Written Answers Nos. 175-194
175. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the reason a business (details supplied) in County Kerry that commenced trading in July 2020 and provided outdoor dining is being excluded from the outdoor seating grant scheme; if this decision will be reviewed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56762/21]
View answer177. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the reason a business (details supplied) in County Kerry that commenced trading in 2021 and provided outdoor dining is being excluded from the outdoor seating grant scheme; if this decision will be reviewed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56821/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 175 and 177 together.
As the Outdoor Dining Enhancement Scheme is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland, I have referred the matter on to the agency for direct response to the Deputy. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
176. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if further consideration will be given to the development and promotion of monastic trails either as standalone tourism projects or as part of walking and cycling trails within the State and on a cross-Border basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56814/21]
View answerThe development and promotion of tourism product experiences are operational matters for Fáilte Ireland. Accordingly, I have asked Fáilte Ireland to provide further information directly to the Deputy. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
178. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will relieve community sports clubs from paying commercial rates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56695/21]
View answerThe Commissioner of Valuation is independent in the exercise of his functions under the Valuation Acts 2001-2020. The making of valuations for rating purposes and decisions in relation to exemptions is the sole responsibility of the Commissioner and I, as Minister, have no function in decisions in this regard.
The Valuation Acts 2001 to 2020 provide that all buildings used or developed for any purpose are rateable unless expressly exempted under Schedule 4 of the Acts. However, Paragraphs 4, 4A and 4B of Schedule 4 provide for certain exemptions for property directly occupied for sporting purposes.
Land developed for sport, such as a playing pitch, has a long standing exemption from rateability. Paragraphs 4A and 4B of Schedule 4, added by the Valuation (Amendment) Act 2015 provides for the exemption of property used exclusively for community sport and otherwise than for profit.
As a result of the changes made by the Valuation (Amendment) Act 2015, it is normally property registered under the Registration of Clubs (Ireland) Act 1904 and used for the sale and consumption of alcohol and property used to generate other commercial type income that is rateable. Income from membership fees and income from community organisations and participants in community sport using buildings does not result in a property occupied by a sports club and used for community sport purposes being deemed rateable.
I recognise the positive contribution made by sport’s clubs in their community and on the whole, much property occupied by sports clubs is exempt from commercial rates.
The Valuation Acts are very specific about the range of exemptions that can be applied by the Commissioner. Where a property occupier is unsure as to the position of their property being rateable or exempt, they should contact the Valuation Office by e-mail at valuationservices@valoff.ie.
There are a number of avenues of redress for an occupier of rateable property who is dissatisfied with a determination of valuation made under the provisions of the Valuation Acts. Firstly, before a determination is made, there is a right to make representations to the Valuation Office in relation to a proposed valuation. Later in the process, if the occupier is still dissatisfied with the determination, there is a right of appeal to the Valuation Tribunal which is an independent body set up for the purpose of hearing appeals against determinations of the Valuation Office. There is also a right of appeal to the Higher Courts on a point of law.
179. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if newly married couples are no longer permitted to take wedding pictures in Killarney National Park (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56595/21]
View answerI am pleased to inform the Deputy that there is absolutely no substance to the recent claims that married couples are not permitted to take their photos in Killarney National Park. There has been no change of policy introduced in respect of the treatment of commercial photography in the National Park. Photography by the general public and amateur wildlife photography is permitted within the park. All commercial events, including professional photography, wedding, promotional, fashion etc. is subject to a permit system. This has been the case for quite some time.
A permit has long been required for both insurance and indemnification purposes. It is incumbent upon the professional photographer to apply for a current permit - which is readily and quickly available. It is a very simple process for the professional photographer to complete and permits apply for the year. The staff of my Department will always accommodate photographers and work with them to ensure safety for all at the National Park.
180. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if consideration will be given to facilitating dialogue between local authorities regarding the possibility of an intercounty housing transfer system for tenants wishing to seek a housing transfer from one local authority to another; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56649/21]
View answerThe oversight and practical management of housing waiting lists, including the allocation and transfer of tenancies, is a matter for the relevant local authority in accordance with the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009, and associated regulations.Section 22 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009, requires all local authorities, as a reserved function, to make an allocation scheme determining the order of priority to be accorded in the allocation of dwellings to households qualified for social housing support and to households approved for a transfer, the allocation of which would, in the opinion of the authority, meet the accommodation needs and requirements of the households. Ultimately, it is a matter for the local authority to decide the conditions to be met in relation to transfer applications.All four Dublin authorities have provisions in their allocation schemes for inter authority/mutual transfers for sitting tenants whereby the authority is prepared to accommodate applications for inter authority/mutual transfers provided certain criteria are met. All four Dublin authorities also make provision in their allocation schemes for households wishing to move to a home more suitable to their household needs. Similar arrangements apply in the two Cork and two Galway local authorities.It is also already possible for households to move and relocate between local authority areas under the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) Scheme where the household income is within the appropriate income limits. Guidelines on inter-authority movement were introduced in 2017 to allow for local authorities to facilitate movement of HAP households from one local authority area to another in cases where a HAP tenant on a transfer list wishes to access rented accommodation with HAP support in another local authority area.HAP tenants continue to be dealt with by their originating local authority. However, the rent limits will be those that apply in the local authority where the property is situated. The originating local authority will engage with the relevant new local authority to facilitate eligible requests for inter-authority movement.
181. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to simplify the voter registration process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56650/21]
View answerThe Programme for Government - Our Shared Future commits to a broad range of electoral reforms including a commitment to the modernisation of voter registration. The modernisation includes the introduction of rolling registration; the simplification of forms and processes; the gradual roll-out of an online option for registration; a single, national database within which Local Authorities would continue to maintain their own registers; and the use of PPSNs in the registration process. Together, these reforms will simplify and streamline the process of registration, making it easier for people to register to vote and update their details.
The Electoral Reform Bill, which provides for the establishment of an independent Electoral Commission and the regulation of online political advertising also provides the legislative underpinning for the reform of the electoral registration process. The Bill was the subject of thorough pre-legislative scrutiny by the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the Committee's report was published in August.
My Department is working with the Office of the Attorney General on the drafting of the Bill and good progress is being made.
182. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of inspections to examine the standards of rental accommodation undertaken by Kildare County Council in 2019, 2020 and to date in 2021; the number of improvement notices issued in each year as a result; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56658/21]
View answerThe Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2019 specify requirements in relation to a range of matters, such as structural repair, sanitary facilities, heating, ventilation, natural light, fire safety and the safety of gas, oil and electrical installations. With very limited exemptions, these apply to all private rented accommodation. All landlords have a legal obligation to ensure that their rented properties comply with these regulations. Responsibility for the enforcement of the Regulations rests with the relevant local authority.
If an inspection identifies that a property has been found to be non-compliant with the regulations, it is a matter for the Local Authority to determine what action is necessary and appropriate, including the issuing of an Improvement Letter, Improvement Notice, Prohibition Notice or further legal recourse.
To aid increased inspections of properties and ensure greater compliance with the Regulations, increased Exchequer funding has been made available to local authorities each year since 2018 to enable them to build inspection capacity incrementally, with payments based on the number of inspections undertaken. Significant progress was made across the sector. The number of inspections more than doubled from 19,645 in 2017 to 40,728 in 2019. A total of €6 million in Exchequer funding was made available to local authorities in 2020 and this was increased to €10 million this year.
However, given the need for inspectors to enter tenants’ homes, pandemic restrictions have greatly impacted on inspection activity since March 2020. The number of inspections undertaken last year fell to 25,703.
In response to the restrictions some local authorities, including Kildare County Council, have piloted virtual inspections. While virtual inspection systems present certain challenges and limitations, they do offer a way of improving the standard of rental accommodation despite the pandemic. I support these initiatives and my Department has provided Exchequer funding to local authorities participating in the pilot projects.
The lifting of pandemic restrictions has permitted the resumption of on-site inspections since 14 July 2021.
The number of private rental inspections undertaken by Kildare County Council in the years; 2019, 2020 and to Q3 2021 is set out in the table below:
|
Year |
Physicalon-site Rental Inspections Carried Out |
VirtualRental Inspections Carried Out |
TotalRental Inspections Carried Out |
ImprovementLetters Issued |
Improvement Notices Served |
Prohibition Notices Served |
|
2019 |
1,261 |
- |
1,261 |
1,125 |
38 |
13 |
|
2020 |
638 |
49 |
687 |
515 |
34 |
9 |
|
2021 to Q3 |
160 |
68 |
228 |
136 |
13 |
2 |
It should be noted that in terms of enforcement local authorities will typically try to work in partnership with landlords to ensure that any non-compliances are corrected. This is can be done outside of the more formal Improvement Letter/Notice system.
Annual data in respect of the level of inspections carried out by each local authority is available on my Department's website at:
www.gov.ie/en/publication/da3fe-private-housing-market-statistics/
183. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of long-term leases approved to date in 2021 by local authority area including an average cost per unit for each local authority area; the number of leased properties in each local authority area that have a single owner; and the number of leased properties that are in multi-unit developments owned by a single individual or corporate entity or portfolios of properties owned by a single owner or corporate entity in tabular form. [56659/21]
View answerTo date in 2021, 130 leasing projects have been approved by my Department for delivery under the Long Term Leasing and Enhanced Leasing Schemes over the period 2021 to 2023. A breakdown of these approvals by local authority, detailing the term of the agreement and number of units is set out in Table 1 attached.
The average cost of all long term leases approved in 2021 is €16,500. My Department does not release specific cost information at a project level as these transactions are commercially sensitive and contain proprietary information that may impact on the competitiveness of the local authority sector.
Applications under the leasing programme are made to the relevant local authority who assess each application. Where the application is for more than 4 properties or when leasing from an AHB, the local authority must apply to my Department for approval before entering into any agreement. The entities from whom the houses are leased is a matter for the relevant local authority and details of the owner involved in each social housing leasing project are not held by my Department.
Details on social housing delivery for each local authority, across a range of delivery mechanisms, are included in social housing statistics published by my Department. This data is available to the end of Quarter 2 2021 and is available on the statistics page of my Department’s website, at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/collection/6060e-overall-social-housing-provision/
|
LA |
Number of Approvals |
Number of LTL Units |
Number Part V Lease Units |
Average Agreement Length |
|
Carlow Co. Co. |
2. |
16 |
0 |
25 years |
|
Cavan Co. Co. |
2. |
10 |
0 |
17.5 years |
|
Clare Co. Co. |
5. |
8 |
0 |
22 years |
|
Cork City Co. |
9. |
78 |
0 |
25 years |
|
Cork Co. Co. |
3. |
6 |
0 |
25 years |
|
DLR Co. Co. |
6. |
80 |
0 |
25 years |
|
Donegal Co. Co. |
3. |
14 |
0 |
10 years |
|
Dublin City Co. |
30. |
638 |
39 |
25 years |
|
Fingal Co. Co. |
3. |
64 |
110 |
23.3 years |
|
Galway Co. Co. |
1. |
11 |
0 |
25 years |
|
Kerry Co. Co. |
1. |
13 |
0 |
25 years |
|
Kildare Co. Co. |
12. |
381 |
13 |
23.75 years |
|
Laois Co. Co. |
2. |
10 |
0 |
17.5 years |
|
Limerick Co. Co. |
10. |
34 |
0 |
24.5 years |
|
Louth Co. Co. |
5. |
68 |
0 |
25 years |
|
Mayo Co. Co. |
1. |
13 |
0 |
25 years |
|
Meath Co. Co. |
2. |
39 |
0 |
25 years |
|
Roscommon Co. Co. |
1. |
10 |
0 |
25 years |
|
South Dublin Co. Co. |
20. |
108 |
0 |
25 years |
|
Tipperary Co. Co. |
1. |
4 |
0 |
25 years |
|
Westmeath Co. Co. |
2. |
6 |
0 |
25 years |
|
Wexford Co. Co. |
6. |
12 |
0 |
16.66 years |
|
Wicklow Co. Co. |
3. |
164 |
0 |
25 years |
184. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the housing capital underspend to date in 2021; the amount he expects will be carried forward into 2022; if this will exceed the 10% cap; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56663/21]
View answerMy Department reports to Government on a quarterly basis on Capital expenditure. To the end of September the Capital Expenditure for Vote 34, Housing, Local Government and Heritage is €1,029m which is €334m or 25% behind the published profile of €1,363m.
Capital expenditure in 2021 progressed slower than profiled as a result of a restricted operating environment under Covid-19 health and safety protocols. The Finance Act 2004, section 91, provides for the carryover of up to 10% of the REV allocation (Capital) from one year to the next.
For 2022, I have confirmed to the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform that I am seeking full capital carryover of 10%, amounting to €275.8m. The details of the source and subsequent allocation of that funding will be published in the REV later this year.
185. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if funding is available from his Department to support local authorities in hosting fireworks displays at Halloween and on New Year’s Eve. [56668/21]
View answerMy Department does not provide dedicated funding for such matters. However, from time to time small amounts of funding may be allocated from the Local Government Fund for stand alone events with local authority involvement, subject to available resources and other funding priorities.
186. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of foreshore licence applications by Irish Water which have been received in the past 12 months; the time involved in processing of these applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56710/21]
View answerIrish Water have in the past twelve months submitted two applications for a Foreshore Licence to my Department for assessment under the Foreshore Act 1933, as amended. These applications are as follows:
1. The foreshore elements of the proposal to construct a wastewater collection and treatment system for the combined villages of Whitegate and Aghada. Specifically this application relates to a proposed marine outfall pipe, and parts of the proposed Rostellan and Whitegate wastewater pump stations and rising mains. Ref – FS007027, received February 2021. www.gov.ie/en/foreshore-notice/43d64-foreshore-notice-fs007027/
2. Construction of a temporary working area and retaining wall in the intertidal zone adjacent to Ballycotton pier. The works are to facilitate construction of a below ground pumping station, a part of the larger Ballycotton sewerage scheme development. Ref – FS007022, received March 2021. www.gov.ie/en/foreshore-notice/4bed4-irish-water-temporary-wall-and-working-area-at-ballycotton-pier/
Details of both applications can be viewed on my Departments website at www.housing.gov.ie .
The assessment of the applications for a foreshore consent involves several steps; including public and prescribed bodies consultation, environmental assessment under the Environmental Impact Assessment Directive and the Birds and Habitats Directive in particular, valuation, a technical review by the Marine Licence Vetting Committee (MLVC) and a consideration of public interest matters.
It would not be appropriate for me to comment on applications that will come before me for decision. The time it takes to complete the assessment of applications varies considerably depending on the complexity of the application, the issues raised in the public consultation process and the time it takes to consider any additional information that may be required from the applicant as part of the statutory assessment processes.
My Department is in regular contact with Irish Water in relation to these applications and the Department’s website will be updated as these applications reach the various key milestones in the assessment process.
187. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is considering legislative changes that would enable statutory bodies to proceed with planning applications for public infrastructure whilst simultaneously pursuing compulsory purchase orders on the lands to be developed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56711/21]
View answerMy Department is aware of ongoing issues with respect to proposed developments of strategic public infrastructure, specifically in relation to developments by statutory bodies which have CPO powers. The matter is currently being looked into and requires legal advice on any proposed amendments to the planning code which might enable statutory bodies to undertake their statutory functions while also having regard to the rights of individual property owners.
Following the receipt of the legal advice, a decision will be made on whether legislative changes are an appropriate mechanism to assist in this matter.
188. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if Ireland has formally communicated a request for a new nitrates derogation to the European Commission pursuant to Council Directive 91/676/EEC; if so, the basis on which it was determined appropriate to apply for such a derogation in advance of the finalisation of a new nitrates action plan; if he will provide this Deputy with the documents supporting the request for a new derogation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56761/21]
View answerIreland notified the European Commission of its intention to apply for a renewal of its derogation under the Nitrates Directive at the Nitrates Management Committee meeting on 25th September 2020. Ireland formally wrote to the European Commission on 13th October 2021 requesting a renewal of the derogation.
The purpose of the derogation is to provide for higher stocking densities on certain farms, on application, subject to more stringent environmental requirements and enhanced enforcement and inspection programmes. Any derogation decision proposed by the Commission is based on measures that build on the protection levels provided in the national Nitrates Action Programme
As part of the preparation of the next Nitrates Action Programme my Department recently conducted a public consultation process. This followed on from an initial public consultation which was held in late 2020.
Officials from my Department, along with colleagues from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine are still in discussions with the Commission on the review of Ireland's Nitrates Action Programme, and this process incorporates negotiations on the renewal of Ireland’s derogation. Both the Nitrates Action Programme and the derogation are complementary control mechanisms and it is prudent to engage with the Commission on the derogation before the Nitrates Action Programme is finalised to ensure the measures in the derogation are robust and effective in providing enhanced environmental protection.
The letter of 13th October requesting a renewal of Ireland’s derogation is attached for the Deputy's information. Due to the confidential nature of the ongoing negotiations with the European Commission, I am unable to make available the supporting documentation at this time. However, once the negotiation process has fully concluded I can again consider the Deputy’s request.
[<a ref=https://data.oireachtas.ie/ie/oireachtas/debates/questions/supportingDocumentation/2021-11-18_pq188-18-11_en.pdf>Derogation</a>]
189. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his attention has been drawn to the fact that three towns in County Wexford were subject to boil water notices due to the lack of ultraviolet treatment facilities in the water plants serving these towns; if he will ensure that funding is provided to Irish Water to install these urgently needed facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56813/21]
View answerSince 1 January 2014, Irish Water has statutory responsibility for all aspects of water services planning, delivery and operation at national, regional and local levels. The prioritisation and progression of individual projects is a matter for determination by Irish Water.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for enforcing compliance with EU Directives and national regulations for the provision of drinking water.
However, from enquiries which my Department has made with Irish Water, I understand that precautionary Boil Water Notices had issued in the Creagh/Gorey, Newtown/Wexford and the Vinegar Hill/Enniscorthy areas following consultation between Irish Water, Wexford County Council and the Health Service Executive (HSE).
While the boil water notice for the Vinegar Hill/Enniscorthy was lifted earlier this month, I am pleased to note that the boil water notice for the Newtown/Wexford area was also lifted this week (Wednesday, 17 November 2021)
In relation to Creagh/Gorey, Irish Water and Wexford County Council are continuing to work as a matter of priority to resolve this issue. Upgrade works have progressed on site and Irish Water hope to be in a position to request the lifting of the boil water notice this week. Once the monitoring results verify that drinking water quality is in compliance with the Drinking Water Regulations, then Irish Water will consult with the HSE to determine whether the Boil Water Notice can be lifted.
Irish Water is assessing the long-term solutions for these plants, which may include additional UV treatment systems were necessary. The progression of these works will be a matter for Irish Water and its water quality regulator, the EPA.
As part of Budget 2022, I secured funding of over €1.57 billion to support water services. This includes €1.459 billion (Current €629m and Capital €830m) in respect of domestic water services provision by Irish Water.
Finally, it may be helpful to note that Irish Water has established a dedicated team to deal with representations and queries from public representatives. The team can be contacted via email to oireachtasmembers@water.ie or by telephone on a dedicated number, 1890 578 578.
190. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the final report of the working group on the use of peat moss in the horticultural industry will be published; the reason for its delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56820/21]
View answerMy statutory remit and responsibility as Minister does not include regulation of the harvesting or supply of horticultural peat. However, to assist in addressing the important issues around horticultural peat for domestic purposes, I set up an Independent Working Group under the Chair of Dr. Munoo Prasad. The potential of alternatives to the use of peat moss in the horticultural industry was examined extensively by the group, together with a number of related issues.
I received the final report of the Chair of the Independent Working Group on the 20th October. The contents are now being considered carefully with a view to publishing the report in due course. I would like to express my sincere appreciation to Dr. Prasad, the members of the working group and all who contributed to the report.
191. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the work being carried out to collect the almost €60,000 in unpaid derelict sites levies in County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56822/21]
View answerThe Derelict Sites Act 1990 confers significant powers upon local authorities to tackle the problem of dereliction in our towns and cities. The application of the Derelict Sites Levy is only one of these powers, which also include requiring owners or occupiers to take appropriate measures on derelict sites and acquiring derelict sites by agreement or compulsorily. It is a matter for each local authority to determine the most appropriate use of the legislation within their respective functional areas.
My Department has been in contact with Tipperary County Council in this regard. It has reported that it applies the Derelict Site levies on properties that are included on the Derelict Site Register and located in prescribed areas, which involves, inter alia, the following steps:
- Each Financial year a levy demand is issued to registered property owners in January / February.
- If payment is not received, a reminder letter is issued.
- If levies still remain unpaid, interest is charged and recorded within the Council's financial management system, as allowed for in Section 23 of the Derelict Sites Act 1990.
- Staff have ongoing engagement with property owners (including levied property owners) to try to recover levies and get properties remediated and removed from the Derelict Sites Register.
- Difficulties in collecting levies can stem from ownership/probate issues, which can take time to resolve, and from hardship cases, for which a provision to suspend the levy is included in section 26 of the Derelict Sites Act 1990.
My Department intends to engage with local authorities in order to ensure more proactive and effective enforcement of the provisions of the legislation, and is keeping the legislative provisions under review.
192. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has had discussions with the Minister for Justice in Northern Ireland or with the Secretary of State for Justice in Britain in relation to the unacceptable proposal by the British Government to introduce an amnesty for persons who committed crimes during the era of the Troubles in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51632/21]
View answerIt 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 should be implemented.
Where the British Government propose significant changes to the Stormont House 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. Discussions began in July and since then, officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs have met a broad range of stakeholders. 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.
The proposals published by the British Government on 14 July 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. It is important to say that there has been a clear message from victims groups throughout this process that this cannot be the way forward. It has also been strongly and publicly opposed by all the parties.
I have engaged regularly with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Brandon Lewis, who is leading for the British Government on these proposals, including a meeting in person on 3 September in relation to the ongoing legacy engagement process. I also met with the Minister for Justice in Northern Ireland, Naomi Long, on 16 September during which legacy, amongst other issues, was discussed.
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. 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.
193. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he has been able to highlight the level of violence against women and children both in conflict zones and non-conflict zones globally during his discussions with his European colleagues. [48343/21]
View answerI wish to thank the Deputy for this parliamentary question and refer him to the previous response to his parliamentary question 47401/21, which provides information on this matter.
194. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if an enumeration has been done of the number of Irish nationals living and working in Singapore currently seeking permission to return home but are encountering difficulties obtaining the relevant permission to re-enter Singapore; if the necessary assistance can be provided to these persons to ensure there is no discrimination occurring against Irish nationals wishing to re-enter Singapore to return to work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56593/21]
View answerThe Government is committed to doing everything possible to support and facilitate the resumption of safe international air travel, and especially to ensure that Irish citizens living abroad are able to return home to Ireland for visits and to reunite with friends and family here.
Singapore determines its own policies and regulations on who can enter that country and what measures and conditions apply. Ireland is currently in Category II in the Singapore Government ‘Safe Travel’ system, meaning that vaccinated Irish citizens living in Singapore who re-enter Singapore from Ireland are required to serve a 7-day ‘Stay Home Notice’ at their place of residence. Furthermore, passengers, other than Singapore citizens and Permanent Residents, must apply for entry/re-entry approval in advance of travel.
Singapore has ‘Vaccinated Travel Lane’ arrangements with a number of countries. The Irish Government has made a formal request that quarantine-free entry be extended to vaccinated travellers from Ireland, and we have been advised by the Singapore authorities that this matter is under active consideration.
In recent weeks, we became aware that some Irish citizens planning travel home to Ireland over Christmas and the New Year were encountering difficulties in securing the necessary re-entry approvals in January. Our Ambassador in Singapore raised this issue with the Singapore authorities and asked for their assistance in resolving it. I am pleased to advise the Deputy that we have now been assured that Irish citizens seeking re-entry in January should be able to receive same. If the Deputy has details of any specific cases where a problem persists, my Department will be happy to receive these and pass them on to our Ambassador for follow-up locally.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and our Embassy in Singapore will continue to prioritise these issues, which I know are of great concern to our diaspora community in Singapore.
