Wednesday, 23 Mar 2022

Written Answers Nos. 71-86

Passport Services

Questions (71, 75, 78)

James Lawless

Question:

71. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15194/22]

Niamh Smyth

Question:

75. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport renewal by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15279/22]

Pádraig MacLochlainn

Question:

78. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when a passport will be processed for a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15419/22]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs

I propose to take Questions Nos. 71, 75 and 78 together.

With regard to the specific applications about which the Deputies have enquired, the Passport Service has provided an update on the status of the passport applications to the applicants.

Diplomatic Representation

Questions (72)

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

72. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the Irish Embassies that are scheduled to be refurbished in 2022. [15221/22]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs

Ireland currently has 97 diplomatic and consular missions around the world. This includes 14 new missions established under the Government’s Global Ireland strategy, with a further 12 new missions planned to open by the end of 2025.

Global Ireland's strategy envisages the most ambitious expansion of Ireland’s international presence and influence and will strengthen Ireland’s engagement with our global diaspora and service to our citizens.

The upkeep of our 172 official premises overseas, of which 35 are State-owned and 137 are leased, requires constant planning and investment in order to ensure that appropriate standards are maintained for staff and visitors alike.

With this in mind my Department has commenced implementation of its first ever Property Strategy to realise a network of high quality, safe, secure and sustainable workplaces in order to double Ireland’s global impact and influence to 2025 & beyond.

In addition to works listed below due for completion in 2022, preparatory work is underway for a comprehensive refurbishment of Embassy Washington, which is scheduled to be completed by 2026. Preparatory work is also underway to develop Ireland Houses in Shanghai and New York, scheduled for completion in 2023 and 2024 respectively and as part of the Property Strategy the introduction of rolling 5-year surveys across the mission network.

Missions where substantial refurbishment costs are expected to arise during 2022
Paris	Renovation of windows; reconfiguring, painting and redecorating of workspaces
Atlanta	Reconfiguring and extension of office space for Consular and Promotional work
New Delhi (2022/2023)	Remedial fire safety works; installation of new ventilation and air-conditioning system; reconfiguring of office space
Washington	Remedial building works to address fire safety issues.

Foreign Policy

Questions (73)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

73. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the extent of the violent suppression of democracy in Bahrain; if there is a reason that Ireland is silent on human rights violations there; if Ireland is willing to take a hard stance against these abuses through a joint statement and resolution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15237/22]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs

Respect for human rights is an integral part of Ireland’s foreign policy and we consistently seek to raise our concerns on human rights issues through the most appropriate and effective channels.

I am aware of the concerns regarding the human rights situation in Bahrain. Officials from my Department have raised concerns over the human rights situation in Bahrain directly with the Bahraini authorities, including the issue of freedom of expression, detention of human rights defenders, and conditions in prisons.

Ireland also engages on the issue of human rights in Bahrain as a member of the European Union. At the most recent EU-Bahrain Human Rights Dialogue in February 2021, issues of concern were raised by the EU including rule of law, prison conditions, right to a fair trial, freedom of expression, freedom of association, death penalty, torture and the impact of Covid-19 on the human rights situation.

The EU Special Representative for Human Rights, Eamon Gilmore, has also made representations directly to the Bahraini authorities on human rights issues.

Ireland will continue to monitor developments in Bahrain, and calls on the Bahraini Government to deliver on its stated commitment to make progress in relation to human rights.

Question No. 74 answered with Question No. 68.

Question No. 75 answered with Question No. 71.

EU Membership

Questions (76)

Brendan Smith

Question:

76. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the application for membership of the European Union submitted by Georgia was discussed at recent meetings of the Foreign Affairs Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15400/22]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs

Ireland is a strong supporter of EU enlargement, and of the European perspective of the Eastern Partnership’s three associated partners, Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia. Ukraine, in particular, has made impressive progress in aligning with EU standards and deserves recognition for their efforts to defend European values.

However, we are mindful that there is a clear distinction between the response to the situation in Ukraine and applications from Moldova and Georgia. There remains much to be done on crucial reforms in Georgia. I also note that Ukraine FM Kuleba specifically asked at the 4 March FAC that the three countries not be treated as a package.

On 10 March the European Council invited the Commission to submit its opinions on each of the three applications and to assess the applicant states' preparedness for accession.

The assessment of Georgia's application will be based on a number of criteria, primarily Georgia's capacity to align with the EU acquis. In the past, it has taken up to three years for the Commission to revert to the Council with their opinion. Typically, the opinion will set out a number of deliverables to be fulfilled by the country before it can be considered an official candidate country. Once the opinion is accepted by the Council, the country becomes a potential candidate country (similar to both Bosnia and Kosovo), entitled to extra technical support and guidance under a stabilisation agreement, with a view to boosting the country’s preparedness for accession.

Ireland will continue to support the EU aspirations of Georgia, while urging its authorities for continued improvements, particularly in areas relating to EU values - such as the promotion and protection of human rights, the rule of law, an independent judiciary and good governance.

Departmental Contracts

Questions (77)

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

77. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of contracts that his Department has with a company (details supplied); the location, nature, value and type of contract in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15408/22]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs

My Department has not awarded any contracts to the company referred to by the Deputy.

Question No. 78 answered with Question No. 71.

Foreign Conflicts

Questions (79)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

79. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the details of the bilateral engagement he has had with his counterparts in Saudi Arabia with regard to bringing about an end to the ongoing war in Yemen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15496/22]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs

Yemen is one of the world's worst humanitarian crises, driven by seven years of conflict, economic collapse and the breakdown of public institutions and services which has left millions of people in need of humanitarian assistance.

Ireland fully supports the efforts of the UN Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, to bring about a political resolution to the conflict in Yemen. I have held discussions with Special Envoy Grundberg as well as Major General Michael Beary, head of the United Nations Mission to support the Hudaydah Agreement.

I have engaged extensively with the countries of the region, including in direct talks with the Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud and Deputy Foreign Minister al-Jubeir. I have also discussed the conflict in Yemen well as the Foreign Ministers of Yemen, Iran, and the UAE, stressing with all interlocutors the need to work urgently towards a resolution of the conflict.

In addition to significant diplomatic efforts, Ireland has been a consistent and reliable donor to Yemen and has contributed over €37 million in humanitarian funding since 2015, including a commitment of €5 million for 2022 which I pledged on behalf of Ireland at the Pledging Conference for Yemen on 16 March. Ireland also contributes to the crisis in Yemen as an EU Member State. Since 2015, the EU has contributed over €1.2 billion, including €827 million in humanitarian aid and €407 million in development assistance.

Ireland will continue to support all efforts to end the terrible conflict in Yemen, including through direct engagement with Saudi Arabia and other regional actors and in the context of our position on the UN Security Council.

Departmental Contracts

Questions (80)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

80. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Defence if he has engaged a company (details supplied) in respect of the services it provides from 2011 to date in 2022; the number of times he has engaged this company; the services used; and the total cost of all engagements with this company. [15176/22]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

My Department has engaged the named company for the purpose of language translations of documents and publications. The table below outlines the number of times I have engaged the company and the costs from 2011 to date:

Year	Number of times engaged per year	Total amount paid per year
2011	1	€2,515.06
2012	1	€7.66
2013	1	€933.57
2014	1	€36.90
2018	15	€3,712.45
2019	25	€10,440.64
2020	9	€4,111.16
2021	21	€11,097.10
2022	1	€287.52
Overall Total		€33,142.06

Air Corps

Questions (81)

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

81. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Defence if a new Air Corps apprenticeship will be launched in the second quarter of 2022. [15212/22]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

I am informed by the military authorities that the 2022 competition for Air Corps apprentice aircraft technicians was launched on 14 February 2022, is currently accepting applications and is expected to close on 15 April 2022.

Additionally, the direct entry competition for Air Corps aircraft technicians is also open for applications, with an expected closing date of 31 May 2022.

Naval Service

Questions (82)

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

82. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Defence when the contract for the replacement of LÉ Eithne will be put out to tender. [15213/22]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

The White Paper on Defence (2015) sets out an ambitious programme of capital investment in the Naval Service. The Defence Equipment Development Plan (EDP) provides a comprehensive list of planned equipment projects which will be progressed over five years. This plan builds on the intentions set out in the White Paper in relation to equipment acquisition, modernisation and upgrade and has been developed to ensure that our Defence Forces have the major equipment platforms, ancillary equipment and force protection equipment to carry out their important roles both at home and overseas.

The replacement of the flagship LÉ Eithne with a multi-role vessel, MRV, is an important element of the EDP and is as a major capital project provided for in the Government's National Development Plan. It is the intention that this new vessel will provide a flexible and adaptive capability for a wide range of maritime tasks.

Following a public tender competition, Marine Advisors have been appointed to support the procurement of the MRV. Work on this project is underway and will inform a public tender competition in due course. The overall time estimated for the procurement and build stages on projects of this nature is generally expected to take between 4 to 6 years.

Defence Forces

Questions (83)

Niamh Smyth

Question:

83. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 55 of 10 March 2022, the reason that inductions are so low given the number of applications; if he will provide a comprehensive breakdown for the reasons for refusal in counties Cavan and Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15280/22]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

I am advised by the military authorities that for counties Cavan and Monaghan the number of total inductions as a percentage of total applications is in line with the national rate, which is 7% per annum for the five years in question. The Defence Forces do not collate reasons for unsuccessful applications on a county by county basis.

As outlined in reply to question No 55 of 10 March 2022, applicants do not progress their applications, for a number of reasons e.g.

- Not having the required qualifications or not forwarding proof of such qualifications.

- Not attending, or being unsuccessful, at the various induction stages. (For applicants who do not show for a stage of the induction process, the Defence Forces remain proactive in attempting to re-arrange times etc.)

- Not obtaining Garda security clearance

In addition, a number would also fail on meeting the eligibility requirements for competitions e.g. medical standards and fitness requirements.

The Defence Forces remain committed to optimising the number of personnel to be inducted in 2022 with the targeting of General Service Recruits, Cadets, Air Corps Apprentice Aircraft Technicians and specialists for the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service.

Departmental Contracts

Questions (84)

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

84. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Defence the number of contracts that his Department has with a company (details supplied); the location, nature, value and type of contract in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15403/22]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

I am advised that neither my Department nor the Defence Forces have any contracts in place with the company referred to by the Deputy.

Defence Forces

Questions (85)

Brendan Smith

Question:

85. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Defence if he will consider reopening army barracks such as Dún Úi Neill, County Cavan, a modern army facility which was closed in 2012, in view of the changed security situation in Europe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15420/22]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

The Commission on the Defence Forces was established on foot of a commitment in the Programme for Government and the Government decision in December 2020 which also agreed its terms of reference and membership. The report was published on the 9th February 2022.

The Commission undertook a significant body of work encompassing their wide-ranging terms of reference. The report contains 69 main recommendations and together with sub recommendations, there are 130 recommendations. The Commission's terms of reference included the consideration of appropriate capabilities, structures and staffing for the Army, the Air Corps and the Naval Service.

The Commission's report proposes significant changes for the Defence Forces, including to Defence Forces culture, high-level command and control structures, and for the level of Defence provision in Ireland. Clearly, there are matters that will require careful consideration and in some critical aspects inter-departmental discussion. This includes the level of resourcing that may be allocated to Defence, legislative implications and the governance framework that will be required to underpin any changes the Government approve on foot of the Commission's report.

I will also be seeking the views of my Department and the Defence Forces. The Defence Forces Representative Associations will be consulted on all matters that fall within the scope of representation, relating to the implementation of any approved plan. I will also engage with key stakeholders and the Oireachtas, and I welcome the Dáil statements on the report which took place on the 16th February. I firmly believe that this is an opportunity to have a mature debate around the type of defence capabilities that we require and I am very much open to such a discussion. Current events are highlighting the importance of such a debate.

The intent is that following relevant consideration, and before the summer recess, I will revert to Government with a proposed response to the Commission's recommendations and a high-level action plan. This high level plan will set out proposed timelines for its implementation.

One of the Report's recommendations is that the structure of the Army be reviewed and, in that context, the disposition of Units across the Defence Forces may be considered. As the Deputy will appreciate, it would be inappropriate for me to engage in speculative discussion on this matter prior to completion of the ongoing process, Government approval of any proposed plan of action, and completion of any subsequent reviews that may ensue.

Teaching Council of Ireland

Questions (86)

Paul Kehoe

Question:

86. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education when the Teaching Council will implement the lifting of the five day rule for payment of student teachers order to accommodate student teachers in receiving full pay if they are covering absences in schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15116/22]

Written answers

Minister for Education

As recently announced, the Teaching Council is now working to put processes and procedures in place to support the registration and vetting of 3rd and 4th year student teachers. In addition, pending the development of those processes and procedures by the Teaching Council, the Department of Education has made a temporary amendment to Regulation 7 of the Education Act 1998 (Unregistered Persons) Regulations 2014 (S.I. No. 32 of 2014) permits payment for periods of more than 5 consecutive school days to 3rd and 4th year student teachers. These 3rd and 4th year student teachers must satisfy the criteria to be eligible to apply to the Teaching Council for registration, pursuant to Route 5 of the Schedule to the Teaching Council (Registration) Regulations 2016 (S. I. No. 444 of 2016) (amended by the Teaching Council (Registration) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2021 (S.I. No. 745 of 2021)).

Please note that this temporary amendment to statute is strictly time limited, as its effect is from 15th February 2022 and expires on 30th June 2022. The “5-day rule” remains in place for the employment of all other unregistered persons as per S.I. No. 32 of 2014.