Emer Higgins
Question:457. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the way that the Irish Embassy in Zambia is delivering the Irish Aid programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13372/21]
View answerIrish Aid
Questions (457)
Written answers
The Government’s policy for international development, ‘A Better World’, launched in February 2019, commits to scaling Ireland’s investment across four policy priorities: gender equality; reducing humanitarian need; climate action and strengthening governance.
This policy was complemented, in November 2019, by the Government’s Strategy for Africa to 2025, which builds on Ireland’s long history of engagement in the continent and commits to working with African countries in their efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, with a particular focus on reaching those furthest behind first. In May 2020, an OECD review recognised the excellence of Irish Aid, Ireland’s international development programme, which helps Ireland play a leading role advocating for poverty reduction, channelling our assistance to where it is needed most.
In 2020, Ireland celebrated 40 years of its diplomatic presence in Zambia. While Zambia is classed as a lower middle-income country, much of the population lives in poverty and the country has one of the highest levels of inequality globally. Poverty is significantly worse in rural areas, and for the elderly, women and children. The Embassy of Ireland in Lusaka implements the Irish Aid programme in Zambia with an emphasis on reducing poverty and inequality.
In line with priorities on climate action and gender equality, a highlight of the programme in Zambia in recent years has been Ireland’s work on nutrition. Through a range of partners, the Embassy has worked to promote the availability and consumption of nutritious food products in rural and urban areas. For example, the Embassy has partnered with an organisation which has led to strengthening of agricultural supply chains of nutritious products by stimulating agricultural market development and investments in smallholder farmers, especially among women farmers.
The Embassy has adapted its programming in recent years to take account of the increasing humanitarian needs in Zambia resulting from climate and other shocks. In 2019, the Embassy partnered with an international NGO to support an emergency school feeding programme in response to a food security crisis in which up to 2.3 million Zambians required urgent support. In 2020 the Embassy partnered with UNICEF to implement an emergency cash transfer programme for 130,000 vulnerable urban households affected by COVID-19. This programme enabled these households to buy nutritious foods and other basic essentials.
Gender Equality
Questions (458)
Jennifer Carroll MacNeill
Question:458. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps that his Department is taking with respect to promoting International Women's Day; the steps he is taking to promote gender equality in the developing world; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13464/21]
View answerWritten answers
Achieving gender equality is at the core of Ireland’s foreign and development policies. Our approach is informed by our own national journey and the political and social transformation that continues to take place in Ireland.
The Department of Foreign Affairs actively promotes gender equality in relevant multilateral fora, including through our current membership of the UN Security Council, as well as through debates, resolutions, and statements elsewhere at the UN, such as the Commission on the Status of Women and the Human Rights Council. Likewise, our bilateral missions engage with host Governments and civil society to host numerous events, including in recent years the promotion of St Brigid’s Day as a celebration of women’s achievements in Ireland and further afield.
This year, on the occasion of International Women’s Day, we are co-hosting a UN Security Council Open Arria-formula meeting on the theme of “Call to lead by example: ensuring the full, equal and meaningful participation of women in UN led Peace Processes”. Internally, the Department is inviting a distinguished panel of women activists to reflect on how lessons from Ireland’s gender equality journey can continue to inform our foreign policy, including in the light of setbacks to women’s equality arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.
As regards the developing world specifically, 'A Better World: Ireland’s Policy for International Development' establishes gender equality as one of four policy priorities and recognises that gender equality is fundamental for the transformation required to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
'A Better World' commits that we will have an overarching focus on women and girls in all our development partnerships and interventions. Ireland is committed to taking a transformative approach to gender equality, recognising that achieving gender equality involves going beyond looking at individual women and girls and requires approaches that seek to address the key structural and institutional barriers to achieving gender equality and ensuring a focus on men, boys and masculinities. 'A Better World' adopts a twin-track approach in committing to integrate gender equality across all our interventions and to increasing allocations to interventions directly dedicated to achieving gender equality. These commitments include increased funding for women’s rights organisations; strengthened support for women’s political participation; intensifying our work on Women, Peace and Security and on Gender Based Violence; increased engagement on women’s economic empowerment; prioritising education for girls in our commitments in education; and deepening and expanding our engagement on sexual and reproductive health and rights.
Ireland is consistently ranked by the OECD Development Assistance Committee as among the OECD member countries with the highest gender equality focus in official development assistance (ODA). In 2019, approximately 76% of Ireland’s bilateral allocable ODA contributed to gender equality and women’s empowerment.
Irish Aid
Questions (459)
Jennifer Carroll MacNeill
Question:459. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of the assistance provided to the central Sahel region of Africa; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13465/21]
View answerWritten answers
Sahel countries count among the world’s most at risk of crises and disasters. An estimated 23.6 million people across the region are in need of urgent humanitarian aid, the highest number ever recorded, including more than 13 million requiring emergency food assistance.
Ireland is supporting stabilisation efforts on the ground in Mali and the Sahel through our peacekeeping contribution to the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), where 14 Defence Forces personnel are deployed, the EU Training Mission in Mali (EUTM) where 19 Defence Forces personnel are deployed, and our deployment of one Irish civilian expert to the Civilian CSDP Mission EU CAP Sahel Niger.
Ireland also engages on the Central Sahel at EU level, and through dedicated international fora to coordinate international efforts on the Sahel, including the Coalition for the Sahel and as an observer member of the Sahel Alliance, as well as through our seat on the United Nations Security Council.
Between 2014-2020, Ireland provided over €43 million in humanitarian and development assistance to Sahel States. This includes €2.5 million to Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger in 2020. At a Ministerial Roundtable on the Central Sahel in October 2020, I announced that Ireland would provide a further €500,000 for the International Committee of the Red Cross, for its humanitarian programme in the Sahel.
Ireland directs our international development efforts towards reaching the furthest behind first. Our scaled-up humanitarian assistance and political engagement is an expression of solidarity by the people of Ireland with the people of the Central Sahel.
Foreign Policy
Questions (460)
Jennifer Carroll MacNeill
Question:460. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his plans to deepen Ireland’s engagement with francophone nations in Africa; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13466/21]
View answerWritten answers
In line with commitments made in the Global Ireland: Ireland's Strategy for Africa to 2025, Ireland is committed to strengthening political dialogue, development cooperation, and trade and investment relationships with the African continent. That Strategy signals the Sahel and francophone West Africa for intensified engagement.
Notwithstanding the challenges posed by COVID-19, that intensification of engagement has begun.
As part of our deepened engagement with francophone Africa, in 2019 Ireland joined the Organisation International de la Francophonie (OIF) as an observer member, and appointed an additional diplomatic officer to Embassy Paris to support enhanced political engagement with francophone African states. In 2020, Ireland formally became a member of the African Development Bank, headquartered in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire.
A Special Envoy has been appointed for francophone Africa and the Sahel for the duration of our Security Council membership, who engages with a wide range of actors and represents Ireland at key engagements, as well as in the EU network of Special Envoys for the Sahel.
Ireland has participated in the recently established Coalition for the Sahel, including at Ministerial level, while also joining, as an observer, the Sahel Alliance, an international donor coordination platform for development and humanitarian assistance efforts in the region.
This engagement builds upon Ireland's longstanding contribution to peace and security efforts in the region, including the presence of Defence Forces personnel in the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), the UN Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), the EU Training Mission in Mali (EUTM Mali), as well as a civilian expert to EUCAP Sahel Niger.
As members of the United Nations Security Council, Ireland works closely with francophone African States, particularly with Niger as co-penholders on the file of the UN Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) and as co-chairs of the Informal Expert Group on Climate and Security at the UN Security Council.
Between 2014-2020, Ireland, through the Irish Aid programme, provided over €43 million in humanitarian and development assistance to francophone States in the Sahel. Ireland has also provided over €23 million since 2017 in support of the international response to the humanitarian crisis in the Central African Republic.
Ireland’s existing engagement and capacities to date provide a strong base from which to deepen our diplomatic and other relations with the countries of West Africa, including opening two Embassies in the region by 2025, a commitment in the Africa Strategy, and which would complement the planned opening of an Embassy in Morocco later this year.
Foreign Policy
Questions (461)
Jennifer Carroll MacNeill
Question:461. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his plans to deepen Ireland’s engagement with small island developing nations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13467/21]
View answerWritten answers
Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are an important global constituency which is disproportionately impacted by climate change and the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ireland's Strategy for Partnership with Small Island Developing States (SIDS) was launched in June 2019 by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Simon Coveney TD. The Strategy set out a multi-strand approach to deepening Ireland’s relationships with SIDS, building on diplomatic, bilateral, multilateral, and international development links, and fostering closer bonds between our peoples. A partnership approach has been central to the formulation and ongoing implementation of the Strategy, with SIDS consulted regularly to ensure it is relevant to their priorities.
The Strategy is grounded in the ambition set out in The Global Island and Global Ireland to expand our influence and also reflects the commitment in A Better World to strengthen our relationship with SIDS, especially those most vulnerable to climate impact, and to support initiatives which respond to the specific challenges they face. Most recently, the Programme for Government - Our Shared Future – reiterated Ireland’s commitment to deepen its relationship with SIDS.
The SIDS’ Strategy contains 36 commitments, of which 32 have been fully or partially implemented. They include:
- The establishment of a SIDS’ Unit within the Department of Foreign Affairs to lead on SIDS’ policy.
- A SIDS Fellowship Programme to bring promising individuals from SIDS to Ireland for Master’s-level study.
- A Trust Fund at the Asian Development Bank to support Asian and Pacific SIDS in projects related to climate resilience and disaster risk reduction. €12 million will be contributed to this fund between 2019-2024.
- The establishment of regular dialogues (dubbed CeilI) between Ireland and SIDS to inform our policy positions within the EU, UN and other multilateral fora. An early example was a dialogue between the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and SIDS’ representatives at the Our Ocean Wealth conference in Cork in 2019. In addition, a regular cycle of meetings has been developed between the Minister for Finance, Paschal Donohoe, T.D. and his Caribbean counterparts at the World Bank/IMF Spring and Annual Meetings in Washington DC. This is particularly relevant given that Ireland shares a World Bank Constituency with the Caribbean States.
- Irish support for the SAMOA pathway within the UN, which aims to ensure SIDS-related issues remain high on the UN agenda and to support sustainable development in SIDS - not least by mitigating the effects of climate change. The mid-term review of the process was co-facilitated by Ireland's Ambassador to the UN in New York, Ambassador Geraldine Byrne-Nason, with President Higgins addressing a SIDS’ Summit at the UN. In 2020 Ireland funded the recruitment of an expert to work on SIDS issues within the UN Secretariat.
In addition to these measures, in 2020 my Department undertook its first-ever SIDS-specific humanitarian response, working through the International Federation of the Red Cross and Asian Development Bank in the area of pandemic preparedness and education in SIDS. Ireland provided €3.4m for these activities.
Ireland is also working to deepen our bilateral policy engagement with SIDS and last October I launched a series of dialogues aimed at bringing together sectoral experts from Ireland and SIDS to discuss policy in areas of mutual interest. Last week I hosted a dialogue on Diaspora engagement with representatives of 12 Caribbean and African SIDS and I will host a second dialogue with Pacific States at the end of the month.
The development and implementation of the Strategy has helped Ireland to deepen its relationship with SIDS and we are perhaps more engaged with this important group than ever before. Importantly, the structures we have put in place will ensure the sustainability of these efforts over the years to come.
Shannon Airport Facilities
Questions (462)
Cian O'Callaghan
Question:462. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 367 of 24 February 2021, if the figure of 84 crew rest stopovers refers to the number of crew members or the number of US military aircraft flights that made stopovers during the period between 1 February 2020 and 31 January 2021; the number of passengers and crew who stayed overnight during this period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13486/21]
View answerWritten answers
The figure in question refers to the number of US military aircraft landings during the twelve month period under reference.
The Department of Foreign Affairs has no role in the accommodation arrangements for US military personnel on such stopovers.
Passport Applications
Questions (463)
Pearse Doherty
Question:463. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if a passport application will be issued to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13510/21]
View answerWritten answers
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 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. First time applications can only be processed in cases of emergency.
Applicants who require a passport for emergency purposes, or to travel for urgent reasons, should contact the Passport Service via our Customer Service Hub Webchat function on our website.
With regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, an official from the Passport Service was in contact with the applicant on 8 March to provide an update on the status of the passport application.
Human Rights
Questions (464)
Seán Haughey
Question:464. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the current situation in Ethiopia; if he has received representations regarding concerns over the situation of the Oromo community in the country; if action is being taken at European Union level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13535/21]
View answerWritten answers
The ongoing armed conflict between the Federal Government of Ethiopia and the former regional authorities in Tigray, which began on 4 November, remains a major concern for Ireland. The conflict has had a devastating impact on the population of Tigray, and poses severe risks to the stability of Ethiopia and the wider Horn of Africa region.
Ireland strongly supports calls by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights for independent, impartial, thorough and transparent investigations into alleged serious violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law in Tigray, to ensure accountability and, where appropriate, justice.
On 26 February, Amnesty International reported that hundreds of unarmed civilians were massacred in Axum last November and that these crimes were perpetrated mainly by Eritrean troops.
The EU most recently discussed the situation in Ethiopia at the Foreign Affairs Council on 22 February, following a visit to Ethiopia and Sudan by the Finnish Foreign Minister on behalf of High Representative Borrell. Minister Coveney spoke with his Finnish counterpart both before and after his visit. Ireland supports the EU’s call for the withdrawal of Eritrean troops from Ethiopia, whose presence remains a barrier to humanitarian access and is linked to these and other alleged atrocities.
Ireland raised the Tigray situation at the UN Security Council on 3 February and again on 4 March, expressing deep concern at the humanitarian situation in Tigray and calling for unhindered humanitarian access. Ireland also called on all parties in Tigray to comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law and human rights law including those related to the protection of civilians and prevention of sexual and gender-based violence.
Ireland will continue to advocate for an urgent response to the humanitarian situation, and for a peaceful resolution to the conflict through bilateral engagement, our EU membership and also at the UN Security Council, where we remain actively engaged with other Council members on further ways to address the crisis. Minister Coveney continues to raise these issues with key interlocutors, including with his counterparts in the region. He has condemned reported atrocities and identity-based attacks, and has called for the human rights of all Ethiopians to be upheld.
My Department, through Irish Aid, has provided over €2.6 million to date to support the humanitarian response to the Tigray crisis. This includes €1.4 million to Irish NGOs within Tigray, €500,000 to the UN refugee agency to support the refugee response in neighbouring Sudan, and almost €750,000 towards humanitarian stocks, and supports for the protection of women and girls.
Unrest in other parts of Ethiopia, including Oromia Region and Benshangul-Gumuz, is also of concern. The Embassy of Ireland in Addis Ababa continues to monitor these situations closely in cooperation with our EU and UN partners.
Ethiopia will hold general elections on 5 June. Ireland looks forward to free, fair and inclusive elections on that date.
Departmental Advertising
Questions (465)
Paul Kehoe
Question:465. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the amount spent across his Department on advertising relating to Covid-19 by month and by media outlet (details supplied) from 1 March 2020 to 1 March 2021. [13559/21]
View answerWritten answers
My Department has incurred no expenditure on external advertising in relation to Covid-19. My Department has made extensive use of our online resources in the dissemination of information and advice, particularly in regard to international travel and the provision of consular assistance. This has included a major overhaul of the travel advice section of the dfa.ie website and those of our Missions abroad. My Department also provides regular input to the central Government led Covid-19 communications campaign and to the Covid-19 information hub on the gov.ie website.
Defence Forces Recruitment
Questions (466)
Catherine Murphy
Question:466. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Defence if a recruitment drive for the Defence Forces School of Music will occur during the first half of 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12708/21]
View answerWritten answers
The military authorities have advised that Defence Forces School of Music recruitment competitions are anticipated in the first half of 2021.
Defence Forces Personnel
Questions (467)
Catherine Murphy
Question:467. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Defence the number of fully qualified air traffic controllers within the Air Corps; and the average length of time it takes to qualify as an air traffic controller. [12709/21]
View answerWritten answers
For reasons of operational security, it would be inappropriate for me to comment on the current strength of Air Traffic Controllers within the Air Corps.
The average length of time it takes to qualify as an air traffic controller can vary. Enlisted ranks may not be required to complete Radar training and so, on completion of Aerodrome (Tower) training, are classified as qualified ATC controllers. This training takes on average 12 – 18 months. Officers must successfully complete both Aerodrome (Tower) and Radar Training which takes 3.5 years approximately.
Defence Forces
Questions (468)
Sorca Clarke
Question:468. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Defence the steps that have been taken to date regarding the Workplace Relations Commission ruling in December 2020 for a comprehensive review of training and information materials and local practices to ensure they are in line with anti-discrimination law due to be completed by the end of 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12778/21]
View answerWritten answers
Equality, diversity and inclusion are key priorities for the Defence Organisation. In that regard, the organisation is committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all personnel and to ensuring that the principles of equality are reflected in employment policies, procedures and instructions.
These commitments are exemplified in the 2016 Defence Forces Equality Policy and in the Defence Forces Diversity and Inclusion Strategy Statement and Action Plan. Furthermore, the organisation has also recently published its third Action Plan for the Implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 and related resolutions (2020-2024), which sets out the Defence Forces commitment to promoting gender equality as well as strengthening women’s participation and protection across a range of settings, including conflict settings.
The WRC ruling of December 2020 is currently being considered by the military authorities with the intention of ensuring that all of the organisation’s practices, procedures and training are fully aligned and compatible with the provisions of the relevant legislation and that any follow-on actions, will be progressed in line with the timelines set out in the ruling.
Defence Forces
Questions (469)
Sorca Clarke
Question:469. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Defence the steps that have been taken to date regarding the Workplace Relations Commission ruling in December 2020 to roll out an anti-discrimination training course and materials for all Defence personnel with staff responsibilities due to be completed by the end of 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12779/21]
View answerWritten answers
Equality, diversity and inclusion are priorities for the Defence Organisation. In that regard, the organisation is committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all personnel and to ensuring that the principles of equality are reflected in employment policies, procedures and instructions.
These commitments are exemplified in the 2016 Defence Forces Equality Policy and in the Defence Forces Diversity and Inclusion Strategy Statement and Action Plan.
The WRC ruling of December 2020 is currently being considered by the military authorities with a view to ensuring that all of the training programmes and materials for Defence Forces personnel are fully aligned and compatible with the provisions of the relevant legislation and that follow-on actions will be progressed in line with the timelines set out in the ruling.
Departmental Internships
Questions (470)
Louise O'Reilly
Question:470. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Defence the number of students who undertook work experience or internships with State and semi-State agencies under his aegis in 2019; the cost in terms of wages and allowances; and the estimated numerical capacity of State and semi-State agencies to provide work experience and internships on an annual basis. [12950/21]
View answerWritten answers
The only State body under the aegis of my Department is the Army Pensions Board. The Army Pensions Board is an independent statutory body established under the Army Pensions Act 1927 to assess the level of disablement, whether it is attributable to military service, and to report to the Minister thereon. The only staff post is the secretary to the Board, which is provided from the staff of the Department. My Department did not offer any work experience or internships to students through that body in 2019, nor is it possible to provide work experience or internship on an annual basis with the Army Pensions Board.
Defence Forces Investigations
Questions (471)
Paul Murphy
Question:471. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Defence the progress of an investigation in the Defence Forces into the involvement of one or more members of same with the far right (details supplied). [13136/21]
View answerWritten answers
I am informed by the Military Authorities that there is an ongoing active Military Police investigation into this matter, therefore it would not be appropriate for me to comment at this time.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Questions (472)
Catherine Murphy
Question:472. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide details of the role of the Office of Emergency Planning throughout the Covid-19 pandemic; and the resources of and the ability of the office to monitor potential national security threats such as Covid-19 in order to better prepare for same. [13321/21]
View answerWritten answers
At a National level, I chair the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning, which oversees and ensures the fullest level of coordination and cooperation regarding our national and strategic emergency management. The ongoing work of this Task Force has continued during COVID-19. The Office of Emergency Planning, which is established within the Department of Defence, is directly involved in supporting myself as Chair of the Task Force and the Departments who form its membership. This support includes work on areas such as critical infrastructure resilience, risk management and emergency communications. The Office of Emergency Planning also manages and operates the National Emergency Coordination Centre and leads on public safety information campaigns, such as “Be Winter Ready” and “Be Summer Ready”.
The Office of Emergency Planning, with the participation and assistance of all Government Departments and Agencies and Dublin City University Business School, prepared the National Risk Assessment for Ireland 2020 which was recently adopted by the Government Task Force and which I will present to Government shortly. The purpose of the National Risk Assessment, which is undertaken on a three yearly cycle, is to identify the key risks facing the State across a broad range of emergencies, to assess the likelihood and impact of these risks and to inform actions at a national level aimed at mitigating such risks. It provides a basis for establishing priorities with regard to risk mitigation at national level and to inform Government decisions regarding resource allocation. It replaces the National Risk Assessment for Ireland 2017.
In the event of an emergency at a National level or threats posed by an emerging emergency situation, the Strategic Emergency Management National Structures and Framework, approved by Government in July 2017, outlines the Lead Government Department principle and how this is applied across a "whole of Government" approach to managing such responses, including pandemics. The Government Task Force oversaw the development of this Framework based on extensive engagement with the Lead Government Departments. The Office of Emergency Planning provides support to these structures in the event of an emergency response being deemed necessary by the Lead Department responsible. Due to the severity of the impact on public health and economic life presented by COVID-19, adapted structures were introduced to manage these risks as envisaged in the Strategic Emergency Management National Structures and Framework .
As Chair of the Government Task Force, I am satisfied that these response arrangements provide a coordinated whole of Government approach.
Defence Forces Veterans
Questions (473)
Catherine Murphy
Question:473. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Defence the reason for not establishing the office of veterans’ affairs as previously committed to; and his plans for this office and veterans' welfare. [13322/21]
View answerWritten answers
My Department formally recognises two veterans’ organisations as representing all former personnel, namely, the Irish United Nations Veterans Association (IUNVA) and Óglaigh Náisiúnta na hÉireann (ONE), the Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel. Service Level Agreements (SLAs) have been agreed with these organisations, which set out the services and financial supports that the Department provides.
In recent years both associations have received increases to their grant allocations. The programme for Government also contains a commitment to further develop the supports to veterans. Furthermore, my Department has secured funding under the Dormant Accounts Fund Action Plan 2020 to assist them with specific special projects and has also provided further supports in developing the network of centres.
I am aware that the associations have proposed a range of further supports that would be available to former members of the Defence Forces. My Department has engaged with them on exploring further these proposals.
Defence Forces Strength
Questions (474)
Catherine Murphy
Question:474. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Defence the current strength versus the establishment of the Defence Forces personnel support service; and the status of the current capability of the service to support the welfare of Defence Forces personnel. [13323/21]
View answerWritten answers
The PSS consists of a team of trained military personnel and occupational social workers located throughout the Defence Forces. The service is fully staffed, with 19 NCOs employed as Barrack Personnel Support Officers (BPSSO), and 9 full and part time Occupational Social Workers (OSW). One BPSSO appointment is vacant in 2 BDE as a result of the promotion of the incumbent and it is expected that this will be filled shortly. One BPSSO is currently deployed as BPSSO in UNIFIL and he will be replaced on rotation.
Naval Service
Questions (475)
Catherine Murphy
Question:475. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Defence the current strength verses establishment of the Naval Service fleet operational readiness standards and training; and the status of the effective capability of FORST at present. [13324/21]
View answerWritten answers
FORST, the Fleet Operational Readiness Standards and Training Unit, established in 2008, is responsible for the co-ordination of the Naval Service fleets needs. Its purpose is to ensure the delivery by the Naval Service of professional output with a high degree of certainty, specific fleet standards, quality control and the monitoring of personnel and equipment in action.
The Naval Service conducts detailed and regular operational readiness evaluation for its ships at sea where procedures are assessed, evaluated and compared with international best practice.
The Fleet Operational Readiness Standards and Training Unit has an establishment of 12 personnel. The current strength is 11 personnel. I am advised that the vacancy, which is as a result of a planned retirement, will be filled in due course.
Departmental Advertising
Questions (476)
Paul Kehoe
Question:476. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Defence the amount spent across his Department on advertising in relation to Covid-19 by month and by media outlet (details supplied) from 1 March 2020 to 1 March 2021. [13555/21]
View answerWritten answers
My Department has had no expenditure on advertising in relation to Covid-19 in any media outlet from 1 March 2020 to 1 March 2021.
Schools Building Projects
Questions (477)
Paul Kehoe
Question:477. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education the status of a building project for a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12479/21]
View answerWritten answers
The school to which the Deputy refers was approved funding under the Additional Accommodation Scheme 2018 to facilitate construction of three classrooms, one resource room, two standard WC and one WC for assisted users.
A Stage 1 submission was received in my Department which indicated that there are site restrictions applicable to the project, which had cost implications for its delivery. A site visit was carried out by officials from the Department's Professional & Technical Team on the 5th October 2020 with a view to progressing this project. A revised scope of works has been co-ordinated with the school to build a two-storey extension for four classrooms, four resource rooms, one meeting room, toilets and social space, along with the refurbishment of an existing room to a new science lab with prep area.
My Department is currently awaiting a revised Stage 1 report to include an updated cost plan for this new scope of works.
State Examinations
Questions (478)
Robert Troy
Question:478. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education if clarification will be provided on the practical aspects of some exam subjects (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12483/21]
View answerWritten answers
On 17 February, I confirmed that Leaving Certificate 2021 examinations will proceed and students will also have the option of applying for grades accredited by the State Examinations Commission (SEC), to be known as SEC-Accredited Grades.
This decision followed intensive engagement with education stakeholders bilaterally and through the Planning for State Examinations 2021 Advisory Group and sub-group.
This decision ensures for every student a method to assess their learning and attainment at the end of their post-primary education and to progress to higher and further education, and the world of work.
Putting in place both the examination and a corresponding measure of SEC-Accredited Grades is essential to ensuring a fair system, having regard to the extraordinary circumstances of the pandemic and the loss of learning that has occurred for this group of students due to the interruption of in-person teaching and learning during the periods of school closure.
Under the SEC-Accredited Grades process, students will have the opportunity to opt to receive an SEC-Accredited Grade. They can also opt to sit the Leaving Certificate Examination. Students will opt into these processes on a subject by subject basis. Where students opt for SEC-Accredited Grades and the examinations they will be credited with the better of their results from the two processes, on a subject by subject basis.
It is my view that students must be afforded the choice as to whether to sit the examinations, including the oral and coursework components, as it would be entirely unfair to students to require them to participate in these elements, given the disruption in learning which has occurred. The oral and coursework components of the examinations will not form part of the Accredited Grade process.
However, when estimating marks for the Accredited Grades, teachers will be asked to consider the student’s progress and likely performance across all components of the subject – oral, practical, projects and written. This will ensure that the estimated mark submitted by the school to the SEC reflects the candidate’s work and progress across all aspects of the subject.
Further information is available in A Guide to State Examinations and Accredited Grades for Leaving Certificate 2021 which has been published on www.gov.ie/leavingcertificate . This guide has also been communicated to schools.
The Guide provides information regarding coursework and mock examinations and advises that mock examinations (i.e. examinations involving full class groups sitting written examinations under conditions that mirror those of the certificate examinations) are neither required nor recommended for use as evidence for the Accredited Grades process. The period following the return to in-school teaching and learning should be used to maximise opportunities for teaching and learning with students.
Following the return to school, the guidance provided states that teachers may set a limited number of additional assessments up to 14 May 2021, though it is important in the period leading up to the determination of estimated percentage marks that over-assessment is avoided. If administering an in-class teacher-designed test, the test should be no more than one lesson in duration (maximum one hour) and a maximum of three class tests may be administered up to 14 May 2021.
The State Examinations Commission has also recently published and sent to schools further information in relation to the arrangements for the Leaving Certificate examinations. Included in this document are details in relation to Coursework Completion dates and Orals, Practicals and Music Practical Performance Tests. The document is available on the SEC website as circular S07/21.
Third Level Education
Questions (479)
Jackie Cahill
Question:479. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Education her plans to tackle the emerging anomaly in relation to Gaeltacht fees being charged to third level students who are studying to become post-primary teachers while third-level students studying to become primary teachers are not required to pay such fees given that both sets of students must complete mandatory period of time in the Gaeltacht as part of the masters courses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12509/21]
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The current requirements for the Gaeltacht Learning Period (GLP) for primary Initial Teacher Education (ITE) programmes takes the form of 2 x 2 week placement as outlined in the Teaching Council’s Céim: Standards for Initial Teacher Education.
The Teaching Council Curricular Subject Requirements sets out the requirements for each of the approved curricular subjects in order to be eligible to register as a post primary teacher with the Council. For Gaeilge, these include a two month residential experience requirement. The registration requirements require graduates to be eligible to teach at least one curricular subject to the highest level within the post-primary schools curriculum.
The Gaeltacht Learning Period (GLP) is a compulsory element of all primary ITE programmes and one which must be meet by primary ITE graduates in order to register with the Teaching Council. The primary Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) have developed an agreed syllabus for delivery by their Gaeltacht college providers, in order to comply with the current requirements for the GLP for primary ITE programmes as outlined in the Teaching Council’s Céim: Standards for Initial Teacher Education .
Attendance at a programme of study in a Gaeltacht college is not a compulsory requirement for post-primary student teachers, unlike primary. As part of the current curricular subject requirements set by the Teaching Council for all post-primary languages (including Gaeilge), there is a residential experience requirement of a period of 2 months/8 weeks. Verifiable residential experience may be evidenced in a number of ways including:
- A copy of transcript of results which confirms residency in the country/area.
- A letter/statement from an employer/college/landlord in that country. For the subject of Irish/Gaeilge, the letter should evidence residency in a Gaeltacht area.
- For the subject of Irish/Gaeilge, evidence of being a native of a Gaeltacht area may be submitted or a letter/statement from a Gaelcholaiste confirming that attendance at a Post Primary Gaelcholáiste to Leaving Certificate level.
In light of the emergency measures being adopted in relation to Covid -19, the Teaching Council has introduced changes in relation to the residential experience requirement for graduates of post-primary languages programmes of ITE in summer 2021. These changes include the reduction of the requirement to 6 weeks given the current restrictions on travel and also student teachers who have not fully met the 6-week requirement when applying for registration with the Council, will be granted registration with conditions.
Third Level Education
Questions (480, 495)
Jackie Cahill
Question:480. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Education the reason third-level students attending Gaeltacht courses as part of mandatory training for their professional masters of education are required to pay €650 per week for a course that has to take place online in 2021 due to Covid-19 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12510/21]
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Willie O'Dea
Question:495. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the fact that students studying a master's in education with a college (details supplied) have been informed they have to pay €1,300 to complete a fully online Gaeltacht course undertaken at home in summer 2021; her views on whether this is a very high price given the course provider will not now have to incur the cost of food, lodgings and room rental generally associated with the Gaeltacht experience; her plans to deal with this issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12770/21]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 480 and 495 together.
The current requirements for Gaeltacht Learning Periods (GLPs) for primary Initial Teacher Education (ITE) programmes takes the form of 2 x 2 week placements, which are outlined in the Teaching Council’s Céim: Standards for Initial Teacher Education.
A number of GLPs due to take place in 2020 were postponed due to public health restrictions. Also, due to the uncertainties of how GLPs would happen, any scheduled placements were put on hold for the 2020/2021 academic year.
The Department of Education has been working for some time with stakeholders, including the Teaching Council, the Higher Education Institutes (including the College referred to by the Deputy), the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media and CONCOS (umbrella body for Gaeltacht Colleges), to develop contingency arrangements to allow for the completion of GLPs in the current academic year. An agreement has now been reached to proceed with the delivery of an online version of the course in 2021.
These contingency plans allow for all placements scheduled to take place this year, related to the 2020/21 academic year, along with those postponed from 2020. It will also ensure that any final year students have the opportunity to graduate as scheduled in summer 2021.
Budget 2020 provided for the re-instatement of the grant to cover the full cost of the Gaeltacht Learning Periods (GLPs) for undergraduate and post-graduate students in State-funded primary ITE programmes, with effect from the 2020/2021 academic year. The grant was previously funded by the Department of Education up to the 2012/2013 academic year, when it was ceased due to financial constraints. The rate of the re-introduced student grant for 2021 has been set at an average of €650. This will cover the cost of the undertaking the fortnightly online course in 2021. The re-introduced grant will be made available for undergraduate and post-graduate students in State-funded primary Initial Teacher Education (ITE) programmes. This is in line with normal practice for other grant payments per students qualifying requirements.
In recent years, it is understood that students had paid an average of €750 for undertaking a fortnightly GLP in the Gaeltacht. This average cost has been in place for many years and included a contribution to cover accommodation costs associated with attending the course in the Gaeltacht. While the accommodation costs do not arise this year, it is acknowledged that Gaeltacht College providers do face a number of additional costs associated with the preparation, design and delivery of a new online programme. It should be noted that in normal circumstances, Gaeltacht householders who provide accommodation to trainee teachers attending recognised courses in Gaeltacht regions also qualify for a daily grant of €10 per night under the terms of Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge which is administered by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.
It is the shared aim of all of the stakeholders involved that students experience a quality online programme. HEIs are currently working directly with their Gaeltacht College providers on implementing the practical and administrative arrangements for delivery of the GLP.
An allowance has been made for 2nd year Professional Masters in Education (PME) students (including students in the College referred to by the Deputy). Those 2nd year PME students who have not completed any GLP will now complete a 3 week online programme (had previously been required to complete 4 weeks). 2nd year PME students who have completed some of their required GLP will now be required to complete the remaining balance (up to a total requirement of 3 weeks) online. This particular allowance, approved by the Teaching Council’s Education Committee, recognised the significant timetabling issues facing 2nd year PME students in respect of school placement, the GLP and normal course work.
The College referred to by the Deputy is an independent private provider of ITE programmes. In relation to the cost of the online programme for students in that College, the Department of Education has recently responded to a proposal from that College confirming that both the Department and the Teaching Council has no issue with that College, working in collaboration with a Gaeltacht College(s) to provide an online programme based on the agreed syllabus for their own students and to negotiate and set the cost for undertaking that programme for their own students.
The Department understands that the College referred to by the Deputy has now organised the provision of an online GLP programme for all of their students in collaboration with one Gaeltacht College.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Questions (481)
Seán Canney
Question:481. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the difficulties faced by substitute school teachers who are unable to progress on the pay point scale due to school closures; her plans to address this situation in order that teachers are not disadvantaged by school closures due to the lockdown; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12513/21]
View answerWritten answers
During the Covid-19 pandemic, substitute teachers with a contract (written or verbal) covering an approved absence receive payment for the duration of that contract. The period of service that the teachers is paid for is reckonable towards incremental progression on the payscale.