Written Answers Nos. 124-143
124. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of emergency refuge and emergency non-refuge accommodation units for victims of domestic violence and their children in each county in each of the years 2016 to 2021, in tabular form. [3781/22]
View answerAs the matter raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, I have referred the question to Tusla for direct response to the Deputy.
125. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the funding allocated to emergency refuge and emergency non-refuge accommodation units for victims of domestic violence and their children in each of the years 2016 to 2021, in tabular form. [3782/22]
View answerAs the matter raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, I have referred the question to Tusla for direct response to the Deputy.
126. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide the full report, details and responses to the University College Dublin attitudes to forestry survey for counties Wicklow and Kerry conducted by a person (details supplied). [3739/22]
View answerUniversity College Dublin is an autonomous body within the meaning of the Universities Act 1997 and is entitled to regulate its own academic and administrative affairs. The publication of this research is a matter for UCD and Dr. Augustenborg and I would advise the Deputy to contact them directly in relation to this matter.
127. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the public schools within the European Union that are covered under the SUSI grant; if there are exclusions; and if so, the reason for exclusion. [3686/22]
View answerThe principal support provided by the Department in financial terms is the Student Grant Scheme. Under the terms of the Grant Scheme, grant assistance is awarded to students attending an approved course in an approved institution who meet the prescribed conditions of funding, including those relating to nationality, residency, previous academic attainment and means.
The decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter, in the first instance, for the centralised student grant awarding authority SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland) to determine.
Students attending approved undergraduate courses in the EU can apply for a maintenance grant provided they meet the terms and conditions of the Student Grant Scheme. In general, an approved undergraduate course in this context is defined as a full-time undergraduate course of not less than two years duration pursued in a university or third level institution, which is maintained or assisted by recurrent grants from public funds in another EU Member State. The Student Grant Scheme does not extend to post graduates outside the State other than for exceptional provision in respect of postgraduate courses in Northern Ireland.
Tax relief at the standard rate of tax may be claimed in respect of tuition fees paid for approved courses at approved colleges of higher education including approved undergraduate and postgraduate courses in EU Member States and in non-EU countries. Further information on this tax relief is available from a student's local Tax office or from the Revenue Commissioners website www.revenue.ie.
128. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of students from Northern Ireland who are enrolled in further education in Ireland in each year that data is available in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3736/22]
View answerI refer the Deputy to the data collated by SOLAS on the number of students from Northern Ireland that are enrolled in further education in Ireland for the years 2018, 2019 and 2020.
|
- |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
|
Number of Enrolments: |
178 |
300 |
14 |
129. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice if her Department or organisations under the aegis of her Department has conducted or commissioned research or public polling on the commitment to introduce a regularisation process for the undocumented or on aspects of the regularisation proposals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3679/22]
View answerProposals for the Regularisation of Long Term Undocumented Migrants Scheme and the applicable criteria were developed by my Department in line with the published Programme for Government commitment.
The Programme for Government commits to bringing forward a regularisation scheme within 18 months of the formation of the Government, to create new pathways for long-term undocumented people and their dependents. Furthermore, it specifies that applicants will need to meet specific criteria and these will be formed with a clear consideration of Ireland's European Union and Common Travel Area commitments.
In developing the scheme, my Department was informed by research into previous national regularisation schemes implemented by my Department; programmes in other EU Member States; consultation with key civil society and NGO stakeholders; and engagement with Government Departments, as appropriate.
The policy document for the scheme, along with a range of further documentation, is available on the my Department's Irish Immigration website at www.irishimmigration.ie.
The scheme will open for applications on 31 January 2022. Applications will be accepted for six months until 31 July 2022, when the scheme will close.
The scheme will only be open to those who are long-term undocumented in accordance with the criteria and to certain international protection applicants who can apply under a separate strand of the scheme, details of which will be published shortly.
130. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Justice the reason for the delay in the report from the Ombudsman in the case of a person (details supplied). [3690/22]
View answerI would like to again extend my deepest sympathies to all those impacted by this tragic event in Hartstown, and in particular to the Nkencho family. Any fatal shooting is deeply distressing, and I know that the local community continue to experience real trauma as a result of these events.
As the Deputy will be aware, and as is the case in every incident involving the Gardaí that results in the death or serious harm of a person, the shooting of Mr George Nkencho is being fully investigated by the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC), which is the independent statutory body established to investigate such incidents.
As GSOC is statutorily independent in its operation and administration, it would not be appropriate for me, as Minister, to comment on, or interfere in, what is an ongoing and well advanced investigation with full powers. I am confident, however, that GSOC is treating this matter with the utmost priority and with the gravity that it deserves. It is important for the family and all those involved in this tragedy that the investigation is carried out thoroughly and follows up all lines of inquiry as speedily as possible in the circumstances.
As the Deputy may be aware, I met with the Nkencho family in April of last year to hear from them directly. I assured them of GSOC's independence and expertise and that they are the most appropriate body to complete a full, impartial investigation into all of the circumstances relating to the tragic death of Mr Nkencho.
131. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Justice the status of a citizenship application by a person (details supplied). [3702/22]
View answerOfficials from the Citizenship Division of my Department contacted the person referred to by the Deputy in January 2021, seeking further documents. To date, there has been no response to this request. To progress their application, they should now submit a full colour copy of their national passport which must be certified by a solicitor, commissioner for oaths or notary public. Upon receipt of this, the application will be processed further.
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.
132. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice the costs to date of An Garda Síochána Operation Foray; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3708/22]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), for the management of criminal investigations as well as for the management and administration of Garda business. The Commissioner is also responsible for the deployment of An Garda Síochána, including to the various Garda Regions/units and operations. As Minister, I play no role in these functions in which the Commissioner is completely independent.
I am advised that the operation to which the Deputy refers relates to a Garda investigation. I am further advised that Garda personnel may be assigned to several investigations or operations in response to operational requirements. It is not possible at the present time to provide costs or resources associated with specific investigations, along the lines sought by the Deputy.
133. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Justice if her Department will consider an appeal by a person (details supplied). [3718/22]
View answerThe person referred to by the Deputy will be contacted directly by my officials with a view to resolving the matter raised.
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.
134. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice her plans to develop and or introduce gender focused sexual education in the training phase for new Garda recruits and trainee prison officers. [3734/22]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, Section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 provides that the Commissioner is responsible for the direction and control of the Garda Síochána, including arranging for training of its members and staff. I have no direct role in the matter.
I have, however, discussed this matter recently with the Commissioner and I know he is committed to members of An Garda Síochána upholding the highest standards of personal behaviour in this area. I understand that the Garda Foundation Training Programme, which leads to the BA Applied Policing Programme, and is undertaken by all Garda Trainees and Probationer Gardaí, has comprehensive content and training regarding professional behaviours and sexual crimes. This training is under continuous review and development in order to remain current and relevant to policing and societal needs.
The training addresses sexual crimes and victims of sexual crimes, of all gender types. This education is threaded through the 'Policing with Communities' modules within the Programme, and captures how Gardaí deal with domestic violence, sexual abuse and other sexual and violent offences.
The objective of the 'Policing with Communities' module is to equip the students with the personal and professional expertise, to proactively police a modern and diverse society, and while being responsive to the needs of its vulnerable members.
In addition, the Children First Act 2015 and Children First National Guidance for Protection and Welfare of Children 2017, is delivered to Garda Trainees within the Foundation Training Programme. It examines the responsibilities of members of An Garda Síochána in the area of Child Abuse Investigations, as well as the legislation and offences pertaining to all sexual crimes and domestic violence.
The BA Applied Policing Programme also covers two on-line presentations on Hate Crime and Diversity, creating awareness in these important areas, with diversity training examining, recognising, acknowledging and respecting differences. These differences includes issues such as gender, marital status, family status, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, race and membership of minority ethnic groups.
The Foundation Training Team is currently examining the introduction of the topic of "active consent" into the module and this will be developed and integrated in 2022. Garda College instructors have undergone specific training in this area and are currently developing content for blended learning in this area.
Separately, I am informed by my officials in the Irish Prison Service that the Irish Prison Service College tutors work closely with psychologists from the Irish Prison Service Psychology Service in designing, delivering and reviewing training in relation to gender focused sexual education in order to achieve the Irish Prison Service strategic objectives and to demonstrate best practice in accordance with international human rights treaty obligations and recommendations.
Currently, Recruit Prison Officers receive training on the impact of gender based violence on female prisoners as part of a trauma informed approach to prisoner care. With the ending of COVID restrictions, it is intended to extend this training to audiences at middle and senior manager level.
The Irish Prison Service is committed to incorporating ongoing developments in gender focused sexual education into all related training modules in order to ensure that it is culturally relevant and sensitive, psychologically informed and that it addresses gender identity, sexual behaviours, communication skills, empathy, mutual respect and diversity, both in relation to staff and prisoners.
It will also interest the Deputy to know that I am leading work on a new whole of government domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence strategy. The new plan will be the most ambitious to date and will be structured around the four pillars of Prevention, Protection, Prosecution and Co-ordinated Policies. It will set an overall goal of zero tolerance in Irish society for domestic, sexual and gender-based violence. Under the Prevention pillar there will be a number of actions relating to training and awareness raising, both for specific sectors and for society in general.
I can also inform the Deputy that An Garda Síochána Inspectorate has committed to carrying out a self-initiative inspection into the effectiveness and efficiency of the Garda Síochána’s response to domestic abuse. Following completion of this inspection and publication of the report, full consideration will be given to the findings and relevant actions arising will be progressed in the context of the new National Strategy.
Under Supporting A Victims Journey we have also commissioned a mapping exercise to identify any training needs not currently met. On foot of the outcome of this we will look at how best any gaps identified might be addressed. Action in that regard will be led by my Department.
135. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Justice when she expects proposals to be progressed for the recognition of foreign divorce in Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3735/22]
View answerThe Domicile and Recognition of Foreign Divorces Act 1986 governs the recognition of foreign divorces granted on or after the coming into operation of the Act on 2 October 1986. Section 5 of the 1986 Act provides that a foreign divorce may only be recognised in Ireland if it was granted in the country where either spouse was domiciled on the date the divorce proceedings were instituted. The determination of “domicile” includes an assessment of the intention of the person to remain indefinitely in the foreign jurisdiction.
Recognition of foreign divorces granted prior to the coming into operation of the Domicile and Recognition of Foreign Divorces Act 1986 is governed by common law domicile rules which are now consistent with those in the 1986 Act.
The recognition in Ireland of a divorce, legal separation or marriage annulment granted in another EU Member State on or after 1 March 2001 is governed by EU Council Regulation 2201/2003 concerning jurisdiction and the recognition and enforcement of judgments in matrimonial matters and the matters of parental responsibility (also known as the Brussels II bis or the Brussels IIa Regulation). This Regulation provides for EU judicial co-operation and recognition and enforcement of judgments in cross-border matrimonial matters. Under the Regulation, divorces, legal separations or marriage annulments granted in all EU States, with the exception of Denmark, are entitled to recognition if granted in accordance with jurisdictional criteria specified in the Regulation. Habitual residence is the key governing criterion for recognition. The Domicile and Recognition of Foreign Divorces Act 1986 no longer applies to the recognition of divorces covered by the Regulation.
Part 19 of the Withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union (Consequential Provisions) Act 2020 makes provision for the recognition in Ireland of divorces granted in the United Kingdom or Gibraltar and has been in operation since 11.00 p.m. on 31 December 2020.
Where there is an issue as to whether a foreign divorce is entitled to recognition, section 29 of the Family Law Act 1995 allows a person to apply to court for a declaration as to marital status, including a declaration as to whether a foreign divorce is entitled to recognition in the State.
The Thirty-Eighth Amendment of the Constitution (Dissolution of Marriage) Act 2019 was signed into law on 11 June 2019 following its approval by the people in a referendum on 24 May 2019.
That Act deleted the following subsection from Article 41.3 of the Constitution:
“3° No person whose marriage has been dissolved under the civil law of any other State but is a subsisting valid marriage under the law for the time being in force within the jurisdiction of the Government and Parliament established by this Constitution shall be capable of contracting a valid marriage within that jurisdiction during the lifetime of the other party to the marriage so dissolved.”,
and substituted that subsection with the following:
“3° Provision may be made by law for the recognition under the law of the State of a dissolution of marriage granted under the civil law of another state.”
The amendment will permit a future change in the law to introduce greater consistency in the recognition of foreign divorces.
The Law Reform Commission, as part of its Fifth Programme of Law Reform, is examining the recognition of foreign divorces. When the expert report of the Law Reform Commission is completed, it will provide valuable guidance for the development of proposals for legislation on the recognition of foreign divorces.
136. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Justice the steps she is taking to introduce legislation criminalising cyberflashing; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3746/22]
View answerFlashing is a criminal offence under the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017. While flashing is a term we are all familiar with, the concept of cyberflashing is relatively new.
There are, however, a number of offences already on the statute book which criminalise behaviours that can be described as cyberflashing. The existing offence for flashing, contained in section 45(1) of the Sexual Offences Act 2017 is not restricted to physical places and would also apply in the online context.
In addition, it is an offence under section 45(3) of that Act to intentionally engage in offensive conduct of a sexual nature. “Offensive conduct of a sexual nature” means any behaviour of a sexual nature which, having regard to all the circumstances, is likely to cause fear, distress or alarm to any person who is, or might reasonably be expected to be, aware of any such behaviour.
A person convicted of an offence under either of these provisions would be liable on summary conviction to a fine or up to six months imprisonment, or on indictment for up to two years imprisonment.
If such images are sent by phone or text message it may constitute an offence under Section 13(1)(a) of the Post Office (Amendment) Act 1951 (as amended by the Communications Regulation (Amendment) Act 2007) which makes it an offence to send by telephone (including by text message) any message that is grossly offensive, or is indecent, obscene or menacing.
The Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences Act 2020 contains an offence of distributing, publishing, or sending a grossly offensive communication with intent to cause harm. Under this offence, harm is caused by seriously interfering with a person’s peace and privacy or by causing alarm or distress to the person. The penalty for such a conviction can be an unlimited fine or up to two years imprisonment.
In addition to the above offences, persistent cyberflashing may amount to harassment within the meaning of section 10 of the Non-Fatal Offences against the Person Act 1997, which carries a maximum penalty of up to 10 years in prison.
137. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Justice the steps she is taking to introduce legislation criminalising stalking; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3747/22]
View answerBefore Easter, I will publish a Bill which will include new criminal offences for stalking and for non-fatal strangulation.
The act of stalking itself is already covered by existing law, but I will propose the following changes to make the law clearer and stronger:
- Explicitly reference stalking as a criminal offence
- Make it clear that stalking includes watching or following a victim, even where they are not aware of being watched or followed
- Make it clear that impersonating the victim, and then communicating with a third party, is illegal
- Update the law to ensure that it covers all forms of modern communications.
I will also consider introducing a provision to allow a victim, in very serious cases, apply to the court for an order to prevent the alleged perpetrator from communicating with them in advance of a trial.
In respect of creating a new criminal offence for non-fatal strangulation, while choking and strangling are already illegal, creating this new offence should encourage victims to come forward and report what has happened to them.
It has been shown that this crime can be an indication of future, lethal violence and is a risk factor for homicides against women in the home.
138. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Justice if she has plans to or will consider amending the legislation in relation to right of way matters and trespassing laws similar to the scenario raised by a person (details supplied; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3772/22]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, following strong concerns expressed by stakeholders, I recently brought to enactment an important reform of the law relating to prescriptive easements, the Land and Conveyancing Law Reform Act 2021. That Act came into operation on 30 November 2021.
It will be appreciated in a civil dispute between private parties, the best course is for the person concerned to obtain professional advice from a legal practitioner in relation to their situation.
While the law on the acquisition of rights of way and other easements and profits a prendre will be reviewed, there are no plans at present to amend the law on civil trespass.
Where the behaviour of a neighbour involves assault or harassment, the matter falls to be considered under criminal law, and the provisions of the Non Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997, in particular, apply, and An Garda Síochána can investigate and address the matter as they appear to have done in this case.
139. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Justice if she will in conjunction with the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, put measures in place to expedite visas for suitable applicants for the hospitality industry in order to alleviate staffing shortages; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3785/22]
View answerIn order to work in Ireland, a non-EEA national, unless they are exempted, must hold a valid employment permit, which is administered by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE). Any changes to the employment permit system are a matter for that Department.
In relation to the role of my Department, non-EEA nationals cannot work in Ireland unless they have an immigration permission. For non-EEA nationals that are not visa-required, they must register their permission with my Department within 90 days of their arrival in Ireland. For those who are visa-required, they must apply for a long stay employment visa, also called a 'D' visa, once they have been granted an employment permit from DETE.
Further details on long stay employment visas can be found on my Department's Irish Immigration website (www.irishimmigration.ie).
It is important to note that the granting of a work permit by DETE has no bearing on whether a visa will subsequently be granted. These are two very distinct application processes with different checks and procedures in place in each respective Department.
I can assure the Deputy that my Department is aware of the time sensitive nature of employment visas and ensures that they are treated as priority applications.
140. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Justice the details of the tendering process used by her Department for State contracts granted in relation to Covid-19 since the beginning of the pandemic; the name of each company, the services involved; the amount paid to each company in each of the relevant years in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4234/22]
View answerIt has not been possible to collate the information requested by the Deputy in the time allowed. I will write to the Deputy to provide this information as soon as it is available.
|
Company |
Service |
Year |
Amount Paid |
Details |
|
Quadra |
Health & Safety consultancy & advisory Services |
2022 |
€20.95.521 |
Direct drawdown under existing OGP Framework |
|
Arup |
COVID advisory Support |
2020 |
€12,177 |
OPW contract |
|
Grosvenor |
Touchpoint cleaning |
2020 2021 |
€10,843.39 €49,526.60 |
OGP contract |
|
Codex |
Hand sanitiser |
2020 |
€4,186.90 |
OGP Contract |
|
Quadra |
Health and Safety consultation |
2020 |
€3,750 |
Direct drawdown under existing OGP Framework |
|
Derrycourt |
Cleaning supplies and services |
2020 2021 |
€843.29 €16,585.77 |
OGP Contract |
|
Bunzl |
Cleaning products |
2020 |
€10,771.32 |
OGP Contract |
|
Farrell’s |
Desks |
2021 |
€26,708.21 |
OPW contract |
|
Pelko |
Chairs |
2021 |
€102,365.52 |
OPW contract |
|
Thomas Montgomery |
Chairs |
2021 |
€342.47 |
OPW contract |
|
Codex |
Office accessories |
2021 |
€263.10 |
OGP contract |
|
PFH |
Laptops |
2021 |
€156,997.00 |
OGP contract |
|
Banner Group |
Microsoft Lifecam HD-3000 |
2021 |
€32,287.50 |
OGP contract |
|
Banner Group |
IMPACT SC 30 USB MLEPOS SENNHEISER |
2021 |
€75,337.50 |
OGP contract |
|
PFH |
Laptops |
2021 |
€173,762.00 |
OGP Contract |
|
Company |
Service |
Year |
Amount Paid |
|
The Printed Image |
PPE: Pop-up changing room for stores, face masks, gloves |
2020 |
€1,688,582.95 |
|
Cadmar Technologies Ltd. |
PPE: Gloves |
2020 |
€1,390,027.39 |
|
James Boylan Safety Ltd. |
PPE: Sanitiser, face masks, white suits, shoe covers, gloves, disposable aprons, visor/face shields, anti-spit hood, antibacterial wipes, sanitiser dispensers. |
2020 |
€1,371,980.85 |
|
Poplar Linens |
PPE: Face masks |
2020 |
€1,248,680.00 |
|
Critical Healthcare Ltd. |
PPE: Face masks |
2020 |
€1,147,344.00 |
|
Healthcare Essentials Ltd. |
PPE: Face masks |
2020 |
€834,000.00 |
|
Creative Activity |
PPE: Sanitiser, face masks, shoe covers, gloves, disposable aprons, goggles, visors/face shields |
2020 |
€680,110.75 |
|
Water Technology Ltd. |
PPE Including: Sanitiser, antibacterial spray |
2020 |
€585,956.50 |
|
PRBCG Ltd. |
PPE: Face masks |
2020 |
€412,865.50 |
|
Anderco Safety Ltd. |
PPE: White suits |
2020 |
€362,766.24 |
|
JW Balfour Ltd. |
PPE: Disposable gowns, face masks, white suits |
2020 |
€346,245.00 |
|
Med Surgical |
PPE: Gloves, laser thermometers, face masks |
2020 |
€303,072.00 |
|
Elite Safety Tech Ltd. |
PPE: Face masks, white suits, laser thermometers, goggles |
2020 |
€290,046.60 |
|
Alphar |
PPE: Face masks |
2020 |
€277,242.00 |
|
Everyday Welding Supplies Ltd. |
PPE: Goggles |
2020 |
€183,715.87 |
|
Purepharm |
PPE: Face masks |
2020 |
€169,322.10 |
|
Portwest |
PPE: Face masks, white suits, gloves, goggles |
2020 |
€124,397.59 |
|
JJ McQuillan Son & Co |
PPE: Goggles, visors/face shields, antibacterial wipes, white suits, gloves |
2020 |
€124,182.62 |
|
Bunzl |
PPE: White suits, gloves, goggles |
2020 |
€121,127.21 |
|
Consolidated Enterprises |
PPE: Face masks |
2020 |
€91,327.50 |
|
Medical Supply |
PPE: Face masks |
2020 |
€80,522.69 |
|
Portfolio Group (PFG Brand Attraction) |
PPE: Gloves, visors, face shields |
2020 |
€672,234.60 |
|
MA Healy and Sons Ltd. |
PPE: White suits, gloves |
2020 |
€60,990.79 |
|
Fleming Medical |
PPE: Face masks |
2020 |
€59,778.00 |
|
Office Depot |
PPE Sanitiser, pop-up kitchen products to comply with social distancing guidelines. |
2020 |
€49,915.71 |
|
Apex Scientific Ltd. |
PPE: Face masks |
2020 |
€48,848.96 |
|
Lennox Labs |
PPE: Gloves, face masks |
2020 |
€42,227.99 |
|
Scene Safe |
PPE: White suits, goggles |
2020 |
€29,479.11 |
|
E Fox Engineering |
PPE: Face masks, gloves, visor/face shields |
2020 |
€23,560.65 |
|
Fannin Healthcare Ltd. |
PPE: Antibacterial wipes, gloves |
2020 |
€21,211.35 |
|
The Packaging Centre |
PPE: Sanitiser bottles |
2020 |
€18,911.70 |
|
Jungheinrich Lift Trucks |
Forklift for PPE stores |
2020 |
€18,450.00 |
|
Various items of PPE |
2020 |
€60,001.12 |
|
|
EIR |
ICT |
2020 |
€199,508.73 |
|
Zinopy Ltd. |
ICT |
2020 |
141,262.65 |
|
Europcar Ltd. |
Hire of vehicles for dedicated national community policing |
2020 |
€1,577,346.29 |
|
James Boylan Safety Ltd. |
PPE: Antibacterial wipes |
2021 |
€118,493.28 |
|
Water Technology Ltd. |
PPE: Antibacterial spray, sanitiser |
2021 |
€47,860.00 |
|
Europcar Ltd. |
Hire of vehicles for dedicated national community policing |
2021 |
€299,466.71 |
|
James Boylan Safety Ltd. |
Antigen tests |
2022 |
€1,572,400.00 |
|
Cadmar Technologies Ltd. |
Antigen tests |
2022 |
€1,119,375.00 |
|
Poplar Linens |
Antigen tests |
2022 |
€64,480.00 |
|
Portfolio Group (PFG Brand Attraction) |
Antigen tests |
2022 |
€37,934.50 |
|
Company |
Service |
Year |
Amount Paid |
Details |
|
Fitting Images Ltd. |
Provision Video Court installation equipment |
2020 2021 |
€2,281,929 €217,518 |
A contract extension to facilitate continuity of services. New contract was put in place in November 2020 |
|
Brindare Ltd. |
Temporary Courthouse venue (Croke Park) to facilitate social distancing. |
2021 |
€1,057,424 |
Under contract – license agreement. |
|
IPP CCC |
Provision of additional Cleaning and caretaking at the Criminal Court Justice building. |
2020 2021 |
€261,182 €512,987 |
Under contract - This is part of the CCJ PPP. |
|
Accent Facilities Solutions |
Provision of additional cleaning during pandemic in the Dublin region |
2020 2021 |
€131,585 €176,402 |
Under contract |
|
Irish Nurses & Midwives |
Temporary courthouse venue to facilitate social distancing. |
2020 2021 |
€204,367 €88,872 |
Under contract – license agreement. |
|
ISS Ireland Ltd. |
Provision of additional cleaning and Caretaking during pandemic in all regions with exception of Dublin |
2020 2021 |
€160,768 €119,407 |
Under contract |
|
Honourable Society of Kings Inns |
Temporary Courthouse venue to facilitate social distancing. |
2020 |
€269,009 |
Under contract – license agreement. |
|
Singniatec |
Urgent COVID-19 expenditure for the provision of screens and safety signage in court houses and offices. |
2020 2021 |
€189,596 €63,754 |
No contract - Derogation was granted in respect of this expenditure for 2020. Due to further restrictions introduced in December 2020 / January 2021 more signage was required to comply with public health guidelines. |
|
Bidvest Noonan Ltd. |
Provision of additional Security due to the pandemic. |
2021 |
€234,227 |
Under contract |
|
Bam Courts Bundle Ltd. |
Supply of COVID-19 equipment, additional cleaning services, provision of PPE. |
2020 2021 |
€116,740 €115,527 |
Under contract |
|
PFH Technology |
Provision of Lenovo ThinkPad and docking stations |
2020 2021 |
€134,654 €111,013 |
Under contract since March 2021. - Procured by publishing a supplementary request for tender under the OGP framework for personal and notebook computers and associated service |
|
ATOS IT Solutions & Services Ltd. |
Provision of additional outsourcing service due to COVID-19 |
2020 2021 |
€142,736 €161,754 |
Contract extension was required beyond the original contract expiry date to facilitate continuity of service. |
|
AOC Specialist Services Ltd. |
Urgent COVID-19 expenditure to manage restrictions around social distancing in regional courthouses venues. |
2020 2021 |
€75,959 €127,576 |
No contract - Derogation was granted in respect of this expenditure for 2020, however, due to stricter restrictions introduced in December 2020 / January 2021 and a delay in the tender for these services, it was imperative to continue to utilise this company to comply with public health guidelines until the contract was awarded to Bidvest Noonan in May 2021 |
|
Blackwater Asset Management |
Urgent COVID-19 expenditure to manage restrictions around social distancing in regional courthouses venues. |
2020 2021 |
€65,402 €105,498 |
No contract - Derogation was granted in respect of this expenditure for 2020, however, due to stricter restrictions introduced in December 2020 / January 2021 and a delay in the tender for these services, it was imperative to continue to utilise this company to comply with public health guidelines until the contract was awarded to Bidvest Noonan in May 2021 |
|
G4S Secure Solutions (IRE) LTD., |
Provision of additional security services due to COVID-19 |
2020 2021 |
€40,903 €55,550 |
Under contract |
|
CODEX |
Provision of Signage, posters, PPE and sundry items for CCJ and some of the regional courthouses. |
2020 2021 |
€48,328 €12,819 |
Under contract - utilised current contract for additional urgent requirements. |
|
Synergy Security Solutions LTD. |
Urgent expenditure to manage restrictions around social distancing in regional courthouses venues. |
2020 2021 |
€20,907 €27,350 |
No contract - Derogation was granted in respect of this expenditure. It was imperative to continue to utilise this company on a rolling contract from June 2020 to comply with public health guidelines until the contract was awarded to Bidvest Noonan in May 2021. |
|
Franey Wood Concepts |
Provision of screens and counters |
2021 |
€43,540 |
No contract – One-off expenditure. |
|
DATAPAC |
Provision of some ICT consumables i.e. Print cartridges, notebooks, mouse etc. |
2020 2021 |
€33,313 €1,295 |
Under Contract - Procured by signing NAGF (Notification to Activate Goods Form) as the Courts Service is a Framework Client as set out at clause 23A of the Framework Contract for “ICT Consumables” established by the OGP. |
|
Company |
Service |
Year |
Amount Paid |
|
Franey Hardwood Products Ltd. |
Desk guards |
2020 |
€1,771.20 |
|
Crosbie Brother Limited |
Perspex screens |
2020 |
€8,409.50 |
|
Company |
Service |
Year |
Amount Paid |
Details |
|
Leinster Facility Services |
Safety screens |
2020 |
€28,366.04 |
Request for Quotations |
|
Quadra |
Office based risk assessments |
2020 |
€3,430 |
OGP Drawdown |
|
Company |
Service |
Year |
Amount Paid |
Details |
|
Bunzl Ireland LTD. |
PPE & medical supplies |
2020 2021 |
€1,353,930 €1,211,504 |
Request for quotes & Under contract |
|
Shinezeal International LTD. |
PPE supplies |
2020 |
€543,424 |
Request for quotes |
|
Plannet 21 Communications LTD |
IT Solutions |
2020 2021 |
€411,702 €230,470 |
Under contract |
|
Mulcahy Technical Services |
Kitchen equipment |
2020 |
€395,667 |
Under contract |
|
LMC FM Ltd |
Specialist cleaning & facilities management |
2020 2021 |
€283,415 €850,946 |
Under contract |
|
Critical Healthcare LTD. |
PPE supplies |
2020 |
€193,050 |
Request for quotes |
|
CPL Healthcare Ltd |
Medical services |
2020 2021 |
€186,849 €609,317 |
Under contract |
|
Dell Ireland |
IT equipment |
2020 2021 |
€162,233 €46,740 |
Under contract |
|
Vernon Medical LTD. |
PPE supplies |
2020 |
€120,540 |
Request for quotes |
|
Vico Distribution Ltd |
Bedding supplies |
2020 |
€85,663 |
Under contract |
|
Lynas Foodservice Ltd |
Food supplies |
2020 |
€68,596 |
Under contract |
|
DID Electrical |
Electrical equipment |
2020 |
€49,273 |
Under contract |
|
SPN VOIP Ltd |
Telecom services |
2020 |
€43,189 |
Under contract |
|
Smiths Detection Watford Ltd |
Security equipment |
2020 |
€36,961 |
Under contract |
|
Clondalkin Builders Providers |
Building materials |
2020 |
€34,517 |
Under contract |
|
Zinopy Ltd |
IT services |
2020 |
€30,518 |
Under contract |
|
Farrell Brothers Ardee Ltd |
Furniture supplies |
2020 |
€29,053 |
Under contract |
|
Micom IT |
ICT systems remote working |
2020 |
€28,340 |
Request for quotes |
|
International Education Service |
Library supplies |
2020 |
€25,378 |
Request for quotes |
|
LMC Energy Solutions Ltd |
Specialist cleaning & facilities management |
2021 |
€1,290,427 |
Under contract |
|
BOC Gases Ireland Ltd |
Medical supplies |
2021 |
€42,656 |
Under contract |
|
An Post |
Banking services |
2021 |
€39,284 |
Under contract |
|
Dawson Group |
Rent of trailor unit for contingency food supply |
2021 |
€31,022 |
Request for quotes |
|
HSE Mid Leinster |
Medical services |
2021 |
€29,800 |
Under contract |
|
Code Blue |
Private PCR testing |
2022 |
€250,000 |
The amounts indicated for 2022 are estimates only. |
|
Cadmar Technologies |
Antigen test kits |
2022 |
€300,000 |
The amounts indicated for 2022 are estimates only. |
|
Company |
Service |
Year |
Amount Paid |
|
Choice Training |
Health and safety training |
2021 |
€1,975 |
|
Company |
Service |
Year |
Amount Paid |
Details |
|
Pat Dennehy Signs Ltd. |
Provision of social distancing floor stickers and clear divider screens |
2021 |
€2,444.63 |
3 quote sought |
|
Jones Business Systems |
Provision of hand sanitiser stands & safety tape |
2021 |
€2,551.66 |
3 quotes sought |
141. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Health if fourth year radiation therapy students who worked on placement in a clinical site with patients who had Covid-19 during the pandemic are eligible for the €1,000 tax-free recognition payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3720/22]
View answerFirstly I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all healthcare workers for their efforts during this most challenging period.
In recognition of the efforts of the general public, volunteers and all workers during the COVID-19 pandemic and in remembrance of people who lost their lives due to the COVID-19 pandemic, on Wednesday 19 January last, the Government announced a once-off public holiday will take place on Friday 18 March 2022.
The Government also announced COVID-19 recognition payment for frontline public sector healthcare workers, to recognise their unique role during the pandemic. The payment of €1,000 will not be subject to income tax, USC, or PRSI. The measure will be ring fenced to staff ordinarily onsite in COVID-19 exposed healthcare environments within the period between 1 March 2020 and 30 June 2021. Those public sector frontline healthcare workers eligible for the payment will be directly employed public health sector staff working in clinical settings. A pro-rata arrangement will apply for eligible part time staff / equivalents and supernumerary students who were required to perform training in clinical sites.
The Department of Health will also introduce a measure for making a similar payment to staff in private sector nursing homes and hospices that were affected by Covid-19.
I would like to assure the Deputy that work is underway to ensure fairness in the application of this measure as the Government intended. The Department and the HSE are currently engaging in finalising arrangements to give effect to the Government announcement concerning the Recognition Payment. Full particulars, eligibility and terms and conditions that apply to this payment shall be made available shortly. It is important that this measure is applied fairly as intended and I welcome the work that is ongoing to ensure this is so.
There are many, many individuals in our country who did so much during the pandemic. I and the Government is sincerely grateful for this commitment but it is appropriate that these public sector frontline healthcare workers get particular recognition. They exposed themselves to particular COVID-19 risks that did not exist in other work environments or those working from home. I am also deeply appreciative of all those frontline workers who worked in our nursing homes and hospices during this pandemic and that they also get similar recognition.
142. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Health if his Department is paying a company (details supplied); the amount that the company has received since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic; the number of public sector workers it has assessed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3933/22]
View answerI have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy in relation to the HSE and the Section 38 agencies under the aegis of the HSE and their utilisation of MedMark.
The Deputy may also wish to raise the question directly with any other arm of the public service, should they also have engagements with MedMark.
143. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the terms of reference and membership of the panel which is to be established to examine the categories of workers entitled to the pandemic recognition payment; when this panel will be established; the way and when this panel will report; the criteria on which this panel will determine eligibility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3647/22]
View answerFirstly I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all healthcare workers for their efforts during this most challenging period.
In recognition of the efforts of the general public, volunteers and all workers during the COVID-19 pandemic and in remembrance of people who lost their lives due to the COVID-19 pandemic, on Wednesday 19 January last, the Government announced a once-off public holiday will take place on Friday 18 March 2022.
The Government also announced COVID-19 recognition payment for frontline public sector healthcare workers, to recognise their unique role during the pandemic. The payment of €1,000 will not be subject to income tax, USC, or PRSI. The measure will be ring fenced to staff ordinarily onsite in COVID-19 exposed healthcare environments within the period between 1 March 2020 and 30 June 2021.
I would like to assure the Deputy that work is underway to ensure fairness in the application of this measure as the Government intended. The Department and the HSE are currently engaging in finalising arrangements to give effect to the Government announcement concerning the Recognition Payment.
Full particulars, eligibility and terms and conditions that apply to this payment shall be made available shortly. It is important that this measure is applied fairly as intended and I welcome the work that is ongoing to ensure this is so.
