Written Answers Nos. 330-349
330. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will report on income thresholds for those wishing to apply for social housing; if consideration will be given to deducting verified childcare costs from an applicant's determined net income; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33513/21]
View answerApplications for social housing support are assessed by the relevant local authority, in accordance with the eligibility and need criteria set down in section 20 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 and the associated Social Housing Assessment Regulations 2011, as amended.
The 2011 Regulations prescribe maximum net income limits for each local authority, in different bands according to the area concerned, with income being defined and assessed according to a standard Household Means Policy. The 2011 Regulations do not provide local authorities with any discretion to exceed the limits that apply to their administrative areas.
Under the Household Means Policy, which applies in all local authorities, net income for social housing assessment is defined as gross household income less income tax, PRSI, Universal Social Charge and Additional Superannuation Contribution. The Policy provides for a range of income disregards, and local authorities also have discretion to decide to disregard income that is temporary, short-term or once-off in nature. There is no provision in the policy to deduct any other regular outgoings, such as childcare costs, from gross household income for the purposes of the income threshold.
A table setting out the details of the three bands and the limits currently applicable in each local authority area is available on the Department's website at the following link: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/04c69-social-housing-support-table-of-income-limits/
The income bands are expressed in terms of a maximum net income threshold for a single-person household, with an allowance of 5% for each additional adult household member, subject to a maximum allowance under this category of 10%; and separately, an allowance of 2.5% for each child.
The income bands and the authority area assigned to each band were based on an assessment of the income needed to provide for a household's basic needs, plus a comparative analysis of the local rental cost of housing accommodation across the country. It is important to note that the limits introduced in 2011 also reflected a blanket increase of €5,000 introduced prior to the new system coming into operation, in order to broaden the base from which social housing tenants are drawn, both promoting sustainable communities and also providing a degree of future-proofing.
Given the cost to the State of providing social housing, it is considered prudent and fair to direct resources to those most in need of social housing support. The current income eligibility requirements generally achieve this, providing for a fair and equitable system of identifying those households facing the greatest challenge in meeting their accommodation needs from their own resources.
However, as part of the broader social housing reform agenda, a review of income eligibility for social housing supports in each local authority area is underway. The review will have regard to current initiatives being brought forward in terms of affordability and cost rental and will be completed when the impacts of these parallel initiatives have been considered.
331. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of workers employed by his Department and in each office or agency under the aegis of his Department that earn less than the living wage of €12.30 per hour; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33593/21]
View answerThere are 7 employees of my Department earning less than €12.30 per hour.
My Department does not hold the requested information in respect of the State Bodies under its aegis. These State Bodies may be contacted directly by e-mail by members of the Oireachtas, as set out in the table below.
|
State Body |
Contact E-mail Address |
|
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 |
332. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the consular support available to Irish passport holders in Gaza; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32836/21]
View answerI can advise the Deputy that my Department provides consular assistance to all Irish citizens overseas where requested, in line with our Consular Assistance Charter. This Charter outlines the assistance our officials can and cannot provide and is available at the following link: https://www.dfa.ie/media/dfa/alldfawebsitemedia/travel/ourservices/Consular-Assistance-Charter.pdf
Any Irish citizen in distress in Gaza is advised to contact the Embassy of Ireland in Tel Aviv. Contact details for the Embassy are available on the Department's Travel Advice page for Israel and the Occupied Territories. As noted in this travel advice, my Department currently advises strongly against all travel to the Gaza Strip and against non-essential travel within 40km of Gaza. However I can confirm that our officials will provide all possible advice and support to Irish citizens in distress, where requested. As the Deputy will appreciate, the assistance provided in any individual case will vary depending on the specific details and requirements of each case.
333. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the discrimination of Palestinian Irish passport holders in Israeli airports and travelling through Israel to Gaza or the difficulties in getting out of Gaza to return to Ireland; the representations he has made on behalf of these Irish passport holders in order to resolve the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32846/21]
View answerThe Department of Foreign Affairs provides consular assistance to all Irish citizens overseas where requested, in line with our Consular Assistance Charter.
Irish citizens requiring assistance in the Gaza Strip are advised to contact the Embassy of Ireland in Tel Aviv. Decisions on entry into Israel, including for the purpose of transit to or from the Gaza Strip, are a matter for the Israeli authorities exclusively. I can confirm, however, that our officials provide all possible advice and support to Irish citizens, where requested, and have provided extensive assistance to Irish citizens in the Gaza Strip in recent weeks, which has facilitated their travel to Ireland. The assistance provided in any individual case will vary depending on the specific details and requirements of each case.
My officials regularly raise issues relating to the occupation with Israeli authorities. The roots of the problems in the Gaza Strip, including restrictions on travel, are political. I have consistently called for the lifting of the blockade, so that normal life and normal economic activity can resume, and I will continue to make every effort to ensure that the situation in Gaza remains high on the international agenda.
334. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has spoken formally to the Malaysian Ambassador to Ireland to date in 2021. [33092/21]
View answerIreland and Malaysia have enjoyed close and fruitful diplomatic relations since 1974. In 1995 Ireland opened its embassy in Kuala Lumpur, Ireland’s first resident Embassy in Southeast Asia. The Embassy of Malaysia in Ireland was established in Dublin in November 2001. Malaysia remans the only country in the region to have a resident Embassy in Dublin and we are appreciative of the scope that this provides for enhanced economic and political relations.
Malaysia remains one of the most economically and politically important countries in South East Asia and cooperation between our nations flourish in the areas of education, trade, investment and tourism, among others. There is considerable scope for economic ties to develop further and I was pleased to note a 8.5% increase in exports to Malaysia between 2020 and 2021.
Malaysia is a key member of ASEAN. At Monday’s Foreign Affairs Council in Luxembourg, I highlighted the importance of increased bilateral engagement with ASEAN member states as well as regional engagement with ASEAN following the recently agreed ASEAN/EU Strategic Partnership.
I last met His Excellency Zakaria Nasir, Ambassador of Malaysia to Ireland, in October 2020 as part of a remote consultation with the ASEAN Dublin Committee. We held a constructive discussion on the topics of Brexit, COVID-19, the UN Security Council and Ireland’s Asia Pacific strategy. Though I have not yet spoken formally to Ambassador Nasir in 2021, officials from my Department’s Asia Pacific Unit met remotely with the Ambassador earlier this year and are in ongoing contact with the Embassy as issues arise.
335. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on recent developments internationally particularly with regard to Ethiopia and the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33101/21]
View answerIreland is closely following developments in Ethiopia, including on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), Tigray and elections.
The construction of the GERD in Ethiopia is the cause of escalating tension between Ethiopia on the one hand, and Sudan and Egypt on the other, and poses a significant potential challenge to regional peace and security. As a member of the UN Security Council, and given our friendly relations with Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan, Ireland has been closely monitoring efforts to facilitate dialogue between the parties.
Ireland recognises that the GERD is of critical significance for the three countries. We support the continued leadership of the Africa Union (AU) in facilitating negotiations to find an equitable and peaceful solution. Ireland supports the active role played by the EU in supporting the AU-led negotiation process.
I remain extremely concerned by the ongoing conflict in Tigray. Notwithstanding commitments made, the situation on the ground is worsening. An immediate ceasefire is the most important step all parties can take. In this regard, it is imperative that Eritrean forces leave Tigray immediately.
I am alarmed by credible warnings of famine. I am also concerned by attacks on humanitarian workers. There is an urgent need for full humanitarian access. Ireland joined recent international calls for a humanitarian ceasefire to allow for planting and to avert the risk of famine.
We support the work of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, with the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission, to investigate reported atrocities, including widespread and systematic sexual violence. It is vital that perpetrators be held to account.
Ireland continues to work on the UN Security Council to ensure a focus on the situation in Tigray. Most recently, on 15 June, we called an informal meeting of the Security Council that focused on the humanitarian situation, having led the negotiation in April of a Council press statement on the situation in Tigray, the first time the Security Council spoke publicly on the crisis. We have also used Council thematic discussions on conflict and hunger, and on conflict-related sexual violence, to highlight these aspects of the crisis.
We continue to support a strong and constructive EU response to the crisis. Minister Coveney also continues to engage with key interlocutors on the situation, including in the region, the Gulf, as well as the AU.
The Department, through Irish Aid, has provided over €3.2 million to support the humanitarian response in Tigray and the refugee response in neighbouring Sudan, through our UN and NGO partners on the ground. Further Irish Aid humanitarian support is under active consideration.
Ethnically-motivated conflict in Ethiopia beyond Tigray is also of concern, including in the context of the national elections which partially took place on 21 June. In advance of the elections, the EU issued a statement highlighting concerns about the situation on the ground, including ongoing violence, human rights violations and political tensions, harassment of media workers and detention of opposition members. The exclusion of large segments of the electorate was troubling, and we remain concerned that the situation on the ground was not conducive to a credible, inclusive and transparent electoral process.
336. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if Ireland will propose a call for a global ban on fracking at the United Nations General Assembly on climate mitigation, public health, environmental protection and human rights grounds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33125/21]
View answerThe Programme for Government makes clear that the Government does not support the importation of fracked gas. Following upon a commitment in the Programme for Government, the Government published a Policy Statement on May 2021 which outlines both constraints and opportunities for Government action in this area, including in the context of Ireland's obligations as a Member State of the European Union.
In relation to the United Nations General Assembly it is important that any proposed Resolution garner sufficient Member State support to be passed by a clear majority in the General Assembly. At this time I do not believe from our soundings on the ground that this support currently exists. A failed Resolution would set back progress on this important issue. The work of building support must continue.
Nevertheless, the Government is committed to taking action in ways which are consistent with the proposed Resolution. In the short term, the revision of the European Union’s Gas Directive and Gas Regulation provides an opportunity to build consensus within the EU, itself an important constituency for any work at the UN.
Separately, upcoming climate related events provide an opportunity to advance understanding of international dynamics around this proposal. Such events include the United Nations High-Level Dialogue on Energy in September 2021, the Conference of Parties to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity to be held in October 2021 (COP15), the Conference of Parties to United National Framework Convention on Climate Change in November 2021 (COP26), the Conference of Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (date TBC), and the United Nations Ocean Conference to be held in 2022. This will complement Ireland's engagement on the Climate and Security agenda during our term on the Security Council.
337. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when strengthening ties between the EU and Mexico was discussed at the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33126/21]
View answerStrengthening ties between the EU and the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region was discussed at the EU Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) meeting yesterday, 21 June 2021, We underlined the need to conclude the new modernised EU-Mexico Global Agreement. The new aAgreement, once ratified, will replace the existing EU-Mexico Global Agreement which entered into force in 2001.
Prior to this, EU-LAC relations were last discussed at the FAC in October 2020. At that meeting, we agreed on the importance of stepping up high-level engagement with LAC, given the importance of the partnerships we have with Mexico and other countries in the region. This preceded the December 2020 EU-LAC Ministerial Meeting, at which Mexican Foreign Minister Marcel Ebrard gave an opening address on behalf of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC).
Given his remit, my colleague the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Leo Varadkar T.D. attended the Foreign Affairs Council on Trade on 10 May 2021 where trade relations with Mexico were briefly discussed as part of the Trade Policy Review agenda point.
Mexico is Ireland and the EU's number one trade partner in the LAC region Ireland is a strong supporter of the modernisation of the EU’s trade, political and other relations with Mexico and the new Agreement sends a powerful positive message that modern comprehensive trade agreements and international co-operation are the way to tackle global challenges.
The submission of the Agreement to Council is the next step in the process. This is of course a matter for the EU Commission to propose in Council following consultations with Member States.
338. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if Ireland will propose a call for a global ban on fracking at the United Nations General Assembly on climate mitigation, public health, environmental protection and human rights grounds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33227/21]
View answerThe Programme for Government makes clear that the Government does not support the importation of fracked gas. Following upon a commitment in the Programme for Government, the Government published a Policy Statement on May 2021 which outlines both constraints and opportunities for Government action in this area, including in the context of Ireland's obligations as a Member State of the European Union.
In relation to the United Nations General Assembly it is important that any proposed Resolution garner sufficient Member State support to be passed by a clear majority in the General Assembly. At this time I do not believe from our soundings on the ground that this support currently exists. A failed Resolution would set back progress on this important issue. The work of building support must continue.
Nevertheless, the Government is committed to taking action in ways which are consistent with the proposed Resolution. In the short term, the revision of the European Union’s Gas Directive and Gas Regulation provides an opportunity to build consensus within the EU, itself an important constituency for any work at the UN.
Separately, upcoming climate related events provide an opportunity to advance understanding of international dynamics around this proposal. Such events include the United Nations High-Level Dialogue on Energy in September 2021, the Conference of Parties to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity to be held in October 2021 (COP15), the Conference of Parties to United National Framework Convention on Climate Change in November 2021 (COP26), the Conference of Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (date TBC), and the United Nations Ocean Conference to be held in 2022. This will complement Ireland's engagement on the Climate and Security agenda during our term on the Security Council.
339. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the State agencies, organisations or boards under the responsibility of his Department or that receive funding from his Department that have been charged interest for savings on deposit in Irish banks since negative interest rates were introduced; the amount of interest that has been charged to each State agency, organisation or board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33314/21]
View answerThere are no State Agencies, organisations or boards under the responsibility of the Department of Foreign Affairs.
340. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the processing of foreign births registration applications has resumed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33375/21]
View answer342. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his plans to resume the processing of foreign birth registrations; the estimated backlog; the length of time it will take to clear; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33453/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 340 and 342 together.
The processing of Foreign Births Registration (FBR) applications has been temporarily paused as a result of COVID-19 related restrictions.
There are nearly 31,000 applications in the Foreign Births Registration (FBR) system that await processing at present. Prior to COVID-19 it took twelve to eighteen months to process applications. This was due to the complex nature of FBR applications and the very high volume of applications due to Brexit.
The Passport Service will resume processing FBR applications as soon as the COVID Passport backlog is fully cleared. In cases of exceptional urgency the applicant may contact the Passport Service directly.
341. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will outline Ireland's vision and priorities for the forthcoming Generation Equality Forum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33448/21]
View answerThe Generation Equality Forum hosted by the Government of France and convened by UN Women will take place in Paris from 30 June to 2 July. Ireland has engaged closely with the preparatory process, including through my participation at the virtual high-level event hosted by the Government of Mexico in March.
The Paris Forum will launch a series of ambitious actions to further progress gender equality. My focus has been on improving access to girls' education. This builds on a 2020 Irish initiative, called the Drive for Five, working with UN Women, the Malala Fund and others. Ireland has actively championed girls' education and gender transformative education in the preparations for Paris, reflecting its importance to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Ireland will submit a number of commitments under the Generation Equality process, covering both domestic and international policy areas. They will include work to end gender-based violence, to increase access to sexual and reproductive health services, and to increase funding to women’s rights organisations.
Domestically, Ireland will commit to a series of gender equality actions, responding to the recommendations of the Citizens’ Assembly on Gender Equality from June 2021. Ireland will also take measures to advance women’s leadership in government, the arts, culture and sports sectors, in the further and higher education sector, and in senior business leadership.
Ireland has committed to investing at least US$50 million in global women’s rights over the next 5 years. Ireland also recognises the transformative role of education for gender equality, and this is why I have pledged €60 million to the Global Partnership for Education over the next five years, with €10 million earmarked to the Girls’ Accelerator Mechanism.
343. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of workers employed by his Department and in each office or agency under the aegis of his Department that earn less than the living wage of €12.30 per hour; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33591/21]
View answerThe remuneration of directly employed staff in my Department is sanctioned by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in line with Government policy. There is currently one officer within the Department of Foreign Affairs who earns less than €12.30 per hour. This excludes staff who are absent on long term sick leave.
There are no agencies under the aegis of my Department.
344. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Defence the State agencies, organisations or boards under the responsibility of his Department or that receive funding from his Department that have been charged interest for savings on deposit in Irish banks since negative interest rates were introduced; the amount of interest that has been charged to each State agency, organisation or board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33309/21]
View answerThere are two State Boards that come under the aegis of the Department of Defence, namely, the Army Pensions Board and the Defence Forces Canteen Board. Neither of these boards have incurred any negative interest rate charges since negative interest rates were first introduced.
345. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Defence if there are plans to issue an award or medal, similar to that awarded to HSE National Ambulance Service personnel, as a small token to members of the Civil Defence for their tireless and entirely voluntarily contribution to the State's Covid-19 response.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33557/21]
View answerCivil Defence is a volunteer based organisation which supports the frontline emergency services. It operates in partnership between the Department of Defence and Local Authorities throughout Ireland.
The Government acknowledges the exceptional service given by Civil Defence volunteers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Civil Defence have been, and continues to be, a core part of the emergency response structures within each Local Authority for the past 70 years. Civil Defence volunteers have contributed so much to their communities since the beginning of the pandemic.
The Department of Defence issues awards to recognise volunteers with 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 years’ service in Civil Defence. These awards recognise the service of Civil Defence volunteers and their contribution to their communities.
We are now in the early stages of the Recovery phase of the pandemic and the National Vaccination Programme is well advanced. Currently the focus remains on dealing with the ongoing Recovery phase, however officials in the Department of Defence will give due consideration to an appropriate recognition for the service given by so many volunteers in Civil Defence during the COVID-19 pandemic.
346. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Defence the number of workers employed by his Department and in each office or agency under the aegis of his Department that earn less than the living wage of €12.30 per hour; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33586/21]
View answerMy Department employs civil servants and also, civilian employees attached to military installations. The Army Pensions Board, which is an independent statutory body established under the Army Pensions Act 1927, is the only body under the aegis of my Department and its secretariat is provided from within my Department's staff. Of the civil servants and civilian employees employed by my Department, 65 earn less than €12.30 per hour.
347. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Education when her attention was first drawn to an issue with regard to the marking down of leaving certificate students in oral exams. [32902/21]
View answerThe State Examinations Commission has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the certificate examinations.
In view of this I have forwarded your query to the State Examinations Commission for direct reply to you.
348. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Education the extent of the marking down of leaving certificate students taking oral exams due to shortcomings in the way these exams were conducted; the number of students affected; and the number of schools affected. [32903/21]
View answerThe State Examinations Commission has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the certificate examinations.
In view of this I have forwarded your query to the State Examinations Commission for direct reply to you.
349. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Education her plans to redress the marking down of leaving certificate students taking oral exams due to shortcomings in the way these exams were conducted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32904/21]
View answerThe State Examinations Commission has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the certificate examinations.
In view of this I have forwarded your query to the State Examinations Commission for direct reply to you.
