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Wednesday, 3 Mar 2021

Written Answers Nos. 346-373

Residential Tenancies Board

Questions (346)

Denise Mitchell

Question:

346. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of requests received from the residential tenancies board seeking approval to recruit additional staff in each of the years of 2019, 2020 and to-date in 2021; and the number of those requests that have been approved, pending or refused, respectively. [11882/21]

View answer

Written answers

The Residential Tenancies Acts 2004-2020 regulates the landlord-tenant relationship in the rented residential sector and sets out the rights and obligations of landlords and tenants. The Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) was established as an independent statutory body under the Act to operate a national tenancy registration system and to resolve disputes between landlords and tenants.

In relation to its requests for additional staffing resources, the table below sets out staffing requests made by the RTB in the years 2019 and 2020 . There have been no requests for additional staff to date in 2021.

Year

Additional Resources Sought

Additional Resources Sanctioned

2019

Sanction requested for 29 additional post.

29 additional posts sanctioned

2020

Sanction requested for 13 additional posts.

13 additional posts sanctioned

The increase in staff provided to the RTB is designed to ensure that the new legislative provisions introduced in both 2019 and 2020 are fully and forcefully implemented.

Further engagement regarding a proposed Executive Management Team is ongoing with between my Department and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.

Waste Management

Questions (347)

Patricia Ryan

Question:

347. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will include the provision of a bin collection service in the minimum standards required for rental accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11894/21]

View answer

Written answers

Minimum standards for rental accommodation are prescribed in the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2019 made under section 18 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1992. These regulations focus on tenant safety and include measures covering heating appliances, carbon monoxide and window safety. All landlords have a legal obligation to ensure that their rented properties, regardless of tenancy type, comply with these regulations. Responsibility for the enforcement of the Regulations rests with the relevant local authority.

Regulation 11 deals specifically with refuse facilities and provides the following:

11. The house shall have access to suitable and adequate pest and vermin proof refuse storage facilities.

This Regulation does not place an obligation on landlords to pay a tenant’s refuse charges. The disposal of refuse remains the responsibility of the tenant unless otherwise provided for in a tenancy agreement. However, the landlord should ensure that the regulation in relation to refuse storage is complied with, either through providing the facilities or through ensuring, contractually if necessary, that the tenant, or management company where applicable, provides them.

I do not consider it necessary to further strengthen the minimum standards at this stage, but I will continue to keep the matter under review.

Home Loan Scheme

Questions (348)

Denise Mitchell

Question:

348. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of applicants who have applied for the Rebuilding Ireland home loan in Dublin in 2020; and the number of applicants who were successful by quarter in tabular form. [11912/21]

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Written answers

The Housing Agency provides a central support service which assesses applications for the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan on behalf of local authorities and makes recommendations to the authorities to approve or refuse applications. Each local authority must have in place a credit committee and it is a matter for the committee to make the decision on applications for loans, in accordance with the regulations, having regard to the recommendations made by the Housing Agency.

The quarterly figures for 2020 from the Agency on the numbers of applications that it has assessed and recommended for approval for Dublin City Council, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, Fingal County Council and South Dublin County Council, are provided below:

Quarter 1

Quarter 1

Quarter 2

Quarter 2

Quarter 3

Quarter 3

Quarter 4

Quarter 4

Local Authority

Applications Assessed

Recommended to Approve

Applications Assessed

Recommended to Approve

Applications Assessed

Recommended to Approve

Applications Assessed

Recommended to Approve

Dublin City Council

57

27

14

9

70

48

57

36

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council

13

9

1

1

7

4

5

2

Fingal County Council

47

25

1

1

54

31

60

37

South Dublin County Council

49

28

8

2

25

12

22

7

The next stages in the process are approval and drawdown from the local authority.

My Department regularly publishes information on the number and value of (i) local authority loan approvals and (ii) local authority loan drawdowns. Local authority approval means that an official letter of offer has been sent to a borrower (and therefore relates to a specific property and loan amount).

Figures for the first two quarters of 2020 are available at the following link: https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/42d2f-local-authority-loan-activity/#local-authority-loans-approvedpaid

Local Authority Housing

Questions (349)

Thomas Gould

Question:

349. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of refurbishments carried out under each of the void casual let refurbishment schemes, respectively, by local authority in 2020, in tabular form. [11934/21]

View answer

Written answers

During 2020, funding of €56.4 million was paid to Local Authorities from my Department for the remediation of 3,607 vacant units under the Voids Programme.

The table below provides a breakdown of the units remediated by each local authority for 2020. The numbers provided are based on total units returned under the Normal, Covid and July Stimulus Voids programme.

Local Authority

Total Units Remediated

Total Paid by DHLGH

Carlow

33

€708,145

Cavan

64

€1,045,638

Clare

77

€1,541,011

Cork City

340

€5,872,791

Cork County

189

€3,907,947

Donegal

140

€1,131,878

Dublin City

556

€10,606,565

Fingal

320

€3,800,289

South Dublin

270

€2,946,175

DLR

43

€1,554,659

Galway City

91

€974,607

Galway County

61

€761,894

Kerry

88

€1,474,892

Kildare

90

€1,849,880

Kilkenny

60

€632,471

Laois

71

€675,592

Leitrim

27

€257,652

Limerick

117

€2,774,556

Longford

71

€2,114,363

Louth

94

€885,943

Mayo

70

€773,638

Meath

146

€2,203,939

Monaghan

44

€427,980

Offaly

36

€500,564

Roscommon

44

€379,534

Sligo

59

€1,006,483

Tipperary

131

€1,737,504

Waterford

93

€1,758,663

Westmeath

31

€471,394

Wexford

44

€497,319

Wicklow

107

€1,179,515

Totals

3,607

€56,453,480

My Department will continue to support local authorities through the voids programme in 2021. However, It is also important that local authorities increasingly move toward a preventative maintenance approach to the management of their housing stock and my Department is working with the CCMA and local authorities to this end.

Questions Nos. 350 and 351 answered with Question No. 313.
Question No. 351 answered with Question No. 313.

Local Authority Rates

Questions (352)

Paul Kehoe

Question:

352. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the reason boarding kennels (details supplied) were not included in the commercial rates waiver; if steps will be made to include them due to the same decimation of their business as those included in the waiver; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12015/21]

View answer

Written answers

Given the ongoing impacts of COVID-19 and the associated public health restrictions, and in order to continue supporting ratepayers and local authorities, the Government recently announced that the commercial rates waiver put in place for the first quarter of 2021 will be extended to the second quarter; it applies to businesses most seriously affected by ongoing restrictions.

The 2021 waiver is necessarily more targeted than was the case with the nine month waiver in 2020 and is aimed at businesses closed or very seriously impacted by current restrictions. Automatic eligibility is extended to retail, hospitality including hotels, pubs and restaurants, leisure and entertainment, personal services such as hairdressers and barbers, health services and various other categories.

In recognition of the fact that there may be ratepayers excluded from the waiver that were severely impacted by the pandemic, it includes a provision that ratepayers not automatically eligible may engage directly with their local authorities, to demonstrate serious financial impact. In such circumstances ratepayers not automatically eligible may also qualify. These applications will be reviewed by local authorities on a case by case basis.

As has been the case since the outset of the Covid-19 pandemic, my Department will continue to engage with the local government sector and with individual local authorities on the financial impacts of the pandemic. As with all public health measures and associated supports, the waiver of commercial rates will be kept under review.

Property Registration

Questions (353)

Niamh Smyth

Question:

353. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will review a case (details supplied); if the Property Registration Authority will provide an update on the case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12056/21]

View answer

Written answers

In relation to any specific cases with the Property Registration Authority (PRA), arrangements have been put in place to facilitate the provision of information directly to members of the Oireachtas. Further information in relation to the specific case referred to may be obtained by contacting the dedicated e-mail address in respect of the PRA at reps@prai.ie.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (354)

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

354. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will address concerns raised in correspondence by an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12068/21]

View answer

Written answers

The Government announced that additional public health restrictions would apply under Level 5 of the Plan for Living with COVID-19 on 6 January 2021. The additional restrictions required all construction activity to cease from 6pm on Friday 8 January, with a number of exceptions. These measures are set out in The Health Act 1947 (Section 31A - Temporary Restrictions) (Covid-19) (No. 10) Regulations 2020 (as amended).

The decisions in relation to the enhanced restrictions followed advice from NPHET that the situation with the virus had deteriorated to the point where there was an absolute need to reduce the level of mobility and congregation in order to reduce all opportunities for transmission.

The construction sector had responded well to the challenges presented by COVID-19 during 2020 with effective protocols put in place. However, the trajectory of the disease was such that the Government took the decision that most construction should cease with effect from 8 January. 2021. The Regulations in place provide for certain exemptions to allow the continuation of certain essential construction activity. The exemptions were based on decisions taken by the Government and extend beyond the remit of my own Department.

On 23 February, the Government announced that the current level 5 restrictions will remain in place until 5 April 2021, when the easing of restrictions relating to construction will be considered.

National Broadband Plan

Questions (355)

Seán Sherlock

Question:

355. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he has engaged with National Broadband Ireland on any aspect of broadband provision in the past six months; and the outcome of any engagement. [12123/21]

View answer

Written answers

I can confirm that there has been no substantive engagement between my Department and National Broadband Ireland (NBI) with regard to broadband provision in the last six months. I did receive a briefing from NBI and in this context some enquiries were raised regarding road opening licences for cable laying purposes but as the relevant provisions are primarily contained in section 13(10) of the Roads Act, 1993, the query was referred to the Department of Transport.

I further understand that NBI has been engaged with the Local Government Management Agency (representing local authorities) and the Department of Environment, Climate and Communication regarding the possible streamlining of certain procedures relating to the roll-out of the National Broadband Plan.

Under section 30 of the Act, I am specifically precluded from exercising any power or control in relation to any particular case, including the roll out of communications infrastructure, with which a planning authority or An Bord Pleanála is or may be concerned.

Cross-Border Co-operation

Questions (356)

Patrick Costello

Question:

356. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of the implementation of each point of Annex B: Irish Government Commitments in the New Decade, New Approach agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11037/21]

View answer

Written answers

On 9 January 2020, the Irish and British Governments published a new agreement for Northern Ireland, New Decade, New Approach, which was reached together with the political parties. Alongside the agreement, the Irish and UK Governments set out their own separate, unilateral commitments.

Although Covid 19 has been the understandable focus in the year since the NDNA was reached, nevertheless progress has been made to implement those important commitments.

The Government has established a Shared Island Initiative and Shared Island Fund, which provides €500m for capital investment available over the next five years. This funding is ring-fenced for collaborative North/South investment. It ensures we have the resources in place to match our commitment to mutually-beneficial North/South cooperation on new and existing projects.

The North South Ministerial Council resumed its essential work, with its second successful plenary session taking place last In December. The elements of New Decade, New Approach relevant to the NSMC, which include commitments in relation to cross-border infrastructure and investment, are progressing well.

Projects such as the Ulster Canal and the reviews of rail and air connectivity are moving ahead. Work in relation to the Sligo-Enniskillen Greenway is also progressing, as a joint project let by Leitrim County Council and Fermanagh and Omagh District Council.

On other areas, such as the Narrow Water Bridge and potential investment in research and innovation, conversations are taking place to allow our Administrations to define shared objectives that take full account of the priorities of both sides.

With respect to language and culture, we have made the budgetary provisions to deliver on the commitments we made as a Government to support Irish language broadcasting, community groups and the development of Irish language networks.

On reconciliation, the Government will also deliver on our commitments to maintain, and in fact increase, our spending through the Reconciliation Fund which supports projects in all communities in Northern Ireland and border areas, and to map out the outstanding areas of need.

The first New Decade, New Approach Implementation Review Meeting took place virtually on January 11, which I attended together with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, First Minister and deputy First Minister.

We reaffirmed our shared commitment to ensuring the sustainable and effective operation of all the devolved institutions, and committed themselves to the ongoing implementation of New Decade, New Approach.

Shannon Airport Facilities

Questions (357)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

357. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of permits granted for military aircraft to land at Shannon Airport and to pass through Irish airspace in November and December 2020 and January 2021; the number of permits refused for military aircraft to land at Shannon Airport and to pass through Irish airspace in each month; the countries the requests were made by; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11166/21]

View answer

Written answers

The requested data is in the tables below.

Permissions Granted for Military Aircraft Landings at Shannon Airport

Country

November 2020

December 2020

January 2021

Bahrain

1

France

1

2

Netherlands

1

2

Switzerland

1

USA

38

67

25

Total Permissions Granted

40

70

28

Total Permissions Used

33

(7 permissions granted to the US were not used)

53

(17 permissions granted to the US were not used)

26

(2 permissions granted to the US were not used)

2. Refusals of requests for Military Landings in this period: None

3. Permissions Granted for Military Overflights in this period

Country

November 2020

December 2020

January 2021

Belgium

5

(of which 1 was not used)

3

Canada

1

1

Czech Republic

1

Egypt

2

France

4

(of which 1 was not used)

4

3

Germany

1

7

5

Hungary

1

1

Kuwait

2

Poland

1

1

Switzerland

2

1

UK

1

(which was not used)

USA

0

3

(of which 1 was not used)

1

Total Permissions Granted

16

21

14

Total Permissions Used

13

20

14

In addition, the USA provided post-hoc notifications of overflights (as required by the terms of a 1959 arrangement):

41 overflights in November, 45 Overflights in December and 31 Overflights in January.

4. Overflight Refusals

My Department refused one overflight request in this period (Tunisia, November 2020).

Middle East

Questions (358, 370, 373)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

358. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the destruction of Palestinian villages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11190/21]

View answer

Patricia Ryan

Question:

370. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will use Ireland’s influence to stop Israel from destroying Palestinian villages such as Khirbet Humsah; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11902/21]

View answer

Pa Daly

Question:

373. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the representations he has made to the Israeli Government in respect of the destruction and confiscation of tents in the Bedouin community of Humsa – Al Bqai’a in the northern Jordan Valley. [12045/21]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 358, 370 and 373 together.

I am deeply dismayed at the repeated demolition by Israeli authorities of structures belonging to Palestinian families in the community of Humsa Al Bqai’a, also known as Khirbet Humsa, in the northern Jordan Valley. These demolitions have included humanitarian, residential, livelihood and sanitation facilities.

International Humanitarian Law, and in particular, the Fourth Geneva Convention, prohibits the unnecessary destruction of private property. I am particularly dismayed that demolitions have continued, and even increased in the last year, despite the commitment made by the Israeli authorities not to target Palestinian residential structures during the Covid-19 pandemic. I issued a statement on 5 February in which I called on Israel, as the occupying power, to fulfil its obligations towards this community and to cease its harmful practice of evictions and demolitions of Palestinian property.

Ireland’s Representative Office in Ramallah have made visits to the location, along with other diplomatic representatives. Senior Officials in my Department raised the matter with the Israeli Ambassador on 9 February. Ireland’s Ambassador in Tel Aviv has also conveyed our views directly to the Israeli authorities.

I set out my concerns on the situation at the UN Security Council on 26 January. Last Friday, our Permanent Representative to the United Nations, reiterated these concerns at the UN Security Council briefing on the situation in the Middle East, following which Ireland joined current and former EU members of the Council in a joint statement on the matter.

Ireland, the EU, and the wider humanitarian community continue to support those impacted and the West Bank Protection Consortium, of which Ireland is a member, is providing emergency shelter and support to affected families.

While my primary concern is the hardship and injustice that demolitions and confiscations cause for Palestinian families, the question of recompense for humanitarian relief is also being pursued through the West Bank Protection Consortium, including directly with the Israeli authorities.

Foreign Birth Registration

Questions (359)

Cian O'Callaghan

Question:

359. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of pending foreign birth registrations; the current processing time; the steps he is taking to make the process more efficient; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11290/21]

View answer

Written answers

The Foreign Births Service is currently paused while Ireland is at Level 5 restrictions of the National Framework for Living with COVID-19. Approximately 27,000 applications are awaiting processing. These are being held securely until the FBR service Is resume at Level 3 of the Framework.

FBR, by its nature, can be a detailed and complex process, often involving official documentation related to three generations and issued by several jurisdictions. The Passport Service has taken steps in recent years to make the processing of applications more efficient. For example the application form has been simplified with clearer instructions in plain English for applicants. This has resulted in fewer mistakes in received application forms and also fewer incomplete applications received which both significantly contribute to delays in processing times.

The FBR process will continue to see efficiencies as part of the ongoing Passport Reform project which will deliver major upgrades to the Passport Service technology platforms, and business processes as well as significant customer service improvements.

The impact of Brexit on the number of FBR applications has been significant. In 2014, approximately 10,000 applications were received. In 2019, approximately 32,000 were received. Applicants resident in Great Britain account for around half of all applications. Due to this increased volume of applications and prior to the current pause in the FBR service, applications were taking twelve to eighteen months to be processed. However, in light of the current pause, the turnaround period is likely to exceed eighteen months.

Additional resources are planned to be allocated once the FBR service is resumed to reduce the turnaround period to less than six months by the end of the year.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (360)

Thomas Pringle

Question:

360. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if Ireland will be participating in the World Health Organisation co-led COVAX scheme; if not, the reason; if so, the number of vaccines Ireland is committing to; the EU countries that are participating in the scheme; the way Ireland compares to them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11339/21]

View answer

Written answers

Ireland is providing full support to the international community, including as an EU Member State, to ensure fair and equitable access to vaccines for all. In 2020, Irish funding to the World Health Organisation (WHO) quadrupled in recognition of 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. The first COVAX vaccine shipment to sub-Saharan Africa was dispatched last week and all countries now have their delivery schedule. The most effective way to support COVAX at present is to provide financial support, to enable them to procure vaccines at the best price for developing countries.

At least €50 million in Irish Aid funding will be invested in global public health this year, to help strengthen health systems in developing countries so that they can cope with the strains of COVID, be ready to roll out vaccines and also continue their regular health work. This investment includes €5 million specifically for global vaccine response: €4 million of this is channelled through COVAX, the global mechanism for ensuring fair access to therapeutics, diagnostics and vaccines and €1 million through the World Health Organisation to support their oversight of the mechanism, ensuring fairness and transparency.

All EU Member States are supporting COVAX. The EU announced last week that it would double its funding for the initiative from €500 million to €1 billion, to which Ireland makes a pro rata contribution. When taken with the commitments of individual Member States, this brings the entire EU pledge to COVAX to €2.2 billion.

Public Procurement Contracts

Questions (361)

Mairéad Farrell

Question:

361. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the details of contracts of €25,000 or more that have been awarded by his Department or bodies under his aegis that were found to be non-compliant with procurement guidelines in 2018, 2019, 2020 and to date in 2021; the value and nature of the contract work carried out in each case; the year of each contract in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11474/21]

View answer

Written answers

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) currently operates in a number of locations in Ireland and in over 90 locations overseas.

The policy of the Department is to operate competitive tendering as standard procedure. In order to achieve best value for money, a Central Procurement Section operates to co-ordinate all contracting activity and to promote best practice in procurement through management and monitoring of corporate contracts.

Procurement takes place in the context of Directive 2014/24/EU and supported by Procurement Guidelines published by the Office of Government Procurement (OGP). The Department participates fully in on-going initiatives of the Office of Government Procurement (OGP) focusing especially on achieving procurement savings, including the use of shared framework agreements for the provision of different categories of supplies and services.

On occasion, a small number of Department contracts do not undergo a competitive process due to exceptional market or other circumstances. In some cases, non-compliant contracts arise due to the proprietary nature of the goods or services or where the original tender contract period has expired and a new tender process has not yet been completed for specific reasons.

Below are details of non-compliant contracts for 2018 and 2019 only as returns for 2020 and 2021 are not yet available. To comply with DPER Circular 40/02 the Department prepares an annual statement of contracts awarded without a competitive process where the value of the contract exceeded €25,000 (excluding VAT). This is submitted to the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General and to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform on an annual basis by 31 March of the following year as part of the Appropriation Accounts. Work is currently ongoing on compiling this information for 2020 and it will be published with the Appropriation Account in due course.

Non-Compliant Contracts more than €25,000 (excl. of VAT) undertaken without a competitive process

Year ending 2019

Detail of Contract

Contract Value

Outbound diplomatic mail service for the Department of Foreign Affairs

€80,000

Inbound diplomatic mail service for the Department of Foreign Affairs

€150,000

Department of Foreign Affairs office furniture removals, maintenance and general services.

€99,391

Commercial Cleaning Services for Department of Foreign Affairs offices Ireland

€462,966

Commercial Cleaning Services for Department of Foreign Affairs offices Ireland

€30,655

Commercial Cleaning Services for Department of Foreign Affairs offices Ireland

€51,121

Pre-post foreign language training for Department of Foreign Affairs staff

€38,626

Pre-post foreign language training for Department of Foreign Affairs staff

€32,258

Pre-post foreign language training for Department of Foreign Affairs staff

€26,274

Security for Chancery and Residence Embassy Brasilia

€110,726

Security Services Contract for Embassy Riyadh

€70,449

Catering Services for Consulate General Offices New York

€80,333

Security Services Contract for Chancery and Residence Embassy Jakarta

€119,312

Security Services Contract for Embassy Maputo

€28,236

Cleaning Services Contract for Chancery and Residence in The Hague

€33,000

Cleaning Services Contract for Embassy, Consular, Passport Office and Visa Office London

€33,846

Non-Compliant Contracts more than €25,000 (excl. of VAT) undertaken without a competitive process

Year ending 2018

Detail of Contract

Contract Value

Mobile Service Provider including purchase of mobile phones for the Department of Foreign Affairs

€173,363

Provision of Health Insurance for Department staff (and qualifying dependants) serving abroad.

1,527,116

Department office furniture removals, maintenance and general services.

€104,827

Security Services Contract for Chancery and Residence Embassy Brasilia

€107,000

Security Guard and Monitoring Service at the Permanent Representation of Ireland to the European Union in Brussels and Residences in Brussels

€211,588

Cleaning Services Contract at the Permanent Representation of Ireland to the European Union in Brussels

€59,368

Security Services Contract for the Chancery and Residence Embassy Jakarta

€43,097

Provision of Catering Services for Official promotional activities at the Consulate General New York

€64,093

Provision of Legal Services related to HR and real estate business at the Consulate General New York

€27,290

Cleaning Services Contract at the Embassy and Residence The Hague

€25,143

Consular Services

Questions (362)

Paul Donnelly

Question:

362. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if there are plans to appoint a culture officer to the Irish embassy in Paris, France. [11560/21]

View answer

Written answers

The appointment of specialist Cultural Officers in priority locations worldwide has been identified in the Government’s Global Ireland 2025 strategy as a key action to widen and deepen our global cultural presence and engagement. An initial three positions in Berlin, New York and London were filled last year in a close partnership between my Department and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.

Paris is one of the other priority locations identified in Global Ireland 2025 for appointment of a specialist Cultural Officer in due course. The timing of these recruitments remains subject to resources and to local conditions and requirements. At present the cultural brief in Paris is managed by the Embassy's diplomatic staff.

Diplomatic Representation

Questions (363)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

363. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 388 of 13 January 2021 and given concerns for the well-being of a person (details supplied), if he made advances to secure the return to Ireland of the person from China; the status of that person's situation; if he has considered calling in the Chinese ambassador to discuss the matter further; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11671/21]

View answer

Written answers

This is a complex case involving an Irish citizen who has been prevented from leaving China since March 2019. My Department has been providing ongoing consular assistance to the citizen since that time through our Consular Assistance Unit in Dublin, our Embassy in Beijing and our Consulate General in Shanghai, while he and his legal teams work on the legal, commercial and financial issues through the appropriate channels. Our Consul General has met and engaged very regularly with the citizen, and continues to provide all possible consular advice and support.

There has also been extensive and regular engagement at the most senior political and diplomatic level with the Chinese authorities in Beijing and Shanghai, and with the Embassy of China in Dublin, in relation to the humanitarian aspects of this case, and the importance of the citizen being allowed to return home as soon as possible.

As the Deputy will appreciate, as with all consular cases, it would not be appropriate to comment on the specific details of the case. However, I can assure the Deputy that my Department will continue to provide all possible consular assistance to the citizen until he is permitted to return to Ireland.

European Council Meetings

Questions (364)

Thomas Pringle

Question:

364. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if Ireland will participate in the proposed video conference at the European Council on 25 and 26 February 2021 at which a discussion will take place regarding EU and NATO cooperation with the General Secretary of NATO; his views on whether such discussions are compatible with the traditional neutrality of Ireland; if he will attend the meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11678/21]

View answer

Written answers

The Taoiseach participated in the 25 – 26 February video conference meeting, along with the other members of the European Council. On 26 February, there was an exchange of views on EU-NATO relations with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg.

The basis and scope of EU-NATO cooperation is set out in the 2016 Warsaw Declaration and the 2018 Brussels Declaration. It takes place in compliance with the decision-making autonomy and procedures of the respective organisations and without prejudice to the specific character of the security and defence policy of any of the members of either. This includes compliance with Ireland’s traditional policy of military neutrality. It is not incompatible with our neutrality to participate in a discussion with the Secretary General of NATO about agreed areas of EU-NATO cooperation.

Passport Applications

Questions (365, 366)

John Brady

Question:

365. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his plans to resume the processing of standard passport applications taking into consideration that the level 5 restrictions have been further extended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11683/21]

View answer

John Brady

Question:

366. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of standard passport applications on hold awaiting processing at present; the average wait time by county in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11684/21]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 365 and 366 together.

The Passport Service has paused the processing of routine applications while Ireland is at Level 5 of the National Framework for Living with COVID-19. Passport Service staff have been temporarily reassigned to provide consular assistance for Irish citizens overseas.

The Passport Service continue to provide an emergency and urgent service. The emergency service is available for those who are required to travel due to the death or serious illness of a family member or because the applicant requires emergency medical treatment. The urgent service also assist citizens who are resident abroad who require a valid passport for visa purposes or citizens who require a renewal for work purposes. The Passport Service continues to process all renewals for work-related travel where evidence is provided.

The Passport Service continues to operate its Customer Service Hub by WebChat to facilitate customer queries. Irish citizens who are resident overseas should make contact through the local Irish Embassy or Consulate General or WebChat.

At present, there are approximately 57,000 Passport Online applications in the system. When operations resume at Level 4, all applications received via Passport Online will be processed. Passport Online has improved the ability of the Passport Service to process applications more efficiently. It is important to place this in the context of previous years when approximately 200,000 applications would be seen in the same time period 2020 and 2019.

The Passport Service is confident, taking into account measures to ensure a safe workplace, that any Passport Online backlog can be cleared in six to eight weeks.

The Passport Service plans to resume processing of routine paper based applications such as Passport Express and Northern Ireland Passport Express at Level 3 of the Framework.

Foreign Birth Registration

Questions (367, 368, 374)

Neale Richmond

Question:

367. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the reason for the suspension of processing of foreign birth registrations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11871/21]

View answer

Neale Richmond

Question:

368. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when he expects the processing of foreign birth registrations to resume; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11872/21]

View answer

Neale Richmond

Question:

374. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps he is taking to ensure the foreign births register staff are contactable and applicants can receive an update on their applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12069/21]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 367, 368 and 374 together.

The Passport Service has paused the processing of Foreign Births Registration (FBR) applications as Ireland is at Level 5 of the National Framework for Living with COVID-19. Passport Service staff have been temporarily reassigned to provide consular assistance for Irish citizens overseas.

Passport Service staff must be on site in order to process FBR applications which often involves official paper documentation related to three generations and issued by several jurisdictions. This is to protect the personal data of the applicant.

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in two periods in 2020 where processing of Foreign Birth Registrations was paused to assist with other essential work such as providing Consular Assistance to Irish citizens overseas. This resulted in 26 weeks of 2020 where the processing of FBR applications was paused. In spite of the pausing of the service, 12,413 people were entered on the Foreign Births Register in 2020. Processing for normal FBR applications has not yet resumed in 2021.

At present, there are 27,000 applications in the FBR system that are awaiting processing.

A comprehensive plan is in place to resume all services, in line with the National Framework for Living with COVID-19. Applications that have been sent to the FBR team are being stored securely and will be processed when services resume at Level 3 of the Framework.

My Department operates a clear and transparent general policy of processing FBR applications in order of receipt. However, we will consider urgent requests to expedite an application on a case by case basis. During Level 5 restrictions, applicants can make contact with the Passport Service through the WebChat service.

Diplomatic Representation

Questions (369)

Patricia Ryan

Question:

369. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will contact the UK Government to ensure a full investigation takes place into the death of a person (details supplied). [11895/21]

View answer

Written answers

My thoughts, and the thoughts of the Government, are with the family and friends of Noah Donohoe at this extremely distressing time, and as they contend with such a profound personal loss.

The case of Noah’s death is a matter for the Police Service of Northern Ireland and an investigation is underway. There has been a renewed appeal for witnesses, and we would encourage anyone who may have any information to contact the PSNI. I understand that a Coroner's investigation is also ongoing. As such, it would not be appropriate to comment further at this time.

Question No. 370 answered with Question No. 358.

Passport Applications

Questions (371)

Jim O'Callaghan

Question:

371. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the reason online renewals of passports have been stopped during level 5 Covid-19 restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12024/21]

View answer

Written answers

The Passport Service has paused processing of routine applications while Ireland is at Level 5 of the National Framework for Living with COVID-19. Passport Service staff have been temporarily reassigned to provide consular assistance for Irish citizens overseas.

While Passport Online is an online application service it does require staff to attend the office to process the required supporting documentation and to approve applications. Passport Service staff do not have access to private, personal data when working outside of our secure offices and so cannot process passport applications remotely.

The Passport Service continues to provide an emergency and urgent service. The emergency service is available for those who are required to travel due to the death or serious illness of a family member or because the applicant requires emergency medical treatment. The urgent service also assist citizens who are resident abroad who require a valid passport for visa purposes or citizens who require a renewal for work purposes. The Passport Service continues to process all renewals for work-related travel where evidence is provided.

The Passport Service continues to operate its Customer Service Hub by WebChat to facilitate customer queries. Irish citizens who are resident overseas should make contact through the local Irish Embassy or Consulate General or WebChat.

Election Monitoring Missions

Questions (372)

Seán Haughey

Question:

372. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of the review of the management of the election observation roster; the terms of reference of this review; the name of the consultants employed for this review; the fees paid to the consultants; when the consultants finalised their report; if stakeholders were consulted for the report; if so, the way in which the stakeholders were consulted; if the contents of this report have been subjected to legal review; when the report will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12041/21]

View answer

Written answers

The Department's Evaluation and Audit Unit, which is independent and reports directly to the Secretary General, recently completed a review of the Election Observation Roster as part of the standard Department-wide approach of reviewing corporate performance, governance, risk management and internal controls.

The report finds that the Irish system for election monitoring is robust and effective by international standards. It also highlights the burden created by voluminous correspondence, through repetitive transparency requests and appeals and via various other avenues, which have implications for operational efficiency. The effect has been increased cost to the State of the operation of the roster.

The Evaluation and Audit Unit consulted the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, international counterpart Ministries, the EU, the OSCE, and others in the course of this review, through written and other channels including in certain instances in-person meetings (prior to COVID-19 restrictions). Fees of €4,900 were paid to Fitzpatrick Associates, which provided external support and quality assurance to the review.

The content of the report was cleared through all relevant channels, and has been seen by the Department's independent Audit Committee, in line with standard procedures, prior to finalisation on 25 February 2021. It has been published on the website of the Department of Foreign Affairs at;

( https://www.dfa.ie/news-and-media/publications/publicationarchive/2021/february/review-of-the-management-of-the-election-observation-roster.php).

The review's terms of reference and methodology are outlined within the report itself as is the full list of stakeholders consulted.

Question No. 373 answered with Question No. 358.
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