Written Answers Nos. 459-478
459. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the plans for Irish Water to take over water services from the local authorities going forward; the impact that this will have on job retention; the provisions that are made regarding redundancy in cases in which a person is over 60 years of age and cannot be redeployed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37964/22]
View answerThe recent identification of a Framework for the future of Water Services under the aegis of the Workplace Relations Commission will enable Irish Water to work in conjunction with local authorities and current water services staff to complete the integration of public water services into its own organisational structure, as envisaged in the Government’s Policy Paper on Water Sector Transformation (February, 2021).
The Framework will impact on around 3,200 staff currently serving in the local government service. It is important to note that any transfers of staff to become permanent employees of Irish Water will be on a voluntary basis, and will have no implications for the security of tenure of the staff concerned.
Water services staff who choose not to transfer to Irish Water will remain in the direct employment of their current local authority. They may continue to work in water services, under the management and direction of Irish Water, until 31 December 2026. Local authorities will no longer have any involvement in the direct provision of water services to the public beyond that date.
Further opportunities for staff who do not seek to transfer to Irish Water will be identified during the transition period, including reassignment, redeployment (within the wider public service where feasible), upskilling and training programmes.
Finally, a Voluntary Redundancy scheme will be made available during 2024 to relevant local authority water services staff members who at 30 June 2024 are under preserved pension age and have already accrued entitlement to preserved superannuation benefits under a local government scheme.
460. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of a grant for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37988/22]
View answerUnder my Department’s renewal or repair of thatched roof grant scheme, in general a grant of up to €3,810, or two thirds of the approved cost, whichever is the lesser, may be payable in respect of necessary works to renew or repair the thatched roofs of houses. In the case of medical card holders however, a grant of up to €6,350, or up to 80% of the approved cost, may be payable in respect of houses situated on the mainland, rising to €8,252 where the house is situated on a specified off-shore island. Eligibility under the grant scheme is contingent on the house being occupied as a normal place of residence on completion of the approved works.
The application in question is currently under consideration and a decision will issue shortly to the applicant.
461. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide details of the potential locations that his Department has identified for consideration by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth with respect to the roll-out of a pilot programme involving the acquisition and installation of 500 modular units for Ukrainian arrivals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38041/22]
View answerThe Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth is responsible for providing accommodation for persons arriving in Ireland from the conflict in Ukraine. My Department is supporting this work, establishing and chairing a cross-government Housing Taskforce to scope longer-term delivery accommodation options. Three streams have emerged from this work and are being pursued, including the provision of rapid delivery volumetric accommodation by the Office of Public Works (OPW).
In support of this work, my Department requested local authorities and other public bodies to identify sites that may be suitable for such units. A shortlist of suitable sites will be prepared by the OPW, in cooperation with the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, based on the list of sites put forward by public bodies. It would be inappropriate to publish the location of sites pending the conclusion of the OPW's considerations.
462. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is considering a plan-led rather than developer-led approach to onshore wind development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38094/22]
View answer463. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is considering a plan-led rather than developer-led approach to solar farm development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38095/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 462 and 463 together.
My Department is responsible for leading on national planning policy and the guidance that follows to support and enable its implementation. At a strategic level, the National Planning Framework, developed in consultation with both the public and across the whole of Government, sets out the national planning and infrastructure vision for the next 20 years.
Within the wider national and local planning context, planning authorities must make their decisions based on the specific merits or otherwise of individual planning applications. In making decisions on a planning application, a planning authority, or the Board as appropriate, must consider the proper planning and sustainable development of the area, having regard to the provisions of the development plan including any zoning objectives, any submissions or observations received from the public and the statutory consultees, and any relevant Ministerial or Government policies, including any guidelines issued by my Department.
Furthermore planning authorities in pursuance of discharging their functions particularly in relation to plan making and the consideration of planning applications are obliged to take account of wider Government policies, where relevant, for example those relating to renewable energy being led by the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications
A comprehensive review and consolidation of planning legislation is currently underway; led by the Attorney General who has established a working group of professionals with planning law expertise to assist him in this work. It is due to be finalised by the end of the year. Extensive work is underway on the review and my Department is engaging with the Attorney General and the working group on it.
“Housing for All – A New Housing Plan for Ireland” outlines the key policy aims of this review, which include ensuring that the major debate, in line with objectives of compact urban growth and environmental sustainability, is focused on the plan-making rather than the planning application stage. This will facilitate greater clarity and long-term visibility in planning outcomes, whilst ensuring appropriate account is taken of the nature of planning decisions, which require careful balancing of public policy, public participation and environmental issues. All provisions of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, will be examined in the context of this review.
464. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if there was a change in policy in the fire service which meant for a time that firefighters had to retire at 58 years of age; if this policy has subsequently changed; if compensation or other consideration has been given to those firefighters who were forced to retire at 58 years who would otherwise have had the opportunity to continue in service for another two years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38096/22]
View answerPreviously, the normal retirement age of retained firefighters was 55 years, with provision for an annual extension up to the age of 58 years, subject to a formal application process, including a compulsory assessment under the Occupational Health Scheme.
In early 2020, the Workplace Relations Commission recommended that the existing provisions for the retirement age of retained firefighters should be amended to change the existing provision for an annual extension from 58 years to 60 years.
In deference to this recommendation, in December 2020 and on an interim basis pending consideration of legislative amendments, retained firefighters may now continue working until reaching the age of 60 years, subject to annual compulsory assessment under the Occupational Health Scheme.
The issue of compensation does not arise where policy changes in response to a recommendation of the Workplace Relations Commission.
465. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the foreign births registry application of a person (details supplied) will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37644/22]
View answerDue to the complex nature of the Foreign Birth Registration (FBR) process, the large increase in applications received following the Brexit vote in the UK, and the pause in the Service due to necessary Covid-19 restrictions, applicants should allow over 2 years from the receipt of supporting documentation for processing of FBR applications at this time.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, and the subsequent reassignment of FBR staff to assist in the provision of essential passport services, the FBR Service was paused for nearly 15 months across the 2020-2021 period.
The processing of FBR applications resumed in November 2021. FBR staff have since processed over 7,400 FBR applications while also continuing to provide support to Passport services due to the unprecedented levels of passport demand.
The FBR Service provides an emergency service for Foreign Birth Registration in cases of exceptional urgency, such as expectant parents, or stateless persons. Such applicants may continue to contact the Passport Service directly. For other applications, the FBR service operates a transparent general policy of processing applications in order of receipt.
Supporting documentation for the application to which the Deputy has referred was received in March 2020, and is due to be processed in the near future. A member of the FBR team will be in contact with the applicant in this regard.
The Passport Service has been scaling up resources to deal with anticipated demand for passports and FBR applications since June of last year. A major recruitment drive, in partnership with the Public Appointments Service, has been underway over the past several months. This has seen the Passport Service taken on over 560 staff since June 2021.
The unprecedented level of staff currently working in the Passport Service will be maintained in the months ahead. This will allow for the reassignment of additional staff to the processing of FBR applications with the aim of significantly reducing turnaround times for these applications.
466. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if a passport application by a person (details supplied) will be reviewed and expedited. [37015/22]
View answer469. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application (details supplied) which is now a week past the estimated issue date and the family are due to travel to a family wedding in the near future. [37078/22]
View answer470. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application for a person (details supplied) given that the application has exceeded the target issue date and date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37086/22]
View answer471. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application for a person (details supplied) given that the application has exceeded the target issue date and date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37087/22]
View answer472. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application for a child (details supplied) given that the application has exceeded the target issue date and date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37088/22]
View answer473. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application for a child (details supplied) given that the application has exceeded the target issue date and date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37089/22]
View answer475. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application for a person (details supplied) given that the application has exceeded the target issue date and date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37091/22]
View answer476. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application for a person (details supplied) given that the application has exceeded the target issue date and date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37092/22]
View answer477. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application for a person (details supplied) given that the application has exceeded the target issue date and date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37093/22]
View answer478. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application for a child (details supplied) given that the application has exceeded the target issue date and date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37094/22]
View answer480. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application for a child (details supplied) given that the application has exceeded the target issue date and date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37096/22]
View answer481. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application for a child (details supplied) given that the application has exceeded the target issue date and date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37097/22]
View answer484. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will examine and expedite passport applications for persons (details supplied) that are needed for 13 July 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37120/22]
View answer485. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application for a child (details supplied) given that it has exceeded the target issue date and applicant’s travel date is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37146/22]
View answer486. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application for a child (details supplied) given that it has exceeded the target issue date and applicant’s travel date is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37147/22]
View answer488. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application for a child (details supplied) given that the application has exceeded the target issue date and date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37170/22]
View answer489. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application for a child (details supplied) given that the application has exceeded the target issue date and date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37171/22]
View answer490. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application by a person (details supplied) given that the application has exceeded the target issue date and date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37172/22]
View answer491. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application for a child (details supplied) given that the application has exceeded the target issue date and date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37173/22]
View answer492. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application for a child (details supplied) given that the application has exceeded the target issue date and date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37175/22]
View answer494. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will ensure that the passport application for child (details supplied) will be processed urgently by his Department given that it has exceeded its estimated date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37179/22]
View answer495. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application for a child (details supplied) given that it has exceeded the target issue date and applicant’s travel date is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37211/22]
View answer499. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if a passport will issue for a child (details supplied) travelling on 15 July 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37308/22]
View answer504. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application by a person (details supplied) given that it has exceeded the target issue date and applicant’s travel date is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37530/22]
View answer505. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application for a child (details supplied) given that it has exceeded the target issue date and applicant’s travel date is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37531/22]
View answer512. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when a passport will issue to a child (details supplied) in County Mayo given the fact that the estimated issue date passed and their parent requires the urgent return of their passport for their imminent travel plans. [37695/22]
View answer516. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if a passport application for a child (details supplied) will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37804/22]
View answer523. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if a passport application (details supplied) will be reviewed and expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38024/22]
View answer525. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application for a child (details supplied) given that it has exceeded the target issue date and applicant's travel date is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38070/22]
View answer526. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of passport applications for two children (details supplied) given that they have exceeded the target issue date and applicant's travel date is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38090/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 466, 469 to 473, inclusive, 475 to 478, inclusive, 480, 481, 484 to 486, inclusive, 488 to 492, inclusive, 494, 495, 499, 504, 505, 512, 516, 523, 525 and 526 together.
With regard to the specific applications about which the Deputies have enquired, the Passport Service has issued passports to the applicants.
467. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his response to the recent violence in Melilla, the European Union’s land border with Morocco which resulted in dozens of deaths. [37031/22]
View answerI am deeply disturbed by the violence in Melilla on 24 June. I am also shocked at the tragic deaths of at least 23 migrants and injury to many other migrants, as well as to Moroccan and Spanish personnel. My thoughts and sympathies go to all those who lost loved ones and to those who sustained injuries.
I welcome that the Spanish authorities have announced an investigation into this incident. It is important that the facts of this tragedy be clearly set out in order to avoid the re-occurrence of such episodes in future. Morocco’s National Council for Human Rights (CNDH) has also established an information commission which will meet with all relevant parties and whose findings will be published in due course.
The safety of migrants and refugees, refraining from the excessive use of force and upholding their human rights in accordance with international law, including international human rights law and international refugee law, as applicable, must remain a priority for the international community. I would take this opportunity to reiterate Ireland’s commitment to the Global Compact for safe, orderly and regular Migration and the Global Compact on Refugees. Ireland emphasised this commitment on 29 June 2022 when this incident was discussed at a meeting of the UN Security Council. At that meeting, we also welcomed the announcement that an investigation would take place and underlined the importance of the protection of migrants’ human rights.
468. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the current salary costs for the Passport Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37054/22]
View answerThe current total salary costs for the Passport Service to date in 2022 is €13,855,831.
There are currently over 868 staff assigned to the Passport Service.
Adequate staffing of the Passport Service to respond to demand is a priority for my Department and is an issue that is kept under constant review.
The Passport Service has been scaling up resources to deal with anticipated demand for passports since June of last year. A major recruitment drive, in partnership with the Public Appointments Service, has been underway over the past several months. This has seen the Passport Service taking on over 560 staff since June 2021.
The Passport Service recently ran its own recruitment competition for Temporary Clerical Officers with a view to maintaining staffing levels throughout the year to meet the demand expected. The Department has also worked with the HSE to provide opportunities to contact tracing staff to transfer to the Passport Service. Beginning on 20 June, previous contract tracing staff have been assigned to the Customer Service Hub, which has further increased the number of staff answering customer queries. The Passport Service is seeing a significantly positive impact from this on its call handling figures.
The turnaround time for first time applications has also been positively impacted by the recruitment of additional staff. Turnaround time for these complex types of applications has reduced by 40% since March, down from 40 working days to 25 days. The Passport Service is focused on reducing this turnaround time even further in the coming weeks.
I am confident that the additional staff that have been assigned and will continue to be recruited over the coming weeks will continue to have a positive impact on processing times and the provision of enhanced customer service.
474. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application for a person (details supplied) given that the application has exceeded the target issue date and date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37090/22]
View answer482. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application for a person (details supplied) given that the application has exceeded the target issue date and date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37098/22]
View answer510. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if a passport application by a person (details supplied) will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37681/22]
View answer511. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when a passport will issue to a person (details supplied) in view of the fact that the estimated date has been exceeded. [37689/22]
View answer519. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application for a person (details supplied) given that the application has exceeded the target issue date and date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37904/22]
View answer521. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application for a child (details supplied) which has been due since 4 July 2022 and the family is hoping to travel to Poland in the coming days. [38000/22]
View answer524. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if passport applications (details supplied) will be expedited given that they have been with the Passport Office for six months and the family is due to travel on 15 July 2022. [38026/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 474, 482, 510, 511, 519, 521 and 524 together.
With regard to the specific applications about which Deputies have enquired, the Passport Service has reviewed the applications and progressed as appropriate.
