Neale Richmond
Question:12. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Taoiseach the status of his most recent communications with the Northern Ireland First and Deputy First Ministers following recent events in Northern Ireland. [19970/21]
View answerTaoiseach's Meetings and Engagements
Questions (12, 13)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:13. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his recent engagements with the First Minister of Northern Ireland. [20478/21]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 12 and 13 together.
I spoke with First Minister Arlene Foster last Wednesday to wish her well after her announcement that she would be stepping down as First Minister of Northern Ireland and as leader of the DUP.
I have had a positive working relationship with Arlene in a variety of roles over the years. She has served during what has been a period of considerable change and challenge in Northern Ireland.
The re-establishment of the Northern Ireland Executive in January 2020 with Arlene Foster as First Minister and Michelle O’Neill as deputy First Minister was a key development in supporting peace and stability for all the people of these islands.
I send my best wishes to Arlene and her family for the future.
On the 9th of April, I had phone calls with First Minister Arlene Foster and deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill. We discussed the current unrest on the streets in Northern Ireland and related issues. We agreed that there was no excuse for violence and the attacks on police officers and others. I stressed the need for ongoing dialogue and support for the peace process and the institutions of the Good Friday Agreement. I also welcomed the Statement from the Northern Ireland Executive published on 8th April condemning the violence and unrest on the streets. We agreed to keep in close contact on developments.
I am conscious that discussions are continuing between the EU and the UK regarding aspects of the Ireland/Northern Ireland Protocol. I am hopeful that the current discussions will lead to mutually agreed arrangements which in turn will contribute to effective implementation of the protocol.
As previously outlined to the Dáil, I have also spoken with the First and deputy First Ministers on a number of occasions, in particular regarding Covid-19 and our respective approaches to the implementation of, and easing of, restrictions.
Question No. 14 resubmitted.
Cabinet Committees
Questions (15)
Alan Kelly
Question:15. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet Committee on Brexit and Northern Ireland last met and will next meet. [20485/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Cabinet Committee on Brexit and Northern Ireland operates in accordance with established guidelines for Cabinet Committees and where appropriate, substantive issues are referred to Government for discussion and approval.
In general terms, the Cabinet Committee oversees implementation of relevant Programme for Government commitments in the area of Brexit and Northern Ireland, and ongoing relevant developments.
The Committee was formally established by Government on 6 July 2020, and had its first meeting on 29 October 2020.
The Cabinet Committee last met on 4 March 2021. The next meeting remains to be scheduled.
In addition to the meetings of the full Cabinet and of Cabinet Committees, I also meet with Ministers on an individual basis to focus on particular issues where required.
Departmental Policy Functions
Questions (16)
Alan Kelly
Question:16. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the work of the social policy and public service reform division of his Department. [20507/21]
View answerWritten answers
The role of the Social Policy and Public Service Reform Division is to assist me, as Taoiseach, and the Government in delivering programme for Government objectives and public policies and services which help create a socially inclusive and fair society.
Specifically, the Division assists the work of:
- the Cabinet Committee on Social Affairs and Equality and the associated senior officials' group established to oversee implementation of programme for Government commitments in the areas of social policy, equality and public services, including matters relating to arts and culture, children, justice, policing reform and community safety, disability, social inclusion, gender equality, direct provision, the Irish language and sport;
- the Cabinet Committee on Education and the associated senior officials' group established to oversee implementation of Programme for Government commitments in the area of education and further and higher education;
- the Cabinet Committee on health and the associated senior officials' group established to oversee programme for Government commitments in the area of health, including implementation of health reforms, including Sláintecare and the development of mental health services; and
- the Cabinet Committee on Covid-19 and the associated senior officials' group established to assess the social and economic impacts of the potential spread of Covid-19 and to oversee the cross-government response.
A Policing Reform Implementation Programme Office forms part of the Division. This office drives the implementation of A Policing Service for our Future, the Government's plan to implement the report of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland.
The Division also assists the work of:
- the Civil Service Management Board which oversees Civil Service Renewal;
- has departmental oversight of the National Economic and Social Council;
- advances Dublin's North East Inner City Initiative, including through supporting the work of a programme office, programme implementation board and oversight group;
- assists the delivery of public service reform through membership of the public service leadership board and public service management group;
- provides me with briefing and speech material on social policy and public service reform issues; and
- participates in relevant interdepartmental committees and other groups.
Questions Nos. 17 to 20, inclusive, resubmitted.
Commissions of Investigation
Questions (21)
Mairéad Farrell
Question:21. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Taoiseach the full cost to date of the IBRC Commission; and the expenditure incurred in respect of legal fees by recipient law firms. [20513/21]
View answerWritten answers
The IBRC Commission of Investigation was established by Government Order in June 2015 following consultation with Oireachtas parties. The IBRC Commission is entirely independent in its work and Mr. Justice Brian Cregan is its Sole Member.
From the time of its establishment in June 2015 to the end of March 2021 the IBRC Commission spent €9,674,00 approximately, of which €4,785,000 approximately was spent on legal fees.
It is important to note that this figure does not include third party legal costs that have been incurred but not yet paid, which will add significantly to the overall level of costs.
It will be a matter for the IBRC Commission to make a determination on the validity of any claims for third party legal costs at the end of its investigation.
Questions Nos. 22 to 27, inclusive, resubmitted.
Questions Nos. 28 to 40, inclusive, answered orally.
Vacant Properties
Questions (41)
Dessie Ellis
Question:41. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his attention has been drawn to the fact that 58 apartments have lain idle since their construction almost 15 years ago at Prospect Hill, Finglas (details supplied); when these vacant properties will be allocated to those on the housing list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13094/21]
View answerWritten answers
Dublin City Council (DCC) has advised my Department that here have been a number of delays in the delivery of 58 social housing apartments at Prospect Hill since the original developer went into receivership in 2012. Earlier this year DCC signed a settlement agreement in relation to the remedial works and other issues regarding the overall development. Following delays due to property registration details which have now been resolved, DCC expect to receive the signed settlement agreement from the receiver within the next 2-3 weeks. Once this is executed by the receiver, DCC will have legal ownership of these 58 apartments.
DCC has informed my Department that a scope of works exercise is currently underway to refurbish these apartments with a view to going to tender in Q2 2021.
Following the tender process it is expected that refurbishment will commence in Q3 2021. DCC has advised that this refurbishment project is expected to take up to 9 months to complete.
It is estimated that tenanting of these much needed social housing units will take place in Q1 of 2022.