Written Answers Nos. 450-472
452. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which undocumented Irish in the United States can expect to have their situations resolved; the extent to which he has had discussions with his United States counterparts on the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23432/22]
View answerProviding ongoing support, along with finding long-term solutions, to address the challenges faced by the undocumented Irish in the US, remains a key priority for this Government.
The issue was raised during our high-level political engagements over the St. Patrick’s Day period across the US, not least at the bilateral exchange between the Taoiseach and President Biden. I also raised immigration issues, including the situation of the undocumented Irish, in my meetings on Capitol Hill during my most recent visit to Washington, DC at the end of April. These engagements will continue as we maintain close relations with Members of Congress and contacts from across the political spectrum in the US, and as we seek opportunities to deepen and strengthen our bilateral relations with President Biden's Administration.Our Embassy in Washington D.C. and our network of Consulates across the US continue to raise immigration issues, seek new immigration pathways, and support US immigration reform through active engagement at all levels with the US Administration and political leaders.
An example of this is a bill passed by the Massachusetts State Senate this week which would enable undocumented immigrants to acquire a Massachusetts Driving License. Our Consulate in Boston has supported this practical initiative which will improve the lives of our undocumented citizens living in that region. I met with Governor Charlie Baker in Boston last week and underlined the importance of immigration issues.
The Government remains committed to providing support and annual funding to the US Coalition of Irish Immigration Centers through our Emigrant Support Programme. These facilities, in turn, provide support to Irish citizens, including the undocumented Irish in the US. In 2020, in response to the pandemic, a dedicated COVID-19 Response Fund for Irish Communities abroad was set up to help these organisations meet the needs of those who are particularly vulnerable. In 2021, over €4.2 million was provided to diaspora organisations in the US for emigrant support and Covid-19 related projects.
453. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which the international community is aware of and alert to human rights abuses in Yemen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23433/22]
View answerYemen 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.
There have been numerous reports of acts in the course of the conflict which are contrary to international human rights law, including; damage and destruction to civilian infrastructure, gender based violence including sexual violence, torture, mistreatment of prisoners, violations against children including the recruitment of child soldiers, and violations against journalists, human rights defenders, minorities, migrants and internally displaced persons.
Ireland has consistently called on all parties to the conflict to respect international humanitarian law and international human rights law including in our position as a UN Security Council member. At the UN Human Rights Council in 2017, Ireland was part of a core group of countries along with the Netherlands, Belgium, Canada and Luxembourg that drove forward the adoption of a Resolution establishing a UN Group of Eminent Experts (GEE) to carry out investigations into alleged violations of human rights and international humanitarian law by all parties to the conflict in Yemen.
Ireland deeply regrets that a majority of countries on the Human Rights Council in Geneva voted against a further extension of the GEE mandate in October of last year and we remain committed to ensuring accountability in Yemen. An independent mechanism which can gather testimonies will be key in this context.
454. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which the international community has made commitments and kept them in respect of various disaster areas throughout the globe; the actions that have been taken to ensure an active and positive response; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23434/22]
View answerConflict, climate change and COVID have combined to increase the need for humanitarian assistance, with the international response increasing from €20.65 billion to a record €27.85 billion in the period 2017-2021.Last year, this support meant that over 107 million people across 38 countries received food, medicine and other life-saving assistance.
Ireland is playing our part in the global response to humanitarian need, ranking among the top 20 humanitarian donors. Last year, Irish Aid supported humanitarian assistance and protection in countries and regions in need including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, South Sudan, Syria, Yemen and the Sahel. Responding to evolving circumstances over the course of 2021, Irish Aid humanitarian support to Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Myanmar, Mozambique and Venezuela increased over the course of the year.
Ireland also responds to natural disasters, which last year included the assistance to the those affected by the volcanic eruption in St.Vincent and Grenadines, the earthquake in Haiti and Typhoon Rai in the Philippines.
Our assistance is guided by regular humanitarian updates from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) on evolving humanitarian needs. These updates also help us track the delivery of humanitarian assistance. This information helps ensure that Irish Aid reaches those most in need.
Ireland is among the 64 donors which has signed up to a series of actions intended to make humanitarian assistance more effective and efficient, an initiative known as the Grand Bargain and which also includes key humanitarian actors such as UN agencies, the Red Cross Family and NGOs. In line with the Grand Bargain, donors are providing more flexible funding that allows partners to respond rapidly to needs as they arise. The Grand Bargain also promotes better data collection to more effectively target those most in need - particularly women, girls and people living with disabilities.
456. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he and his Department continue to liaise with both communities in Northern Ireland and the British Government with a view to ensuring that Brexit-related issues are not allowed to damage the peace agreement that was worked out over several years of tedious negotiations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23436/22]
View answer457. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he and the Irish Government remain in constant engagement with the UK authorities and both communities in Northern Ireland with a view to ensuring that logistical and political difficulties caused by Brexit are not allowed to undermine the Good Friday Agreement or the Northern Ireland Protocol; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23437/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 456 and 457 together.
The Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland was designed and agreed by the UK and EU to mitigate against the inevitable disruptions arising from Brexit on the island of Ireland and to protect the Good Friday Agreement in all its dimensions. EU-UK engagement on resolving outstanding issues under the Protocol is an ongoing process. The EU-UK Joint Committee met on 21 February and the Specialised Committee on the Protocol on 8 March. I am in regular and ongoing contact with stakeholders in Northern Ireland. We have consistently sought to listen and engage with the perspectives and concerns of everyone in relation to the Protocol, including those in the unionist community, as well as the business community and other stakeholders. Both I and the Taoiseach travelled to Northern Ireland in recent weeks to meet with political party representatives, community, civic, education, and business groups.The clear message we have heard first hand from people and businesses in Northern Ireland is that they want the Protocol to work well. They see the very real opportunities, including for jobs, trade and investment, which are presented by the Protocol. I also maintain close contact with my counterparts in the UK and I have spoken in recent days to Foreign Secretary Liz Truss and Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Brandon Lewis.The European Commission also continues to engage closely with stakeholders in Northern Ireland. The EU has listened carefully to the genuine concerns expressed by citizens and business there with regard to the Protocol. Last October the Commission made proposals to address directly concerns raised.Our message is clear. We continue to urge the British Government to engage constructively with the EU. Only joint solutions can provide long-term legal certainty and predictability to Northern Ireland. The flexibility shown by the EU now needs to be reciprocated by the UK Government.It is important that we continue to work to support all of the institutions of the Good Friday Agreement, and the ongoing work of the peace process. In the period following the election, we will continue to engage with the parties in Northern Ireland in support of the functioning of all of the Good Friday Agreement institutions. As always, the greatest stabilising dynamic is a visible partnership approach between the British and Irish Governments in support of the institutions, with the engagement and encouragement of our friends in the U.S. and the EU.
458. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will engage with the United States Embassy in Dublin with a view of expediting the processing of J1 visa applications considering many persons are currently awaiting approval and are due to travel at the end of May 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23447/22]
View answerThe J1 is a valuable part of building exchange between the US and Ireland, and something which we are keen to see return to pre-pandemic levels. Through the J1, thousands of young people have the opportunity to work and travel in the US every year, building up valuable connections between the two countries. Ease of travel is essential to protect our strong transatlantic connections, be that in business, academia, tourism or maintaining family connections.
The processing of US visas is solely a matter for the US authorities, and my Department has no remit over the operations of the US Embassy Visa Service. My advice to those seeking to apply for a US visa or for a visa waiver is to get information from the website of the US Embassy in Dublin and to engage with them directly on their application.
In recent days, officials from my Department have discussed the matter with the US Embassy, who are working hard to minimise waiting times and have recently dedicated extra resources to the processing of J1 visa applications, which is expected to result in a significant increase in the number being processed in the coming days and weeks.
460. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Defence the percentage of social media posts made on each of his Departmental social media accounts or the social media accounts of public bodies and agencies that operate under his remit that were exclusively in Irish between 1 May 2021 and 30 April 2022, inclusive; the percentage of same that feature bilingual translations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23044/22]
View answerMy Department attempts to take every opportunity in its day-to-day interactions with customers to promote and publicise the services it provides.
My Department’s fourth Irish Language Scheme, covering the period 2022-2025, came into effect in February. The Scheme is in accordance with the Official Languages Act 2003, the primary objective of which is to ensure better availability and a higher standard of public services through Irish.
An example of this is the Department’s website where all static content is bilingual, in English and Irish.
The Department’s corporate documents are available in both English and Irish as follows:-
- Annual Report
- Strategy Statement
- Audited accounts or financial statement;
- Customer Service Action Plan
- Customer Charter
- Section 15 & 16 Reference Books (under Freedom of Information Acts)
Twitter is the only social media platform where my Department has a presence and in this regard there are three Twitter accounts in use by my Department. These include those of the Civil Defence and the Office of Emergency Planning with the Department of Defence Twitter account being launched in July 2020. During the period 1 May 2021 to 30 April 2022 there were no exclusively Irish or bilingual translations posts made on these accounts.
However, each Branch in my Department has access to a pool of Irish speakers who volunteer to provide services in Irish when requested to do so, consequently, in time we will increase the percentage of social media posts in Irish and other languages.
461. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Defence the percentage of social media posts made on each of his Departmental social media accounts or the social media accounts of public bodies and agencies that operate under his remit that were exclusively in languages besides english or Irish between 1 May 2021 and 30 April 2022, inclusive; the percentage of same that featured languages besides english or Irish; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23062/22]
View answerTwitter is the only social media platform where my Department has a presence and in this regard there are three Twitter accounts in use by my Department.
These include those of the Civil Defence and the Office of Emergency Planning with the Department of Defence Twitter account being launched in July 2020.
During the period 1 May 2021 to 30 April 2022 there were no posts made in languages besides English on these accounts.
462. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Defence the percentage of social media videos posted on each of his Departmental social media accounts or the social media accounts of public bodies and agencies that operate under his remit included closed captioning and or subtitling between 1 May 2021 and 30 April 2022, inclusive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23080/22]
View answerMy Department attempts to take every opportunity possible in its Social Media activity, to support increase accessibility, consequently, all three Social Media videos posted on across the Department of Defence and the Office of Emergency Planning Twitter accounts between 1 May 2021 and 30 April 2022 were sub-titled.
463. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Defence the number of applications and the number that were commissioned under the Naval Services direct entry scheme in each of the years from 2018 to 2021 and to date in 2022, in tabular form. [23120/22]
View answerThe table below provides the number of Naval Service direct entry applications and inductions, by competition, in each of the years from 2018 to 2021 and in 2022 as at 30 April.
|
|
|
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022* |
Total |
|
Competitions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Naval Operations Officer |
Applications |
31 |
52 |
41 |
47 |
9 |
180 |
|
|
Inducted |
2 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
|
Marine Officer |
Applications |
18 |
16 |
9 |
16 |
14 |
73 |
|
|
Inducted |
0 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
|
Electrical Officer |
Applications |
16 |
14 |
24 |
13 |
2 |
69 |
|
|
Inducted |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
Chef |
Applications |
0 |
15 |
96 |
33 |
28 |
172 |
|
|
Inducted |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Radio Radar Technician |
Applications |
0 |
0 |
15 |
21 |
7 |
43 |
|
|
Inducted |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Electrical Artificer |
Applications |
0 |
0 |
24 |
25 |
7 |
56 |
|
|
Inducted |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Engine Room Artificer |
Applications |
0 |
41 |
47 |
22 |
11 |
121 |
|
|
Inducted |
0 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
5 |
|
Hull Artificer |
Applications |
0 |
0 |
19 |
15 |
5 |
39 |
|
|
Inducted |
0 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
3 |
|
Total Applications |
|
65 |
138 |
275 |
192 |
83 |
753 |
|
Total Inducted |
|
2 |
4 |
4 |
3 |
1 |
14 |
*As at 30 April 2022
Applicants do not proceed with 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 inductions 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
The Defence Forces remain committed to optimising the number of personnel inducted in 2022 with the targeting of General Service Recruits, Cadets and Air Corps Apprentice Aircraft Technicians in addition to specialists for the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service.
464. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Defence the steps he is taking to recognise the contribution of the members of the Defence Forces in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. [23143/22]
View answerAt the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, a Joint Task Force was established to coordinate the Defence Forces contribution to the whole-of-Government Covid-19 response. A wide range of supports have since been provided by the Defence Forces to the HSE as well as to other Departments and Agencies, including support to the ongoing vaccination programme. Currently the focus remains on the ongoing Recovery phase.
As you will be aware, the Government decision on 19 January 2022 directed the Department of Health to provide special additional financial recognition to those eligible front line healthcare workers based on the particular additional risks they faced in the performance of their normal duty during the pandemic.
Guidelines for eligibility are very specific and in this regard the Department of Health has recently contacted my Department and discussions have commenced in consideration of members of the Defence Forces who were engaged in duties in response to the pandemic, which might be considered eligible for such a payment.
While these considerations are underway it would be inappropriate for me to comment further at this stage.
465. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide details of contracts awarded in 2022 by his Department or bodies under his aegis outside the standard procurement process in order to assist the arrival of refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23190/22]
View answerThe Department of Defence and the Defence Forces procure a wide range of non-capital goods and services. These include items associated with day-to-day operations such as food, clothing, transport, utilities and the maintenance of equipment. The services of the Office of Government Procurement and centralised framework agreements are also used to acquire items that may be in common demand by a number of Departments.
In the normal course of events, my Department and the Defence Forces comply with the relevant procurement rules for the acquisition of goods and services. Central to those rules and procedures is the requirement to allow fair competition through the e-tenders website and the Official Journal of the European Union, where appropriate, in line with the European Union procurement Directives. Details of tender competitions can be accessed on the Government's e-tenders website www.etenders.ie. Tenders are published on an ongoing basis by my Department and the Defence Forces.
However, due to the emergency situation in Ukraine and to assist in Ireland’s humanitarian response to the crisis, some below threshold (€25,000 exclusive of vat) purchases have been made outside standard procurement processes. I am advised by the Military Authorities that the following table sets out expenditure related to the Defence Forces coordinated response to the Ukrainian crisis that was made outside of the standard procurement processes. It should also be noted that Defence Forces personnel also engaged directly in humanitarian work with no recourse to third party providers.
|
Date
|
Company |
Description |
Cost Inc VAT
|
|
Mar-22 |
Chubb Ireland |
Fire Detection System |
€32,461.00 |
|
Mar-22 |
Ollie Colohan |
Timber to build dispenser stands |
€1,806.18 |
|
Mar-22 |
Pittman |
Cable Protection Ramp |
€4,697.68 |
|
Mar-22 |
Wesco |
Electrical Consumables Gormanstown Camp |
€13,147.74 |
|
Mar-22 |
Wesco |
Electrical Consumables Gormanstown Camp |
€5,648.93 |
|
Mar-22 |
Wesco |
Electrical Consumables Gormanstown Camp |
€7,431.27 |
|
Mar-22 |
EEC |
Plumbing Supplies |
€1,965.03 |
|
Mar-22 |
Wesco |
Electrical Consumables Gormanstown Camp |
€364.69 |
|
Mar-22 |
Wesco |
Electrical Consumables Gormanstown Camp |
€5,589.14 |
|
Mar-22 |
EEC |
Electrical Consumables Gormanstown Camp |
€590.00 |
|
Mar-22 |
Wesco |
Electrical Consumables Gormanstown Camp |
€418.20 |
|
Mar-22 |
Masterfire |
Fire Extinguishers Gormanstown |
€13,548.70 |
|
Mar-22 |
Ganly |
Timber Consumables for Gormanstown Camp |
€1,481.27 |
|
Mar-22 |
Wesco |
Electrical Consumables Gormanstown Camp |
€128.65 |
|
Mar-22 |
Pittman |
Cable Management System |
€7,464.62 |
|
Mar-22 |
O'Meara Camping |
Sleeping Bags |
€17,499.21 |
466. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Defence if he or his Department employ persons or firms to deal with public relations; if so, the number of persons employed by his Department to deal with public relations; the names of firms involved; and the total amount spent on public relations by his Department. [23218/22]
View answerNeither I, nor my Department, employ persons or firms to deal with public relations. My Department has a Communications Office to provide information to the public and media.
467. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence the maximum and the current strength levels, respectively of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23303/22]
View answer468. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence the maximum and the current strength levels, respectively of the Naval Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23304/22]
View answer471. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence the current number of women in the Defence Forces by rank; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23307/22]
View answer472. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence the current number of women in the Defence Forces who are currently serving overseas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23308/22]
View answer473. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence the number of women members of the Defence who have left in 2022, by month; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23309/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 467, 468, 471, 472 and 473 together.
The following table details the current strength, as of the 31st of March 2022, of the PDF and the 3 branches along with the corresponding agreed establishment.
|
Current Strength (WTE) |
Establishment |
|
|
Permanent Defence Forces |
8,366 |
9,500 |
|
Army |
6778 |
7,520 |
|
Air Corps |
733 |
886 |
|
Naval Service |
855 |
1,094 |
As at 31 March, 2022, there were 577 Permanent Defence Force (PDF) personnel serving overseas, of which 37 were female.
Of the 8,366 PDF personnel, 591 are female. The requested breakdown of this female strength, by rank, is as follows:
|
OFFICER |
LT GEN |
MAJ GEN |
BRIG GEN |
COL |
LT COL |
COMDT |
CAPT |
LT |
|
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
61 |
50 |
49 |
|
|
OTHER RANKS |
SM |
BQMS |
CS |
CQMS |
SGT |
CPL |
PTE |
CADET |
|
0 |
0 |
5 |
9 |
67 |
104 |
234 |
8 |
in 2022, 2 women were discharged in January, 6 in February, 14 in March and 1 in April. Typically, discharges include personnel who left for a variety of reasons including on age grounds, at end of contract and voluntary discharges and would also include any trainees who exited prior to completion of their initial training.
The Government remains committed to a policy of equal opportunity for men and women throughout the Defence Forces and a number of initiatives have been implemented to increase the level of female participation. In addition, in the context of the White Paper on Defence, a specific project is ongoing to conduct a survey to identify any impediments to the advancement of women in the Permanent Defence Force.
Furthermore, the work of the Commission on the Defence Forces included, inter alia, consideration of gender, recruitment and retention matters. The Commission’s report was published on 9 February 2022 and all recommendations are being carefully considered. I intend to bring a proposed response to the report’s recommendations and a high-level action plan to the government for consideration.
469. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence the current total strength of Air Corps personnel; the number of qualified military pilots and cadet pilots in training; the number of qualified military aircraft maintenance technicians, qualified military avionics technicians and military apprentices in training of both aforementioned disciplines [23305/22]
View answerI am advised by the military authorities that the strength of the Air Corps, as at 6 May 2022, is 758 whole-time equivalent personnel.
The table below shows the strength by requested stream: -
|
Personnel Stream |
Strength as at 06/05/2022 |
|
Qualified pilots |
98 |
|
Cadets currently completing military training* |
6 |
|
Young officers in pilot training |
15 |
|
Qualified Military Aircraft Technicians |
169 |
|
Qualified Military Avionics Technicians |
32 |
|
Apprentice Military Aircraft Technicians |
66 |
*Cadets are scheduled to commence their Pilot Wings course once they graduate as Officers.
A Military Aircraft Technician (MAT) is an individual who has qualified from an Air Corps apprenticeship, or a direct entrant deemed to have the appropriate qualifications to work on aircraft in the various maintenance roles. Personnel in these roles cover the broad range of disciplines within the Air Corps e.g. avionics technicians, aircraft mechanics, crew leaders, and aircraft inspectors.
All MATs are employed in the maintenance of aircraft. At any one time, they may be employed in any of the broad range of maintenance disciplines, be in training, or serving overseas. The total number of qualified MATs is therefore inclusive of those who may be assigned to avionics duties, or any of the other disciplines, at any one time.
As outlined, there is a strong training pipeline for MATs consisting of 66 apprentices. Of these apprentices, all 66 are undergoing their qualification process and will, on successful completion, be streamed into rotary, fixed-wing or avionics technician categories.
My focus remains on retaining/restoring all branches of the Defence Forces to their full capacity. Furthermore, the work of the Commission on the Defence Forces included, inter alia, consideration of staffing and recruitment and retentions matters. The Commission’s report was published on 9 February 2022 and all recommendations are being carefully considered. I intend to bring a proposed response to the report’s recommendations and a high-level action plan to the government for consideration.
470. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence the number of Naval Service operations and patrols which have been cancelled to date in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23306/22]
View answerThe Naval Service is the State's principal sea-going agency and is tasked with a variety of defence and other roles. The primary day-to-day tasking of the Naval Service is to provide a fishery protection service in accordance with the State's obligations as a member of the European Union. In terms of fishery protection the Naval Service is tasked with patrolling all Irish waters from the shoreline to the outer limits of the Exclusive Economic Zone. These patrols are carried out on a regular and frequent basis and are directed to all areas of Irish waters as necessary.
A range of factors including adverse weather conditions and unscheduled maintenance, as well as staffing issues can impact scheduled patrol days.
A total of 10 scheduled Naval Service patrol days have been cancelled up to 30 April 2022. All of the cancelled patrol days are due to members of a ship's crew contracting Covid-19.
