Written Answers Nos. 80-104
80. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the breakdown of spending by each local authority on new social housing above and below the €6 million single stage approval process threshold; and if the breakdown will include the number of schemes, number of homes and the spend involved. [6201/21]
View answerI understand that the Deputy is referring to social housing construction expenditure and activity in the period since January 2019.
My Department publishes comprehensive programme level statistics on a quarterly basis on social housing delivery activity. This data, which includes a breakdown of social housing delivery across a range of mechanisms, is available to the end of Quarter 3 2020. Data for Quarter 4 2020 is currently being compiled and will be published in the coming weeks. This data is published on the statistics page of my Department’s website, at the following link: https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/6060e-overall-social-housing-provision/.
In addition to the statistical overview of activity in each local authority, a detailed Social Housing Construction Status Report (CSR) is published each quarter. The CSR provides details of individual build projects in each local authority. The most recent publication covers the period up to the end of Q3 2020 and is available at the following link:
https://rebuildingireland.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Construction-Status-Report-Q3-2020.pdf.
A version of this file can be downloaded at the following link and used for various analysis in terms of stage of activity, location, quarter of completion, number of homes etc.
https://data.gov.ie/en_GB/dataset/social-housing-construction-status-report-q3-2020.
In relation to the single-stage process, there are 37 social housing projects that are on site or completed, having used the single stage process. . In addition, there are a further 22 projects that are in proposal stage, one of these, a proposal for 11 new homes in Fingal, which would otherwise have used the four-stage process, has now been included in the single stage process since the increase in the limit from €2m to €6m.
Social housing construction is funded under a range of different initiatives such as local authority construction, turnkey developments, rapid delivery, PPP and regeneration programmes and through construction and turnkey developments by Approved Housing Bodies. The funding provided by my Department to each local authority in 2019 in respect of build programmes is set out in the table below. In addition, over €1.03 billion was spent in 2020 on the delivery of new social housing through build programmes. The full analysis of 2020 expenditure by each local authority is being carried out by my Department and will be provided to the Deputy when completed.
|
Local Authority Build Expenditure 2019 |
€m |
|
Carlow |
14.71 |
|
Cavan |
4.22 |
|
Clare |
11.98 |
|
Cork City |
55.43 |
|
Cork County |
65.54 |
|
Donegal |
9.86 |
|
Dunlaoghaire Rathdown |
10.20 |
|
Dublin City |
100.80 |
|
Fingal |
58.59 |
|
Galway City |
21.96 |
|
Galway County |
15.95 |
|
Kerry |
22.32 |
|
Kildare |
59.18 |
|
Kilkenny |
12.66 |
|
Laois |
6.06 |
|
Leitrim |
3.21 |
|
Limerick |
40.20 |
|
Longford |
15.56 |
|
Louth |
28.01 |
|
Mayo |
19.38 |
|
Meath |
42.68 |
|
Monaghan |
12.32 |
|
Offaly |
12.82 |
|
Roscommon |
4.06 |
|
Sligo |
12.76 |
|
South Dublin |
52.51 |
|
Tipperary |
13.57 |
|
Waterford |
27.41 |
|
Westmeath |
10.28 |
|
Wexford |
21.79 |
|
Wicklow |
42.91 |
|
Total |
828.93 |
81. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 101 of 28 January 2021, if he plans consulting with the local authority and members of the Houses of the Oireachtas representing Galway city and county in relation to the proposed merger of Galway city and county councils before proceeding with the review promised in his reply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6204/21]
View answerConsultation with key stakeholders, including Oireachtas members representing Galway city and county, will form part of the review process referred to in my previous reply.
82. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he plans to extend the strategic housing development planning process deadline beyond its current expiry date of February 2022; and the preparations he has put in place to restore or reform the planning process post-February 2022. [6303/21]
View answerThe Planning and Development (Housing) and Residential Tenancies Act 2016 (the Act) introduced new streamlined arrangements to enable planning applications for strategic housing developments (SHDs) of 100 housing units or more, or student accommodation or shared accommodation developments of 200 bed spaces or more, to be made directly to An Bord Pleanála (the Board) for determination.
The Programme for Government commits to not extending the SHD arrangements beyond their legislative expiry date of end December 2021, which has now been extended to 25 February 2022 arising from the Covid-related shutdown of the planning system for 8 weeks during the period March to May 2020, which extended all planning timelines by 8 weeks. The process for winding up the SHD arrangements and their replacement by possible new arrangements will be considered by my Department over the coming months.
83. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of social housing leases funded through his Department to investors availing of the international investment programme; and the annual cost of these leases for each year since such leases commenced. [6304/21]
View answerThe Social Housing Leasing Programme supports the delivery of social housing by providing financial support to local authorities for the long term leasing of houses and apartments.
Applications under the leasing programme are made to the relevant local authority who assess each application. Where the application is for more than 4 properties, the local authority must apply to my Department for approval before entering into any agreement. My Department does not hold data on whether the owner of a leased property has availed of funding under the Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP). I have no function in relation to the IIP which comes within the remit of my colleague, the Minister for Justice.
84. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of the implementation of the nZEB regulations for residential developments in social and private housing; and the engagement he has had with the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to ensure full compliance with these important regulations. [6305/21]
View answerThe European Union (Energy Performance of Buildings) Regulations 2019 set higher building energy performance standards for dwellings, in accordance with the Nearly Zero Energy Building requirements (NZEB) contained in the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive.
These Regulations apply to works in connection with the design and construction of a new dwelling, where the relevant works commence or take place, as the case may be, on or after 1 November 2019 except where –
- an application is made on or before 31 October 2019 for planning permission or approval pursuant to the Planning and Development Act 2000 and where substantial work has been completed by 31 October 2020; or
- a notice pursuant to the provisions of Part 8 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 has been published on or before 31 October 2019 and where substantial work has been completed by 31 October 2020.
These regulations apply to all new residential developments/dwellings – whether private or social housing.
The Dwelling Energy Assessment Procedure (DEAP) is used to demonstrate compliance of new dwellings with Nearly Zero Energy Buildings performance requirements. The DEAP methodology is published by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland.
The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive Implementation Group consisting of the Department of Housing Local Government and Heritage, the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland meet on a regular basis to coordinate the implementation of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive.
In regard to the retrofit programmes under the responsibility of my colleague the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, the Programme for Government and the Climate Action Plan set targets to retrofit 500,000 homes to B2 BER or cost optimal equivalent and to install 400,000 heat pumps in existing residential buildings by 2030. Both Departments work to ensure that all works are carried out in compliance with the relevant regulations.
Under the Building Control Acts 1990 to 2014, primary responsibility for compliance of works with the requirements of the Building Regulations, rests with the owners, designers and builders of buildings. Enforcement of the Building Regulations is a matter for the 31 local building control authorities, who have extensive powers of inspection and enforcement under the Acts and who are independent in the use of their statutory powers.
85. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he plans to extend existing planning permissions to allow projects to be completed which are presently delayed due to Covid-19 restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6321/21]
View answerSection 42 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (‘the 2000 Act’) presently provides that an applicant may seek a single period of extension of duration of an existing planning permission, for an additional period as determined by the planning authority to a maximum of five years, except in the circumstances of subsection (1A) of section 42 of the 2000 Act.
Subsection (1A) of section 42 of the 2000 Act, as inserted by section 28(2)(a) of the Planning and Development (Housing) and Residential Tenancies Act 2016, as substituted by section 1 of the Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2017, concerns developments relating to 20 or more houses in respect of which an environmental impact assessment or an appropriate assessment, or both of those assessments, were not required before the permission was granted. Under the provisions of subsection (1A), an application may be made to further extend the appropriate period.
There are no proposals at present to bring forward additional legislative amendments to provide for an extension of duration of development, with particular respect to delays caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. However, the Department is keeping this situation under review and is liaising with the Office of the Attorney General with respect to legislative options in this regard.
86. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of an application by Wexford County Council (details supplied) for grant-aid for a sewerage scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6324/21]
View answerThe project referred to in the question has been approved for funding under the Multi-annual Rural Water Programme 2019-2021.
It is now a matter for Wexford County Council to advance the project and engage further with my Department.
87. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he supports the growing international calls for the release of a person (details supplied) from prison in India on bail on humanitarian grounds. [6043/21]
View answerI have expressed my concern on a number of occasions about the arrest of this person who is one of a number of human rights defenders in India currently being detained under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
The Embassy of Ireland in New Delhi has monitored this case since the detention of the human rights defender last October. The Ambassador of Ireland to India has raised this case at senior levels within India’s Ministry of External Affairs and the Embassy receives regular updates on the conditions of detention of the human rights defender who is elderly and has a health condition. I was disappointed to learn that the courts have refused bail in this case, but understand that certain essential items of personal care have been provided after judicial intervention.
The Embassy joined other EU Member States in raising the case with the National Human Rights Commission of India, expressing concern about the conditions of his detention, given the age and health profile of the human rights defender, and raising the possibility of his release on humanitarian grounds. However, the National Human Rights Commission having reviewed the circumstances of the arrest and detention, found that no protection applies on the grounds of infringement of human rights. In light of this outcome, I have asked that this case be raised at the forthcoming meeting of the EU-India Human Rights Dialogue.
The promotion of human rights, including the protection of human rights defenders, is a priority of Ireland’s foreign policy. Ireland expects the Indian authorities to have due regard for the wellbeing of the human rights defender in this case during his detention and to have full respect for the rule of law including presumption of innocence.
Our Embassy in New Delhi will continue to monitor developments in this case.
88. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if Ireland is implementing incentivisation programmes in view of the fact that the Joint Action Plan for Implementing the Civilian CSDP Compact recommends that member states incentivise eligible public servants and their employers to consider participation in civilian CSDP missions; if so, the details of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6045/21]
View answerUnder our National Implementation Plan for the Civilian CSDP compact, Ireland has committed to explore whether new arrangements can be put in place for serving public servants to deploy from Government Departments to civilian CSDP missions.
I am very proud of the contribution made by all our secondees, who serve with distinction globally and would like to see the options for serving public servants to have the opportunity to serve in civilian crisis management missions broadened. Irish public servants from a wide range of Government Departments and public bodies have the skills, expertise and experience to make an important contribution to Civilian CSDP Missions.
Serving Irish Civil Servants are currently required to take special leave if they wish to take up a position in a Civilian CSDP mission. The potential impact on seniority and pension rights could serve as a disincentive to taking up these positions. This is an issue which my Department will be discussing with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform within the framework of our National Implementation Plan.
89. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if Ireland has seconded persons from the private sector to civilian CSDP missions; if so, if the cost of this secondment is covered by the State or by the seconded expert's employer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6046/21]
View answerThe EU's civilian CSDP missions are staffed by a combination of staff employed and paid by the European External Action Service and specialist staff funded directly by Member States. The latter are also appointed by the EEAS, on the basis of competitive interview of candidates put forward by Member States. If their candidate is successful, the Member State is responsible for the remuneration of that person.
These specialists are commonly referred to as secondees, although not all are serving public servants. In Ireland's case, secondees from the public service have, to date, been members of An Garda Síochána who have served with the EU Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo. They remain employed and paid by An Garda Síochána, as they would if they were on UN service.
All other Irish applicants selected by the EEAS for deployment in a Civilian CSDP Mission are provided with an agreement for services from the Department of Foreign Affairs to carry out their work as a seconded independent contractor. Current Irish secondees in Civilian CSDP Missions come from a range of employment backgrounds. A number are retired members of An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces, others have experience with NGOs, or with international organisations such as the UN and OSCE, while others have recent private sector experience.
My Department identifies suitable vacancies in civilian CSDP Missions and opens them for application through the EEAS Goalkeeper platform. Applications for positions are open to all individuals registered with my Department through the Goalkeeper platform. Details on Goalkeeper registration can be accessed through the Public Appointments Service website.
90. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide a copy of Ireland's national implementation plan for the civilian CSDP compact; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6047/21]
View answerIreland was a leading advocate for the EU's Civilian CSDP Compact, which was adopted in November 2018. Civilian CSDP is a vital element in the implementation of the EU’s Global Strategy and the Compact will make it more capable, flexible and responsive to the needs of our external partners.
Through Civilian CSDP, the EU engages with partners to support them in building capacity around Rule of Law, policing and civil administration, which are vital to establishing and maintaining the security and stability which their societies require to thrive. The Compact will also enhance the capacity of the EU to respond to new and emerging challenges in our neighbourhood.
Ireland finalised its National Implementation Plan for the Civilian CSDP Compact in November 2019, covering the period to 2023. It was presented at the inaugural Civilian CSDP Annual Review Conference held in Brussels that same month. I am attaching a copy to this response.
Our National Implementation Plan includes a range of actions designed to further, at a national level, the 22 commitments agreed in the Compact. Progress on implementation of the compact was discussed at the second Annual Review Conference, held virtually in Brussels in November 2020.
91. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the consular and counselling support from his officials and other Departments provided to the family of a person (details supplied); and if he will establish with his Indian counterpart if the ongoing trial of the man accused of the murder can be included in the fast-track special courts for expeditious disposal of rape and POSCO act scheme to avoid the ongoing distress and anguish to the family caused by the long delays in this trial. [6053/21]
View answerI can confirm to the Deputy that my Department has been providing consular assistance to the family through our Embassy in New Delhi, Consulate General in Mumbai and Consular Assistance Unit in Dublin, since first informed of the citizen’s tragic death in India in 2017.
As the Deputy will be aware, a criminal trial is ongoing in Goa in relation to this case. Officials from our Embassy in New Delhi and our Consulate General in Mumbai have visited the court and met with the prosecutor. Officials from our Consulate in Mumbai have also attended trial hearings where possible. As the Deputy will appreciate, it is not possible for our officials to directly intervene in local judicial processes, nor would it be appropriate to comment on the details of a legal process in another jurisdiction.
I appreciate the distress caused to the family by the ongoing delays and the slow rate of progress in this case, and our officials have highlighted this in their engagements. However, the prosecutor has made it clear that, while the Goan authorities are prioritising this case, they are not in a position to treat it differently from other similar cases involving local victims.
We are also advised that the fast track courts (FTC) mechanism, referred to by the Deputy, is intended to provide more resources to special courts which focus on particular categories of crimes, for example those involving children, but not murder cases such as this. As the Deputy will appreciate, the local courts system has also been subject to delays resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and related restrictions.
We very much appreciate the tragic nature of this case and the ongoing distress for the family. As the Deputy will be aware, on 21 February 2020, the Minister for Justice launched a new Victim’s Charter, which includes an amendment recognising victims of violent crime abroad and their family members in Ireland. The amendment was made in particular memory of this citizen, and sets out the rights and entitlements to the services provided by the relevant State Agencies in Ireland. In line with this Charter, and where appropriate, consular officials in my Department provide families with details of specialist services in Ireland, such as those arranged by Advic and Support after Homicide. These can provide confidential support to people whose lives have been affected by homicide.
Please be assured that we will continue to engage with the authorities in India regarding this case, and to provide all possible consular assistance to the family as appropriate.
92. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if Ireland plans to join and support the WHO programmes C-TAP and COVAX. [6110/21]
View answerIreland is playing its full part as member of the global health community to ensure fair and equitable access to vaccines for all. This includes supporting the World Health Organization (WHO), the Global Vaccine Alliance and the Global Fund, to develop, produce and equitably distribute effective technologies in the COVID-19 global response.
The vaccine roll-out effort will represent a challenge for many developing countries with limited health systems capacity. Ireland’s Embassies will be working alongside WHO and other health partners to support this effort. This will build on our support to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, which is also supporting country readiness for vaccine deployment, by addressing vaccine approvals, cold chain issues and access to syringes. In this regard effective vaccine administration is as important as vaccine delivery.
Vaccine supply constraints remain an issue, particularly for low income countries. In response to this, the Irish Aid allocation to global health will increase to at least €50 million in 2021, to include support for global equitable access to vaccines through the COVAX facility and the WHO.
Ireland has welcomed Costa Rica's leadership on the COVID-19 Technology Access Pool (C-TAP). The Government shares the objectives for the initiative to achieve a common outcome in public health for the benefit of all. Ireland has consistently championed collaborative responses to the pandemic, with a focus on ensuring that the needs of the poorest and most vulnerable are served by our collective effort. The C-TAP 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.
93. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the level of support both through bilateral development aid and through multilateral development funds and instruments being provided to developing countries and the least developed countries in order for them to obtain and dispense the Covid-19 vaccine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6170/21]
View answerIreland is fully supporting efforts by the international community, including as an EU Member State, to ensure fair and equitable access to vaccines for all. The Government quadrupled funding to the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 2020, given its role as lead UN agency for health and co-host of the Access to Covid-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator, which has the COVAX facility as a centrepiece. COVAX is supporting 92 low and middle-income countries access Covid-19 vaccines.
Vaccine supply constraints remain an issue, particularly for low-income countries. In response to this, the Irish Aid allocation to global health will increase to at least €50 million in 2021, to include support for global equitable access to vaccines through WHO and the COVAX facility.
Also included in this is funding of €15 million to the Global Fund to end AIDS, TB and Malaria, and €3 million to Gavi - supporting our partner multilateral agencies, sustaining health systems and ensuring attention to other diseases including HIV and AIDS, Malaria and TB. Ireland also continues to support key partner multilateral agencies, such as UNICEF and multilateral development banks, who are also playing an important part in the global response to the pandemic.
Irish Missions in partner countries will in the meantime be working alongside the WHO and other health partners to support the vaccine roll-out effort, which will face further challenges given limited health systems capacity in many countries.
94. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his Department’s new statement of strategy will support the implementation of the sustainable development goals; if specific goals and sub-targets have been identified as being particularly relevant to his Department's work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6214/21]
View answer95. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the policies and plans through which his Department will be working towards the achievement of the specific sustainable development goals targets that fall under the aegis of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6219/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 94 and 95 together.
Ireland played a unique and central role in the process to agree Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as Co-Chair in 2015, alongside Kenya, of the final UN intergovernmental negotiations. The SDG vision of a safer, more peaceful, equal and sustainable world is reflected in Ireland’s foreign policy and underpins Ireland’s international development policy, A Better World.
My Department’s Statement of Strategy for 2021-2025 will shortly be shared with the Oireachtas. That Statement of Strategy informs the business plans of the Department of Foreign Affairs, which continue to reflect the centrality of the SDGs and Ireland’s commitment to Agenda 2030, reflecting the cross cutting importance of SDG implementation for all of my Department’s work.
The forthcoming Statement of Strategy will have a focus on ‘Our Values: To work for a fairer, just, secure and sustainable world’, identifying four key outcomes which the Department will continue to work towards:
- A Secure World: A stable and secure rules based international environment
- A Just World: Promotion and protection of human rights internationally
- A Fairer World: Progress in eradicating poverty, hunger and promoting inclusive economic growth
- A Sustainable World: A framework for sustainable development addressing climate change, public health, food security and sustainable economic recovery
These key outcomes are in turn associated with very specific priority outputs for the Department. In line with the Programme for Government, the Department has also established a Climate Unit within the Development Cooperation and Africa Division, which will assist in further developing our approach to mainstreaming climate change policy.
There is a whole-of-Government approach to SDG implementation both at home, and in our contribution to the achievement of the SDGs globally - so that no one is left behind. The Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications is the lead Department on the SDGs. An interdepartmental working group coordinates action across Government on the SDGs and officials from my Department participate in this as well as in the national SDG Stakeholder Forum, which brings different stakeholders together.
As part of the follow-up and review arrangements for the SDGs, Ireland's next national SDG progress report (the Voluntary National Review) is due to be presented to the UN High Level Political Forum (HLPF) in 2022. At last year’s virtual HLPF, my colleague Minister Eamon Ryan reiterated the Government’s commitment to meeting the ambitious targets set in Agenda 2030.
My Department is continuing its active engagement in progressing the SDGs through the Government’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) programme, and in international forums for SDG implementation, particularly through the United Nations system. Our current membership of the UN Security Council enables us to make a strong contribution to SDG 16, which promotes peace, justice and strong institutions.
96. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has spoken to his Indonesian counterpart and the Indonesian diplomatic mission to Ireland to express Ireland's displeasure at the recent news that a same sex Indonesian couple were whipped for Sharia-banned sex. [6226/21]
View answerThe protections and promotion of human rights is a core pillar of Ireland's foreign policy, and Ireland works bilaterally and with the EU in many countries to promote our values.
In response to the corporal punishment meted out to six people in Aceh, Indonesia, Ireland fully supports the statement by the European Union on 31 January which underlines the unlawful nature of such punishment. Ireland echoes the call for Indonesia to honour its obligations under the Convention Against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, which was ratified by Indonesia in 1998.
The Statement also places specific emphasis on the protection of the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) persons, without discrimination, under existing international human rights law and relevant international conventions.
97. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the action taken by his Department with regard to the proposed sale of a property by a society (details supplied); if the society has been in receipt of State funding in the past ten years; if so, the details of same in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6241/21]
View answerI am aware that the premises of the American Irish Historical Society at 991 Fifth Avenue, New York have been put up for sale. This is a deeply disappointing development.
The American Irish Historical Society, a registered not-for-profit organisation, is a cherished symbol of the profound relationship that has grown between our two countries through the centuries. While the Society is more than its premises, the building on Fifth Avenue is an iconic emblem of Ireland in New York and a vital part of the infrastructure that underpins US-Ireland relations.
The Government has provided funding to the Society over the years, primarily through the Emigrant Support Programme, to support it activities. From 2008 to 2018, the AIHS has received $933,854 from the Emigrant Support Programme, contributing to salary, operational and programming costs, including for its library and archive.
A table setting out these payments since 2008 is attached.
I am concerned and disappointed about the proposed sale. I would urge the Board of the AIHS to reconsider this decision. The building's loss would be keenly felt by the community in New York and beyond. We stand ready to engage in finding a constructive solution that meets the needs of the community and other stakeholders. Our Consulate General in New York is following the situation closely and is in regular contact with the Society and the wider community.
Funding under the Emigrant Support Programme
|
Year |
Amount |
Purpose |
|
2008 |
$255,000 |
Salary costs for Director, Programming Manager and Archivist |
|
2009 |
$160,000 |
Events coordinator $30,000 Operating expenses $35,000 Other salary costs $95,000 |
|
2010 |
$160,000 |
AIHS Educational Outreach Initiative $47,500 AIHS organisational costs $112,500 |
|
2011 |
$110,000 |
Salaries $67,500 Operating expenses $42,500 |
|
2012 |
$85,000 |
Salaries $55,000 Utilities and Equipment $10,000 Library and Archive $20,000 |
|
2013 |
$75,000 |
Salaries $55,000 Utilities and Equipment $10,000 Library and Archive $10,000 |
|
2014 |
$65,000 |
Salaries $48,000 Utilities and Equipment $4,450 Library and Archive $12,550 |
|
2016 |
$13,854.16 |
Salary of Director of operations $13,854.16 |
|
2018 |
$10,0000 |
‘Success in the city’ program $10,000 |
|
TOTAL |
$933,854 |
98. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the arrangements in place with the European Commission to ensure no recurrence of the recent unilateral proposal by the Commission to invoke Article 16 of the Northern Ireland Protocol; if he has such a commitment from the President of the Commission in view of the importance of this issue for all in this country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6312/21]
View answerThe Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland plays a vital role in protecting the Good Friday Agreement and the gains of the peace process. It ensures that there is no hard border on the island of Ireland, and it protects the integrity of the Single Market and Ireland’s place in it.
It allows Northern Irish traders continued access not only to the British market but also to the Single Market of 450 million consumers - this access is unique, and underpins all-island supply chains.
The Protocol was the subject of lengthy and detailed negotiations. It represents an agreed, balanced compromise. It was designed with full awareness and sensitivity to Northern Ireland’s unique circumstances, and with an active desire to find arrangements that work for people and businesses on the ground.
Article 16 of the Protocol reflects provisions on safeguards in other trade agreements. The Protocol sets out how it should be utilised, with due regard to notification, consultation, and engagement. Short-circuiting these processes risks undermining trust and goodwill.
It is regrettable that the Protocol became embroiled in the dispute over vaccine procurement and that full information was not provided to Ireland in a timely way. It should not have happened. Thankfully, a speedy resolution was possible. The immediate action by the Commission in responding to our concerns is appreciated. We are engaged with the Commission to ensure that in the future there is timely and appropriate consultation in advance of any decision being taken that could have implications for the Protocol.
Mechanisms for effective and positive engagement are contained within the Protocol, as has already been demonstrated through the joint efforts of the EU and UK in finding an agreed approach to implementation in December 2020. We must all redouble our efforts to support effective implementation of the Protocol, to the benefit of all people on this island.
99. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide information in relation to the extent of lands effected by ordnance (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6108/21]
View answerIt has not been possible in the time available to prepare a substantive response to the question from the Deputy.
A response to the question will be prepared and forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
100. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Defence the number of personnel in the Permanent Defence Forces from 2013 to date in 2021; the pay bill for the Defence Forces as a percentage of the gross Exchequer civil and public service pay bill for the same time period in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6126/21]
View answerThe table below contains details of the strength and pay bill of the Permanent Defence Force from 2013 to 31st December 2020, the latest date for which such information is available:
|
Year |
PDF Strength (wte) |
PDF Pay €m |
|
2013 |
9,236 |
413,394 |
|
2014 |
9,280 |
395,573 |
|
2015 |
9,140 |
389,935 |
|
2016 |
9,126 |
385,504 |
|
2017 |
9,173 |
396,479 |
|
2018 |
8,957 |
398,714 |
|
2019 |
8,659 |
418,650 |
|
2020 |
8,572 |
*405,406 |
*Based on provisional data at year end
Information on comparisons between expenditure on Defence Forces pay, relative to the wider Public Service, is a matter for the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.
The Government remains committed to restoring the strength of the Permanent Defence Force to 9,500 personnel and the Defence Budget provides funding for this full establishment strength.
101. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Defence the number of ships in the Naval Service that are operationally ready to put to sea if required; the uptake of the new loyalty scheme which offers a bonus of up to €10,000 over four years for seagoing duties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6127/21]
View answerThe Naval Service has nine ships. In July 2019, the Naval Service reduced its operational flotilla to six ships, placing two ships on operational pause, while a third ship entered a mid-life re-fit programme. A fire onboard the LÉ Niamh last October has impacted on the ship’s availability for operations from Q4 last year. There are 5 operational ships that remain available at present. It is expected that the LÉ Roisín will come back into operation following her mid-life re-fit during the first half of the year.
For operational and security reasons, it would not be appropriate to disclose details of the operational deployment of any individual vessel now or in the future.
The Naval Service Sea-going Service Commitment Scheme was introduced with effect from 1st January 2021. It is targeted at retaining and incentivising Permanent Defence Force (PDF) personnel of the Naval Service who have accrued an appropriate level of service and experience. It is one of a number of measures aimed at addressing retention issues in the Naval service.
The Scheme is not intended to encompass all sea-going personnel, solely those with the requisite experience levels. In this context, in order to be eligible for the Scheme, personnel must have 3 years’ service in the rank of Able rating or above, or Ensign and above, and to be serving in a sea-going appointment.
The Scheme requires individuals to give an undertaking to serve for an aggregate of 24 months at sea and undertake a minimum number of patrol days (240) during the sea-going periods, over a maximum 48 month reference period. Individuals are required to undertake a minimum of 60 patrol days in each 6 month sea-going period to qualify for staged payments. The payment for the entire service committment is €10,000.
All applicants at the time of application must be commencing/undertaking sea-going duties and commit to the service undertalking. The military authorities have advised me that, to date, seventy one (71) applications for the Sea Going Service Commitment Scheme are being processed. The Scheme remains open to further applicants as they commence their sea-going rotation.
102. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education the status of an application by a school (details supplied); if same will be reviewed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6044/21]
View answerI can confirm that my Department is in receipt of an application for capital funding under the Additional School Accommodation (ASA) scheme in relation to the school referred to by the Deputy.
The School Authority has recently agreed to a proposed project brief, which includes specialist teaching accommodation, but does not include a new Physical Education (PE) Hall, as this does not fall under the remit of the ASA scheme.
The School Authority has applied separately for major capital funding for a PE Hall. As the Deputy is aware, the provision of PE Halls form part of the accommodation brief for all newly established schools. These facilities may also form part of the overall accommodation brief for major capital extensions to existing schools. Details of large-scale projects being delivered under the school building programme may be viewed on my Department's website, www.education.ie and this information is updated regularly.
The main focus of resources over the last decade and for the coming period is on provision of additional capacity to cater for increasing demographics. The second half of the NDP (from 2023 onwards) will see an increasing focus on the upgrade and refurbishment of the existing school stock. This will include a PE Hall build and modernisation programme to ensure that students in all post-primary schools have access to appropriate facilities to support PE provision.
The immediate priority of my Department is providing new and replacement school places each year, to ensure that every child has a school place.
103. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education the reason primary teachers cannot receive incremental credit for working in private schools outside the EU but post-primary teachers can (details supplied). [6049/21]
View answerThe terms and conditions of employment of teachers in Ireland, who are paid out of monies provided by the Oireachtas, are a matter for the Teachers' Conciliation Council (TCC). This Council is comprised of representatives of the teacher unions, school management bodies, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, and the Department of Education chaired by an Official of the Workplace Relations Commission. The terms and conditions set out in that circular were agreed under the auspices of the TCC.
The criteria required to have incremental credit awarded to teachers are set out in the Department of Education Circulars 10/2001 for Primary and 29/2007 & 29/2010 for Post-Primary. Under the circulars primary teachers can receive incremental credit for working in private schools outside the EU but post-primary teachers cannot.
The teachers unions have lodged a number of claims at TCC in relation to incremental credit, including one in relation to recognising private teaching service, given by post-primary teachers, outside the EU. TCC agreed to establish a sub-Committee to consider the claims. The claims are still under consideration.
104. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Education the guidelines for the substitution of teachers who are within vulnerable groups from a Covid-19 perspective; and the way in which an individual teacher can activate the process. [6052/21]
View answerThe general principles to apply to the management of COVID-19 includes the safety and welfare of employees and the minimisation of the impact of COVID-19 on teaching and learning. The current COVID-19 arrangements in place for teachers are outlined in my Department’s Circular Letter 0049/2020.
My Department has an enhanced Occupational Health Service (OHS) in place, to provide employers with occupational health advice in relation to employees’ fitness for work. The current OHS provider has a process in place for school staff with health concerns about their risk of serious illness from contracting COVID-19, through workplace attendance.
A detailed on-line questionnaire is submitted by the teacher to the OHS, along with detailed medical evidence to provide clarity with respect to the medical complaint(s) in question. All of this information is reviewed by the OHS specialist occupational health physician, including the combined and cumulative risk that can arise when an employee suffers from more than one health condition. The risk categorisation is comprehensive and follows the same process that is being applied across other sectors. A teacher is categorised into one of three COVID-19 risk categories. These are general population risk, high risk, and very high risk. The outcome of the risk categorisation is governed by the HSE guidance. My Department is following the same guidance that is in use across the public sector.
Where a teacher considers the OHS "Covid-19 Health Risk Categorisation report" places him/her in an incorrect risk category, he/she may request review. The teacher may provide additional medical evidence as part of the review process.
Based on HSE advice, a teacher categorised by the OHS as ‘very high risk’ must not attend the workplace. However he/she remains available for work and the employer should prioritise alternative working arrangements to the maximum extent possible e.g. working from home. The employer may appoint a substitute, paid by my Department, to replace the ‘very high risk’ teacher in the classroom. During the current school closure period, a substitute may not be appointed by the employer for the ‘very high risk’ teacher, as all teachers currently available for work, are working remotely at this time.
All employers are required to have a COVID-19 Response Plan in place. The Plan outlines the arrangements in place to ensure a safe workplace for all employees. A teacher deemed ‘high risk’ and ‘normal risk’ can attend the workplace safely, where the school is implementing the COVID-19 Response Plan and the health advice for schools. The employer has a responsibility to assess the school environment using the COVID-19 Response Plan for the school, to ensure that all the appropriate HSE recommendations for safe school operations during Covid-19 are being implemented in full.
There is an obligation on the employer to discuss the COVID-19 Response Plan with the teacher and ensure that all appropriate risk mitigation measures are in place for the protection of school employees.
Every school has at least 1 Lead Worker Representative whose role is to represent staff and who may consult with, and make representations to school management on any issue of concern in relation to COVID-19, including issues relating to at risk groups.
