Written Answers Nos. 614-633
614. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to ensure that Garrylucas bog, County Cork is designated as a natural heritage area immediately; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2614/22]
View answerThere are 632 proposed natural heritage areas in Ireland, including the area to which the Deputy refers.
Although proposed natural heritage area sites are not subject to the protection provisions of the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000, they are taken into account in local and national land-use policy, agri-environmental farm planning schemes, and environmental assessments and they may also be recognised in local authority development plans.
While a review of these sites will take place in due course, the current focus of my Department is on fulfilling Ireland’s obligations under the EU Habitats and Birds Directives and the designation of Natura 2000 sites, i.e. special areas of conservation and special protection areas.
615. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the steps he is taking in response to the high rates of private rental properties that failed to meet minimum standards when assessed by Cork City Council's private rental inspection unit in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2615/22]
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 and safety of gas, oil and electrical supplies. 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.
Under sections 18A and 18B of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1992, a housing authority may issue an improvement notice or prohibition notice, respectively, where a property is found to be non-compliant. Under Section 34 of that Act, any person who by act or omission contravenes the Regulations, fails to comply with an improvement notice, or re-lets a house in breach of a prohibition notice, will be guilty of an offence and will be liable, on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding €5,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or both. If the contravention, failure to comply or re-letting is continued after conviction, the person will be guilty of a further offence on every day on which the contravention, failure to comply or re-letting continues and for each such offence will be liable, on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding €400 per day.
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, although pandemic restrictions have impacted on number of inspections undertaken since. A total of €10 million in Exchequer funding is being made available to local authorities in 2022.
Housing for All sets a target for the inspection of rental properties, which is 25% of all private residential tenancies. Since Housing for All was launched in September 2021, officials in my Department have met separately at a senior level with all 31 local authorities to discuss their local authority’s inspection performance to date and the effort required to reach their Housing for All target in 2022. These detailed engagements have also focused on the need for more consistent and greater use of the available enforcement mechanisms once deficiencies have been identified.
My officials are now in the process of writing to all 31 local authority Chief Executives seeking detailed implementation plans, outlining their plans for 2022 with a clear focus on for example, how they intend to achieve their targets and the approach they plan to take to ensure proper and effective enforcement. My Department will work closely throughout the year with the sector to support the achievement of these targets.
616. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Tithíochta, Rialtais Áitiúil agus Oidhreachta cén freagra atá aige ar an éileamh a rinne príomhfheidhmeannaigh Chomhairle Contae Chorcaí, Chomhairle Contae Chiarraí, Chomhairle Contae na Mí agus Chomhairle Cathrach agus Contae Phort Láirge ag cruinniú de chuid Chomhchoiste na Gaeilge, na Gaeltachta agus Phobal Labhartha na Gaeilge i mí na Samhna 2021 inar lorgaíodh soiléiriú maidir leis na coinníollacha a bhaineann le pleanáil forbartha tithíochta i gceantair Ghaeltachta. [2666/22]
View answerDéantar reachtú do chur i bhfeidhm leanúnach an phróisis phleanála teanga in Acht na Gaeltachta, 2012, a bhuntacaíonn leis an tiomantas do na cuspóirí a leagtar amach sa Straitéis 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge 2010 go 2030 a bhaint amach.
Is é Acht 2012, a thagann faoi chuimsiú shainchúram mo chomhghleacaí, an tAire Turasóireachta, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán, an phríomhionstraim bheartais, ar an ábhar sin, chun an Ghaeilge a chosaint. Is é ról mo Roinne a chinntiú go dtacaíonn an córas pleanála leis an mbeartas sin ar bhonn oibríochtúil agus go praiticiúil trí chur i bhfeidhm sa chóras pleanála. Léirítear an tiomantas seo sa Chreat Náisiúnta Pleanála (an CNP) agus cuimsítear Cuspóir 29 ann, “tacú le cur i bhfeidhm pleananna teanga i gCeantair Pleanála Teanga Gaeltachta, i mBailte Seirbhíse Gaeltachta agus i Líonraí Gaeilge”.
Tar éis plé agus idirchaidreamh a dhéanamh le hoifigigh sa Roinn Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán, agus le páirtithe leasmhara eile ar spéis leo, Conradh na Gaeilge ina measc, thionóil mo Roinn meitheal i lár na bliana 2021 le scrúdú a dhéanamh ar ghnéithe éagsúla an phróisis phleanála i ngach ceantar Gaeltachta. Tá ionadaithe ón Roinn Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán, Údarás na Gaeltachta agus na húdaráis áitiúla ábhartha i mballraíocht an ghrúpa seo. Tá mo Roinn tiomanta d’oibriú leis na páirtithe leasmhara ábhartha sna míonna amach anseo ag féachaint le comhaontú a dhéanamh ar fheabhsúcháin phraiticiúla agus ar phróisis dea-chleachtais a thacóidh le agus fheabhsóidh na forálacha tábhachtacha beartais agus na forálacha reachtaíochta atá i bhfeidhm.
Faoi mar is eol don Teachta Dála, ghlac mé le cuireadh le teacht i láthair os comhair an Choiste um Ghnóthaí Gaeilge an 26 Eanáir maidir le “Tithíocht agus Cúrsaí Pleanála Fisiciúla sa Ghaeltacht agus Treoirlínte Nua maidir leo seo”.
Níl sa tsaincheist a tugadh chun solais sa cheist a cuireadh ach ceist amháin as roinnt ceisteanna a chuir na húdaráis áitiúla ar aird ina ráiteas leis an gCoiste agus ní raibh an deis agam go fóill freagra foirmiúil a thabhairt air. Ar a bharr sin, bheadh sé anabaí díriú go hiomlán ar an tsaincheist a tugadh chun solais sa cheist, agus caithfear í a chur i gcomhthéacs i mbreithniú níos fairsinge a dhéanamh ar phleanáil teanga agus ar pleanáil fhisiciúil. Tá breithniú á dhéanamh air seo faoi láthair ag mo Roinn agus an Roinn Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán. Is tábhachtach a bheidh sé go gcuirfidh mé eolas cuimsitheach sa chiall is leithne ar fáil do chomhaltaí an Choiste ar na saincheisteanna ábhartha agus go dtabharfar deis do chomhaltaí athbhreithniú domhain a dhéanamh ar an gceist.
Chuige sin, beidh oifigigh ón Roinn Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán, a oibríonn go dlúth le mo Roinn maidir leis na saincheisteanna atá á bplé, i láthair os comhair an Choiste i dteannta m’oifigeach féin den RTRÁO. Léiríonn seo an caidreamh maith oibre agus an comhthiomantas idir an dá Roinn chun nósanna imeachta agus cleachtais reachtaíochta a chur chun cinn agus a fheabhsú a thabharfaidh tacaíocht bhreise don bheartas agus don chreat reachtaíochta agus le treoir phleanála amach anseo freisin.
Is mian liom a chinntiú go mbeidh plé eolach agus cuimsitheach againn agus táim ag tnúth le teagmháil a dhéanamh le comhaltaí an Choiste maidir leis an gceist seo.
617. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when the online passport tracker for persons (details supplied) will update to more accurately reflect their true estimated issue date given that the current estimated date is October 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62979/21]
View answerFirst time passport applications are necessarily complex to process, since they are essentially applications for Irish citizenship. The Passport Service must validate the true identity of the applicant and take measures to confirm the applicant’s entitlement to Irish citizenship.
Passport applications are valid for six months for a number of reasons including International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) regulations on the requirement for a recent photograph. The ICAO is a UN specialised agency which defines in detail the required format for a passport. This timeframe also ensures that a refund of the fees can be processed electronically where required.
With regard to the specific applications about which the Deputy has enquired, these applications were incomplete and cannot be processed to passport issue under the Passports Act 2008, as amended. In light of this and given that the validity of the applications has expired, they been cancelled. The Passport Service has been in direct contact with the applicants' parent to advise them of the situation and to arrange a refund of the passport fees. In addition, a follow up letter has been issued by the Passport Service to the parents of these applicants to explain in detail the requirements for any future passport application for their children.
618. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will review the case of a person (details supplied); if he will provide an update on these matters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63090/21]
View answerWith regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service cannot process an application until the required supporting documents have been received. The Passport Service has provided an update to the applicant's guardian as to the steps they must take to progress the passport application.
619. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will review the case of a person (details supplied); if he will provide an update on these matters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63092/21]
View answer652. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when a passport will be dispatched to a person (details supplied) given that it is urgently required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1312/22]
View answer660. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will review an urgent passport application in the case of a person (details supplied); if same will be expedited based on medical needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1788/22]
View answer666. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when a passport will be provided for a child (details supplied) in Dublin 9; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2182/22]
View answer668. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when a passport will issue for a person (details supplied) in view of the fact that the estimated issue date for this passport was 1 December 2021. [2229/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 619, 652, 660, 666 and 668 together.
With regard to the passport applications about which the Deputies have enquired, the Passport Service has issued passports to these applicants.
620. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the passport for a person (details supplied) can be progressed given that the parent applying on behalf of the child is the sole guardian and the further documentation that has been requested by the Passport Office specifically relating to the other parent upon which the child’s citizenship claim is based cannot be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63096/21]
View answerWith regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service cannot process an application until the required supporting documents have been received. The Passport Service has provided an update to the applicant's guardian as to the steps they must take to progress the passport application.
621. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he engaged with other European Union member states to issue a collective statement denouncing the designation of the six Palestinian NGOs as terror originations and to call on the Israeli Minister of Defence to rescind the designation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63110/21]
View answer622. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the measures that are being carried out to protect the European Union funding of the six Palestinian human rights NGOs that were recently designated as terror groups by Israel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63111/21]
View answer623. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps the Government is taking to protect the funding of Palestinian human rights organisations from European Commission precautionary measures and to revoke the measures put in place by Israel on the three NGOs (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63112/21]
View answer628. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if concerns have been raised, in view of the fact that Ireland has invested in human rights groups in Palestine regarding the suspension of funding to groups (details supplied) on the basis of a 74 page document of evidence from May 2021 which was widely condemned by European Union member states as not being substantiated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63240/21]
View answer629. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the measures Ireland is carrying out to ensure the European Commission pushes back against precautionary measures towards the funding of Palestinian human rights groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63241/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 621, 622, 623, 628 and 629 together.
The Middle East Peace Process remains a priority issue for Ireland, including in the context of our current membership of the UN Security Council. I am seriously concerned by the designation of six Palestinian NGOs as terrorist entities by the Israeli Ministry for Defense and I underlined this position to the Israeli Government in person when I visited the region in November 2021. I have recently spoken on this issue in detail on 30 November in statements in Dáil Éireann on Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory.
We will continue to work closely with our partners on our response to these designations, including in the EU. Ireland is a consistent voice in the EU on the Middle East Peace Process and we work to utilise our influence at all levels. Ensuring that there is space for civil society organisations is a key part of our foreign policy globally and I recognise the particular importance of prioritising this in the context of the occupied Palestinian territory.
624. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if EU Digital COVID Certificates issued to persons over 65 years of age will be accepted for travel to France if the person only has not received a third dose of a vaccine; the proof of vaccination that will be accepted by the French authorities if the person has a third dose but it is not reflected on the certificate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63163/21]
View answerThe definition of complete vaccination for the purposes of international travel to France is unaffected by the French Government’s policy change on 15 December to which I understand the Deputy is referring. EU Digital COVID Certificates issued to persons over 65 years of age therefore continue to be accepted for travel to France, including where the person has not received a vaccine booster dose, or where they have not yet received an updated EU Digital COVID Certificate corresponding to their booster dose.
New EU-wide rules will, however, come into effect from 1 February 2022, with a 9-month maximum validity period for EU Digital COVID Certificates based on a completed primary vaccination regime. At present, certificates issued following a COVID-19 booster dose have no expiration date under the new EU-wide rules. In preparation for this, my colleague the Minister for Health announced on 6 January that following the rollout of the EU Digital COVID Certificate in Ireland and the successful booster vaccination programme, updated EU Digital COVID Certificates will be issued to all those who have received an additional vaccine dose. Over 1.5m new Digital COVID Certificates have issued in the last week to those who have received an additional vaccine dose.
The French policy change of 15 December 2021 relates exclusively to the domestic health pass (pass sanitaire) introduced by the French government. This pass is interoperable with the EU Digital COVID Certificate. Irish citizens are able to access a French pass for domestic use in France on the basis of their vaccination status when they receive an updated Certificate.
My Department continues to advise citizens that COVID-related restrictions are subject to change at short notice. I encourage all citizens considering travel to France to regularly consult our Travel Advice, which is available on the Department’s website and is updated with the latest information available.
625. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his Department will provide every possible support to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63165/21]
View answer627. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has spoken to his counterpart in Greece in relation to a person (details supplied); the work of his Department to prevent the criminalisation of humanitarian assistance within the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63188/21]
View answer630. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the communications he has had with the Greek Government regarding the arrest detainment and continued prosecution of a person (details supplied) in connection with their life saving humanitarian work in support of persons in danger at sea in the Mediterranean Sea; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63300/21]
View answer632. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide assistance to an Irish citizen (details supplied) who is facing a criminal prosecution for espionage in Greece; his views on the position of those working for NGOs generally in Greece who help migrants endeavouring to cross the Mediterranean Sea; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63347/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 625, 627, 630 and 632 together.
It is the understanding of the Department of Foreign Affairs that Mr. Binder was arrested in Greece in 2018 and has been charged with a number of different offences. His trial was due to start on 18 November in Lesbos but has since been delayed, following a decision to refer the case to a higher court.As Mr. Binder is a German citizen, consular assistance to Mr. Binder is being provided by the German Embassy in Athens and has been since his initial arrest and period of pre-trial detention in 2018. However, given Mr. Binder’s very strong ties to Ireland, representatives from the Embassy of Ireland in Athens have been in contact with both Mr. Binder and the German Embassy in regard to the most appropriate means of offering assistance. The Department of Foreign Affairs will continue to follow developments in relation to his case and ongoing trial closely.Separate to this specific case, the protection of civil society space and the elimination of reprisals against human rights defenders and civil society activists are key foreign policy priorities for Ireland. In July, Ireland led a resolution at the UN Human Rights Council on the importance of protecting civil society space particularly in the context of COVID. In September, Ireland was one of five countries leading a resolution adopted by consensus denouncing reprisals against civil society activists cooperating with the UN. Moreover, Ireland works closely with the EU as well as with Front Line Defenders, who receive funding from the Irish Aid programme, to support human rights defenders, including for example, to improve physical and digital security or assist with legal fees or medical expenses.
626. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will review the case of a person (details supplied) in relation to a visa; if assistance can be provided on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63182/21]
View answerAs the processing of US visas is solely a matter for the US authorities, I cannot advise on this specific case. My general advice to those seeking to apply for a US visa or for a visa waiver is to get information from the website of the US Embassy in Dublin and to engage with them directly on their application.
I understand that this is a challenging and uncertain time for many, not least for those seeking to travel between Ireland and the United States. Ease of travel is essential to protect our strong transatlantic connections, be that in business, academia, tourism or maintaining family connections.
I am aware that adherence to the Government's COVID guidelines by the US Embassy have had an impact on visa operations, resulting in long delays in interview appointments being given in some cases. My Department maintains regular contact with the Embassy on the issue and continues to emphasise the importance of processing visas as efficiently as is feasible to do so.
631. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will take immediate steps to send urgent food aid to Afghanistan as eight million people currently face starvation; if he will, in view of the urgency of the situation, inform the Houses of the Oireachtas of the steps he will take in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63335/21]
View answerI am gravely concerned by the situation in Afghanistan which is now one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world. Nearly 23 million Afghans now face acute food insecurity. In response, the Government through its Official Development Assistance (ODA) programme, Irish Aid, has provided over €4 million in humanitarian support for the people of Afghanistan since mid-August. This funding has been allocated to the UN High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), the UN Afghanistan Humanitarian Fund (AHF) and UNICEF respectively. This includes a donation of €1 million made to UNICEF in December. These emergency response programmes are addressing the urgent needs of the population, including providing food aid, treatment for severe acute malnutrition in children, and other essential services. Ireland’s humanitarian funding to Afghanistan increased fivefold in 2021 to over €5 million – with the remainder provided at the beginning of the year to Concern Worldwide, HALO Trust and the AHF.
In addition, Ireland contributes to support global funds and provide core funding to key agencies that allocate funding to Afghanistan, including the EU, WHO, UNHCR, IFRC, ICRC and the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF). Ireland was the 9th largest donor to the CERF in 2021, providing €11 million. Since August, the CERF has allocated more than €68.6 million to Afghanistan. This year we will renew our multiyear partnership with CERF and increase our annual contribution from €10m to €11.5m, as announced by Minister Brophy at the CERF pledging conference in December.
Ireland will continue to engage, including at the UN Security Council, to promote peace and human rights for all Afghans, especially for Afghan women and girls whose rights are being eroded, and in support of initiatives to alleviate the suffering of the Afghan people. In my statement to the Security Council in September, I urged the Taliban to facilitate full, safe and unimpeded humanitarian access to allow life-saving support to reach all Afghans.
633. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of persons still in Afghanistan awaiting assistance from the Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63414/21]
View answerA total of 108 Irish citizens and their dependents have been assisted in evacuating Afghanistan since the crisis broke in mid-August. My Department, including our Embassies in Abu Dhabi and Ankara, has worked with EU Member States and partners in the region to support the ongoing evacuation efforts.
Work is ongoing to support the small number of Irish citizens and their dependents, less than 10, as well as residents, who remain in Afghanistan and wish to leave in the coming period.
Separately, the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth administers the Irish Refugee Protection Programme. Over 500 Afghan nationals have been granted refugee status under this Programme, with 412 having returned safely to Ireland. My Department has provided support, including through our Embassy network, in securing safe passage to Ireland for a number of these.
