Written Answers Nos. 295-314
295. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will outline his key policy achievements in his Department since 27 June 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32720/21]
View answerMy Department's website is a good source of information about activities and initiatives undertaken but by way of illustration, in addition to significant initiatives undertaken to manage the impact of COVID-19 and to prepare for Brexit, some of the key actions delivered since 27 June 2020 include:
- the extension of the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan;
- the extension of the Pyrite Remediation Scheme to include the administration area of Limerick;
- the development of a new Cost Rental Equity Loan;
- the delivery of the largest voids programme to date;
- an increased budget to support local authority homeless programmes and Covid-19 enhanced services;
- the commencement of work on the strategy for social housing delivery, including target setting, for the 2022-2025 period as part of the Department's lead role in the development of the new Housing for All strategy;
- the establishment, with the Department of Rural and Community Development, of a Town Centre First inter-Departmental Group (IDG) on the regeneration of towns and villages;
- increased funding for the Built Heritage Investment Scheme and the Historic Structures Fund;
- the prioritisation of the Maritime Area Planning Bill and the Land Development Agency Bill;
- the establishment of the Regulatory Authority for Approved Housing Bodies;
- the development of the Marine Spatial Plan;
- the development of the National Marine Planning Framework;
- the development of the Affordable Housing Bill;
- the approval of the General Scheme of a Bill to separate Irish Water from the Ervia Group;
- the publication of the General Scheme of an Electoral Reform Bill to establish an Electoral Commission, modernise the electoral registration process and introduce regulation of online political advertising;
- the continued development of the 'Housing for All' initiative; and
- the commencement of a strategic review of the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
The Programme for Government, Our Shared Future, is the foundation for my Department's main policy initiatives. The Department has commitments across 10 of the 12 Missions in the Programme. The Department's Statement of Strategy for the period 2021-2025 was published in April 2021 and sets out our strategic goals, objectives and actions for the period ahead. It is available on the Department's website at the following link https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/9a047-statement-of-strategy-2021-2025/.
296. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the way in which his Department and agencies under his remit are working towards enabling access to employment for persons from minority and or disadvantaged communities, including, but not limited to, persons with disabilities, persons from ethnic minorities, Travellers, Mincéirí; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32742/21]
View answerMy Department complies with all central policy and guidance in relation to equality of opportunity in all of our employment practices. The vast majority of external recruitment for my Department is carried out by the Public Appointments Service and any additional recruitment undertaken by my Department is done in compliance with the terms of the recruitment licence issued to us by the Commission for Public Service Appointments.
Under the Disability Act 2005, public service bodies have a duty to promote and support the employment of people with disabilities and to ensure that at least 3% of their employees are people with disabilities. In addition, the Department has a statutory requirement to maintain accurate records on the number of staff with disabilities. To meet this requirement, on an annual basis, staff are requested to declare, confidentially, if they have a disability. In 2020 the percentage of staff working in my Department with a declared disability was 6%.
In terms of supporting equality and access to employment for all, additional measures within my Department include:
- Participation in the Willing Able Mentoring (WAM) programme since 2018 offering graduates with disabilities a 6 month work placement within the Department. This programme is a collaboration between the Irish Civil Service and AHEAD (Association for Higher Education Access and Disability).
- Support for the Job Shadow Day initiative on an annual basis, as part of the national project which brings people with disabilities and local employers together for one day; for the last number of years my Department has teamed with the Walkinstown Association for People with an Intellectual Disability (WALK). Due to Covid-19 we were not asked to participate in 2020.
- In 2020 my Department partnered with the North East Inner City Programme to provide a placement for a local student in its Custom House office. These placements have been paused as part of public health restrictions during the COVID 19 pandemic but the Department remains committed to the programme.
- In 2020 my Department introduced its Universal Design and Accessibility Policy and Action Plan, which aims to demonstrate the Department’s commitment to accessibility, the principles of Universal Design and reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities.
- During 2020 and 2021, my Department ran Disability Awareness Training and Autism Awareness Training, supporting our commitments under the National Disability Inclusion Strategy 2017-2021.
- My Department has a Disability Liaison Officer who provides additional support to staff with disabilities on an ongoing basis, providing reasonable accommodations as appropriate.
The details requested in relation to bodies under the aegis of my Department are a matter for the individual bodies concerned. Arrangements have been put in place by each Agency to facilitate the provision of information by State Bodies directly to members of the Oireachtas. The contact email addresses for each agency are set out in the table below.
|
State Body |
Contact E-mails |
|
An Bord Pleanála |
oireachtasqueries@pleanala.ie |
|
An Fóram Uisce (the Water Forum) |
info@nationalwaterforum.ie |
|
Docklands Oversight and Consultative Forum |
infodocklands@dublincity.ie |
|
Ervia |
oireachtas@ervia.ie |
|
Gas Networks Ireland |
oireachtas@ervia.ie |
|
Heritage Council |
oireachtas@heritagecouncil.ie |
|
Housing Finance Agency |
oireachtas.enquiries@hfa.ie |
|
Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency |
publicreps@housingagency.ie |
|
Irish Water |
oireachtasmembers@water.ie |
|
Land Development Agency |
oireachtas@lda.ie |
|
Local Government Management Agency |
corporate@lgma.ie |
|
National Oversight and Audit Commission |
info@noac.ie |
|
National Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee |
ntacc@housing.gov.ie |
|
Office of the Planning Regulator |
oireachtas@opr.ie |
|
Ordnance Survey Ireland |
Oireachtas@osi.ie |
|
Property Registration Authority |
reps@prai.ie |
|
Pyrite Resolution Board |
oireachtasinfo@pyriteboard.ie |
|
Residential Tenancies Board |
OireachtasMembersQueries@rtb.ie |
|
Valuation Office |
oireachtas.enquiries@VALOFF.ie |
|
Valuation Tribunal |
info@valuationtribunal.ie |
|
Water Advisory Body |
info@wab.gov.ie |
|
Waterways Ireland |
ceoffice@waterwaysireland.org |
297. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the steps he is taking in response to the need for accelerated archaeological studies of Doon Point, County Kerry which is under threat from coastal erosion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32753/21]
View answerThe archaeological excavations at Doon Point were carried out by the CHERISH Project Team- CHERISH (Climate, Heritage and Environments of Reefs, Islands and Headland) is a 6 year European funded Ireland-Wales project. The excavations were carried out under an excavation licence granted by my Department and NMS Archaeologists inspected the excavations while they were taking place. I look forward to receiving the report of these excavations in due course and to the results of the excavations and analysis feeding into policy development to better protection of coastal heritage.
Representatives of the NMS are on the relevant CHERISH Advisory Committee and CHERISH representatives sit on my Department’s Climate Change Planning Team which is overseeing delivery of the Sectoral Adaptation Plan for Built and Archaeological Heritage through the formulation and implementation of measures designed to better understand the impact of climate change on vulnerable heritage.
298. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to ensure that Garrylucas bog, County Cork is designated as a natural heritage area immediately; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32754/21]
View answerThere are 630 proposed natural heritage areas, including the area to which the Deputy refers. While a review of these sites is foreseen, the current focus of my Department is on fulfilling Ireland’s obligations under the EU Habitats and Birds Directives and the designation of Natura 2000 sites, i.e. special areas of conservation and special protection areas.
Although proposed natural heritage area sites are not subject to the protection provisions of the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000, they may be recognised in local authority development plans.
299. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when a passport will issue to a person (details supplied) considering that the application was received by the passport office some time ago; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32597/21]
View answerThe Passport service has been in direct contact with the applicant referred to in the Deputy's question.
The Passport Service commenced the scaling up of operations on 4 May 2021 in line with the phased easing of restrictions set out in “COVID-19 Resilience and Recovery 2021 – The Plan Ahead”.
The Service has been focused since then on four priority areas.
- Clearing the COVID-19 backlog of 89,000 passport applications.
- Processing all adult renewal applications (including new applications) within 10 working days.
- Processing urgent and emergency applications.
- Providing of customer services through phone and web chat.
Substantial progress has been made in clearing the COVID-19 backlog of 89,000 passport applications. In summary 52,000 of these passports have been issued so far. Our phone and web chat services are available to all people whose passport applications have unfortunately been affected by COVID-19 restrictions.
300. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the amount his Department and associated agencies have spent on social media advertising since the beginning of January 2021 until 12 June 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32614/21]
View answerMy Department engages in public awareness advertising where there is important information that needs to be brought to the attention of citizens.
With the UK’s departure from the EU at the beginning of 2020 it was important to highlight the substantial and lasting changes for businesses that were to come into effect at the end of the transition period on 31 December 2020 and into 2021. This Brexit Communications campaign focused on business readiness, and encouraging those who trade with, or through, the United Kingdom (excluding Northern Ireland), to take action and avail of information and resources available at Gov.ie, to limit the disruption to their business.
Expenditure in 2021 on the social media elements of the Brexit readiness campaign were €143,510. While the costs of both the 2020 and 2021 campaigns were borne by my Department, this is a whole of Government campaign that was prepared and executed in partnership with other Government Departments and Agencies, in particular, the Department of the Taoiseach. Additionally a number of other Government Departments and Agencies ran related and focused sectoral campaigns in their areas of responsibility which were funded directly by those Departments and Agencies. Our digital outreach will continue to be an important channel of communication and, as we move to a new phase of assisting businesses adapt to the permanent changes that Brexit has brought about, the new “Brexit Ready Ireland” brand will be used to support our communications activities.
My Department and its Embassy network has also engaged in promotion on social media of certain other initiatives and projects that relate to Ireland’s foreign policy activities.
Expenditures is outlined in the table below:
|
Date |
Campaign |
Vendor |
Campaign Activities |
Costs |
|
Jan-21 |
Get Ireland Brexit Ready, 2020 |
PHD Media |
Brexit Readiness Nov/Dec 2020 |
€ 70,746 |
|
Jan & March-21 |
Get Ireland Brexit Ready, 2021 |
PHD Media |
Brexit Readiness January; Exporters campaign March |
€ 72,764 |
|
Jan-21 |
DFA |
|
Travel advice |
€ 326 |
|
Feb-21 |
Global Citizenship Strategy consultation process |
|
Global Citizenship Strategy |
€ 242 |
|
Mar-21 |
International Women's Day |
Twitter; Facebook |
Campaign promotion |
€ 247 |
|
Jan-June- 21 |
Missions expenditure |
Facebook; Instagram |
Diplomatic network initiatives and projects that relate to promoting Ireland’s foreign policy objectives |
€ 1,576 |
|
€ 145,901 |
301. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the amount his Department has spent on social media content production since the beginning of January 2021 until 12 June 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32631/21]
View answerMy Department produces content for social media as part of information campaigns at home and overseas that promote Ireland’s economic, political and cultural interests and to engage with the Global Irish community. In 2021, expenditure on content production for initiatives included marking Ireland’s membership of the UN Security Council, St. Brigid’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, a video marking the role of women in peace and security, Africa Day and a strategy for the Nordic region.
Expenditure video production, animation, graphic design and content translation for social media purposes in 2021 to date is listed in the table below.
|
Date |
Campaign |
Cost |
|
Feb-21 |
Iveagh House virtual tour edits and drone footage |
€ 1,779 |
|
Jan-Mar 2021 |
UN Security Council assets |
€9,680 |
|
Jan-Feb 2021 |
St Brigid's Day assets |
€1,514 |
|
Mar-21 |
Women, Peace and Security video production |
€ 12,173 |
|
Apr-21 |
St Patrick's Day 2021 video production and assets including external footage |
€ 132,510 |
|
May-21 |
Ireland/Wales Shared Statement and Action Plan 2021-25 footage |
€ 340 |
|
May-21 |
Africa Day video production |
€ 28,364 |
|
May-21 |
Ireland’s Support for Girls’ Education video production and post production |
€ 1,285 |
|
Jun-21 |
A Strategy for the Nordic Region to 2025 video production |
€ 3,223 |
|
€ 190,868 |
302. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the amount his Department and all associated agencies have spent on public relations consultancy costs since January 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32648/21]
View answerMy Department does not employ persons or firms to deal with public relations and has not incurred expenditure in this area.
303. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the current and capital costs involved with each action item in the Interim Climate Action Plan under his Department’s responsibility. [32697/21]
View answerThe Interim Climate Action Plan presents a number of supporting and enabling actions to advance Ireland’s international role on climate issues. These actions are necessary to support our efforts to coordinate and scale up our international climate finance and to enhance our climate diplomacy efforts.
Ireland provides significant international climate finance, the vast majority of which is targeted towards Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States. This targeting remains a commitment in the Interim Climate Action Plan. In 2019, the latest year for which figures are available, the Government of Ireland provided at least €93.6 million in climate finance. The Department of Foreign Affairs provided the largest proportion of this finance, approximately €71.3 million.
A full breakdown of Ireland's international climate spending can be found in Ireland's Climate and Environmental Finance Report 2019.
In line with the Programme for Government and Ireland’s International Development Policy, A Better World, the Interim Climate Action Plan contains a number of commitments to be led by the Department of Foreign Affairs, including:
- seek to at least double the percentage of Official Development Assistance spending by 2030;
- the establishment of a Climate Finance Roadmap to be developed with other Departments;
- report annually on Official Development Assistance Expenditure on climate;
- the development and implementation of a methodology for climate proofing all Official Development Assistance;
- the development of a Department of Foreign Affairs Climate Strategy.
These important actions require significant technical expertise, to be provided through external support. I have set aside a provision of €150,000 in 2021 for these actions.
The cost of other actions in the Interim Climate Action Plan are integrated within the operational costs of the Department. This includes:
- placing climate action, especially for Least Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States, at the heart of or development cooperation and policy partnerships;
- strengthening climate diplomacy across HQ units and our Embassy network;
- playing a leadership role on Climate and Security at the UN Security Council.
304. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will outline his key policy achievements in his Department since 27 June 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32718/21]
View answerSince the publication of the Programme for Government my Department has delivered against a number of the priorities and policy commitments contained therein. Earlier this year my Department published its new Statement of Strategy for the 2021-2023 period which outlines in more detail the key priorities for the next three years and how we will deliver meaningful outcomes for Irish citizens, at home and abroad, and how we will use and grow our influence around the world.
My Department is working to protect the island of Ireland from the worst effects of Brexit. As the inextricably linked histories of Ireland and Britain enter a new phase, we will foster enhanced links between our States to protect and strengthen our bilateral relations. This is supported by the opening of our new Consulate General of Ireland for the North of England next month. Medium-term strategic exercises with both Scotland and Wales have been launched this year - Ireland Scotland Joint Bilateral Review 2021-25 and Ireland Wales Shared Statement 2021-2025.
Ireland is a committed member of the European Union and my Department has been continually working with European colleagues to assist each other during this time of crisis, and as we rebuild our economies. This work will continue and deepen throughout the remainder of 2021 and beyond. Earlier this month I launched the Global Ireland: A Strategy for the Nordic Region which provides a framework for deepening our bilateral and multilateral engagement with our like-minded Nordic partners.
The Government continues to work to strengthen relations and develop alliances with all EU Member States with which we share common goals and interests. This includes the ongoing implementation of our Strategies for France and Germany. The German-Irish Joint Plan of Action, involving a number of Government Departments, was renewed in early 2021 and provides an important avenue for continued cooperation. A similar Joint Plan of Action with France is currently being drafted.
Recognising the significance of the transatlantic relationship between Ireland and the US, we are strengthening our diplomatic, cultural, and economic relationship with the US at all levels and will continue to act as a bridge in the transatlantic relationship between the EU and US. Work has continued on implementing Ireland's Strategy for the US and Canada 2019-2025 across our network of Missions in the US, ensuring a strong, coherent and visible presence for Ireland’s economic and cultural footprint.
Through our membership of the UN and the EU, Ireland actively supports the promotion of democratic values, the rule of law and multilateralism, as key principles underpinning Irish foreign policy. Ireland has continued to promote and uphold these values and principles since taking our seat as an elected member of the UN Security Council for the two year period 2021/22. Ireland has strongly supported closer cooperation between the UN and the EU, as well as other multilateral organisations, and continues to participate in initiatives of the Alliance for Multilateralism (AfM) grouping. We have also championed respect for international law, including International Human Rights Law and International Humanitarian Law, in our engagement across the agenda of the Council. Ireland has been active in integrating the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda into work across the different country and thematic files. Ireland serves as co-chair of the UN Security Council Informal Expert Group on WPS.
Ireland’s Overseas Development Assistance programme is an essential element of our overall foreign policy and national presence overseas, enabling the country to respond to complex human needs and humanitarian crises around the world. The Government is committed to reaching our goal of contributing 0.7% of GNI on overseas development cooperation, and our work to implement the Sustainable Development Goals. In 2020, we have been able to pivot some additional development support to address the impact of COVID19 on the most vulnerable in the world and will, over the rest of 2021, continue this effort to support investment in public health. My Department has also supported calls for action on debt and debt treatment, where necessary, to speed up post-COVID19 recovery and to support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
We are providing support for those countries that are poorest and most vulnerable to climate shocks and ensure that climate change is included as a core theme in strategy development where Ireland has a significant development cooperation programme including Small Island Developing States. As a small island nation ourselves, we are leading by example in protecting our oceans and emphasising climate action as a priority in our multilateral engagement. In 2021, my Department’s dedicated Climate Unit will develop a Climate Strategy for the DFA and coordinate a Climate Finance Roadmap in consultation with other Government Departments by which to double, at least, the overall percentage of Ireland’s Overseas Development Assistance that counts as climate finance.
Delivering first class consular and passport services to our citizens remains an essential priority. My Department was at the forefront of supporting Irish citizens overseas at the outbreak of the pandemic and in the assessment of travel restrictions as a key component of Government to address the impact of COVID. The Passport Office continued to deliver an essential service to citizens throughout the period of restrictions, during which they also contributed to the national contact tracing effort.
Our global diaspora remain an integral part of the wider Irish family and my Department is continuing to work with them in maintaining and deepening this vital relationship. In November 2020, my Department published a new Diaspora Strategy as part of a series of measures to strengthen our relationship with the diaspora to 2025.
Continuing to overcome the challenges that the COVID19 pandemic presents to the health and well-being of our citizens remains a priority for Government. My Department has developed strong information flows across Government on global developments which have informed critical decision making. We will continue contribute to economic recovery as we move to the next phase in 2021.
Our Missions abroad are charged with promoting Ireland, identifying new markets and opportunities for Irish business, and protecting and supporting Irish citizens. We are continuing to implement the Global Ireland Strategy which includes the commitment to double our global footprint by 2025. In 2021, alongside the new Consulate General in the north of England, we are planning to open new Embassies in Morocco, the Philippines and the Ukraine.
305. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the way in which his Department and agencies under his remit are working towards enabling access to employment for persons from minority and or disadvantaged communities, including, but not limited to, persons with disabilities, persons from ethnic minorities, Travellers, Mincéirí; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32740/21]
View answerMy Department is fully committed to progressing the values of diversity and inclusion, promoting a fair and equal workplace for our people and ensuring that our staff and workplace are representative and reflective of the people and society we serve.
Within my Department, a Sub-Committee of the Management Board on Gender, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion has been in place since 2012, chaired by two members of the Management Board. The Sub-Committee is a key governance structure for the consideration of gender, equality, diversity and inclusion issues, as outlined in the Employment Equality and Equal Status Acts. Five voluntary staff Working Groups – on Gender, LGBT+, New Irish and Ethnic Diversity, Parents and Carers and Social Inclusion and Disability sit under the Sub Committee. The Sub-Committee, in cooperation with Human Resources Division and other units of my Department, progresses initiatives and run regular events to promote equality and diversity at home and through our Mission network overseas.
These initiatives include promoting awareness and understanding of the Department, including employment opportunities, to as wide an audience as possible. On 27 May 2021, for example, my Department hosted a public event to mark Africa Day on ‘Recruiting Diverse Talents of African Descent for Public Jobs’, in partnership with the Public Appointments Service (PAS) and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. Further, the staff led Working Group on Social Inclusion, in partnership with Human Resources Division, are in contact with the North East Inner City Initiative (NEIC) with a view to the Department’s participation in NEIC’s Flash Mentoring Programme commencing this Autumn.
Under broader public outreach activities including Global Ireland 2025's Global Schools programme, my Department also arranges visits to second-level schools by a diplomat and member of the Defence Forces who has served on peacekeeping duties overseas. The programme involves my Department, the Department of Education and Skills, the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces in a joint collaboration to build awareness about Ireland’s place in the world and to generate conversations about global citizenship. The Department pays close attention to ensuring a broad spectrum of schools are visited, including DEIS schools, to ensure broad interest in and awareness of a potential Foreign Service or Defence Forces career. Unfortunately the programme is currently paused during the current pandemic given the pressure all schools are under. However, it is hoped to resume it in the last quarter of the year.
My Department will continue to expand our outreach efforts to ensure that we reach those groups who continue to be under-represented in our Department including persons with disabilities, persons from ethnic minorities, Travellers, Mincéirí. The Department’s Human Resources Strategy 2019-2022 has a focus on equality, diversity and inclusion as one of its four pillars, underscoring our commitment to the development of this agenda. One area, in particular, that my Human Resources Division is currently prioritising is the issue of recruitment. In late 2020, a staff survey was conducted to ascertain views from staff on building diversity through both external and internal recruitment in the Department. Arising from this feedback, and a review of current practices in place, a new Action Plan on Building Diversity through Recruitment will be presented to the Management Board shortly.
In respect of persons with disabilities, my Department is fully committed to equality of opportunity in all its employment practices in line with the National Disability Inclusion Strategy 2017-2021 and the Comprehensive Employment Strategy for People with Disabilities 2015-2024. The Department continually engages with disability services to provide training and awareness courses for staff covering areas as defined under the Disability Act 2005 and ensures that staff members with disabilities are accommodated in our workplace by utilising our trained Disability Liaison Officer. The Department also conducted an Access and Sensory Audit of the Passport Service in 2020. Further, my Department is a supporter of the Willing, Able and Mentoring (WAM) programme and has supported 11 placements to graduates with disabilities since the programme commenced in 2006. My Department’s contribution was acknowledged by the Association of Higher Education and Disabilities (AHEAD) and a plaque awarded to DFA under the WAM Leader Awards in 2019 and 2020.
There are no Agencies under the remit of my Department.
306. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Defence the steps he will take to investigate the serious allegations of sexual abuse in the Defence Forces over the years made in writing to him by former members of the Defence Forces. [32578/21]
View answer307. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Defence the responsibility he has to help sexual abuse victims who were abused when they were members of the Defence Forces; and if he or the Defence Forces authorities have a duty of care for such victims, male or female; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32579/21]
View answer309. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Defence if the Defence Forces authorities investigate allegations of sexual abuse within the Defence Forces themselves or if they refer them to An Garda Síochána for investigation in all cases. [32581/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 306, 307 and 309 together.
All members of the Defence Forces, Permanent and Reserve, have a right to be treated with respect, equality and dignity and to carry out their duties free from any form of sexual harassment, harassment or bullying. These unacceptable forms of behaviour are not tolerated in the Defence Forces.
The Military Authorities have advised me that there are robust measures and systems currently in place within the Defence Forces to address any allegations of inappropriate behaviour in the workplace. Defence Force Regulation A7, in the first instance, provides the regulatory framework for dealing with such matters for serving members of the Defence Forces in both a formal and informal way through a trained Designated Contact Person (DCP) network.
Within this framework, Administrative Instruction A7, Chapter 1 sets out the Defence Forces policy and procedures regarding interpersonal relationships in the Defence Forces including sexual harassment, harassment and bullying, in order to deter unacceptable behaviour and promote a service environment based on mutual respect, equality and professionalism.
Where the alleged victim and the alleged suspect of inappropriate behaviour of a possible criminal nature, are both serving members, a complaint may be made directly to the Military Police. Depending on the nature of the case, such complaints may be referred to an Garda Síochána. Cases involving a civilian, whether a former member of the Defence Forces or not, are matters appropriate for investigation by an Garda Síochána.
I urge those who may have suffered serious wrong of a criminal nature to report their concerns to an Garda Síochána who have the lawful authority, skills and resources to investigate and to prosecute such matters and to treat all of those in this process with dignity and respect, especially those who come forward with traumatic detail.
The need to care for the well-being of its members is a priority for the Defence Forces and in this regard, the Personnel Support Service (PSS) is in place for the use of members and their immediate family, The Brigade PSS Office and Occupational Social Worker network in each Brigade/Formation supports Defence Forces personnel and their families in times of crisis and general difficulty. Services include the provision of information and advice on areas including stress management, counselling and referral options.
308. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Defence the correspondence his office has received from a person (details supplied) in the past five years; the action that has been taken on foot of the serious allegations contained in same; if he or his officials passed the files and correspondence on to An Garda Síochána for investigations or to the Defence Forces Ombudsman; and if so, if he enquired as to the stage at which the investigations into the allegations by An Garda Síochána or the Defence Forces Ombudsman are at. [32580/21]
View answerA serving member of the Defence Forces may avail of a number of processes to pursue any complaint or allegation in relation to their treatment or experiences within the Defence Forces. Where the alleged victim and the alleged suspect are both serving members, a complaint may be made to the Military Police. Depending on the nature of the case, such complaints may be referred to an Garda Síochána. Cases involving a civilian, whether a former member of the Defence Forces or not, are matters appropriate for investigation by an Garda Síochána.
Subject to conditions set out in the Ombudsman (Defence Forces) Act 2004, serving and former members of the Defence Forces may avail of the services of the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces for pursuing complaints. There is no provision within the Act for the Minister to refer matters to the Ombudsman.
The Minister may refer information received by him to an Garda Síochána for investigation and if done so, the matter is then subject to their independent investigative process.
It is not appropriate for the Minister to comment on the circumstances of individual cases.
310. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Defence the amount his Department and associated agencies have spent on social media advertising since the beginning of January 2021 until 12 June 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32609/21]
View answerMy Department has spent the following on social media advertising since the beginning of January 2021 until 12 June 2021:
Promoted tweets for Be Winter Ready Campaign: €2,760.78
Promoted tweets for Be Summer Ready Campaign: €598.54
Total spend: €3,359.32
311. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Defence the amount his Department has spent on social media content production since the beginning of January 2021 until 12 June 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32626/21]
View answerMy Department has not spent anything on social media content during 2021 to date.
312. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Defence the amount his Department and all associated agencies have spent on public relations consultancy costs since January 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32643/21]
View answerMy Department has not had any spend on public relations consultancy since January 2021.
313. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Defence if he will outline his key policy achievements in his Department since 27 June 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32713/21]
View answerThe Programme for Government contains an ambitious range of commitments concerning the Defence sector that my Department will continue to implement over the lifetime of the Programme.
One of the key commitments was to establish a Commission on the Defence Forces. On the 15th December 2020, the Government approved terms of reference and the membership of an independent Commission on the Defence Forces. This Commission subsequently commenced their work and will continue to work throughout 2021 with their report due in December 2021. The work of the Commission will inform the future development of the Defence Forces.
The Defence Organisation has played a sigificant role in the State's overall response to the Covid 19 pandemic. The response has involved the Department of Defence, the Defence Forces and Civil Defence, having regard to their specific roles. The Defence Organisation has participated in a number of official groups such as the High Level Task Force for Covid 19 Vaccination. In addition to supporting the HSE, the Defence Forces have also provided a broad range of supports to other Departments and Agencies. Provision of this support will continue to remain one of my Department's main priorities for 2021.
Implementation of projects arising from the White Paper on Defence (2015) has continued. In total, of the initial 95 projects, 47 are now formally completed. An additional 5 new projects will be initiated during 2021. I have also approved the commencement of a further 15 projects in the period 2022 to 2025. The three year implementation plan for "Civil Defence - Towards 2030" has been approved and is being implemented and other Public Sector Initiatives have been progressed.
My Department has progressed a number of activities including recruitment and retention in the Defence Forces, and related HR issues. Central to this was the continued implementation of the High Level Implementation Plan “Strengthening Our Defence Forces”. A range of other recruitment initiatives have been introduced including commissioning from the ranks, the re-entry of former PDF personnel with specific skills and a sea-going service commitment scheme for members of the Naval Service. In addition, a range of direct entry specialist competitions have also been initiated as a further means to fill critical positions.
An organisational capability review of the Department of Defence commenced in 2021. The Review is being conducted by the Organisational Capability Review team which is based in the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and will involve engagement with Departmental staff and key stakeholders in the policy and operational domains of the Department.
The Department of Defence and Defence Forces Strategy Statement 2021-2023 was published in April 2021 and comes at a pivotal time for the Defence Organisation with the establishment of the Commission on the Defence Forces and the Organisational Capability Review of the Department of Defence. This Strategy Statement will be subject to a mid-term review.
In relation to international initiatives, my Department's main focus since June 2020 has been Ireland's policy input regarding the establishment of the European Peace Facility (EPF) which is a new mechanism to finance Common Security and Defence Policy activities. The Council decision establishing the EPF was adopted in March 2021. In addition, my Department continues to provide initial policy input into the process around the EU's Strategic Compass which was proposed to enhance and guide the implementation of the Level of Ambition arising out of the EU's Global Strategy. These two EU initiatives will require further policy input by my Department in 2021.
Since June 2020 with the successful outcome for Ireland in achieving a UN Security Council seat, additional structures have been established between the Departments of Foreign Affairs and Defence and the Defence Forces with a view to greater coordination on peacekeeping policy issues. This will continue to be a priority for my Department and the Defence Forces throughout 2021.
The 10th Be Winter Ready public safety campaign was launched in November 2020. My Department has also overseen the launch of a new Be Summer Ready public safety campaign. Under the chairmanship of my Department, the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning adopted the SEM Guideline 4 - Climate Change Adaption document. My Department also published The National Risk Assessment for Ireland 2020. The National Risk Assessment identifies and assesses the likelihood and impact of key risks facing the State across a broad range of emergencies. It will also form part of the EU-wide risk assessment process.
My Department will continue to implement the rolling 5 year Infrastructure Plan and rolling 5 year Equipment Development Plan for the Defence Forces. A step change in military air-based capability is being achieved through the delivery into service of the Pilatus PC-12 aircraft. The original order of three aircraft, which were delivered in September 2020, was augmented on an urgent basis by an additional aircraft delivered in April 2020 to enhance fixed wing capacity to meet demands arising from Covid-19. Other major equipment projects are also being progressed and delivered. Climate action has been integrated into equipment & infrastructure programmes of work and this will continue in 2021.
In relation to legislation, the Defence (Amendment) Bill 2020 and the Defence Forces (Evidence) Bill 2019 were restored to the Dáil Order Paper. The Second Stage and Committee Stage debates on the Defence (Amendment) Bill were subsequently completed during 2020. My Department received approval from Government to introduce Report Stage amendments to the Defence (Amendment) Bill to provide for the possible deployment of members of the Reserve Defence Force on voluntary military service (both within the State and overseas). These are enabling provisions to give effect to commitments in the Programme for Government subject to the recommendations by the Commission on the Defence Forces. The necessary amendments are currently been finalised.
I am satisfied that significant progress is being made in implementing the Government’s ambitious programme for Defence and I look forward to ongoing delivery of key commitments.
314. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Defence the way in which his Department and agencies under his remit are working towards enabling access to employment for persons from minority and or disadvantaged communities, including, but not limited to, persons with disabilities, persons from ethnic minorities, Travellers, Mincéirí; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32735/21]
View answerMy Department promotes a fair, tolerant and inclusive work place. It is fully committed to equality of opportunity and this is a fundamental value espoused in its People Strategy. Civil servants in my Department are recruited through the Public Appointments Service, which has diversity and inclusivity as a central element in its recruitment practices. Recruitment to my Department is therefore open to all applicants, and reasonable accommodation to support the employment of people with disabilities is afforded to those requesting it.
The officials in my Department are supported in working in a safe, inclusive environment through a Dignity at Work policy and through a range of learning and development opportunities, including unconscious bias training. There are also additional supports available through the Civil Service Employee Assistance Service and the Department Disability Liaison Officer. My Department has undertaken, where practicable, to promote and support the employment of people with disabilities.
Through its various policies and strategies, the Defence Forces take all reasonable steps to provide an inclusive workplace environment, free from harassment, intimidation and bullying and where dignity and respect are afforded to all. In addition, a Transgender Policy Working Group has been established and is currently progressing the development of a Transgender Employment Policy for the Defence Forces.
A Committee, led by the Department of Justice and Equality, has being established to oversee and monitor progress on the implementation of the LGBTI+ Inclusion Strategy 2019-2021. Nominees from my Department and from the Defence Forces have been appointed to this Committee. The first meeting was held on 16 June 2020, with representation from the Defence Organisation in attendance at all subsequent meetings.
