Written Answers Nos. 275-294
275. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his views on the recently concluded agreement to include Israel in Horizon Europe until 2027; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56530/21]
View answerFollowing the conclusion of the formal negotiations by the European Commission with Israel on Israel's association to the Horizon Europe Framework Programme for Research & Innovation in October, the Commission has launched the process to formalise the agreement and aims to sign the agreement before the end of the year.
Member States have no formal role in the development of Israel’s association agreement.
Promoting international cooperation has long been a cornerstone of the European research and innovation framework programmes. It drives scientific excellence and enables Europe’s researchers to collaborate with the best researchers globally.
The pandemic has accelerated and strengthened the importance of global interaction. Now more than ever we need to work together and pool our finite resources to maximise the contribution that investment in research and innovation can make to addressing the significant economic, environmental and societal challenges we face.
From a European perspective, joint research efforts with Israel have resulted in many success stories across different thematic priorities for the EU including climate change, public health, and safe transport.
Israel has also been a partner for Ireland under Horizon 2020 and continued research collaboration is expected under the new programme, Horizon Europe.
276. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the status of the higher education governance Bill; when the Bill is expected to be enacted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56612/21]
View answerThe General Scheme of the Higher Education Authority Bill was published on 4 May, 2021. Pre-Legislative Scrutiny on the Bill commenced on 6 July and the Pre-Legislative Scrutiny Report was published on 28 September 2021.
I and my officials have had further engagement with the key stakeholders since 28 September. My officials are currently working with the Office of the Attorney General on finalising the draft Bill. It is expected that drafting on the Bill will be completed within the next few weeks. It will then be submitted to Government for approval and published. The Bill will be introduced to the Oireachtas once it is approved by Government.
277. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of enrolments and graduates from paramedic courses in each year since 2011, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56614/21]
View answerThe attached Excel spreadsheet contains a response to PQ 56614/21, with the first sheet containing the number of enrolments in paramedic courses, and the second sheet containing the number of graduations.
278. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science when he will publish the economic evaluation of the Cassells report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56615/21]
View answerMy Department's Statement of Strategy, which I published on 8 March last, contains a commitment to put in place a sustainable funding model for the higher education. This is essential in ensuring that our higher education institutions can effectively meet high standards of quality and performance, and achieve critical outcomes for our economy and society.
The report referred to in the Deputy's question, a comprehensive economic evaluation of the funding options presented in the Report of the Expert Group on Future Funding for Higher Education (2016), was commissioned under the European Commission's Structural Reform Support Programme in November 2019. The final report deliverable was agreed between the Commission (DG Reform) and it's consultants at the end of May 2021.
My Department has commenced its examination of the report's analysis, findings, conclusions and recommendations in order to develop proposals to present to Government to seek it’s support to a sustainable future funding model and transformed FET and HE sector as contained in the Statement of Strategy. Once this examination is concluded the report will be submitted to Government for consideration in advance of its publication (pending agreement with the European Commission as the contracting authority).
I have also been engaging with Government colleagues in relation to future funding for this sector as we work towards Government consideration of the report and decision on the key issues.
In terms of funding, in advance of and since the publication of the 2016 a significant programme of re-investment in higher education has been implemented. Since 2015 annual expenditure allocated to higher education has increased by more than 40%. In 2022 this allocation will be in excess of €2billion
This significant allocation of public resources is a clear demonstration of the Government's commitment to meeting the funding needs of the higher education sector.
279. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of part-time students in public higher education institutes not including non-EU international students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56616/21]
View answerEnrolments in part-time courses, by domicile, are shown in the table below.
|
Domicile |
Part-Time Enrolments |
|
Ireland |
47,246 |
|
Northern Ireland |
470 |
|
Great Britain |
369 |
|
Other EU |
519 |
|
Non-EU (excl. UK) |
929 |
|
Unknown |
125 |
|
Total |
49,658 |
These figures are taken from the HEA's statistics from the Student Records System (SRS) which are published on their website at hea.ie/statistics/
280. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will consider amending Article 23 of the student grant scheme 2021 (details supplied) in order that capital allowances can be taken into account when calculating means; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56689/21]
View answerAs previously outlined to the Deputy, Article 23 of the Student Grant Scheme 2021 deals with the determination of reckonable income. In calculating reckonable income no account is taken of capital assets. Therefore no deduction is given for capital expenditure, regardless of how it is treated for income tax purposes.
I have no plans at present to depart from the above practice in respect of the determination of income.
281. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the advice that has issued from his Department to third-level colleges in relation to student placements at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56692/21]
View answerStudent placements are organised at the level of each individual Higher Education Institution (HEI), as part of their programme offerings to be delivered in conjunction with relevant placement providers. Where appropriate, each HEI develops their programme offerings to meet the accreditation standards of relevant regulatory and professional recognition bodies (PRBs) including where placements are a requirement.
From the initial onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, significant work was undertaken by a stakeholder group chaired by the Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI), and including the representative bodies of education providers and students to address issues relating to the maintenance of the quality and standards of:
- teaching and learning,
- assessment, and
- qualifications.
This group has focused on the implementation of alternative arrangements and methods of delivery, where appropriate and necessary, to meet both these standards and, where applicable, the educational accreditation criteria established by PRBs.
Since March 2020, QQI has facilitated engagement between members of the stakeholders group and PRBs which have taken place in parallel to direct engagements between PRBs and individual education providers at a local and regional level. These engagements have ensured that, where possible and when necessary, alternative and flexible arrangements are in place for student placements while safeguarding the standards of education and training. These efforts are to ensure that students can progress in their programmes from one academic year into the next, or, where relevant, graduate with the necessary professional competencies that have been set out by the PRBs.
Students should continue to engage directly with their provider for further information on the arrangements being implemented for their particular year and programme.
282. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the extent to which the international community remains alert to the activities of terrorist gangs throughout Europe and further afield and currently involved in the trafficking of women and children; the number of prosecutions taken or pending to address these issues; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56784/21]
View answerHuman trafficking is a heinous crime based on deception and exploitation of vulnerable people. Combatting it is, and will continue to be, a priority for this Government.
Significant efforts are being made by the Government at home and with our partners abroad to combat human trafficking. Ireland and our partners are active on this issue in international fora including the UN, Council of Europe, OSCE and the European Union.
Over the past year we have introduced significant measures to combat trafficking, to create a more victim-centred approach to identifying and supporting victims, and to raise awareness and provide training, such as:
- The approval by Government last May to revise the National Referral Mechanism framework to make it easier for victims of trafficking to come forward, to be identified and to access advice, accommodation and support;
- The drafting of a new National Action Plan on Human Trafficking;
- The development of training, through NGOs, targeting front line staff in industries such as hospitality, airline and shipping who may come into contact with trafficked persons;
- The improvements being made to the Criminal Justice System to support victims through the implementation of Supporting a Victim's Journey ;
- The launch of a new awareness raising campaign last month in partnership with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) to build on the success of previous campaigns:
- An increase in funding for supporting victims of crime generally and increased funding dedicated specifically to supporting victims of trafficking.
In addition to highlighting the ongoing work underway to combat human trafficking and support those who are victims of it, it is also important to note the significance of the recent sentences for human trafficking handed down by the Courts and to acknowledge the dedication of An Garda Síochána in investigating and tackling this hideous crime.
Human trafficking cases are complex and it can be challenging to secure convictions, for a range of reasons including difficulties in securing sufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt the existence of coercion or deception of the victim.
The majority of victims of human trafficking are vulnerable and traumatised by their experience. Estimating the prevalence of human trafficking is difficult due to the clandestine nature of the crime, its overlap with other illegal activities and there can be a reluctance on the part of victims to report the crime, often due to the trauma they have suffered. In some instances, victims may also be concerned about potential repercussions that reporting human trafficking might have for their extended family.
As the Deputy may be aware, the changes we propose making to the National Referral Mechanism acknowledge that, in addition to An Garda Síochána, other state bodies and NGOs have a role in identifying victims of human trafficking and linking them in with the various supports and services available.
An Garda Síochána is excellent in its role as our competent authority for identifying victims but we know some victims, because of interactions they may have had with law enforcement officials in other countries, have a perception that police cannot be trusted. We want to be sure that every victim of trafficking who ends up in Ireland is identified and helped. That’s why we are proposing to provide a role for other State and non-state organisations in the identification of victims of trafficking.
An Garda Síochána has committed significant resources to the investigation and prosecution of human trafficking in Ireland. A specialised Garda Unit, the Human Trafficking Investigation and Co-ordination Unit (HTICU), has been in place since 2009 to conduct investigations into human trafficking. It also provides advice, support and where necessary, operational assistance to investigations at district level. An Garda Síochána is also active in relation to trafficking gangs through work targeting organised crime - targeting their finances, their use of the internet and by working closely with other jurisdictions.
A High Level Group established in November 2019, which includes An Garda Síochána, my Department and the Office of the DPP, meets regularly and keeps the legislative and operational framework for investigation and prosecution of trafficking under review.
Between 2009 and 2020 there were 713 victims of human trafficking recognised by An Garda Síochána, including 494 females.
As the Deputy is aware, the decision about whether or not to prosecute a person, and for what crime, is entirely a matter for the Director of Public Prosecutions and I, as Minister, have no role in such matters.
283. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice the reports that she has received from the Independent Reporting Commission to date in relation to its work of building a peaceful Northern Ireland; the actions taken on foot of these reports; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56480/21]
View answerTo facilitate monitoring of the implementation of measures aimed at ending paramilitary activity in Northern Ireland, the Fresh Start Agreement provided for the establishment by the two Governments of the Independent Reporting Commission. An international agreement between Ireland and the UK establishing the Independent Reporting Commission was signed in Dublin on 13 September 2016 and it was given effect to by legislation in both jurisdictions.
In summary, the Commission’s functions are to report annually on progress towards ending continuing paramilitary activity connected with Northern Ireland; report on the implementation of the relevant measures of the three administrations; and to consult with relevant stakeholders in this regard.
The Commission submitted its first report to the Governments in 2018, the second in 2019, and the third last year. As the Deputy will be aware, the two Governments have published the Commission's first three reports and the fourth report is due in the coming weeks.
I and the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland have welcomed the reports. They provide an opportune reminder of the continuing adverse impact of paramilitarism on society in Northern Ireland. The Reports set out a pathway to achieving progress both through the policing and criminal justice response and a response to the wider socio-economic factors that exist in the communities where paramilitaries continue to operate. The Commission refers to this as the twin track approach. This requires a whole of Government focus and the Commissioners are encouraged that that is reflected in the second phase of the Tackling Paramilitarism Programme in Northern Ireland which runs to 2024.
The Commission, in their Reports, note the extent and effectiveness of the co-operation between the Authorities in both jurisdictions to tackle paramilitary activity and associated criminality.
As well as reminding us of what needs to be done to tackle paramilitarism, the reports also point to the steady progress on the 43 Actions set out in the Executive Action Plan for Tackling Paramilitary Activity. Reporting on the vast majority of the actions falls to the Tackling Paramilitarism Programme Team located at the Northern Ireland Department of Justice. A small number of the actions apply to actions and commitments made by the UK and Irish Governments as part of the Action Plan. Every year the Governments update the Commission on these actions.
In each report, the Commission also makes a number of recommendations and these are reported on in the following years.
I, as Minister for Justice, and my predecessor have met with the Commission to hear about the progress the Commission has been making in carrying out its functions and to provide any assistance this Government can offer to achieve its task. These meetings with members of the Commission have always been very informative and constructive. The Commission has been very active in pursuing its remit and has had a wide engagement with a range of relevant stakeholders, both North and South. Although it is evident that much productive work has taken place in the last few years, it is clear that more needs to be done.
I look forward to receiving the Commission's fourth report.
284. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice the information that has been brought into the public domain regarding the deaths of children at the Bon Secours Mother and Baby Home at Tuam, County Galway that has been the subject of any criminal investigation; if excavations will take place at the site; the next steps that will be taken to secure the full information as the incidents which occurred at this home; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56598/21]
View answerI have requested the information sought by the Deputy from An Garda Síochána, but I have not received this information in time. I will write directly to the Deputy as soon as the information is to hand.
285. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice when a person (details supplied) will receive a decision on a citizenship application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56613/21]
View answerAn application for a certificate of naturalisation was received from the person referred to by the Deputy on 4 February 2020. This application is currently being processed with a view to establishing whether the applicant meets the statutory conditions for the granting of naturalisation and will be submitted to me for decision as expeditiously as possible.
The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is a privilege and an honour which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.
It is recognised that all applicants for citizenship would wish to have a decision on their application without delay. However, the nature of the naturalisation process is such that, for a broad range of reasons, some cases will take longer than others to process. In some instances, completing the necessary checks can take a considerable period of time.
In addition, the combined impact of the 2019 High Court judgment in the Jones case and the necessary health restrictions arising from the pandemic, has resulted in the processing time for standard applications increasing.
However, my Department is taking a number of steps to speed up the processing of applications and a number of digitisation measures have also been introduced to increase efficiency in the process, including eTax clearance, eVetting and online payments. The end result of the digitisation process will be to free up more staff to focus on processing applications in a timely and efficient manner, to improve service to our customers and reduce waiting times.
This year, we are on track to deliver approximately 11,000 decisions, significantly exceeding the levels achieved in the last two years. Additional staff have also been assigned to the citizenship team. Based on these measures, my Department's objective is to achieve an improved timeframe of 6-9 months for decisions on a majority of applications during 2022.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility at: INISOireachtasMail@justice.ie, which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Question process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in the cases where the response is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
286. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Justice if cautions given by gardaí to those found in possession of small quantities of cannabis can impact on Garda vetting they may need in the future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56619/21]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that Garda vetting is an operational matter for An Garda Síochána. Neither I, as Minister, nor my Department have any role in the processing of individual vetting applications.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that when a person is vetted for a role that is within the definition of ‘relevant work or activities’ as outlined in the National Vetting Bureau (Children & Vulnerable Persons) Acts, it is normal practice as part of the Garda vetting procedure to assess whether a vetting disclosure shall include particulars of the criminal record (if any) relating to the person and a statement of the specified information (if any) relating to the person, or a statement that there is no criminal record or specified information in relation to the person.I am informed that a criminal record in relation to a person means a record of the person’s convictions, whether within or outside the state for any criminal offence, together with any ancillary or consequential orders made pursuant to the convictions concerned, or a record of any prosecutions pending against the person whether within or outside the state for any criminal offences or both.I am advised that Adult Cautions issued by An Garda Síochána do not fall within the definition of Criminal Record outlined. This being the case, Adult Cautions given by Gardaí to those found in possession of small quantities of cannabis are not considered for inclusion in vetting disclosures as criminal records.
It is important to note that an Adult Caution for offences under Section 3 (simple possession) of the Misuse of Drugs Act - relating to the possession of cannabis and cannabis resin only - can only be considered in respect of an offence committed on or after the 14 December 2020 and cannot be applied retrospectively.
Whether or not the possession of any individual cannabis product or derivative, in any specific case, warrants the issue of an Adult Caution is at the discretion of the individual member of An Garda Síochána concerned, however the final decision to issue a caution under the scheme rests with the relevant Inspector or Superintendent. These individual decisions and cases are operational matter for An Garda Síochána, and as Minister I have no role in these matters.
287. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice the timeline for the review and the publishing of the report into the Special Criminal Court. [56694/21]
View answerI understand the Deputy's question to refer to the independent review of the Offences against the State Acts.
As the Deputy will be aware, in February last I established a Review Group chaired by Mr Justice Michael Peart, former Judge of the Court of Appeal.
The group comprises a number of experts in this field and is tasked with examining all aspects of the Offences Against the State Acts having regard to the current threat posed by domestic/international terrorism and organised crime, the duty to deliver a fair and effective criminal justice system to ensure the protection of communities and the security of the State and Ireland’s obligations in relation to Constitutional and ECHR rights and international law.
The Chair has indicated to me that there is a considerable body of work involved. The review requires a detailed analysis of a series of complex and inter-related legal provisions. Nevertheless I know the Review Group is conscious of the need to complete its work with as much expedition as is consistent with such a comprehensive task and I am grateful to all the members for their commitment.
The review group submitted its interim report in June and indicated that it is expected the final report will be completed by the end of April 2022 and will be published thereafter.
288. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Justice the number of road traffic collisions at Oberstown Cross, Oberstown, Tara, County Meath in the past 12 months; the dates of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56712/21]
View answerI have requested the information sought by the Deputy from An Garda Síochána, but I have not received this information in time. I will write directly to the Deputy as soon as the information is to hand.
289. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Justice the status of a citizenship application by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56736/21]
View answerAn application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to by the Deputy is currently being processed with a view to establishing whether the applicant meets the statutory conditions for the granting of naturalisation and will be submitted to me for decision as expeditiously as possible.
The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is a privilege and an honour which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.
It is recognised that all applicants for citizenship would wish to have a decision on their application without delay. However, the nature of the naturalisation process is such that, for a broad range of reasons, some cases will take longer than others to process. In some instances, completing the necessary checks can take a considerable period of time.
In addition, the combined impact of the 2019 High Court judgment in the Jones case and the necessary health restrictions arising from the pandemic, has resulted in the processing time for standard applications increasing.
However, my Department is taking a number of steps to speed up the processing of applications and a number of digitisation measures have also been introduced to increase efficiency in the process, including eTax clearance, eVetting and online payments. The end result of the digitisation process will be to free up more staff to focus on processing applications in a timely and efficient manner, to improve service to our customers and reduce waiting times. This year, we are on track to deliver approximately 11,000 decisions, significantly exceeding the levels achieved in the last two years. Additional staff have also been assigned to the citizenship team. Based on these measures, my Department's objective is to achieve an improved timeframe of 6-9 months for decisions on a majority of applications during 2022.
290. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Health the investment by the HSE through its service level agreement with ShannonDoc for community healthcare services in County Clare in each of the years 2017 to 2021 inclusive. [56690/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
291. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health the number of children screened or assessed for speech and language therapy at the Spraoi Centre, Portlaoise in 2020 and to date in 2021. [56585/21]
View answer292. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health the number of children on the waiting list for speech and language therapy in the Spraoi Centre, Portlaoise; and the number waiting in excess of six and 12 months, respectively. [56588/21]
View answer294. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health the number of children on the waiting list for physiotherapy in the Spraoi Centre, Portlaoise; and the number waiting in excess of six and 12 months, respectively. [56590/21]
View answer295. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health the number of children on the waiting list for occupational therapy in the Spraoi Centre, Portlaoise; and the number waiting in excess of six and 12 months, respectively. [56591/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 291, 292, 294 and 295 together.
As these are service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
293. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Health the locations in which the 96 community healthcare networks across Ireland in addition to the establishment of specialist community teams for older persons and those with chronic conditions as per the enhanced community care programme. [56589/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
