Written Answers Nos. 266-278
266. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of online renewal and first-time adult and child passport applications that were issued on the projected issue date, earlier than the projected issue date, later than the projected issue date or rejected in 2021, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5542/22]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy is set out in tabular form below.
There are several factors that will help to clarify the figures of passports issued before, on or after the issue-by date in 2021.
Passport Service operations were severely disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic, as were many Government services. Between January 2021 and May 2021, many Passport Service staff members were redeployed to assist with the national response to Covid-19 in essential public service roles, such as assisting the Department of Social Protection in the processing of Covid-19 related benefits, providing consular assistance to Irish citizens overseas and assisting the Public Appointments Services. During this period, emergency passport services were maintained and Passport Service staff assisted citizens who required passports for a range of emergency and urgent personal, business or legal reasons or who had compelling humanitarian needs to travel. Taking account of Covid-19 protocols in place at that time, 67,000 passports were issued during that period.
At the end of the period of Level 5 restrictions and in the context of the Government’s “Covid-19 Resilience and Recovery 2021”, I advised the Government of my decision to categorise the Passport Service as an essential service and to scale up operations. Passport Service operations began scaling up on 4 May 2021. At this point, notwithstanding the excellent efforts of the Passport Service staff, a Covid related backlog of 89,000 passport applications had developed as customers continued to apply for non-urgent passports while services were disrupted. The figures in the table below show that a high number of applications were processed beyond the issue-by date. However, a significant proportion of these were received during the first four months of 2021 and could not be processed during Level 5 restrictions.
The online Passport Tracker provides applicants with an indication of how their application is progressing through the system and gives an estimated issue date based on the current average application processing time. Given that this is an indication only of the estimated issue date based on current averages, this projected issue date is not an intended guarantee of delivery on that date. This issue date relates to passport applications submitted to the Passport Service with required supporting documentation. When passport applicants to not provide all of the requisite documentation to the Passport Service, it takes much longer to process the application and issue a passport. Passport Service figures consistently show that 45% of applications at a point in time are incomplete and the onus is on the applicant to submit the required documents to the Service. While the Passport Service makes every effort to contact applicants in such circumstances, their experience is that many applicants take weeks and sometimes months to send in the necessary documents. Passport applications that are incomplete cannot be processed by the Passport Service. The 41,434 applications cancelled in 2021 are primarily applications where no documentation was submitted within the six month of the application being made.
|
2021 |
Issued on issue-by date |
Issued before issue-by date |
Issued after issue-by date |
|
Online Renewal Adult |
36,270 |
241,679 |
75,506 |
|
Online Renewal Child |
8,669 |
29,169 |
56,282 |
|
Online First Time Adult |
1,931 |
7,776 |
21,541 |
|
Online First Time Child |
992 |
7,918 |
18,168 |
|
Passport applications cancelled in 2021 |
41,434 |
267. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the Covid-19 vaccination related activities Irish Aid is currently engaged in; and the countries in which this work is taking place in tabular form. [5556/22]
View answerSince the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ireland, through the Irish Aid programme, has allocated over €100 million per annum in financing to global public health, with a similar volume of support is anticipated for 2022. This investment includes COVID-19 specific response measures, as well as support for strengthening health systems so that they can roll out vaccine campaigns, ensure cold chains and other forms of pandemic preparedness more generally.
Irish Aid support for COVID-19 vaccination enables vaccine supply and in-country delivery. Ireland has committed to share up to 5 million vaccine doses, with over 1.5 million delivered to date, predominantly through the COVAX mechanism. Complementing these donations in kind, Irish Aid has so far allocated €13.5 million to COVAX to enable the purchase of additional vaccines for low income countries. This funding, as well as core support to other global health partners, also finances transport and logistics, cold chain equipment, staff training and communications, and mobilising support for vaccination campaigns.
Full details of the level of financing, the types of activities, the partners and the countries benefitting are included in tabular form below. Irish Aid continues to work closely with the Department of Health in the delivery of doses shared by Ireland, engaging in recipient countries through our Embassies, and financing the transportation costs.
|
Type |
Country |
Short description |
Partner(s) |
SpendFigures indicative* |
|
Dose Donations |
Uganda |
Donation of 335,5000 Astra Zeneca doses from HSE stocks, along with consumables, and transport |
Ministry of Health Uganda |
€2,000,000 |
|
Dose Donations |
Indonesia |
Donation of 403,200 doses from Irish supply chain |
COVAX, Indonesia Ministry of Health and UNICEF |
€2,400,000 |
|
Dose Donations |
Ghana |
Donation of 276,000 doses from Irish supply chain |
COVAX, Ghana Ministry of Health and UNICEF |
€1,650,000 |
|
Dose Donations |
Nigeria |
Donation of 496,800 doses from Irish supply chain |
COVAX, Nigeria Ministry of Health and UNICEF |
€2,980,000 |
|
Dose Donations |
Various (low and lower middle income) |
Pending dose donations to Burkina Faso, Egypt, Algeria and elsewhere as part of Ireland’s commitment to donate up to 5 million doses |
Up to €21,000,000 |
|
|
Dose Procurement |
Various (low and lower middle income) |
€8 million to facilitate dose procurement by low income countries; |
COVAX and various recipient governments |
€8,000,000 |
|
Transport and consumables for vaccines |
Various (low and lower middle income) |
€2 million to cover ancillary costs (transport, packaging, insurance etc) for donated by Ireland Ireland’s doses |
COVAX and various recipient governments |
€2,000,000 |
|
Transport and consumables for vaccines |
Lebanon |
Donation of 16,400 reconstitution syringes/ reconstitution needles from HSE stocks |
EU Civil protection mechanism, Lebanon Ministry of Health |
€3,000 |
|
In country delivery systems |
Various (low and lower middle income) |
In-country support costs (cold chain equipment, training, planning and policy support) |
COVAX |
€3,500,000 |
|
In country delivery systems |
Various (low income countries) |
In-country health system strengthening |
WHO |
€2,300,000 |
|
In country delivery systems |
Various, low income |
Health system strengthening for vaccination delivery |
Gavi, the Global Vaccine Alliance |
€3,000,000 |
|
In country delivery systems |
Various, low income |
Building resilient and sustainable health systems |
Global Fund, GFATM |
€17,500,000 |
|
In country delivery systems |
Ethiopia |
Building resilient and sustainable health systems |
MoH, UNICEF & UNDP |
€5,000,000 |
|
In country delivery systems |
Malawi |
Support to health ministry’s digital unit. The unit does, inter alia, issuing of digital COVID certificates. |
Ministry of Health & UNICEF |
€9,596 |
|
In country delivery systems |
Malawi |
Building capacity of health workers in critical care.Large scale community vaccination campaigns.Surveillance, cold chain storage. Provision of PPE for health workers |
UNICEF & UNDP |
€2,000,000 |
|
In country delivery systems |
Mozambique |
Focused support on Primary Health including Vaccine campaign via Prosaude pooled fund |
Ministry of Health |
€8,000,000 |
|
In country delivery systems |
Sierra Leone |
Knowledge, Attitude, & Practices survey on COVID19 community acceptance of vaccination. |
FOCUS1000 |
€28,578 |
|
In country delivery systems |
Tanzania |
Demand generation for COVID-19 vaccines with a focus on the elderly and women |
UNICEF |
€450,000 |
|
In country delivery systems |
Tanzania |
Support to Ministry of Health in tackling vaccine hesitancy, data management, and surveillance |
WHO |
€250,000 |
|
In country delivery systems |
Tanzania |
Temporary vaccination stations for traders and truck drivers at border points. |
Trade Mark East Africa |
€350,000 |
|
In country delivery systems |
Tanzania |
System strengthening for primary health care |
MoH |
€5,000,000 |
|
In country delivery systems |
Uganda |
Capacity building for surveillance, risk communication, mass vaccination campaigns information management and case management |
WHO |
€2,400,000 |
|
In country delivery systems |
Uganda |
Knowledge attitude & practice surveys on vaccination uptake; design and dissemination of vaccine messages |
UNICEF |
€72,000 |
|
Sub-Total* |
(excluding potential additional doses) |
€68,893,147 |
||
|
Total* |
(including potential additional doses) |
€89,893,147 |
* Figures are indicative. In in some cases invoices are pending; in others they are a pro-rata based calculation; for dose donations, the value indicated is based on working figure being proposed by OECD, currently equivalent to €6/dose.
268. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if a passport approval will be expedited in the case of a person (details supplied). [5558/22]
View answerWith regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service has issued a passport to the applicant.
269. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if documents required as part of a passport application by a person (details supplied) will be urgently returned to a person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5619/22]
View answerWith regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service has returned the documents requested.
270. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Defence the number of times naval training exercises that have been conducted within Ireland’s exclusive economic zone or Irish-controlled airspace by foreign navies, further disaggregated by country or countries conducting said exercises in each of the years from 2000 to date in 2022, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5564/22]
View answerMilitary exercises or manoeuvres are traditionally recognized as being a part of the freedom of the high seas as captured in article 87 under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). These rights are transcribed directly into the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of coastal states.
Under international law, including UNCLOS, states are entitled to carry out naval exercises in another state’s EEZ. It is not unusual for naval ships or vessels of other States to carry out training exercises within the Irish EEZ or to passage through this area. This is not in any way an infringement of our national territory.
While foreign militaries are not obliged in most cases to inform the coastal authorities of their proposed activities, the Naval Service has collated some data in relation to encounters with foreign navies in the Irish EEZ over the past few years. However, I will not be releasing any specific details in relation to activities of foreign militaries that are held by the Naval Service. I can confirm that encounters with foreign militaries in the Irish EEZ include sightings, planned visits to Ireland and hailing for information gathering.
The Irish Aviation Authority is best-placed to provide the Deputy with the relevant information in respect exercises carried out in Irish controlled airspace.
271. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Defence the reason notice has been given that there will be restricted access to Columb Barracks, Mullingar; and the reason this was not communicated in a manner that ensured each of the community groups that operated from the barracks had the information prior to it being released to the public given the situation that has transpired has created uncertainty, a lack of trust and a perceived breach of agreement between the groups and Departments. [5567/22]
View answer272. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Defence if the restricted hours regarding access to Columb Barracks are being currently negotiated; the person or body with whom they are being negotiated; when they were negotiated; the criteria that is being used; and the way the valued and valuable community groups who work with and provide services to persons in need across the town and district can actively participate and feed into a final decision at the earliest opportunity. [5569/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 271 and 272 together.
As the Deputy will be aware, the majority of current occupiers of Columb Barracks are there without the express legal permission of my Department and in accordance with an earlier Government decision this property is to transfer to the Land development Agency for housing provision. I am advised that my Department has not issued any notice to the occupiers of the Department's property regarding restricting access to that facility.
273. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Defence the current situation regarding undersea telecommunications cables in the State’s south-western waters; the risk analysis that has been undertaken in relation to military activity from other states in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5592/22]
View answerI am advised by my colleague, the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications that in relation to undersea telecommunications cables, the operators of communications infrastructure are obliged to take measures to protect the resilience and integrity of their own systems.
These obligations already exist in law and oversight of compliance is a matter for the telecoms regulator, ComReg. In November 2021 Government agreed to significantly expand these security requirements by means of legislating for the application of a set of Electronic Communications Security Measures, which have also been published for public consultation. Aspects of internet infrastructure are also covered by the Directive on security of network and information systems (NIS Directive), as transposed by S.I. 360 of 2018, which also has some requirements around physical security.
As part of the development of the 2015 White Paper on Defence, the Department engaged in a broad-ranging consultation process, including with all other Departments. At that time the Department of the Communications, Energy and Natural Resources outlined that resilience is built into the system to mitigate against any damage to submarine cables. High capacity and multiple routes provide resilience in the event of route failure. Business Continuity Planning is of interest to all major international corporations. Where damage has occurred to a cable in the past, the operators have shared a cable while repairs are made. Under the National Cyber Security Strategy, an updated detailed risk assessment of the vulnerability of all Critical National Infrastructure and services to cyber attack is being performed.
The Defence Organisation, including the Naval Service, has no unilateral powers of enforcement in relation to damage, criminal or otherwise, to undersea cables or other communication links in Ireland’s EEZ. While the Defence Forces are aware of active subsea fibre optic cables landing on the island of Ireland, the locations and security of these telecommunication resources does not rest with the Defence Forces.
Any contemplated enforcement at sea by the Naval Service would be incident-specific and progressed in conjunction with the relevant Lead Department or in an Aid to Civil Power to An Garda Síochána.
274. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Defence the long-term plans for Cathal Brugha Barracks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5615/22]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware Cathal Brugha Barracks is the only operational military installation in Dublin City and no decision has been taken on the relocation of Defence Forces' operations from Cathal Brugha Barracks.
I can confirm that in the context of the Housing for All Plan, my Department will, with the assistance of the military authorities, engage consultants to carry out a cost-benefit analysis and feasibility study in relation to the viability of relocating Cathal Brugha Barracks to another city centre location or location on the outskirts of Dublin City.
It should be noted that this is an exploratory exercise, the purpose of which is to allow for the identification of all the implications and practicalities of such a possible relocation. The completion of the study will facilitate an informed debate on the feasibility, costs and indeed the practicality of a relocation of DF operations from Cathal Brugha Barracks.
275. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Defence the expenditure on chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear suits by his Department in 2019 or 2020 and 2021; if Ireland’s existing stock of suits have been replaced having been previously identified as a priority acquisition under the equipment development plan process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5642/22]
View answerUnder the Framework for Major Emergency Management the Defence Forces can be tasked in aid of Civil Power to provide operational support in a response to a national chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) incident in order to mark, cordon, monitor, measure, decontaminate, retrieve and dispose of any CBRN devices and matter so found. Additionally, the Defence Forces in the context of overseas deployments may be required to operate in CBRN environments.
To that end a stock of CBRN suits to enable this capability is maintained by the Defence Forces. The existing stock was last acquired in 2006 and is due for replacement. Whilst no new suits have been purchased 2019 to 2021 inclusive, the program for a replacement has advanced and following market engagement, the trialling and testing necessary to underpin the program, has commenced.
The outcome of this very important phase will serve to better inform the Defence Forces Ordnance Corps regarding the critical specification required for the new suits in order to ensure that Defence Forces personnel will be equipped with suits that meet international safety standards.
While there was no direct expenditure in 2019, 2020 and in 2021 on CBRN suits the sum of €618,956 (as tabulated below) has been spent on essential CBRN platforms and ancillaries during that period in order to maintain CBRN capability.
Table 1 – CBRN Support Expenditure:
|
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
Total |
|
€44,250.60 |
€45,961.50 |
€528,744.05 |
€618,956.15 |
276. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Defence the number of charging points for electric vehicles that are located at the offices of his Department in Newbridge, County Kildare and at all Defence Forces barracks; the plans that are in place to increase same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5665/22]
View answerThere are currently no Electric Vehicle (EV) charging points at the Department’s offices in Newbridge, Co. Kildare. However, the Department of Defence is currently investigating the options available to it regarding EV Charging Points in Newbridge, including the number of EV Charging spaces it may require and the need for installing extra cabling to allow for future demand.
There are 19 EV chargers in DF Installations for use by military vehicles only. The Defence Forces are currently installing nine EV charge pedestals in McKee Barracks for military and privately owned vehicle use. This pilot project will inform the Defence Forces on the way forward for the roll out of similar EV charge points in other Defence Forces installations.
Future actions by the Department of Defence in this area will be guided by Government policy regarding EV’s and other low Emissions Vehicles (LEV’s) as set out in the National Planning Framework and the National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP). While the Department is investigating future options for EV charging points at its premises, as referenced in National Development Plan under Transport, home charging is considered the primary method of charging for the majority of EVs in Ireland and is considered the least expensive form of charging, especially when utilising a night rate. It accounts for around 80% of EV charging sessions and will continue to be the primary method of charging in the future.
277. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Education if absences from school due to self-isolation from having either contracted Covid-19 or having been listed as a close contact count towards the 20-day Tusla rule on absence. [5601/22]
View answerMy Department has provided guidance to schools in relation to the recording and reporting of COVID-19 related absences. COVID-19 related absences arising from pupils/students who have been requested to self-isolate by a medical professional or for students who feel unwell with symptoms consistent with COVID-19 must be recorded in accordance with the school’s normal procedures for the notification and recording of absences. However these COVID-19 related absences should be noted by the school as explained absences.
Notwithstanding the current COVID-19 related environment that schools are now operating in, the statutory requirements for reporting pupil absenteeism will continue as normal. In this respect the Education (Welfare) Act 2000 requires the principal of a recognised school to maintain records of the attendance or non-attendance on each school day of each pupil registered at that school which is reported to Tusla.
Tusla Education Support Service (TESS) receives notifications of absences from school in line with the provisions of the Education (Welfare) Act, 2000. TESS is very aware that some students will be absent for Covid-19-related reasons. Absences are reported to TESS as explained and unexplained, and together they make up the cumulative number of days marked absent. This has remained the reporting requirement throughout Covid 19 pandemic.
Daily school attendance data is collected and held at local school level and collected by Tusla at the aggregated level through the Annual Attendance Report (AAR) and, also at the student level through the Student Absence Report (SAR). Any child who misses 20 school days must be reported to Tusla by law, however this may not result in any intervention, particularly if the absences are explained. Where schools have a concern about a child’s attendance they are required to make a referral to TESS Education Welfare Service. TESS views all school attendance referrals from a child welfare perspective with the intention of finding solutions that will enable and support students to attend, participate and be retained in education.
278. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education the way that a contractor that fits windows and doors can get on the tender list for her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5537/22]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that there is no framework of contractors available from which School Authorities can draw down a contractor for Small Scale Works such as for Summer Works Projects or under Minor Works Grant Scheme etc.
School Authorities must be guided to the Department of Education’s website for documents relating to the Technical Guidance Documents, Design Team Procedures and other supporting documents, including Small Works such as the Summer Works Scheme. These include the appointment of consultants and procedures to be followed including the tender process.
School Authorities who have been granted funding under the Summer Works Scheme 2022 have been advised where to locate the relevant information.
The Department may from time to time update these on an ongoing basis which will require the school authority to ensure the most recent documents are being implemented.
Any failure to comply with the requirements of the Department’s Technical Guidance Documents, processes or procedures to address the issues outlined above and or execute
the works accordingly , may delay progression of the project at or prior to tender stage and on examination by officials in the Department of Education.
