Wednesday, 12 May 2021

Written Answers Nos. 134-152

Asylum Seekers

Questions (136)

Martin Browne

Question:

136. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his plans to alleviate the unbearable conditions endured by refugees in the Moria camp and other refugee camps on the island of Lesbos; his views on the way the EU has been active in addressing the situation that refugees find themselves in; the contacts he has had with the UN Security Council on the matter; the contacts he has had with the EU on the matter; if he plans to take in more refugees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24915/21]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs

I have consistently ensured that Ireland voices its support for EU efforts to put in place more effective and humane arrangements to manage the migratory pressures which the EU continues to face. The EU Commission’s “New Pact on Migration and Asylum” represents an opportunity to renew efforts to put in place such arrangements. Discussions on the Pact are continuing within the Justice and Home Affairs Council though progress to date has been limited. For its part, Ireland has been clear in urging compromise and solidarity with frontline states as well as support for EU efforts to deal with migration in a comprehensive and holistic manner, including through resettlement and increased legal pathways for migration; addressing root causes of migration and reforming the Common European Asylum System.

In regard to the specific situation in Lesbos, in 2019 there were 42,000 people hosted in camps on the Greek islands, in conditions that were extremely difficult. That number is now 14,000, with under 8000 on Lesbos. While this is still too high, and conditions are still a clear issue, strong efforts are being made to further improve the situation. The European Commission has dedicated over €155 million to building new reception centres on Lesbos and Chios, and a further €121 million for smaller centres on Samos, Kos and Leros. These new centres, when finished, will help address the problem of overcrowding.

In December, Ireland also provided UNICEF Greece with a contribution of €225,000 in respect of the response to the Moria fire on Lesbos. This contribution complements the considerable Irish Aid humanitarian support to refugees in Syria, Lebanon and Jordan.

The situation of refugees on the Greek Islands does not arise directly on the UN Security Council agenda. However, Ireland uses all available opportunities to highlight humanitarian and human rights issues, including the plight of refugees worldwide, through the UN’s structures and in other multilateral formats.

Concerning plans to take in refugees, on 1 October 2020, Minister McEntee announced that Ireland would accept 50 refugees in family groups from Lesbos. Ireland also has an existing commitment to accept 36 unaccompanied minors from Greece. Eight of these minors arrived in Ireland last June. Staff from the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, along with staff from Túsla and An Garda Síochána, will travel to Greece in the coming weeks to interview 25 unaccompanied minors and 50 people in family groups, with a view to arranging their relocation to Ireland.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (137)

Martin Browne

Question:

137. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the approach Ireland is taking to supporting India as it deals with a surge in Covid-19 cases; the engagements he has had on the waiving of intellectual property rights to Covid-19 vaccines; his views on such a waiver; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24916/21]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs

India's health system continues to battle the surging caseload in the country. Further to an earlier donation of 700 oxygen concentrators, the Government has donated a further 500 concentrators, 2 oxygen generators, and other vital materials to India. This additional donation arrived in Delhi Airport on Tuesday 4 May.

These donations formed part of the coordinated effort by EU Member States to provide a collaborative response to the situation in India and maximise our collective impact in the fight against the virus.

Ireland quadrupled our funding to the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 2020, and is fully engaged in efforts by the international community to ensure fair and equitable access to vaccines for all. My Department has provided €5 million in Irish Aid funding so far in 2021 to enable developing countries to access vaccines. The majority of this funding is going to the COVAX facility, the global UN-led mechanism for pooling procurement and fair distribution of vaccines.

The Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment leads on Intellectual Property Rights and World Trade Organisation (WTO) matters, including on the current discussion on the Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement. International Trade is a competence of the EU under the Treaties and the President of the EU Commission has responded to the U.S. announcement by indicating its readiness to discuss the U.S. proposal for a waiver on intellectual property protections for COVID-19 vaccines at the WTO.

Ireland will engage with the European Commission and other member states on the EU position for the WTO discussions, including discussions on how the U.S. proposal for a waiver on intellectual property protections for COVID-19 vaccines can help to resolve the crisis.

My Department, in consideration with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and other relevant Departments, are also giving consideration to Ireland’s potential participation in technology-pooling mechanisms such as the C-TAP initiative. My Department continues to liaise with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment on this and a number of related matters, on an ongoing basis.

Departmental Expenditure

Questions (138)

Carol Nolan

Question:

138. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the amount expended by his Department on advertising and awareness raising initiatives related to Covid-19 from March 2020 to date in 2021; the print, online and broadcasting media organisations contracted to provide this service; the amount provided to each in the timeframe concerned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24929/21]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs

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.

Trade Relations

Questions (139)

Cathal Crowe

Question:

139. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will contact the Egyptian Government to register concern for cargo bound for Ireland on a ship (details supplied) that has been detained at Suez Port; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24984/21]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs

I am not aware of the specific matter referred to in the details supplied. Issues relating to international trade are a matter for an Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

Passport Services

Questions (140)

Pearse Doherty

Question:

140. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if a passport will issue to a person (details supplied) for college registration purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25018/21]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs

The Passport Service scaled up to more normal operational levels on 4 May 2021, in line with the phased easing of restrictions set out in “COVID-19 Resilience and Recovery 2021 – The Plan Ahead”.

Passport Online will continue to be the priority channel given the efficiencies that are in-built into the system for both the applicant and the Passport Service. The processing of an online application is up to four times as fast as a paper application. In addition, the use of Passport Online can facilitate social distancing, given that a renewal application for an adult does not require the signature of a witness.

Passport Online can be accessed by first time applicants, both children and adults, in Ireland, Northern Ireland, Great Britain, Europe, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the USA. All Irish citizens, including children, can use the online system to renew their passports from anywhere in the world.

The Passport Service has a great deal of experience in dealing with peaks in demand, and we are confident, taking into account measures to ensure a safe workplace, that the Passport Online applications on hand can be cleared in six to eight weeks.

With regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service was in contact with the applicant on 10 May 2021 to provide an update on the status of the passport application.

Departmental Expenditure

Questions (141)

Carol Nolan

Question:

141. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Defence the amount expended by his Department on advertising and awareness raising initiatives related to Covid-19 from March 2020 to date in 2021; the print, online and broadcasting media organisations contracted to provide this service; the amount provided to each in the timeframe concerned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24924/21]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

My Department has incurred no expenditure on advertising and awareness raising initiatives in relation to Covid-19 in any media outlet from March 2020 to date 2021.

Land Transfers

Questions (142)

John Brady

Question:

142. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence the status of the proposed transfer of lands at Rockbrae House, Bray, County Wicklow to Wicklow County Council; the discussions that have taken place with the council; the purpose of the transfer; the timeframe for the transfer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24953/21]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

The property in question is surplus to military requirements and, in line with Government policy, the intention is to dispose of the property by way of transfer to Wicklow County Council, in order to support the provision of housing by that Local Authority.

Officials from my Department are currently liaising with the Chief State's Solicitors Office on the necessary legal matters with regard to finalising contracts and the intention is to conclude the transfer as soon as possible, subject to the normal exigencies of the conveyancing process.

Vaccination Programme

Questions (143, 144, 145)

Patrick Costello

Question:

143. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Defence the number of Defence Forces personnel present on UN duty who were offered a Covid-19 vaccination through the UN since December 2020; the number that received it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25053/21]

Patrick Costello

Question:

144. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Defence the details of UN arrangements for vaccinations of peacekeepers; if the Defence Forces were part of those arrangements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25054/21]

Patrick Costello

Question:

145. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Defence the number of Defence Forces personnel on UN duty who received a Covid- 19 vaccination from the host country from December 2020 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25055/21]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

I propose to take Questions Nos. 143 to 145, inclusive, together.

The COVID-19 vaccine Allocation Strategy was developed by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) and the Department of Health, endorsed by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), and approved by Government on 8 December 2020 (updated 30 April 2021). It sets out a provisional list of groups for vaccination.

The Defence Forces has established vaccine prioritisation which is in line with this national allocation strategy. Initial Vaccination priority is for Defence Force personnel who are providing front line support to the HSE and National Ambulance Service in the national effort to combat COVID 19.

Personnel selected for deployment to overseas missions fall into a prioritised grouping and they are vaccinated against COVID-19 prior to deployment, subject to availability of the vaccine which is coordinated through the HSE. This approach is in line with UN guidelines which requests Member States to vaccinate troops prior to deployment where feasible.

There may, however, be a small number of Defence Force personnel who, for a variety of reasons, will not be vaccinated against Covid 19 prior to their deployment and planning is ongoing in relation to facilitating the vaccination of these personnel at the earliest possible opportunity.

Most peacekeeping personnel deployed to UN missions from member states should receive the COVID-19 vaccine through their own national or host country vaccination programmes and according to the timelines and prioritisation guidelines of those programmes. The UN Department of Operational Support (DOS) is working to ensure alternative arrangements are put in place for personnel who deploy to UN missions not fully vaccinated.

With regard to the vaccination of Defence Force personnel in theatre to date, I am advised by the military authorities that the following is the position:

- Twelve (12) Defence Force personnel have received vaccines organised by UNIFIL headquarters;

- 26 personnel deployed in the UNDOF mission and six (6) personnel deployed with UNTSO have received a COVID-19 vaccination on the ALPHA (Israeli) side through the Israeli administered programme; and

- eleven (11) personnel deployed in the MINUSMA mission in MALI have received a vaccination through the German contingent in the Mission area.

Question No. 144 answered with Question No. 143.

Question No. 145 answered with Question No. 143.

Defence Forces

Questions (146)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

146. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Defence the number of females who were recruited to the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service in 2020 and to date in 2021; the number of females currently in training in each branch of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25124/21]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

The table following details the number of females inducted into the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service in 2020 and in 2021, in addition to those in training as at 31st March 2021.

	Inductions 2020	Inductions 2021*	In Training 2021**
Army	32	5	9
Air Corps	3	0	3
Naval Service	7	1	3
Total	42	6	15

*As at 30 April 2021; **As at 31 March 2021

Of the 42 women inducted in 2020, 32 were General Service Recruits, 6 were Cadets, 2 were Air Corps Apprentices and 2 were re-enlisting personnel.

The 6 women inducted by the end of March 2021 were General Service Recruits. Further inductions will take place throught the year as recruitment continues. The Air Corps Apprentice competition, closed in March 2021, attracted 663 applications and these are currently being processed. General Service recruitment is ongoing and the Cadet competition was launched recently. This is in addition to the 9 current Direct Entry competitions and the Re-commissioning and Re-enlistment schemes.

Defence Forces

Questions (147)

Holly Cairns

Question:

147. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Defence his views on the Defence Forces proposal that the Air Corps takes over some maritime search-and-rescue operations; the implications for the current service provider; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25166/21]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

There is currently a project ongoing under the remit of the Department of Transport, to consider, develop and bring to fruition a new Marine Search and Rescue aviation contract for future service provision.

The current contract for the SAR Helicopter service is between the Minister of Transport and a civil helicopter operator, CHC Ireland DAC. The contract commenced on 1st July 2012 for a period of 10 years, with an option to extend for a further 3 years. The existing contract has been extended for one year to 2023 to facilitate the lengthy procurement process and ensure compliance with the Public Spending Code.

A strategic assessment and preliminary appraisal document in line with the Public Service Code was brought by the Department of Transport to Government for information in July last year. The preliminary appraisal included an appraisal of various service delivery options, including where the state assumed full responsibility for the service, either through the Air Corps or a dedicated Irish Coast Guard Aviation Branch. Both were ruled out for a variety of reasons but notably the risks to the state and questions around potential affordability and deliverability. I agree with the strategic assessment and preliminary appraisal mentioned above and I do not see the Air Corps taking full responsibility for SAR services in Ireland’s search and rescue domain.

I have acknowledged previously that I would like to explore further the option of the Air Corps providing some element of the SAR aviation service, given their historical role in this area. In this context, late last year, I asked my officials to engage further with the Department of Transport to explore the option of the Air Corps providing some element of the next generation SAR aviation service while at the same time ensuring that the service meets domestic and international obligations for SAR and represents value for money for the State. This process is currently ongoing.

Ultimately, decisions on the scope, nature and procurement strategy for the next SAR marine aviation service will be a matter for Government once the detailed appraisal and business case has been finalised by the Department of Transport.

Special Educational Needs

Questions (148)

Pauline Tully

Question:

148. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Education the reason a person (details supplied) has been refused a grant for assistive technology by her Department following an appeal even though it is deemed necessary by the person's teachers and occupational therapist; the reason the decision was taken without requesting a copy of a professional occupational therapist report or any other supporting documentation relating to the student; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24723/21]

Written answers

Minister for Education

The purpose of my Department’s Assistive Technology Scheme, as set out in my Department's Circular 0010/2013, is to provide grant-aid to schools to allow them to purchase the type of specialist equipment which has been recommended by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) as being essential for students who have been diagnosed as having a serious physical disability and/or sensory or communicative disability to the extent that their ability to communicate through the medium of speech or writing is materially curtailed.

The NCSE, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs) is responsible for processing applications from schools for special educational needs supports, including assistive technology. SENOs make recommendations to my Department where assistive technology is required. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in making such recommendations, as set out in Circular 0010/2013.

In order to qualify for equipment under the assistive technology scheme, a child must have been diagnosed with a physical or communicative disability and must also have a recommendation in a professional assessment that the equipment is essential in order to allow the child to access the curriculum. It must also be clear that the existing I.T. equipment in the school is insufficient to meet the child's needs.

Although equipment is sanctioned under the Assistive Technology scheme for use by particular students, it is the property of the school, and the school’s management authority is responsible for maintenance, repair, and insurance of the equipment.

I can confirm that an application for assistive technology from the school named by the deputy was received in my Department on 13th January 2021.

This application was not sanctioned to the school, on the basis that the SENO did not recommend that the application met the criteria for provision of equipment as no new evidence was furnished.

This decision was appealed by the school on 23rd February. On revising the application, the appeal was not granted as the qualifying criteria set out in Circular 0010/2013, and the documentation which has been submitted in support of the application, did not meet the criteria for the allocation of support under the Assistive Technology scheme for the following reasons:

- It is not clear from the professional report that the equipment is essential to allow the pupil to access education. The professional reports received to date do not clearly illustrate how, when and in what way the equipment will be used to access education throughout the school day.

- While it is acknowledged that the pupil in question is using technology in the special class, there is little information on what type of technology, how or when it is being used, or what technology is available in the special class throughout the school day

- Equipment currently available in the school can meet the needs as outlined in the report – The School’s information has not provided a case to the Special Education Needs Organiser (SENO) why the current technology available in the school and the special class is insufficient to meet the pupil’s educational needs.

Should additional information become available, which provides further clarification regarding the requirement for assistive technology for the pupil in question, in accordance with the terms of the scheme, it will be open to the school to resubmit an application for consideration.

School Admissions

Questions (149)

Duncan Smith

Question:

149. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Education if a placement will be secured for a person (details supplied) at a school. [24737/21]

Written answers

Minister for Education

It is the responsibility of my Department to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking school places in an area. Parents/guardians can choose which school to apply to and where the school has places available the pupil should be admitted.

It is the responsibility of the managerial authorities of all schools to draft, publish and implement a school admission policy in accordance with the Education Acts 1998 to 2018. In schools where there are more applicants than places available a selection process may be necessary. This may result in some pupils not obtaining a place in their school of first choice.

The Education (Admission to Schools) Act 2018 provided for changes to the school admissions process which aim to give parents greater confidence that school admissions process are fair and transparent and provides that schools are legally required to accept all applicants where they have places.

The admission policy, including the selection criteria to be used where the school is oversubscribed, must comply with the Education Acts 1998 to 2018, be non-discriminatory and be applied fairly in respect of all applicants.

Where a board of management make a decision to refuse admission, a parent/guardian can appeal that decision under section 29 of the Education Act, 1998, and an independent appeals committee will be appointed to consider the appeal. A section 29 appeal must be made no later than 63 calendar days from the date of the school’s decision to refuse admission.

This Department has no authority to compel a school to admit a student, except in circumstances where an appeal under section 29 of the Education Act, 1998 has been allowed and the appeals committee directs that the school admit the child concerned.

Full details on the section 29 appeals process are available on my Department’s website at the link below:

www.education.ie/en/Parents/Services/Appeal-against-Permanent-Exclusion-Suspension-or-Refusal-to-Enrol/Appeals.html.

In addition, Tusla Education Support Services (TESS) the Educational Welfare Service is the legal body which can assist parents who are experiencing difficulty in securing a school placement for their child.

National Educational Psychological Service

Questions (150)

Michael Ring

Question:

150. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education when an assessment will be carried out for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24741/21]

Written answers

Minister for Education

By way of context, it is important to note that in common with many other psychological services and best international practice, the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) of my Department has adopted a consultative model of service. The focus is on empowering teachers to intervene effectively with pupils whose needs range from mild to severe and transient to enduring.

Psychologists use a problem solving and solution oriented consultative approach to maximise positive outcomes for these pupils. NEPS encourages schools to use a continuum based assessment and intervention process whereby each school takes responsibility for initial assessment, educational planning and remedial intervention for pupils with learning, emotional or behavioural difficulties.

I have made enquiries in the matter of the individual raised in the Deputy's question and can inform him that NEPS first began to work with this student over four years ago. During his time in primary school, the student had a full psychological assessment and review completed by the school’s NEPS psychologist and was also the subject of ongoing consultations.

On the student’s transfer to post primary school the NEPS service continued to provide consultative support to the school advising on how best to promote positive outcomes for this student. As is always the case, and in line with the NEPS model of service, the assigned psychologist is available to the school to discuss this student’s needs and indeed the merit of further formal assessment. I would advise therefore that if his parents have concerns in relation to his educational, social or emotional development these should be raised by the parents, in the first instance, with the Principal of the school he is attending, with a view to discussing the situation with the school's assigned NEPS psychologist.

Schools Amalgamation

Questions (151, 152)

Thomas Gould

Question:

151. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to a proposed amalgamation of schools (details supplied) in Cork City. [24750/21]

Thomas Gould

Question:

152. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Education the recourse available to parents who disagree with proposed major changes to the school their child attends or will attend. [24751/21]

Written answers

Minister for Education

I propose to take Questions Nos. 151 and 152 together.

I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department has no record of receiving an application from the schools in question in relation to a proposed amalgamation.

As the decision-making authority for any amalgamation is the patron/trustees of the schools concerned, it is open to any patron to submit proposals to the Department for consideration.

Any proposed change involves extensive negotiations at local level and must be well planned and managed in a manner that accommodates the interests of students, parents, teachers, local communities and contributes to an inclusive education system.

Question No. 152 answered with Question No. 151.