Thursday, 16 Sep 2021

Written Answers Nos. 220-230

International Relations

Questions (220)

Carol Nolan

Question:

220. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the action Ireland is taking to provide humanitarian and other relief to persons suffering as a result of the recent military coup in Myanmar; the steps the Government has taken through its role on the UN Security Council and by other means to bring about a peaceful solution to the current situation in Myanmar given that the parallel government has recently declared a defensive war against the military coup; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44288/21]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs

I strongly condemn the coup carried out by the Myanmar military and the attempts to consolidate or legitimise the military regime. I call for an end to violence, the immediate and unconditional release of all those detained, including the President and State Counsellor, and the restoration of a legitimate, civilian Government. 

As a result of the coup, there is a political and humanitarian crisis in Myanmar. The country is suffering from conflict, severe economic recession, large-scale displacement, collapsing public and health services and a significant surge in COVID-19 cases. This crisis affects not just Myanmar, but threatens the stability of the region. Ireland supports an urgent, international effort to address pressing humanitarian issues within Myanmar.

Ireland continues to provide humanitarian assistance for the most vulnerable communities in Myanmar and I have called on the Myanmar military to allow unhindered access to all regions for humanitarian workers. My Department continues to provide significant resources to humanitarian partners in Myanmar, with approximately €2.5 million approved for 2021 to date.  In July, the Emergency Response Fund Scheme (ERFS) was activated in support of a project to ensure that women and girls affected by the crisis in the conflict affected Kayah State are protected from, and treated for, the consequences of Gender Based Violence.

My Department is also engaged in regular discussions with the UN organisations, International NGOs, Human Rights Groups and other organisations working actively on the ground.

Ireland supports the adoption of the sanctions against the perpetrators of the coup and the economic entities that sustain them. In this regard, I endorsed the strong and comprehensive approach set out in the Council Conclusions adopted by the FAC on February 22 and the adoption of sanctions on 22 March, 19 April and 21 June. We are currently working with the EU to consider further actions which will work to restore the democratic path in Myanmar and not negatively affect developmental gains or exacerbate the humanitarian situation.

Ireland continues to engage with discussions at the UN Security Council which has expressed deep concerns regarding developments in Myanmar, strongly condemned the use of violence by the military, and called for the release of all those detained. While this united position is welcome, Ireland would also like to see the Security Council agree more tangible actions to ensure peace and democracy in Myanmar.

The crisis remains on the agenda of the Security Council and the Irish Mission to the UN continues to engage actively for a peaceful solution to the crisis. Through the UN and our Embassy network, we are encouraging all those who have influence on the military leadership to use it to find a political resolution to this crisis and protect the human rights of the people of Myanmar.

Human Rights

Questions (221)

Carol Nolan

Question:

221. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the assessment he has made of a recent independent report (details supplied) which found that the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea enforces absolute denial of religious freedom; the actions he will take to address this particular violation of human rights in the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44289/21]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs

I believe that everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, more commonly referred to as freedom of religion or belief. As a fundamental freedom, I am concerned about any reported persecution because of religious belief, irrespective of where it occurs. 

In March 2021 Ireland made a national statement at the Human Rights Council during an Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), to raise serious concerns about human rights violations in the country. Ireland urged the DPRK to take immediate steps to halt all human rights violations, to cooperate with the Special Rapporteur’s mandate, and to fully implement the human rights treaties to which they are party.

This year Ireland co-sponsored a Resolution at the Human Rights Council, which condemned in the strongest possible terms the long-standing and ongoing systematic, widespread and gross human rights violations and other human rights abuses committed in the DPRK. The Resolution drew attention to findings made by the Commission of Inquiry in its report, including the denial of the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, including the right to adopt a religion or belief. The Resolution urges the Government of the DPRK to ensure the right to freedom of religion or belief. It also raises severe concerns about the discrimination under the songbun system, which classifies people based on State-assigned social class and birth and includes consideration of political opinions and religion.

Freedom of religion or belief is a priority for Ireland’s engagement on human rights issues at the UN. In February, Ireland signed a joint letter to the President of the UN Security Council, requesting that the agenda item, ‘The situation in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’ remain on the list of items of which the Council is seized. This provides a possibility to discuss the DPRK, including human rights issues, at Security Council level. Ireland joined others in repeating this request at a meeting of the Security Council on 25 August. My Department will continue to assess the situation in the DPRK, paying particular attention to the human rights situation and all independent and credible reports of violations, and in the specific context of Ireland’s membership of the Security Council.

International Relations

Questions (222, 223)

Carol Nolan

Question:

222. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the assessment he has made of the growing trend of passing so-called anti-conversion laws in recent years in India, Bhutan, Nepal and Myanmar; the actions he has taken and will take to address the violations of religious freedom these laws impose on the citizens of countries and states which have adopted them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44290/21]

Carol Nolan

Question:

223. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the actions he has taken to express concern to the Indian Government at the new anti-conversion law recently passed in Uttar Pradesh, India’s most populous state which will affect over 200 million persons and will curtail their religious freedom; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44291/21]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs

I propose to take Questions Nos. 222 and 223 together.

I believe that everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, more commonly referred to as freedom of religion and belief. This right includes the freedom to change religion or belief as enshrined in Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. As a fundamental freedom, I am concerned about any reported persecution because of religious belief, irrespective of where it occurs. 

Ireland's engagement on human rights issues in India, Bhutan, Nepal and Myanmar occurs at two levels- firstly we engage bilaterally on the ground through our Embassies and secondly at the multilateral level through the EU and UN. 

At Embassy level, for example, we meet with national Government representatives and our Embassies engage actively with EU delegations in these countries and with our EU partners when appropriate.  Our Embassy in New Delhi is monitoring developments regarding the implementation of the new anti-conversion law in Uttar Pradesh.

At the EU level, Ireland participates in regular EU dialogues with countries in Asia.  Furthermore, the EU Special Representative for Human Rights, Mr. Eamon Gilmore also engages on issues of concern in these countries.  At UN level, we make interventions at the UN Human Rights Council on any issues of concern and we are tirelessly advocating for human rights during our term on the UN Security Council. 

We continue to keep this issue under review, particularly through our Embassies accredited to these countries, and to consider whether the EU should raise these matters with the authorities during human rights dialogues with these countries.  

Question No. 223 answered with Question No. 222.

Ministerial Appointments

Questions (224)

Réada Cronin

Question:

224. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 411 of 9 September 2021, the expenses claimed and paid to a person (details supplied) in relation to work done in securing the UN seat and any other project given that this information was requested but not provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44320/21]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs

Subsistence expenses were processed through the Department of Children and Youth Affairs in relation to three visits carried out by the then Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Ms. Katherine Zappone, in her capacity as Special Envoy for the UN Security Council campaign. The Department of Foreign Affairs reimbursed the Department of Children and Youth Affairs for these costs.

The visits and subsistence costs that related to the then Minster's role as Special Envoy were as follows: 

1. UN General Assembly, New York, September 2019        

Subsistence: €647.82

2. International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD+25), Nairobi, November 2019:           

Subsistence: €288.36

3. Bilateral meetings, New York, March 2020: 

Subsistence: €564.23

I can confirm that subsistence was calculated in accordance with regulations for the civil service as set out in the relevant circulars issued by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.

The Department of Foreign Affairs paid for then-Minister Zappone’s accommodation and flights as follows:

1. UN General Assembly, New York, September 2019        

Flights: €2216.69 (reimbursed to the Department of Children and Youth Affairs)

Accommodation: €2684.24 

2. International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD+25), Nairobi, November 2019:           

Flights: €1186.94

Accommodation: €848.75       

3. Bilateral meetings, New York, March 2020: 

Flights: €1146.46 (reimbursed to the Department of Children and Youth Affairs)

Unless otherwise indicated, the cost of flights and accommodation were borne directly by the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (225)

Holly Cairns

Question:

225. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will ensure that all staff in his Department and public bodies and agencies that operate under his remit who, by necessity of their work have to come into close proximity with others, including other employees or members of the public are provided with medical grade masks in the EN14683 category; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44374/21]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs

The Department of Foreign Affairs is guided by Government policy and guidelines on COVID-19, including Reframing the Challenge, Continuing our Recovery and Reconnecting, and the Work Safely Protocol published by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, as well as by HSE advice.  The Department provides staff with face masks where they are deemed essential for the performance of their duties.  Face masks purchased by the Department comply with European Union standard EN14683:2019 Type IIR.        

Northern Ireland

Questions (226)

Brendan Smith

Question:

226. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the outcome of the most recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in relation to the unacceptable proposals put forward by the British Government concerning a troubles-related amnesty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44415/21]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs

It has been the consistent position of the Government that the Stormont House Agreement provides a balanced and comprehensive framework, to address the painful legacy of the Troubles based on the principles of truth, justice, rule of law and reconciliation. Progress on its implementation is crucial, for families and victims and for society as a whole. It was agreed in 2014 by both Governments and the political parties after intensive negotiations, and it must be implemented.

The proposals published by the British Government on 14 July last for a ‘Statute of Limitations’, ending criminal investigations and prosecutions relating to Troubles-related incidents, as well as inquests and civil litigation, have caused significant upset, shock and concern. They represent a very radical departure from the Stormont House Agreement and we do not accept them as the basis of a way forward.

Where the British Government are proposing significant changes to that framework, these must be discussed and agreed by both Governments and the parties to the Northern Ireland Executive. Only through a collective approach can we hope to deal with these issues comprehensively and fairly and in a way that responds to the needs of victims, survivors and society.

Following a meeting of the British Irish Intergovernmental Conference on 24 June, we agreed to begin an intensive process of engagement with the British Government and the Northern Ireland parties to find an agreed way forward, with discussions beginning in July. Importantly, this process has engaged fully with victims’ representatives. The intention is to find an agreed way forward that will allow implementing legislation to be introduced in both the UK and Ireland by the end of this Autumn.  

It is the position of the Government that there should be effective investigations into all Troubles-related deaths, regardless of the perpetrator. The rule of law and the protections afforded by the European Convention on Human Rights must apply equally to everyone and must be upheld, and this principle is at the core of the Stormont House framework.

We have strongly communicated our position on this issue to the British Government and will continue to do so, and to caution in the clearest terms against any unilateral action. I spoke with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Brandon Lewis, on 3 September on this and the ongoing legacy engagement process.  The Government will continue to engage and work with the British Government and the parties represented on the Northern Ireland Executive on this very important issue in the period immediately ahead.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (227)

Holly Cairns

Question:

227. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Defence if he will ensure that all staff in his Department and public bodies and agencies that operate under his remit who, by necessity of their work have to come into close proximity with others, including other employees or members of the public are provided with medical grade masks in the EN14683 category; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44369/21]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

The Department of Defence has complied with both the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) and Covid19 public health guidelines, providing all staff with barrier facemasks (black reusable) to be worn while in attendance in any of the Department's buildings. Masks provided meet the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) certified standard.

With regards to Defence Force personnel, the Defence Forces Covid19 guidance on PPE, Decontamination and Cleaning Procedures outlines the exact requirements for the type and standard of PPE to be worn for the different activities in which members of the Defence Forces may be engaged.

The Defence Forces barrier facemask (black reusable) is worn for routine garrison, operational and training activities where there is not an elevated threat of COVID-19. Masks are provided and resupplied to members of the Defence Forces as required with specific instructions for use. These masks also meet the NSAI certified standard. Barrier facemasks are also provided to all civilian personnel employed in any of the Defence Force premises.

The Defence Forces instruct and supervise its members on the use of PPE. Different levels of PPE are used as required for the range of likely tasks the DF may be employed in as part of DF COVID-19 support operations. Facemasks are to a minimum standard of EN 149:2001. This standard exceeds the standard of EN14683.

 

Defence Forces

Questions (228)

Holly Cairns

Question:

228. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Defence if he will establish a full independent investigation to determine the extent of sexual abuse, harassment and assault in the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44402/21]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

All members of the Defence Forces 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. Unacceptable forms of behaviour are not tolerated in the Defence Forces and where there are allegations of offences having been committed, investigations will be initiated by the appropriate authorities.

I  listened with concern to the women who recounted their experiences on the Women of Honour programme on RTE Radio on the 11 September 2021. I am committed to meeting with the women profiled, should they wish to do so.

Regular reports on such matters are sent to me formally from the Chief of Staff.   I have also received information on such matters by correspondence provided to me in a confidential manner by individuals who wished to have their identity protected.  It would be inappropriate for me to discuss individual cases, as it would be in relation to those cases which are within an independent adjudication process. 

I am aware of some of the complaints profiled in that programme but not the specific details of all.  Senior officials have personally met and interacted with some of the people who were profiled on the programme, to facilitate them in bringing their complaints forward for investigation to the appropriate competent authority, An Garda Síochána.

The Deputy will be aware that there have been three Reports from the Independent Monitoring Group (IMG) since the publication of the Report in 2002 of the External Advisory Committee on the Defence Forces – “The challenge of a Workplace”, in which matters related to bullying, harassment, discrimination and sexual harassment were examined.

Since 2002, reforms have been introduced and there are practices, and procedures in place within the Defence Forces set out in regulation and policy documents for addressing allegations of inappropriate behaviour, including sexual harassment, harassment and bullying. Trained Designated Contact Persons are available to provide confidential support services to personnel.  In addition, a range of other support services are available to personnel and their families, including the Personnel Support Service and Inspire 24/7 helpline.

It is recognised however, that further work needs to be done. A number of specific actions have been in progress over the past few months with a view to shaping future reforms.

Extensive discussions, which have been taking place in recent months on the establishment of an independent review, are at an advanced stage.   The purpose of this independent review is to examine current policies and procedures dealing with workplace issues such as dignity, bullying, harassment, sexual harassment and discrimination. I will be shortly making a statement on the matter, once the terms have  been reviewed in light of the programme.

The Commission on Defence Forces established in December 2020, is due to report by end December 2021 and their views will also be an important aid to the Independent Review.

I wish to reiterate to the Deputy that any type of inappropriate behaviour is unacceptable and allegations relating to sexual offences are extremely serious.  Irrespective of when such matters of a criminal nature may have occurred, I remain of the view that they are best investigated by An Garda Síochána who have the powers and expertise to do so. I would again therefore, strongly urge anyone who has been the victim of a sexual assault to contact the Gardai without delay and in addition, to seek professional help and guidance which is available from State agencies such as the HSE or from registered charities specialising in this area.

I can assure the Deputy that both I, as Minister, and the Defence Organisation, are committed to providing a safe place of work for all employees.

State Examinations

Questions (229)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

229. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Education the analysis her Department has carried out into the possibility of re-evaluating the leaving certificate examination results in respect of students who completed their leaving certificates in 2019 and 2020 but have missed out on their chosen course of study for the 2021-2022 academic year due to grade inflation in 2020 and 2021 as a result of the calculated grades system; the research or analysis that has been carried out into the number of students adversely affected by grade inflation in 2020 and 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44239/21]

Written answers

Minister for Education

As a consequence of the disruption to education caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, measures were put in place to seek to compensate for the loss of learning of this year's Leaving Certificate students. These students had the choice to sit examinations, (adjusted to take account of students' experience over their Senior Cycle), opt for Accredited Grades, or both, on a subject by subject basis.   In 2020 a system of Leaving Certificate Calculated Grades was offered to students following the decision that it would not be possible, for public health reasons, to conduct that year’s Leaving Certificate examinations in the normal manner. This was followed by a later sitting of the Leaving Certificate examinations following which candidates who both sat the examinations and received Calculated Grades were awarded their best results between the two systems in their final results.

The results of the 2021 Leaving Certificate were issued to students on 3 September.  Under the legislation which underpins the system of Accredited Grades, the 2021 Leaving Certificate comprises examinations and Accredited Grades.  The Leaving Certificate results which issued to candidates on their provisional statements and which will be issued on the Final Certificates are the results of the 2021 Leaving Certificate and do not distinguish examination grades from Accredited Grades. The overall profile of results this year is somewhat stronger than the profile of results in 2020.

Due to the twin track approach to providing Leaving Certificate 2021, the 2021 outcomes are a unique set of outcomes reflecting the exceptional arrangements that were put in place for the 2021 Leaving Certificate. Ultimately, these are the Leaving Certificate results for 2021 which have the same status as any other Leaving Certificate as a measure of attainment at the end of Senior Cycle.

The purpose of the Leaving Certificate is to measure attainment and satisfy the achievement of completion of second level education.  The results of the Leaving Certificate are used by candidates following a number of different paths, including as a means of entry to the world of work, to apprenticeships or traineeships, to further education or to higher education.  The Central Applications Office (CAO) and the Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) use the results of the examination to regulate entry into Higher Education.  The entry requirements for third level education are matters for the HEIs, who are autonomous bodies, and they deal with these matters through the central applications process in line with their own decisions.  At a departmental level, responsibility for entry into further and higher education is a matter for the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.

Schools Building Projects

Questions (230)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

230. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education the status of a site for a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44240/21]

Written answers

Minister for Education

Officials from my Department have been working closely with Kerry Co Council under the Memorandum of Understanding for the acquisition of school sites in order to identify and procure a suitable site for the school. 

A number of potential site options have been identified and investigated.  Unfortunately in the case of most of the options identified, either the land could not be acquired from the landowner or the site was ultimately considered unfeasible to develop. 

However, a suitable site has been identified and discussions are ongoing with the Council in relation to the provision of access and services.   We have other site options which have been identified and are still under consideration.

Due to commercial sensitivities relating to site acquisitions generally I am not in a position to provide further details at this time.