Written Answers Nos. 91-107
91. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Finance if his Department is taking steps to improve access to the Revenue Commissioner phone lines for persons who either are not capable of managing their tax affairs online or for those who have complex issues that require a detailed conversation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53627/21]
View answerI am advised by Revenue that its telephone Helplines remain operational despite the difficulties encountered from the COVID-19 pandemic. Further details on the Helpline opening hours is available on the 'Contact Us' page of Revenue website, which may be of interest to the Deputy.
Revenue has also confirmed that the LPT, PAYE and Self-Assessment Helplines are currently experiencing exceptionally heavy volumes of calls as filing dates for those taxes draw near, for example the LPT Helpline is currently handling up to 10,000 calls per day. To ensure the level of service is maintained through this busy period, Revenue has deployed additional resources to the Helplines, which will remain in place for the duration of the peak periods.
I am aware that Revenue has invested significantly in designing IT systems in recent years and provides a comprehensive range of online services for taxpayers to manage their tax affairs. These services, which include an online communication channel through the MyEnquiries system, are available 24/7, are easy to use, are fully secure and, in most cases, remove the need to make telephone contact. I am assured that the systems are intuitive and straightforward to use and do not require a significant level of IT literacy.
Regarding situations where complex tax issues exist that require direct engagement, Revenue provides a one to one appointment service with the relevant official. These engagements can be carried out remotely by video conferencing. Such an appointment can be arranged by contacting 01 738 3660. The appointment phoneline opening hours are 09.30 to 13.30 (Monday to Friday).
Finally, if the Deputy is aware of a specific taxpayer that requires assistance, he should provide the details through the Oireachtas Helpline telephone number and Revenue will make direct contact.
92. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if his Department has adopted the Workplace Relations Commission Code of Conduct on the Right to Disconnect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53484/21]
View answerI wish to inform the Deputy that the rights of employees to disconnect and switch off from work, enshrined in the Workplace Relations Commission Code of Practice on “The Right to Disconnect”, represent one of 19 underlying Themes of 5 key, interrelated Dimensions of employee health and wellbeing identified in the Civil Service Health and Wellbeing Framework prepared by my Department. The Civil Service HR Division in my Department is currently preparing an Information Note for Civil Service employers on the “Right to Disconnect”.
The Civil Service is committed to providing a safe and healthy work environment for all civil servants and to ensure that their health, welfare and wellbeing at work is, as far as possible, reasonably protected. The Civil Service Health and Wellbeing Framework has been drawn up to support Civil Service Departments and Offices in developing their own health and wellbeing programmes and to enable them to respond to the individual needs and characteristics of their organisations. The Framework is a guidance document, which outlines the importance of a healthy Civil Service workplace in safeguarding employee health and wellbeing across 5 key Dimensions.
93. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if her Department has adopted the Workplace Relations Commission Code of Conduct on the Right to Disconnect; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53820/21]
View answerThe Workplace Relations Commission's (WRC’s) Code of Practice provides guidance on best practice to organisations and their employees on the Right to Disconnect. It is not a question of organisations adopting the WRC Code of Practice but a question of working up their own tailored policy. As stated in the Code of Practice, employers should engage proactively with employees and/or their trade union or other employees’ representatives to develop a Right to Disconnect Policy that takes account of the particular needs of the organisation and its workforce.
Discussions are underway among several Departments - including my Department - to develop cross-Departmental guidance in order to support individual Departments to develop their Right to Disconnect policies.
94. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of successful bids submitted by Tipperary County Council under the national taking in charge initiative; the number of bids submitted by Tipperary County Council; the status of the current bids; when a decision will be made on the current bids submitted; the outcome of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53416/21]
View answerIn 2016 my Department sought to trial new approaches and working methods in supporting and accelerating overall national and local action on the process of taking in charge residential estates including those with developer provided water services infrastructure. This was done through a pilot initiative called the National Taking in Charge Initiative (NTICI).
Following the NTICI process my Department published the National Taking in Charge Initiative Report, in 2018. The report sets outs details of the bids arrangements and funding made to local authorities under the pilot initiative. The report included findings and recommendations which led to the introduction of the multi-annual funding programme, now in place, for the progressive resolution of housing estates with developer provided water services infrastructure.
The report is available on my Department's website at the following link:
www.housing.old.gov.ie/sites/default/files/publications/files/national_taking_in_charge_initiative_report_dec2018.pdf
Under the NTICI process Tipperary County Council were recouped €278,616 for the resolution of three estates with developer provided water services infrastructure (see Table 2 of NTICI report).
On 21 September 2020, I announced allocations under the new multi-annual capital investment programme - the Multi-annual Developer Provided Water Services Infrastructure Resolution Programme 2019-2021 - for the progressive resolution of housing estates with developer provided water services infrastructure, to enable the taking in charge of these estates.
The focus of the first multi-annual programme is on estates in towns and villages where the resolution is to connect their water services to the public networks. The programme will also support a number of pilot projects where connection is not feasible in the immediate future. These pilot projects, together with a major study currently being undertaken by Irish Water, will inform future policy considerations on resolving sub-standard developer provided infrastructure with sustainable solutions.
All local authorities that submitted bids were informed about the outcome of their bids in a circular which included a copy of an independent Expert Panel report on the bids process. The report provides the commentary of the Panel on their evaluation in the case of unsuccessful bids and guidance for the local authority in making future bids in upcoming programmes.
The circular is available on my Department's website at the following link:
www.housing.gov.ie/water/water-services/circular-ldpi01-2020-approval-projects-residential-estates-under-developer
None of the eleven bids from Tipperary County Council examined under the first announcement were successful (see table at Appendix C of the report) for funding for resolution of their developer provided infrastructure. However, under the approvals circular, local authorities were asked to examine further estates that required funding for resolution. Arising from this process, valid bids for four estates were received from Tipperary County Council.
I am awaiting a report from the Expert Panel following an evaluation of these further estates and the pilot projects.
95. Deputy Ciarán Cannon asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the recourse the Property Registration Authority has when an application for first registration by way of a form 3, that is, such applications based on a solicitor's certificate in form 3 pursuant to Rule 19(3) of the Land Registration Rules 2012, is made and the information contained within the form 3 is subsequently proven to be incorrect; and if the Property Registration Authority has the ability to withdraw a folio if it is based on incorrect documentation. [53426/21]
View answerI am informed by the Property Registration Authority (PRA) that, under the Form 3 procedure, the PRA effects registration based on the certification of the solicitor who investigates the title to the property registered. The solicitor certifying the title must be a practising solicitor, that is, s/he must hold a practising certificate from the Incorporated Law Society of Ireland. In addition, the solicitor certifying the title must be the purchaser’s solicitor, that is, the solicitor who acted for the purchaser in the relevant conveyance or assignment.
Section 32(1) of the Registration of Title Act 1964, as substituted by Section 55 of the Registration of Deeds and Title Act 2006, provides for the rectification of errors originating in the Land Registry and not cases such as those outlined by the Deputy.
In cases where incorrect information is provided in a Form 3 for which registration has been completed, the PRA has no legal basis to withdraw the folio from the Register. Rectification of the National Land Register for such cases rests with the solicitor and/or the applicant, and an appropriate application or a Court Order must be lodged in the PRA to ensure the title is accurately reflected in the Register and the Land Registry Map. The correct application will depend on the particular circumstances of the case, and the solicitor for the owner, rather than the PRA, is the appropriate person to advise on this. The PRA may, however, be able to assist a solicitor in avoiding queries, if they engage prior to lodgement.
Section 31(1) of the Registration of Title Act 1964 gives further power to the courts to make orders in a case of actual fraud or mistake.
In cases where incorrect information is contained in a Form 3 for which registration is still pending, the lodging solicitor should withdraw the dealing.
96. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the exact assessment criteria used for the HMD form 1 disability and or medical information used by local authorities for persons applying for inclusion on the social housing list or transfer; if there is a specific prohibition on two medical professionals who work in the same practice filling in the form on behalf of one applicant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53454/21]
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 allocation of local authority dwellings, including the prioritisation of certain households, is a matter for the local authority concerned, in accordance with their allocation schemes made under section 22 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 and associated Regulations.
The 2011 Assessment Regulations prescribes, within the Regulations, the housing support application form which must be completed. These Regulations also provide that the local authority may request additional information where it is necessary to assess the applicant’s eligibility for housing support as it is doing in requesting the HMD1 form. The purpose of the HMD1 form is to obtain sufficient information to allow the local authority to assess the nature of the applicant’s condition in order to award a priority to the applicant if that is merited.
With regard to completion of the HMD1 form, two professionals from the same medical practice may complete the form provided that one of them is a medical doctor. The second person may be a nurse, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, or other health professional whose experience with the housing applicant gives them an understanding of their medical and social needs. This ensures that local authority has all of the information to make a full assessment of the applicant's needs and how these could best be met in the allocation of a dwelling.
97. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide an overview of the current regulation and market surveillance in place to ensure that defective blocks are not being produced or sold; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53124/21]
View answerThe legal framework and rules for placing construction products on the market, including concrete blocks, are established in the first place at European level and then national provisions can be set at Member State level.
- The Construction Products Regulation (EU) No 305/2011 (CPR) sets out rules for the marketing of construction products in the EU. Where a construction product covered by a harmonised standard is being placed on the EU market, the CPR requires the manufacturer to draw up a ‘declaration of performance’ and affix a ‘CE’ marking to the product. In order to do so, manufacturers must test and declare the performance of their construction products using a common technical language prescribed in the harmonised standard.
- The National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI), is Ireland’s official standards body and is an autonomous body under the aegis of the Minister for Enterprise Trade and Employment. NSAI has produced additional guidance to some harmonised standards, under the CPR, in the form of Standard Recommendations (SRs) which set out appropriate minimum performance levels for specific intended uses of certain construction products in Ireland.
The manufacturer is responsible for compliance with the CPR and in particular for the Declaration of Performance/CE marking of the construction product he or she is placing on the market, having full knowledge of the raw material (as is legally required by the CPR via the relevant harmonised European Standards) and having regard to the end product’s suitability for use in construction works in accordance with the relevant Standard Recommendations published by the NSAI.
In relation to the specification of concrete blocks, the relevant suite of harmonised standards facilitating specification of masonry units is the EN 771 (series). NSAI has published additional guidance in the form of ‘S.R. 325:2013+A2:2018/AC:2019 Recommendations for the design of masonry structures in Ireland to Eurocode 6’ which
- provides guidance on the choice of masonry units and mortar classes most appropriate for particular situations as regards durability for finished work in Ireland, and
- recommends the use of Category 1 aggregate concrete blocks, which require independent third party oversight of factory production control by a Notified Body (a designated body that carries out third-party tasks).
Aggregate is a key constituent of concrete blocks. Category 1 aggregate concrete blocks, should meet the prescribed density, compressive strength and be made with dense aggregate conforming to ‘I.S. EN 12620+A1:2008 - Aggregates for concrete’ and ‘S.R. 16:2016 Guidance on the use of I.S. EN 12620:2002+A1:2008 - Aggregates for concrete’. Importantly, ‘S.R. 16:2016’ outlines the precautions to be taken in the quarry to reduce the risk of harmful impurities in aggregate production. This includes the requirement for a geological and petrographic assessment of the raw material (i.e. the quarry deposit) and of the finished aggregate product for use in concrete and concrete products to be carried out at regular intervals. The key objective of the geological and petrological examination is to determine if aggregates for the manufacture of concrete are fit for purpose and if deleterious materials are present in such form or quantity that may affect end use and performance.
Whilst the CPR focuses on the conditions which apply when placing a product on the market, clients, specifiers, designers and builders etc., should:
- when drawing up specifications, refer to the harmonised technical specifications and specifically to the requirements of individual characteristics when necessary,
- when choosing the products most suitable for their intended use in construction works, review the manufacturer’s Declaration of Performance,
- check the Standard Recommendations published by NSAI, which give guidance on appropriate minimum performance levels for specific intended uses of the product in Ireland, and
- ensure compliance with the Building Regulations 1997 to 2021, in this regard all works should be carried out in a workmanlike manner, using proper materials which are fit for he use for which they are intended and for the conditions in which they are to be used.
Each Member State is responsible for regulating for its own market surveillance activities in accordance with the specific requirements of the CPR and the broader overarching requirements of the Market Surveillance Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2019/1020). This Regulation establishes an EU wide framework for market surveillance, and came into full effect in July 2021. This strengthens the existing provisions in the CPR (and other Union harmonisation legislation), relating to the compliance of products, the framework for cooperation with organisations representing economic operators or end users, the market surveillance of products and controls on products entering the EU market.
Under the European Union (Construction Products) Regulations 2013 (S.I. No.225 of 2013), each of the building control authorities (local authorities) have been designated as the principal market surveillance authorities for construction products that fall within the scope of the CPR, within their administrative areas.
In addition, Dublin City Council has been appointed as a competent authority for the carrying out of market surveillance functions under the European Union (Construction Products) Regulations 2013 for all related construction products on a nationwide basis. Dublin City Council-National Building Control Office, (DCC-NBCO) Market Surveillance Unit has been established for this purpose. Building control authorities will liaise with DCC-NBCO national market surveillance unit to support compliance with the CPR and to determine appropriate action on enforcement matters, as they arise.
Ireland’s National market surveillance programme 2021 is published on the website of the European Commission. Section 2.5 provides specific details with the market surveillance of construction products and outlines a market surveillance campaign led by DCC-NBCO, which has recently commenced, to perform risk assessments of selected quarrying and pit operations, follow-up inspections, sampling and testing as appropriate to ensure compliance with the CPR. Geological Survey Ireland are providing technical assistance and expertise to this campaign.
In addition, I have asked the NBCO, in collaboration with GSI to conduct a focussed campaign in Co Donegal in relation to concrete blocks to ensure compliance with standards.
98. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the amounts levied on derelict sites by local authorities in 2020; the overall market value of sites on the register; and the levies still outstanding by local authority. [53525/21]
View answerThe data requested in relation to amounts levied and levies outstanding is outlined in the table below. My Department does not collect data on the market value of sites on the Derelict Sites Registers of local authorities. Each local authority can be contacted for this information. The deadline for 2020 data returns to my Department was October 15, 2021 - to date all local authorities, with the exception of Laois County Council, have submitted a return.
|
Local Authority |
Amount levied during the year |
Amount received in respect of sites levied during 2020 |
Amount outstanding in respect of sites levied during 2020 |
Cumulative amount of levies outstanding at 31 December 2020 |
|
Carlow |
€64,364.00 |
€3,500.00 |
€60,864.00 |
€143,414.00 |
|
Cavan |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
|
Clare |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
|
Cork County |
€44,700.00 |
€900.00 |
€43,800.00 |
€44,700.00 |
|
Cork City |
€1,739,640.00 |
€163,231.00 |
€1,576,409.00 |
€3,432,955.00 |
|
Donegal |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
|
Dublin City |
€1,648,150.00 |
€142,165.00 |
€1,505,985.00 |
€3,445,769.00 |
|
Dún Laoghaire Rathdown |
€301,000.00 |
€25,800.00 |
€275,200.00 |
€637,886.00 |
|
Fingal |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
€7,500.00 |
|
Galway City |
€298,900.00 |
€21,000.00 |
€277,900.00 |
€401,800.00 |
|
Galway County |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
|
Kerry |
€150,162.00 |
€0.00 |
€150,162.00 |
€244,145.00 |
|
Kildare |
€93,450.00 |
€0.00 |
€93,450.00 |
€207,463.00 |
|
Kilkenny |
€3,150.00 |
€120.00 |
€3,030.00 |
€3,030.00 |
|
Laois |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
Leitrim |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
|
Limerick City & County |
€280,265.00 |
€15,545.00 |
€264,720.00 |
€792,212.00 |
|
Longford |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
|
Louth |
€13,500.00 |
€0.00 |
€13,500.00 |
€38,400.00 |
|
Mayo |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
|
Meath |
€116,654.00 |
€0.00 |
€116,654.00 |
€575,951.00 |
|
Monaghan |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
|
Offaly |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
€120,240.00 |
|
Roscommon |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
€4,200.00 |
|
Sligo |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
|
South Dublin |
€37,417.00 |
€0.00 |
€37,417.00 |
€212,533.00 |
|
Tipperary |
€45,150.00 |
€0.00 |
€45,150.00 |
€59,700.00 |
|
Waterford City & County |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
|
Westmeath |
€370,500.00 |
€6,502.00 |
€363,998.00 |
€1,595,308.00 |
|
Wexford |
€199,640.00 |
€0.00 |
€199,640.00 |
€411,080.00 |
|
Wicklow |
€42,000.00 |
€0.00 |
€42,000.00 |
€92,250.00 |
|
Total |
€5,448,642.00 |
€378,763.00 |
€5,069,879.00 |
€12,470,536.00 |
99. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the projects supported under the community monument fund in County Mayo in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53527/21]
View answerThe Community Monuments Fund was first established as part of the 2020 July Jobs Stimulus in response to the Covid emergency. Over 2020 and 2021, some 200 heritage projects have been funded to the value of €5.35 million. The grants available under the Community Monuments Fund help custodians and owners of archaeological monuments to safeguard them into the future for the benefit of local communities and the visiting public. In addition they provide support for heritage professions and job opportunities in archaeology, building conservation and traditional skills. Details of funding awards for Mayo are set out below. All awards under the Community Monuments Fund are published on my Department's website.
|
Year |
CMF Stream |
Project |
Total Sought |
Total Awarded |
|
2020 |
Stream 1 |
Old Killeen Graveyard, Attymas: Repair of roadside boundary wall and stile. |
€6,727 |
€6,727 |
|
2020 |
Stream 2 |
Kill Abbey, Shrule, A Conservation Plan to protect into the future. |
€12,740 |
€12,740 |
|
2020 |
Stream 3 |
Kilmovee, Heritage Trail: Development of Interpretive Plan for Proposed Heritage Trail |
€9,135 |
€9,135 |
|
2021 |
Stream 1 |
Kill Abbey, Shrule, Conservation works. |
€37,807 |
€37,807 |
|
2021 |
Stream 2 |
Knockatemple Ecclesiastical Site: A Conservation plan to stabilise the ruins. |
€6,888 |
€6,888 |
|
2021 |
Stream 2 |
Kilgeever Abbey: A Conservation plan to inform a conservation repair strategy |
€11,685 |
€11,685 |
|
2021 |
Stream 3 |
Killmovee Heritage Trail: Advanced archaeological works to protect the monuments and provide public access. |
€9,792 |
€9,792 |
100. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the safeguards in place to ensure that projects funded under the community monument fund meet higher academic and conservation standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53528/21]
View answerThe Community Monuments Fund was first established as part of the 2020 July Jobs Stimulus in response to the Covid emergency. Over 2020 and 2021, some 200 heritage projects have been funded to the value of €5.35 million. The grants available under the Community Monuments Fund help custodians and owners of archaeological monuments to safeguard them into the future for the benefit of local communities and the visiting public. In addition they provide support for heritage professions and job opportunities in archaeology, building conservation and traditional skills.
The National Monuments Service of my Department, which manages the scheme, observes and complies with strict archaeological and conservation principles in awarding funding and has project controls in place to ensure the highest standards are met. All successful applicants to the Community Monuments Fund are expected to adhere to the highest standards which are set out very clearly in the explanatory memorandum for the grant scheme which is circulated and made available publically upon the opening of the call for applications. This includes the need to have qualified heritage professionals engaged on each project teams and adherence to consents and permissions prescribed under the National Monuments Acts, as well as requirements as part of the payment recoupments process.
101. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the current processing time for first-time passport applications for children in cases in which an application is taking significantly longer than the estimated processing time; the efforts that are being taken to reduce these lengthy delays; the number of such applications waiting longer than the estimated processing time; the overall number of passport applications waiting to be processed by the passport office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53446/21]
View answerThe current processing time for first time passport applications is 40 working days for Passport Online and 8 weeks for applications submitted through An Post's "Passport Express" service.
The Passport Service is currently experiencing a high demand for first time passports. There are currently 67,000 first time applications on hand with the Passport Service. Almost half of online first time applications require the applicant or their guardian to submit the documents necessary to complete the passport application. These cannot be processed by the Passport Service until all relevant documents have been submitted and the application is fully complete. The Passport Service engages with all applicants who have not submitted the required documentation to ensure that their application is completed correctly and can proceed through the processing system. Unfortunately, 5,000 (7%) of first time applications are past the estimated issue date advised on our website. The Passport Service prioritises these applications and is working very hard to eliminate this problem.
Over half a million passports and cards have been issued to date in 2021. Almost 45% of passports for simple online adult renewals issue within one business day. There are currently 135,000 passport applications on hand at the Passport Service. Of these, over 50,000 online applications are pending submission by the applicant of a range of outstanding documentation.
To protect the integrity of the Irish Passport, first time applications require careful processing in order to validate the identity of the applicant and their entitlement to Irish citizenship for the first time. Additionally, in the case of children, consent of guardians must be validated. Accordingly, the current processing time for first-time online applications is longer than for that of a passport renewal application.
The Passport Service continually examines how to improve processing times, including examining the processes around the verification and processing of the supporting documentation for first time applicants. The Passport Service is also working closely with the Department’s Human Resources Division and with the Public Appointments Service on an ongoing basis to recruit additional staff to meet the current and forecasted demand for passports, including first time applications.
The Passport Online service is the most efficient channel for passport applications and is available to first time applicants, both children and adults, in Ireland, Northern Ireland, Great Britain, Europe, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the USA. I urge citizens and parents applying for first time passports for themselves or their minor children to ensure that they apply in plenty of time in order to have their passport in hand well in advance of their travel date.
In the context of the National Development Plan, my Department is making a major investment in the future of the Passport Service. Over the next couple of years, we will replace the core technology underpinning the service, which will deliver efficiencies and a more resilient passport system. Budget 2022 also included an investment of an additional €10m for the Passport Service in response to the increasing demand for passports at home and abroad.
102. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide an update on the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53522/21]
View answerI can confirm to the Deputy that we continue to provide all possible support to the family referred to. I personally met with the family previously, and was struck by the traumatic sequence of events that transpired in this case. I can wholly appreciate the toll this situation has taken on the family and support the need for answers to the questions still outstanding in relation to their loved one's passing.
In that regard, I have written to my counterparts in the relevant country to ask for an update on this case and request that the family receives all possible supports locally. I have duly received assurances of assistance from my counterparts, who are also in direct contact with the family. My Department has encouraged the family to also seek legal representation. The Deputy can be assured of our ongoing support where possible and as appropriate.
103. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when applications for foreign birth registration for the purpose of obtaining Irish citizenship on the basis of a parent or grandparent were suspended; when it is expected that they will be resumed; his plans to deal with the backlog which will have inevitably arisen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53542/21]
View answerMy Department is responsible for citizenship by descent through the Foreign Births Register under the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended.
Individuals may apply for Irish citizenship through Foreign Birth Registration if one of their grandparents was born in Ireland or if one of their parents was an Irish citizen at the time of their birth, even if the parent was not born in Ireland. Once a person is entered onto the Foreign Births Register, they are an Irish citizen and are entitled to apply for an Irish passport.
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the processing time for Foreign Birth Registration applications stood at 18 months due to an unprecedented surge in applications as a result of Brexit, and the necessary rigorous processing that applies to citizenship applications.
Due to pandemic-related restrictions, the current pause in Foreign Birth Registration processing began in late December 2020. Since their return to the workplace, Foreign Birth Registration staff have been reassigned to assist in the delivery of essential services. There are approximately 31,000 Foreign Birth Registration applications currently on-hand. Foreign Birth Registration staff have continued to provide an emergency service for Foreign Birth Registration in cases of exceptional urgency, such as expectant parents, or stateless persons. Over 5,000 emergency Foreign Birth Registration applications have been processed so far in 2021. In cases of exceptional urgency, Foreign Birth Registration applicants may continue to contact the Passport Service directly. For other applications, the Department will operate a transparent general policy of processing Foreign Birth Registration applications in order of receipt.
The Passport Service is actively planning to resume processing Foreign Birth Registration applications as soon as possible and I will arrange to have the Deputy informed once a date for the resumption of processing these applications has been finalised. My Department is committed to allocating further resources to assist with the high volume of applications, with a focus on reducing turnaround times. In the medium term, changes to the Foreign Birth Registration process to increase efficiencies and improve the customer experience will be delivered under the next phase of my Department's Passport Reform Programme.
104. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his Department has adopted the Workplace Relations Commission Code of Conduct on the Right to Disconnect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53813/21]
View answerMy Department views the right to disconnect as essential in supporting the wellbeing and work-life balance of our colleagues. The Department is fully compliant with the obligations under the Organisation of Working Time Act and has taken careful note of the Code of Practice on the Right to Disconnect.
The Civil Service Human Resources Policy Division are currently developing the new draft Civil Service Blended Working Framework which will incorporate the Right to Disconnect.
Once this Framework is published, my Department will be introducing our Departmental Blended Working Policy which will focus inter alia on promoting achievement of Departmental strategies and service delivery alongside wellbeing, work-life balance and the right to disconnect.
Our approach is also guided by the Civil Service wide Health and Wellbeing Framework which emphasises the Civil Service’s commitment to safeguard and prioritises employee wellbeing.
105. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Defence the reason the discharge of a member of the Defence Forces (details supplied) who undertook a three year paid trainee scheme and has given the necessary further three years' service to the Defence Forces is being delayed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53611/21]
View answerThe Military Authorities have informed me that an AF 97C Application for Discharge, dated 30 August 2021 and relating to the person detailed, was received by post in the Defence Forces HR office on 1 November 2021.
I am further informed that Air Corps HQ have previously been liaising with the Defence Forces Training and Administration Offices in order to ascertain the requirements of a service undertaking relating to the particular training scheme undertaken by him. This has impacted on the time taken to process the application, however I understand that the Defence Forces HR office is now working with Air Corps HQ in order to complete the necessary administration to effect his discharge without delay.
106. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Defence if his Department has adopted the Workplace Relations Commission Code of Conduct on the Right to Disconnect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53810/21]
View answerMy Department is committed to providing a positive working environment and to the wellbeing of its employees, as well as complying with the provisions of employment law. Throughout the current pandemic, information to promote wellbeing at work has been provided to employees, including in relation to how to manage their work, particularly when working remotely.
A central policy framework for Blended Working in the Civil Service will be finalised in conjunction with employee representatives over the coming months. This framework will inform the development of organisation level blended working policies tailored to the specific requirements of each Department or Office. Once the framework is finalised, my Department will develop a policy appropriate to the business needs of the organisation. This policy will be informed by the principle of an employee's Right to Disconnect in line with the Workplace Relations Commission Code of Practice.
While the Code provides guidance on best practice for organisations and their employees, it advises that employers should engage proactively with employees and their representatives to develop a Right to Disconnect Policy that takes account of the particular needs of the organisation and its workforce and this will inform the approach of my Department to the issue.
107. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education the efforts her Department and the NCSE are making to address the lack of ASD units in primary schools in south County Tipperary, specifically the Carrick-on-Suir attachment area; her plans to develop new ASD units in primary schools in south County Tipperary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53417/21]
View answerEnabling children with special educational needs to receive an education is a priority for this Government.
Next year, my Department will spend in excess of €2 Billion, or over 25% of the Department’s budget on providing additional teaching and care supports for children with special educational needs.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision for children nationwide.
It is open to any school to make an application to the NCSE for the establishment of a specialised provision and where sanctioned, a range of supports, including capital funding, is made available to the school.
Parents seeking special class placements for their children are advised to contact NCSE locally so that their needs can be taken into account for planning purposes.
The NCSE through their network of SENOs (Special Educational Needs Organisers) are currently engaged in a process of establishing new classes for the 2022/2023 school year and beyond. They are looking at local information in relation to projected demand for future special class places.
The local SENOs remain available to assist and advise parents of children with special educational needs. Parents may contact SENOs directly using the contact details available at: ncse.ie/regional-services-contact-list.
