Written Answers Nos. 214-236
215. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department sent a memo to Dublin City Council in November 2021 informing the Council to cease the acquisition housing programme given that a family (details supplied) has received a tenancy termination notice and is in danger of being made homeless. [2737/22]
View answerThe Government's priority under Housing for All is to deliver 47,600 new build social homes over the next five years. Substantial funding is available to local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) to deliver on this objective as the primary means through which they will increasingly meet the needs of those on their waiting lists. I am also keen that local authorities and AHBs avoid competing with potential private purchasers for available properties.
Given the need to avoid competition and the focus of support on the build programme, I have asked local authorities to limit their acquisitions of privately owned properties, with approximately 200 acquisitions to be undertaken over this year under SHIP and CALF funding programmes
It will be a matter for the local authorities themselves to decide their specific priority acquisitions but I have asked that they have particular regard to the following areas:
- One-bedroom units to deliver on Housing First and meet the short supply in this category;
- Other properties that allow persons/families to move from homelessness;
- Specific housing required for individuals with a disability or other particular priority needs;
Any acquisition proposed must represent value for money per my Department's acquisitions guidelines.
Dublin City Council (DCC) has advised that in line with this plan, it will pursue a limited acquisition programme from 2022 onwards which will focus on vacant properties in the following categories; one beds for homeless singles, four beds for larger homeless families and buy and renew properties which have been vacant for a significant period.
DCC will assess all proposed acquisitions taking into account all of the above factors.
Regarding situations where landlords are selling a property rented to a person or a family in receipt of social housing supports local authorities have the services of tenancy sustainment officers to intervene at the first response.
DCC have informed my Department that as this particular property does not fit into the categories outlined above they are not in a position to acquire it at this time. DCC Allocations Section has been notified of the medical needs in this case and the household are to be assessed to determine whether a medical priority is appropriate in these circumstances.
216. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if a decision has been made by the Central Bank on the shared equity scheme given that a decision was due in November 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2748/22]
View answerPart 4 of the Affordable Housing Act 2021 provides the basis for the establishment of the First Home Affordable Purchase Shared Equity scheme. The scheme will support first-time buyers on moderate incomes to buy a new-build home. The banking sector has confirmed it is committed to working with the State to develop and deliver this scheme. Budget 2022 allocated €44m to my Department for First Home. The banking sector has agreed in principle to match State equity funding in order to increase the pool of funding available to potential new homeowners under the scheme. Subject to the necessary approvals by all parties, it is anticipated that the First Home scheme will operate for the period 2022 to 2026 utilising overall funding of c.€400m.
The Central Bank of Ireland (CBI) addressed the First Home scheme in its Financial Stability Review II of 2021, published 25 November 2021. The CBI noted that ‘the potential financial stability implications arising through the borrower resilience channel are limited given the specific design features of the Scheme’. The CBI also noted its judgement that ‘the Scheme is more equity than debt-like in nature’ and that this ‘mitigates the risk of borrower over-indebtedness’. In light of these conclusions, the CBI confirmed that the Mortgage Measures Regulations would be amended in order to ‘remove potential ambiguity’ about the participation of regulated mortgage lenders, including the pillar retail banks, in the First Home scheme. This amendment has now made.
Officials from my Department, the Housing Agency as well as the Department of Finance have engaged closely with stakeholders including the pillar banks, the CBI and our colleagues in the European Commission to advance the First Home Scheme.
217. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Housing; Local Government and Heritage when a person (details supplied) will receive their full pension entitlements from his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2753/22]
View answerThe Housing Agency assumed the role of dealing with pension matters for the NBA pensioners in October 2018. The Deputy will understand that it would not be appropriate for me as Minister to comment on the circumstances of any individual. However, my understanding is that a query has been raised by the Housing Agency with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in relation to this matter. This is under consideration and a reply will issue in due course.
218. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of mobile homes or caravans funded in 2020 and 2021 respectively by local authority, the Traveller accommodation unit of his Department through the special response to issues faced by the Traveller community due to the Covid-19 pandemic and poor living conditions on Traveller specific sites; the percentage of funding available in 2020 and 2021 to local authorities for these caravans; if in view of the ongoing and rapid spread of the omicron variant it is intended to provide the scheme again in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2776/22]
View answer219. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the grounds under which replacement mobile homes or caravans were funded by the Traveller accommodation unit of his Department as a response to the Covid-19 pandemic in 2021 and 2022; if it is intended to have a similar scheme in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2777/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 218 and 219 together.
It is my Department’s policy that, where there is a requirement identified by a local authority for Traveller accommodation, it is to provide permanent accommodation insofar as possible, while at the same time respecting the nomadic tradition of the Traveller community. However, cognisant of emergencies which arise from time to time which by their nature cannot be planned for or anticipated, my Department does provides funding to local authorities of up to 50% to assist with the cost of purchase of emergency replacement mobile caravans.
As a response to the Covid-19 pandemic, replacement mobile homes or caravans are also funded by my Department having regard to the immediate public health emergency arising where local authorities have assessed and identified the need, and this remains in place for the duration of the pandemic. Funding in excess of 50% was provided where a local authority made a case where their budget was not sufficient to provide the balance of funding required.
The information requested is set out in the Tables below:
No. of Covid mobiles per LA 2021
|
Local Authority |
No. of Covid mobiles |
|
Cork City |
5 |
|
Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown |
2 |
|
Fingal |
2 |
|
Galway City |
1 |
|
Laois |
1 |
|
Tipperary |
2 |
|
Total |
13 |
No. of Covid mobiles per LA for 2020
|
Local Authority |
No. of Covid mobiles |
|
Clare |
6 |
|
Cork City |
7 |
|
Cork County |
2 |
|
Donegal |
4 |
|
Dublin City |
6 |
|
Dun Laoghaire Rathdown |
7 |
|
Fingal |
8 |
|
South Dublin |
9 |
|
Galway City |
2 |
|
Galway County |
4 |
|
Limerick |
6 |
|
Offaly |
4 |
|
Sligo |
11 |
|
Tipperary |
5 |
|
Wexford |
1 |
|
Total |
82 |
220. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the standards that were laid down to local authorities in relation to mobile homes or caravans funded by the Traveller accommodation unit in his Department as a response to Covid-19; the person or body that verified that all caravans or mobile homes bought for Travellers were of adequate standard; if all these units were new or whether local authorities could purchase second-hand ones; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2778/22]
View answerThe Housing (Traveller Accommodation) Act 1998 provides that housing authorities have statutory responsibility for the assessment of the accommodation needs of Travellers and the preparation, adoption and implementation of multi-annual Traveller Accommodation Programmes (TAPs) in their areas. My Department’s role is to ensure that there are adequate structures and supports in place to assist the authorities in providing such accommodation, including a national framework of policy, legislation and funding.
My Department has not issued any mandatory standards to local authorities regarding mobile homes or caravans and does not have a role in the day-to-day operational delivery of Traveller Accommodation.
221. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing; Local Government and Heritage the reason funding for local authority owned replacement and new caravan and mobile homes for Travellers are only funded to local authorities at a rate of 50%; his views on whether this is inhibiting local authorities from replacing substandard caravans and mobile home in good time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2783/22]
View answerThe Housing (Traveller Accommodation) Act 1998 provides that housing authorities have statutory responsibility for the assessment of the accommodation needs of Travellers and the preparation, adoption and implementation of multi-annual Traveller Accommodation Programmes (TAPs) in their areas. My Department's role is to ensure that there are adequate structures and supports in place to assist the authorities in providing such accommodation, including a national framework of policy, legislation and funding. My Department does not have a role in the day-to-day running of Traveller Accommodation.
It is my Department’s policy that, where there is a requirement identified by a local authority for Traveller accommodation, it is to provide permanent accommodation insofar as possible, while at the same time respecting the nomadic tradition of the Traveller community. However, cognisant of emergencies which arise from time to time which by their nature cannot be planned for or anticipated, my Department does provides funding to local authorities of up to 50% to assist with the cost of purchase of emergency replacement mobile caravan.
222. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when it is intended to roll-out the caravan loan scheme for Travellers nationwide in view of the high number of substandard units around the country which causes particular hardship at this time of year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2784/22]
View answerMy Department sought and received sanction from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to roll out a pilot Caravan Loan Scheme to improve access to traditional Traveller-specific accommodation options for Traveller families.
Following consultation with stakeholders, including the local authorities, the National Traveller MABS and Traveller representative organisations, a pilot scheme was designed and commenced by my Department in July of 2021 for a trial period of 6 months. The participating local authorities are Cork City Council, Dublin City Council, South Dublin County Council and Limerick City and County Council.
My Department will now review the operation of the pilot scheme with input from the local authorities and other stakeholders. A report will be prepared for the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and options for the expansion of the pilot scheme will be considered at the conclusion of this process.
223. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when correspondence sent by a person (details supplied) to the Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform in relation to alleged damage to archaeological remains caused in a National Park will be replied to in detail; the investigations carried out following these reports into this damage; if the investigations were carried out by an archaeological expert; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2786/22]
View answerMy Department has already responded to the initial correspondence from the individual referenced in the details supplied. A further response to follow-up correspondence from this individual will issue in due course.
To clarify, the activity at Mweelin townland was related to National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) works for the replacement/maintenance of an existing fence. A report into the matter was undertaken by an experienced archaeologist from the National Monuments Service (NMS), who visited the site on 25 November 2021.
The NMS report concluded that the replacement fence is at a distance of over 60m from the archaeological monuments and therefore there is no direct impact. No damage had been caused to the court tomb or the holy well. The inspection of the graveyard revealed that traces of vehicular access were evident along the track through the graveyard and indicated by disturbance to the vegetation. The report notes that a small number of field stones were displaced at the time of inspection.
224. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if any archaeological licence under section 26 under the National Monuments Act 1930 were issued in 2021; and the purpose for same. [2791/22]
View answer225. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if an archaeological licence under section 26 under National Monuments Act 1930 was issued to Dublin City Council to allow it to commence enabling works on the historic Iveagh Market on Francis Street in the Liberties of Dublin; the date application was made and granted; and if conditions were attached. [2792/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 224 and 225 together.
878 archaeological licenses were issued by my Department under Section 26 of the National Monuments Acts 1930 during 2021.
Digging or excavating for archaeological purposes can only be done under a license issued by me as Minister under section 26 of the National Monuments Act 1930 (as amended). Applications for such licenses must be made to the National Monuments Service of my Department. Such licenses are issued to suitably qualified and experienced archaeologists for a variety of archaeological activities, both on land and underwater, ranging from limited excavations to test for the presence of archaeological material (“test excavation”) to full excavation. Licenses are subject to detailed conditions, including requirements for the submission of reports. Licenses can be extended or transferred with the approval of the National Monuments Service, acting on the Minister's behalf.
No Section 26 archaeological license has been issued to date to Dublin City Council in respect of the Iveagh Markets. However, I can confirm that an application for a license in respect of the Iveagh Markets has been received in my Department and that this application is currently being assessed in line with the provisions of the National Monuments Acts.
226. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the National Parks and Wildlife Service will ensure that works are carried out at a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2794/22]
View answerAn application to carry out an Activity Requiring Consent (ARC) must first be assessed. The application for the works at the site is currently with the Ecological Assessment Unit of my Department for Appropriate Assessment (AA) Screening.
I am mindful of the need to focus on the core responsibilities of managing state lands in accordance with conservation objectives, for example, bird nesting and salmon spawning seasons. With that in mind, following this assessment and screening, if it is considered that these works can be carried out, September will be the suitable month.
227. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will ensure that the funding levels of 2020 and 2021 for the voids programme are continued in 2022 in view of the need to make further progress in bringing back to habitable use vacant council housing stock; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2833/22]
View answerThe management and maintenance of local authority housing stock, including pre-letting repairs to vacant properties, the implementation of a planned maintenance programme and carrying out of responsive repairs, are matters for each individual local authority under Section 28 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provision) Act 2009.
Since 2014, Exchequer funding has also been provided through my Department's Voids Programme to support local authorities in preparing vacant units for re-letting. This funding was introduced originally to tackle long term vacant units and is now increasingly targeted to support authority's to ensure minimal turnaround and re-let times for vacant stock.
My Department will continue to support local authorities in their work in this area. As in previous years, all local authorities will be asked to make a funding application under the 2022 programme in respect of their vacant stock which will receive due consideration and funding allocations will issue to all local authorities in due course.
It is important to note that my Department and local authorities supported by the City and County Management Association (CCMA) are working to transition from a largely response and voids based approach to housing stock management and maintenance to a planned maintenance approach as referenced in Housing for All, policy objective 20.6. This will require the implementation of a centrally hosted ICT system within the LGMA to support the completion of stock condition surveys by all local authorities and the subsequent development of strategic and informed work programmes which will be supported by my Department’s stock improvement funding programmes. It is envisaged surveys will commence in 2022.
228. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the income eligibility limits for social housing in areas such as counties Cavan and Monaghan will be increased; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2834/22]
View answerHousing for All – A New Housing Plan for Ireland was published in September 2021 and, as part of a broad suite of social housing reforms, committed to reviewing income eligibility for social housing.
The review, which examined inter alia the efficiency of the current banding model and income limits applicable to local authorities, was completed in Q4, 2021. Following consideration of the review’s findings and recommendations, I intend to make a decision on proposed changes shortly.
229. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when his Department will issue a circular to local authorities that have no affordable housing schemes in place which details the requirements for those applying to affordable housing schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2841/22]
View answer230. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the way local authorities such as Mayo County Council will implement important objectives of housing policy outlined with Housing for All to deliver an affordable housing scheme in towns such as Castlebar, Ballina and Westport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2842/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 229 and 230 together.
The Housing for All Strategy delivers on the Programme for Government commitment to step up housing supply and put affordability at the heart of the housing system, with an ambitious target of 300,000 homes over the next decade for social, affordable and cost rental, private rental and private ownership housing.
Measures to deliver this housing are supported by over €4 billion in funding annually, representing the highest ever level of Government investment in building social and affordable housing. 54,000 affordable homes interventions will be delivered between now and 2030 to be facilitated by local authorities, Approved Housing Bodies, the Land Development Agency and through a strategic partnership between the State and retail banks.
The delivery of affordable housing, in accordance with the schemes set out in the Affordable Housing Act, 2021 and the funding being made available, will be underpinned by local authorities' Housing Delivery Action Plans. Local authorities were asked to submit their Plans to me, to include social and affordable housing last month. This allows each local authority to assess the level of demand with affordability constraint in their area based on the Housing Need and Demand Assessment (HNDA) and plan provision accordingly. It is possible for local authorities to undertake HNDA analysis at sub county level to determine whether there is a need for Government funded affordable housing schemes in specific towns/areas.
In relation to the scheme governing the affordable purchase of local authority provided or arranged affordable housing, it is intended that regulations regarding income eligibility in respect of the Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme will be in place very shortly. A Circular will issue to local authorities regarding these regulations thereafter.
231. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide an update on a foreign birth registration application (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2690/22]
View answerMy Department is responsible for citizenship by descent through the Foreign Births Register under the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended.
The processing of Foreign Birth Registration has resumed and will be gradually scaling up in line with the recruitment of additional resources. Due to the complex nature of the Foreign Birth Registration process and the pause in the Service due to necessary Covid-19 restrictions, applicants are being advised that they should allow approximately 2 years from the receipt of supporting documentation for processing of Foreign Birth Registration applications at this time.
The referenced was registered on 18 February 2020, and will be processed in the near future. A member of the FBR team will be in touch shortly in this regard.
My Department is fully committed to allocating additional resources over the coming period to assist with the processing of the high volume of new applications anticipated, and the Foreign Birth Registration applications currently on hand.
232. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide an update on processing times for applications for the foreign births register; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2691/22]
View answer233. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps being taken to reduce waiting times for applications for the foreign births register; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2692/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 232 and 233 together.
My Department is responsible for citizenship by descent through the Foreign Births Register under the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended.
The processing of Foreign Birth Registration has resumed and will be gradually scaling up in line with the recruitment of additional resources. Due to the complex nature of the Foreign Birth Registration process, the large increase in applications received following the Brexit vote in the UK, and the pause in the Service due to necessary Covid-19 restrictions, applicants should allow approximately 2 years from the receipt of supporting documentation for processing of Foreign Birth Registration applications at this time. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, and the subsequent reassignment of Foreign Birth Registration staff to assist in the provision of essential passport services, the Foreign Birth Registration Service was paused for nearly 15 months across the 2020-2021 period.
There are currently 32,000 applications for which documentation has been received, and which are awaiting processing. In 2021, over 7,000 Foreign Birth Registration applications were processed. Foreign Birth Registration staff continue to provide an emergency service for Foreign Birth Registration in cases of exceptional urgency, such as expectant parents, or stateless persons. Applicants who require an emergency service may contact the Passport Service directly.
My Department is fully committed to the continued allocation of additional resources over the coming period to assist with the processing of the Foreign Birth Registration applications currently on hand and the high volume of new applications anticipated this year. The Department has been actively working with the Public Appointments Service to recruit additional permanent and temporary staff for assignment to the Passport Service. This recruitment drive has been underway since the last quarter of 2021 and will double the number of staff in the Passport Service from June 2021 levels. Over 180 additional staff are being assigned to the Passport Service in January alone and further staff will be assigned in February. I am confident that the additional staff currently being assigned to the Passport Service will help to reduce turnaround times and to respond to the current and anticipated high demand for passports and Foreign Birth Registration this year.
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 and Foreign Birth Registration system. Budget 2022 also included an investment of an additional €10m in passport services in response to the increasing demand for passports and Foreign Birth Registration.
234. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 342 of 5 May 2021, the resources that are being deployed to NGOs and multilateral organisations to assist the people of Ethiopia to overcome the current humanitarian crisis (details supplied). [2736/22]
View answerThe situation in Tigray and in other parts of northern Ethiopia remains of grave concern. The conflict is having a devastating impact on civilians with reported widespread human rights violations, while the number of casualties continues to rise. Over 9 million people are in need of urgent humanitarian assistance, including 5.2 million people in Tigray alone.
Through our bilateral engagements, as well as within the European Union and at the UN Security Council, Ireland continues to advocate for full humanitarian access, an urgent end to violence, dialogue, accountability for atrocities, and ultimately a political solution to the conflict. We see the recent withdrawal of TPLF forces to Tigray from neighbouring regions as an opportunity for de-escalation and political dialogue which must be seized.
We also welcome the recent decision of the Ethiopian authorities to release a number of opposition leaders. However, continued reports of air strikes in Tigray resulting in dozens of civilian casualties are deeply troubling and underscore the urgent need for ensuring full humanitarian access to the region.
Ireland has been to the fore in raising the humanitarian and human rights situation at the UN Security Council, most recently on 20 December when members were briefed on the severity of the humanitarian crisis. We have also led negotiations resulting in two Security Council press statements on the crisis, the latest – on 5 November – called for humanitarian access, a ceasefire and political dialogue to resolve the crisis.
Ireland also believes that regional leaders have a vital role to play in promoting peace. We have been vocal in our support for the ongoing mediation work of African Union Special Envoy Obasanjo, President Kenyatta and others. It is critical that we continue to push for urgency in these efforts.
Ireland’s continued priority will remain, as always, supporting the needs of the most vulnerable people in Ethiopia, including those affected by conflict in Tigray. My Department, through the Irish Aid programme, recently disbursed an additional €17 million to humanitarian partners operating in Ethiopia including UN OCHA, UNICEF, UNFPA, International Rescue Committee, and the International Committee of the Red Cross, bringing our total response to the extensive humanitarian needs in 2021 to almost €25 million. We will continue to prioritise responding to humanitarian needs while this crisis persists.
235. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if grant funding is available to assist in covering the cost of volunteering abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2790/22]
View answerThe National Volunteering Strategy commits to the promotion of ethical and skills-based international volunteering to deliver results for beneficiaries and to enhance global citizenship education in Ireland. My Department works with specific partners to deliver upon this.For example, my Department provides significant support to the United Nations Volunteer Programme. Twenty seven United Nations Volunteers were fully funded by the Irish Government in 2020. These volunteers go on to share their expertise and influence in the UN, my Department and elsewhere in Ireland and abroad.
My Department also provides support to volunteer-sending organisations such as UCD Volunteers Overseas (UCDVO) and Suas. In addition, Irish international volunteers are assisted by my Department through two specific schemes, the Public Service Pension Scheme for Volunteer Development Workers (PSPS) and the Volunteer Development Worker Scheme (VDWS).
The PSPS allows public servants, including teachers, to have their pension contributions paid while volunteering overseas while on an authorised leave of absence or career break from the public service. The period of service must be for a minimum of six consecutive months and up to a maximum of two years. This scheme applies to volunteering undertaken after 1 January 1995. The VDWS provides credited social welfare contributions up to a maximum of five years for those who have volunteered in a country classified by the OECD as eligible to receive Overseas Development Assistance (ODA). This scheme applies to volunteering undertaken after April 1983.
Comhlámh, the Association of Returned Volunteers and Development Workers, administers these schemes. Individuals who intend to volunteer abroad may wish to contact Comhlámh to receive information on their specific entitlements, in addition to other supports that may be available, including any pre and post departure training.
236. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Defence if he will report on his visit to the informal meeting of European Union defence ministers hosted by the French Presidency of the Council of the European Union; if he participated in discussions and a dinner with the NATO General Secretary; his views on deepening European Union and NATO links; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2759/22]
View answerI attended the recent Informal meeting of EU Defence Ministers which took place between the 12th and 13th of January in France.
This meeting consisted of three working sessions; a Working Dinner with NATO and the UN on the topic of “Interferences and actions of state and non-state actors in our operational theatres”, a Working Session on “Safeguarding the EU’s strategic interests in contested domains: focus on outer space” followed by a Working Lunch of Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Defence to discuss the Strategic Compass. Defence Ministers also received a short Current Affairs briefing which touched on topics such as the situation at the Ukrainian border and the European Security Architecture, as well as the situation in Mali.
The working dinner, in which I participated, was also attended by United Nations Under-Secretary General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, as well as the Chair of the Sub-Committee of the European Parliament on Security and Defence (SEDE) Nathalie Loiseau MEP. The discussion focused on the threats posed by various mercenary groups - notably the Wagner Group - in Libya, Syria, Ukraine and Central African Republic for example, with the discussion invited to focus on the threats faced, ways to tackle it, and concrete proposals on how to strengthen CSDPs operational effectiveness in that context. I took the opportunity to express Ireland's deep concern at the increasing engagement of both State and non-State actors in a number of countries where the EU has been working to improve peace and security and their negative impact on CSDP missions and operations. The NATO Secretary General also took the opportunity to debrief EU Defence Ministers on that day's meeting of the NATO-Russia Council.
The working session on 'Safeguarding the EU’s strategic interests in contested domains: focus on outer space', took place in the framework of the ongoing work on the Strategic Compass, with discussions focusing on the increasing threats and challenges faced (in the context of an EU Space Strategy for Security and Defence); how to react to hostile behaviours in space, how to protect space related assets and how space services best serve security and defence, in particular situatioonal aware for our CSDP missions and operations.
The joint working lunch between Foreign Affairs and Defence Ministers focused on the first revised text of the Strategic Compass, which was presented to Ministers by the High Representative/Vice President, Josep Borrell. Ministers provided their first reactions to the revised text with a view to providing guidance for further work within the Council, to ensure that the Strategic Compass is both ambitious and actionable prior to its adoption in March. Ireland welcomed the progress on the Strategic Compass as set out in the revised draft and urged a continued emphasis on multilateralism and the importance of the EU-UN strategic relationship.
The key strategic partners for the EU are the UN and NATO. In respect of deepening European Union and NATO links, it is my view that as an active partner of NATO through Partnership for Peace, Ireland should continue to welcome EU-NATO co-operation where it benefits international peace and security and is focused on avoiding duplication of structures, systems and interoperability standards. This cooperation ensures better coherence and effectiveness on the ground in peace support and crisis management operations. It is fully acknowledged at EU level that any decisions made in the context of cooperation acknowledge the differing security policies of individual members of the EU and NATO, and are made in compliance with the decision-making autonomy and procedures of each organisation. I should point out that NATO is also recognised by the UN as one of its strategic partners.
