the former Attorney General in being nominated for appointment to that position was mentioned; if he indicated his own preference in relation to the matter; if so, if he sought the Minister’s agreement; the nature of any such discussions or communications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40872/20]
View answerI have previously given a full account of all matters related to the filling of the Supreme Court vacancy during the Statements and Questions and Answers on Judicial Appointments held in the Dáil on 26 November last.
During the debate I informed the House that in the days following my appointment as Minister for Justice on 27 June I had an informal conversation with the Tánaiste and he informed me that there was a vacancy on the Supreme Court and that Séamus Woulfe SC had come through that process. I informed him that I had already been made aware of that.
I did not make a decision then because at that stage I did not have all the other names. I only received them on 6 July. I took time to look at the JAAB recommendation, the names that had come through the expressions of interest process, and the list of sitting judges.
I also informed the House, that in line with the Cabinet handbook, between 11 and 14 July I informed the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste, the Minister for Transport, Deputy Eamon Ryan, and the Attorney General of my intention to propose Séamus Woulfe SC for the position, following which I brought a memorandum for the consideration of the Government on 15 July, recommending a name to Cabinet for appointment by the President. At this remove, I cannot pinpoint the precise date between 11 and 14 July on which various conversations took place and, as such, I am providing a date range in order to be helpful to the Deputy.
In this case, the recommendation was in line with the recommendation of JAAB, which is chaired by the Chief Justice. The process through which JAAB recommends applicants for consideration by the Government is set out in Part IV of the Courts and Court Officers Act 1995, as amended.
310. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice if and the number of times she discussed or communicated with the current Taoiseach, after his appointment to that office, the filling of the Supreme Court vacancy occasioned by the retirement of a person (details supplied) and the interest of the former Attorney General in appointment to that position; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40874/20]
View answerI have given a full account of all matters related to the filling of the Supreme Court vacancy during the Statements and Questions and Answers on Judicial Appointments held in the Dáil on 26 November last.
During the debate, I informed the House, that in line with the Cabinet handbook, between 11 and 14 July I informed the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste, the Minister for Transport, Deputy Eamon Ryan, and the Attorney General of my intention to propose Séamus Woulfe SC for the position, following which I brought a memorandum for the consideration of the Government on 15 July, recommending a name to Cabinet for appointment by the President. At this remove, I cannot pinpoint the precise date between 11 and 14 July on which various conversations took place, and as such I am providing a date range in order to be helpful to the Deputy.
In this case, the recommendation was in line with the recommendation of JAAB, which is chaired by the Chief Justice. The process through which JAAB recommends applicants for consideration by the Government is set out in Part IV of the Courts and Court Officers Act 1995, as amended.
311. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Justice the names of communities, groups and local authorities that have been awarded funding under the CCTV community grant scheme; the amount awarded to each successful applicant in each year since 2016; her plans to examine the terms and conditions of the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40927/20]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, community-based CCTV is governed by section 38(3)(c) of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 and the Garda Síochána (CCTV) Order 2006. This legal framework requires that any proposed community CCTV scheme must:
- be approved by the local Joint Policing Committee,
- have the prior support of the relevant Local Authority, which must also act as data controller, and
- have the authorisation of the Garda Commissioner.
This is the legal basis for all community CCTV schemes, regardless of how they are funded. These key legal requirements have not changed since 2006. The option to establish a Community CCTV scheme is available to groups that meet these legal requirements, anywhere in the country.
I can inform the Deputy that once the new legislation proposed on Digital Recordings has been enacted, a review of the terms and conditions of the scheme will be carried out in the first half of 2021, to bring it into line with this new legislation.
Since 2017, my Department has administered a grant aid scheme supporting groups wishing to establish a community-based CCTV system in their area. To date, 29 applications have been approved under the scheme, involving approved grants awarded totalling more than €752,000. Eligible groups, including community groups and local authorities nationwide, can apply for grant aid of up to 60% of the total capital cost of a proposed CCTV system, up to a maximum total of €40,000. The table below details the Local Authorities that have been approved funding under the scheme.
As the Deputy may be aware, last year the grant aid scheme was extended to cover not only new CCTV systems but also to allow funding applications for extension or upgrade of existing Community CCTV systems which are incomplete or obsolete. Applicants can now also seek a once-off grant of up to €5,000 for minor maintenance costs.
However in all cases, grant funding can be considered only for CCTV systems which meet the legal requirements, in other words CCTV systems which have been approved by the relevant Joint Policing Committee, the relevant Local Authority (also acting as Data Controller) and which have received the authorisation of the Garda Commissioner.
|
Local Authority |
Name of Applicant |
Nr.of Camera's |
Grant approval |
Maintenance Grant |
|
Leitrim County Council |
Carrick on Shannon |
11 |
€40,000.00 |
|
|
Wexford County Council |
Wexford County Council |
12 |
€25,675.00 |
|
|
Wicklow County Council |
Arklow Town, Wicklow |
11 |
€40,000.00 |
|
|
Wexford County Council |
Courttown/Riverchapel |
8 |
€28,636.05 |
|
|
Wexford County Council |
Gorey Town Park |
5 |
€23,603.46 |
|
|
Limerick City and County Council |
Limerick -Newcastlewest |
12 |
€31,071.33 |
|
|
Sligo County Council |
Cranmore Regeneration Sligo |
3 |
€8,835.00 |
|
|
Limerick City and County Council |
Limerick - Castleconnell |
6 |
€27,310.22 |
|
|
Limerick City and County Council |
Limerick - Askeaton |
4 |
€28,115.54 |
|
|
Limerick City and County Council |
Limerick - Abbeyfeale |
6 |
€22,800.94 |
|
|
Limerick City and County Council |
Limerick - Kilmallock |
7 |
€30,370.01 |
|
|
Limerick City and County Council |
Limerick - Rathkeale |
7 |
€34,172.66 |
|
|
Limerick City and County Council |
Limerick - Adare |
5 |
€22,406.01 |
|
|
Limerick City and County Council |
Limerick - Caherconlish |
4 |
€16,481.38 |
|
|
Limerick City and County Council |
Limerick - Croom |
5 |
€19,277.12 |
|
|
Limerick City and County Council |
Limerick - Murroe |
4 |
€21,945.33 |
|
|
Limerick City and County Council |
Limerick - Pallasgreen |
3 |
€18,691.09 |
|
|
Limerick City and County Council |
Limerick - Cappamore |
2 |
€14,218.00 |
|
|
Limerick City and County Council |
Limerick - Patrickswell |
5 |
€30,363.85 |
|
|
Limerick City and County Council |
Limerick - Foynes |
3 |
€17,349.85 |
|
|
Monaghan County Council |
Monaghan Town |
8 |
€40,000.00 |
€5,000.00 |
|
Kilkenny Co. Council |
Urlingford, Co. Kilkenny |
10 |
€21,000.00 |
€5,000.00 |
|
Carlow County Council |
St Mullins |
16 |
€25,083.50 |
|
|
Laois CoCo |
Mountmellick Neighbourhood watch |
48 |
$35,938.77 |
€5,000.00 |
|
Laois CoCo |
Woodenbridge |
11 |
€8,040.00 |
€5,000.00 |
|
Laois CoCo |
Donaghmore Community Alert |
18 |
€17,409.03 |
€5,000.00 |
|
Borris in Ossory Community Alert |
Borris in Ossory Community Alert Group |
€5,107.62 |
€5,000.00 |
|
|
Louth County Council |
Moneymore |
6 |
€29,516.70 |
€5,000.00 |
|
Louth County Council |
Rathmullen |
6 |
€29,516.70 |
€5,000.00 |
|
Total |
€712,935.16 |
€40,000.00 |
* It should be noted that the funding provided by the Department to Borris in Ossory Community Alert Group was merely to cover costs associated with relocating a base station. The original CCTV system had been installed in 2016 and this was funded by Pobal. The Department of Justice only started funding this scheme in 2017 and we do not have access to the Pobal files which would detail the camera numbers/locations.
If the Deputy is aware of groups wishing to avail of the grant aid scheme, further details are available to download from my Department's website - www.justice.ie - and support and guidance is available to help interested groups through a dedicated email address, fundsadmin-comm-based-cctv@justice.ie.
312. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Justice if she has reviewed the outcomes of recent court judgements relating to digital and cyberbullying; her views on whether much of the legislation in this area is outdated and in need of review; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40928/20]
View answerI remain concerned at the deeply harmful effects which cyber-bullying can have on persons who experience that or other harmful online behaviours. These experiences can be devastating for those affected.
Harassment and abuse in any form, whether online or otherwise, is utterly unacceptable and has no place in Irish society. I am, along with my Government colleagues, fully committed to tackling abusive behaviour in all forms. The standards of what is unacceptable in an online setting must be consistent with those in traditional settings, and cross government initiatives to ensure we have modern approaches to deal with these modern challenges are underway.
In recent years, a whole-of-government response was taken to addressing these complex issues, in particular through the Action Plan for Online Safety 2018 - 2019 which identified a range of positive actions to address online safety issues, including cyber-bullying. There has been a general consensus in recent years that the appropriate response to addressing such online issues is one that encompasses educational and awareness raising campaigns, as well as effective actions and policies on the part of internet companies.
My Government colleagues and I are working to update existing legislation and where necessary to introduce new laws, to provide appropriate and robust legislation to deal with behaviour that should be criminalised whether engaged in online or offline.
I am prioritising the enactment of the Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences Bill 2017, a Private Member’s Bill sponsored by Deputy Brendan Howlin. I have been working with Deputy Howlin to progress this Bill as a priority in line with commitment contained in the Programme for Government.
Having secured cabinet approval for a number of amendments to the Bill, this week it passed through Committee Stage and I am confident, given the cross party support for its enactment, that it will complete the legislative process before the end of the year.
The Bill is silent on the types of technology that may be used to commit the offences provided for under the Bill. It is intentionally neutral to cover all forms of online and offline communications that cause harm to a victim.
The Bill proposes to amend the current offence of harassment in section 10 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997 by broadening the scope of the offence to cover persistent communications to or about a person. The maximum penalty for this offence will be increased from 7 years’ to 10 years’ to reflect the harm caused by the most serious forms of harassment.
In addition to the Harassment, Harmful Communications and other Related Offences Bill, separate legislation to include provision for an online safety commissioner has been proposed by the Department of Communications, Climate Action and the Environment, which published the General Scheme of the Online Safety Media Regulation Bill earlier this year.
The General Scheme of the Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill will be progressed by the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media and contains provisions empowering the proposed Online Safety Commissioner to make online safety codes; assess the compliance of online services with those safety codes; direct online services to make changes to their systems; processes and policies and design and seek to apply financial sanctions to services who fail to comply.
Finally, the Programme for Government commits to introducing, within 12 months, legislation to address those who target victims because of their association with a particular identity characteristic, and to revise and update the Incitement to Hatred Act and I can assure Deputies that my Department is working to prepare this legislation on hate crime and hate speech as a priority.
As part of this work the results of a comprehensive public consultation and of a comparative research on international best practice on hate crime legislation will be published shortly. This will input into the formulation of proposals to strengthen our legislation and ensure it is evidence-based, proportionate and effective, while respecting important rights to freedom of expression and association. There will be a further opportunity for stakeholders to share their views when the legislative proposals on this important issue are published for discussion and I intend to bring a General Scheme to Government for approval early in 2021.
313. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Justice if she will consider reversing a deportation order on a person (details supplied). [40935/20]
View answerThe person concerned has instituted Judicial Review proceedings on 10 October 2020. These Judicial Review proceedings are ongoing at present and as the matter is sub judice, it would not be appropriate for me to make any further comment at this time.
Queries in relation to the status of individual Immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response is , in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
314. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Justice when the Chenchooliah ruling will be finalised; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40986/20]
View answerMy Department is currently finalising the amendment of the European Communities (Free Movement of Persons) Regulations 2015, to bring them in line with the ruling of the European Court of Justice (ECJ) in the Chenchooliah case.
As soon as the Regulations are amended and the appropriate procedure has been finalised, the Immigration Service will be in contact with the various persons and their legal representatives.
315. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Justice if a temporary visa will be issued to a person (details supplied) while they await the finalisation of the Chenchooliah ruling; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40987/20]
View answerAs a person who was accepted as being a family member of an EU citizen who was exercising EU Treaty Rights in the State, the immigration case of the person concerned falls within the parameters of the European Court of Justice Ruling in the Chenchooliah case. In light of that situation, the Immigration Service of my Department has been engaging with the person concerned with a view to having their case progressed. This will continue until the case has been finalised.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
316. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Justice the number of expressions of interest and or applications she received through the Judicial Appointments Advisory Board, the Office of the Attorney General or directly to her in respect of the Circuit Court vacancy filled by a person (details supplied). [40989/20]
View answerJudicial appointments are made in accordance with Articles 13.9 and 35.1 of the Constitution, by the President acting on the advice of the Government. As with all judicial vacancies, a request is made to the Judicial Appointments Advisory Board (JAAB) for a list of suitable candidates for appointment and the names of all those who applied. The JAAB recommendations, along with any expressions of interest from serving judges, and all eligible judges for appointment, are considered.
All proceedings of the Board and all communications to the Board are confidential under the Courts and Court Officers Act 1995.
Whether or not existing judges put forward expressions of interest is a confidential matter for obvious reasons, and it is not the practice to release information that might identify any of those judges.
The following information was provided under Standing Order 54
317. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the provision to be made whereby stamp 4 can be updated in the case of a person (details supplied); if the case can be urgently examined with a view to restoration of stamp 4 at an early date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41010/20]
View answerThe permission to remain of the person referred to by the Deputy expired on 22 September 2019. This permission was granted on the basis of being the parent of an Irish Born Child.
As this permission has lapsed for over a year, the person concerned should write to Unit 4, Domestic Residence and Permissions Division, Immigration Service Delivery, 13/14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2, D02 XK70 and provide a detailed account and documentary evidence of their personal circumstances since the expiration of their permission to reside in the State. Once received the case will be dealt with as expeditiously as possible.
General information in relation to applying for IBC renewal is on the Immigration Service website at: http://www.inis.gov.ie/en/inis/pages/wp07000030.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up-to-date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the parliamentary questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
318. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Justice the reason a person (details supplied) is waiting so long for Irish citizenship; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41015/20]
View answerThe application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to by the Deputy, continues to be processed.
The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is a privilege and an honour which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.
It is recognised that all applicants for citizenship would wish to have a decision on their application without delay. While most straightforward cases are now processed within twelve months, the nature of the naturalisation process is such that, for a broad range of reasons, some cases will take longer than others to process. In some instances, completing the necessary checks can take a considerable period of time.
If the person concerned has a query in respect of their application, they should contact the Citizenship Division of the Immigration Service Division of my Department at: citizenshipinfo@justice.ie.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
319. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Health the status of the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40838/20]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
320. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the status or progress of a Bill (details supplied); when it is expected that this legislation will be passed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40909/20]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the Government approved the drafting of a bill on assisted human reproduction (AHR) and associated areas of research based on the published General Scheme of the Assisted Human Reproduction Bill. This comprehensive and far-reaching piece of legislation encompasses the regulation, for the first time in this country, of a wide range of practices, including: altruistic domestic surrogacy; gamete (sperm or egg) and embryo donation for AHR and research; pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) of embryos; posthumous assisted reproduction; and embryo and stem cell research. In addition, the General Scheme provides for the establishment of an independent regulatory authority for AHR.
The drafting of the Assisted Human Reproduction Bill is ongoing by my officials, in conjunction with the Office of the Attorney General. Requirements arising from the Covid-19 pandemic response have affected the normal workstreams of relevant personnel in both the Department of Health and the Office of the Attorney General and therefore it is not possible at this time to give definitive timelines for the completion of the draft Bill and its subsequent passage through the Houses of the Oireachtas. However, a commitment to enact this legislation is included in the Programme for Government, “Our Shared Future”.
Overall, the provisions outlined within the General Scheme will ensure that AHR practices and related areas of research are conducted in a more consistent and standardised way and with the necessary oversight. The aim of the AHR legislation is to promote and ensure the health and safety of parents and others involved in the process while, most importantly, consideration of the welfare and best interests of children born as a result of AHR is the key principle underpinning the General Scheme.
321. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if pay will be restored to a cohort of workers (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40961/20]
View answerAn agreement reached at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) in October 2018 provided for pay restoration in relation to 50 pilot organisations in the first instance. Pay restoration for these bodies commenced in April 2019 with further payments due in October 2020 and October 2021 as appropriate.
The agreement recognised that some of the remaining Section 39 organisations were also likely to have pay restoration issues and a process to address these issues commenced in 2019 under the auspices of the WRC. Despite the engagement which took place, it has not yet been possible to reach agreement.
The HSE are currently costing this next phase of pay restoration and are expected to complete the exercise in the coming weeks. Engagement will take place with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform once the HSE has completed this work. Health sector management remain committed to the process.
