Written Answers Nos. 461-479
461. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the Government’s position in relation to the need for a UN binding treaty on business and human rights, in order to tackle corporate impunity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55263/22]
View answerThe question of Business and Human rights is an important area of focus for the Government and my Department. Ireland was among the first countries in the world to develop a National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights and we are also a strong supporter of the EU’s Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy 2020 – 2024 which contains many relevant commitments in this field.
Ireland and the European Union believe that a legally binding instrument on business and human rights which is legally sound and enjoys wider support from States and stakeholders, has the potential to enhance global protections against business related human rights abuses where they occur.
As the Deputy will be aware, Ireland engages with the Open Ended Intergovernmental Working Group on transnational corporations and other business enterprises and on the Treaty process through the European Union. At the recent October negotiating session, the European Union engaged constructively by providing elements for the discussion based on current EU legislative proposals relevant to the negotiations.
At the conclusion of the October meeting, the European Union indicated that it stands ready to continue to engage with the Chair, as well as other States and stakeholders to take the process forward. Ireland firmly supports this constructive position and looks forward to development of a legally sound instrument enjoying wide and cross regional support which can assist us in delivering a genuinely useful instrument in this important work.
462. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has spoken formally with the Lithuanian foreign minister in the past three months. [55334/22]
View answerIreland’s long-standing close relationship with Lithuania is highly valued.
Lithuania’s Foreign Minister Gabrielus Landsbergis and I meet in our official capacities regularly at European Foreign Affairs Councils (FAC), the latest of which was held on the 17th of October. Prior to this there was an informal meeting of Foreign Affairs Ministers (Gymnich) held on the 31st of August at which we were both present.
I was accompanied by Minister Landsbergis during a visit to Odesa, Ukraine, on 14th September where we met Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba. During this visit, I took the opportunity to reiterate Ireland’s continued opposition to Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine and saw first-hand the operation of the Black Sea Grain initiative in Odesa port. It was also an opportunity to demonstrate, alongside Minister Landsbergis, the EU’s solidarity and ongoing commitment to supporting Ukraine throughout this difficult period.
463. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of times that the Irish Consul General and or Vice Consul in San Francisco have visited Seattle in Washington state to date in 2022; and the purpose of each visit in tabular form. [55366/22]
View answerIreland’s Consulate General in San Francisco works closely with the Irish diaspora in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, including in fulfilment of Ireland's Diaspora Strategy 2020-2025. This includes providing support to Irish communities and organisations through the Government’s Emigrant Support Programme, delivering consular assistance to Irish citizens in the Western US, promoting trade and economic opportunities, and ongoing engagement with our increasingly multicultural diaspora.
Seattle is a key city within the geographical responsibility of the Consulate General. Approximately 750,000 people in Washington State identify Irish as their primary heritage. The Irish community is also very active in Seattle, and benefits from the presence of an Irish Honorary Consul.
Building on the deepening economic ties between Washington State and Ireland, Enterprise Ireland (2019) and IDA Ireland (2021) established a presence in Seattle.
Opportunities for the Consulate General in San Francisco to undertake travel through the totality of its consular area over the past two years have been restricted due to the pandemic. However, our Consul General and Vice Consul in San Francisco have undertaken three visits to Seattle, WA so far in 2022. The dates and purposes of each visit are listed in tabular form below.
|
Date |
Representative |
Visit Purpose |
|
March 2022 |
Vice Consul |
St. Patrick’s Day programme, including Irish Network Seattle Business Breakfast |
|
April 2022 |
Consul General |
Tánaiste led Trade and Investment Mission to the US West Coast |
|
June 2022 |
Consul General |
Visit of the Director of Ireland's National Cyber Security Centre. |
464. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of officials in his Department who have undertaken the Harvard Business School advanced management programme in the past ten years to date; the grade of each official; and the cost for each attendee in tabular form. [55482/22]
View answerThere is no record of any officials in the Department having undertaken the Harvard Business School advanced management programme in the past ten years.
465. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the foreign birth registration application for a person (details supplied) can be reviewed and expedited; and if he will address matters in relation to the delays in this process. [55508/22]
View answerMy Department is responsible for processing Foreign Birth Registration (FBR) applications for people who are born abroad and claim Irish Citizenship through a grandparent born in Ireland or through a parent who has claimed citizenship also through FBR, Naturalisation or Post Nuptial Citizenship.
Demand for this service increased significantly as a result of the Brexit vote in the UK. In 2015, prior to Brexit, a total of 6,000 entries were made to the register. In 2019, a peak number of 19,000 entries were made to the Foreign Births Register.
The service was also impacted by necessary Covid-19 restrictions in 2020 and 2021 and the unprecedented demand for passports seen to date in 2022.
My Department has put in place a number of measures that will address the volume of FBR applications currently on hand with a view to significantly reducing the processing time for these citizenship applications by the end of this year.
The application to which the Deputy has referred is currently being processed. A member of the FBR team has been in contact with the applicant in this regard.
466. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he plans to invite the United States secretary of state to Ireland early in 2023. [55524/22]
View answerMaintaining and building on the strong ties between Ireland and the United States is a priority for this Government, as set out in our Strategy for the US and Canada (2019-2025). Ireland continually develops and maintains its close relations with the US, through the work of our Embassy in Washington D.C., and our other diplomatic missions across the US.
High-level visits are a crucial part of this relationship. I have had excellent engagements with my counterpart, Secretary of State Blinken, on a number of occasions in recent years. I am not aware of any specific plans in 2023 for the US Secretary of State to visit Ireland but I would warmly welcome any visit from him.
467. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Defence the number of Defence Forces members who are entitled to claim the pandemic bonus payment; the number who have been paid to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54197/22]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, in January this year, the Government announced a COVID-19 Pandemic Recognition Payment (PRP) for front-line public sector healthcare workers, to recognise the unique role played by them during the pandemic. The payment of €1,000 will not be subject to income tax, USC, or PRSI. The Government announcement also made provision for a pro-rata application of the payment.
The measure is ring fenced to staff ordinarily onsite in COVID-19 exposed healthcare environments who worked at least 60% whole time equivalent (WTE) for at least 4 weeks, during the period between 1 March 2020 and 30 June 2021, while €600 will apply for those below 60% WTE, within the same period of time. This recognition payment will be applied to those eligible public sector front-line healthcare staff (inclusive of agency staff working for the HSE) who worked in clinical settings. Certain redeployed members of the Defence Forces, who worked in front line COVID-19 exposed environments in the HSE, fall under the umbrella of eligibility regarding this payment.
At Government level, the Department of Health has primary policy responsibility for this initiative and it is currently working on progressing the modalities of payments for those non-HSE employees that are covered by this Government decision. It is also engaging with the relevant employers, including the Department of Defence, on the process to implement this measure for their eligible staff.
To this end, Officials in my Department have engaged with and will remain in regular contact with the Department of Health to discuss the roll-out of the payment for eligible Defence Forces personnel. It is important to note that ultimate interpretation of the scheme is a matter for the Minister for Health, with the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. Payment to eligible members of the Defence Forces will commence once these modalities have been completed.
468. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Defence the status of the review on mandatory retirement ages for the Defence Forces personnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54198/22]
View answer484. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Defence the engagement that his Department has had with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform regarding the mandatory retirement age of 50 years for those at the rank of sergeant across the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54717/22]
View answer485. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Defence the engagement that his Department has had with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform regarding the mandatory retirement age of 55 years for senior non-commissioned officers across the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54718/22]
View answer486. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to the situation in the Defence Forces where at the rank of sergeant, there are over 400 vacancies from an establishment of 1,330; the steps that he is taking to rectify this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54719/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 468 and 484 to 486, inclusive, together.
To compensate for the fact that members of the Defence Force are required to retire at an age which is considerably lower than in other employments, there are arrangements in place for accelerated pension provisions, where pension and gratuity may be payable on retirement at age 50.
As current pension arrangements for personnel enlisted to the Permanent Defence Force on or after 1 January 1994, are based on date of entry to the Defence Forces, any proposals to amend the length of service requires Department of Public Expenditure and Reform consideration from a costs and pensions perspective.
Subsequent to a civil/military review of Barriers to Extended Participation in the PDF, the Minister for Defence secured agreement, in December 2021, with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, which allows for an extension in service limits for Privates and Corporals, who were recruited to the Permanent Defence Force since 1 January 1994, to remain in service up to 50 years of age, subject to them meeting certain criteria including medical and fitness standards.
I recently secured an interim arrangement with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform which will allow for the retention in service for a further two years to the end of 2024 for Sergeants recruited after 1 January 1994, who are or would reach 50 years of age by the end of 2024, subject to their meeting certain criteria including passing medical and fitness tests.
The service limits for all ranks in the Defence Forces and other recommendations in the review relating to Commissioned Officers and senior Non-Commissioned Officer ranks, will be considered in the forum of an Inter-Departmental Working Group, which the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform has established, to consider mandatory retirement ages and service limits for public service groups who have fast accrual pension arrangements.
469. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Defence the number of members of the Defence Forces disciplined for misconduct of a sexual nature in each of the years 2000 to 2021 and to date in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54199/22]
View answerI am advised by the military authorities that offences relating to misconduct of a sexual nature are categorised as 'non-scheduled' in accordance with Part V of the Defence Act 1954 and are tried by Court Martial. During the period 2000 to 2021 and to date in 2022, Court Martials found charges proven in six (6) instances.
As the Deputy will be aware, I am fully committed to ensuring that every member of the Defence Forces has the right to undertake their duties in a safe environment underpinned by dignity and equality and by a culture of zero-tolerance for any kind of bullying, discrimination, harassment or sexual abuse.
Over the last twenty years since the 2002 publication of the External Advisory Group on the Defence Forces and the three subsequent reports from the Independent Monitoring Group (IMG), a number of reforms have been implemented for addressing allegations of inappropriate behaviour, including harassment, sexual harassment and bullying, which are contained in policy documents and in Defence Force Regulation.
The Defence Forces Diversity and Inclusion Strategy Statement and Action Plan additionally aims to ensure that a transparent culture exists, that encourages personnel to report inappropriate behaviour, discrimination, bullying, harassment and sexual harassment.
Despite these reforms however, it is clear from the experiences shared by both current and former members of the Defence Forces that further work is needed and I acknowledge that the culture that is pervading, and the application of those policies, systems and procedures for dealing with unacceptable behaviour have not, and are not, serving all Defence Forces personnel well.
The work of the Judge-led Independent Review Group (IRG), established by me on 25 January last, following Government approval, is examining issues relating to bullying, harassment, discrimination and sexual misconduct, as well as workplace culture, in the Defence Forces.
This Independent Review is a necessary and critical step to fulfil my duty of care obligation to the men and women of the Defence Forces, to provide a safe work environment. The serving members of the Defence Forces, expect nothing less.
The final report which is to be presented to me at the end of the year, will be brought to Government, before being published.
470. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Defence if his Department and all bodies under his Department’s aegis have reviewed their estates' portfolio in the context of identifying unoccupied buildings that may be suitable for use in the context of meeting the accommodation needs of persons arriving in Ireland from Ukraine. [54212/22]
View answerI can confirm that my Department earlier this year made a submission, as requested, to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Planning on suitable buildings and lands for accommodation purposes for those fleeing the war in Ukraine.
471. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Defence the number and type of unused and or unoccupied buildings in his Department’s estates’ portfolio and all bodies under his Department’s aegis. [54230/22]
View answerThe Defence Force's building stock covers a diverse range of building types, which are managed by military authorities and as such this information is not readily available centrally within my Department. My officials, with the Defence Forces, will compile the information requested and I will arrange to have same forwarded to you as soon as possible.
|
Formation |
Installation |
Building |
|
Air Corps |
Casement Aerodrome |
Building 12 Battery Shop |
|
Air Corps |
Casement Aerodrome |
Building 57 Squash Court |
|
2 Bde |
Cathal Brugha Barracks Married Quarters |
C House |
|
2 Bde |
Cathal Brugha Barracks Married Quarters |
17 Grosvenor Lodge |
|
2 Bde |
Cathal Brugha Barracks Married Quarters |
22 Grosvenor Lodge |
|
2 Bde |
Cathal Brugha Barracks Married Quarters |
23 Grosvenor Lodge |
|
2 Bde |
Cathal Brugha Barracks Married Quarters |
A House W Wing (Sarsfield House) |
|
2 Bde |
McKee Barracks |
Chief of Staff House |
|
2 Bde |
Custume Barracks |
Old Riding Stables |
|
2 Bde |
Aiken Barracks |
A Block |
|
1 Bde |
Crosshaven Married Quarters |
Fort Templebreedy |
|
1 Bde |
Collins Barracks Married Quarters |
1 Camp Field |
|
1 Bde |
Collins Barracks Married Quarters |
2 Camp Field |
|
1 Bde |
Collins Barracks Married Quarters |
3 Camp Field |
|
1 Bde |
Collins Barracks Married Quarters |
4 Camp Field |
|
1 Bde |
Collins Barracks Married Quarters |
7 Camp Field |
|
1 Bde |
Collins Barracks Married Quarters |
8 Camp Field |
|
1 Bde |
Collins Barracks Married Quarters |
9 Camp Field |
|
DFTC |
Curragh Camp McDermott Barracks |
Old McDermott Dining Complex |
|
DFTC |
Curragh Camp McDermott Barracks |
Alexandra House |
|
DFTC |
Curragh Camp McDermott Barracks |
Clarke Officer's Mess |
|
DFTC |
Curragh Camp McDermott Barracks |
Old Building adjacent (South) to Ordnance & Transport Schools |
|
DFTC |
Curragh Camp McDermott Barracks |
Old Building adjacent (West) to C Block Clarke |
|
DFTC |
Curragh Camp Connolly Barracks Married Quarters |
No. 1 Connolly Villas |
|
DFTC |
Curragh Camp Connolly Barracks Married Quarters |
No. 2 Connolly Villas |
|
DFTC |
Curragh Camp Connolly Barracks Married Quarters |
No. 3 Connolly Villas |
|
DFTC |
Curragh Camp Connolly Barracks |
Connolly House |
|
DFTC |
Curragh Camp Connolly Barracks |
Stables, Connolly House |
|
DFTC |
Curragh Camp Connolly Barracks |
Old NCO's Mess 3rd Inf Bn (Bloods) |
|
DFTC |
Curragh Camp Connolly Barracks |
Old Area Records |
|
DFTC |
Curragh Camp Connolly Barracks Married Quarters |
No. 1 Plunkett Villas |
|
DFTC |
Curragh Camp Connolly Barracks Married Quarters |
No. 2 Plunkett Villas |
|
DFTC |
Curragh Camp Connolly Barracks Married Quarters |
No. 3 Plunkett Villas |
|
DFTC |
Curragh Camp Connolly Barracks |
Single storey block, adjacent (North) of 1 ACS Vehicle Bays (Old) |
|
DFTC |
Curragh Camp Connolly Barracks |
Old Cavalry School |
|
DFTC |
Curragh Camp Connolly Barracks |
Plunkett NCOs Mess C/W adjacent store buildings |
|
DFTC |
Curragh Camp Connolly Barracks |
Petrol Station, Plunkett Barracks |
|
DFTC |
Curragh Camp Connolly Barracks |
Main office (North), Equitation Yard |
|
DFTC |
Curragh Camp Connolly Barracks |
Stables (East), Equitation Yard |
|
DFTC |
Curragh Camp Connolly Barracks |
Stables (South), Equitation Yard |
|
DFTC |
Curragh Camp Connolly Barracks |
Tac Room (West), Equitation Yard |
|
DFTC |
Curragh Camp Married Quarters |
No.4 O'Higgins' Terrace |
|
DFTC |
Curragh Camp Married Quarters |
No.5 O'Higgins' Terrace |
|
DFTC |
Curragh Camp Married Quarters |
No.6 O'Higgins' Terrace |
|
DFTC |
Curragh Camp Married Quarters |
No.9 O'Higgins' Terrace |
|
DFTC |
Curragh Camp Married Quarters |
No.10 O'Higgins' Terrace |
|
DFTC |
Curragh Camp Married Quarters |
No.15 O'Higgins' Terrace |
|
DFTC |
Curragh Camp Married Quarters |
No. 17 O’Higgins Terrace |
|
DFTC |
Curragh Camp Married Quarters |
No.18 O'Higgins' Terrace |
|
DFTC |
Curragh Camp Married Quarters |
No.21 O'Higgins' Terrace |
|
DFTC |
Curragh Camp Married Quarters |
No.22 O'Higgins' Terrace |
|
DFTC |
Curragh Camp Married Quarters |
No.27 O'Higgins' Terrace |
|
DFTC |
Curragh Camp Married Quarters |
No.28 O'Higgins' Terrace |
|
DFTC |
Curragh Camp Married Quarters |
No. 24 O'Higgins Road |
|
DFTC |
Curragh Camp Married Quarters |
No. 25 O'Higgins Road |
|
DFTC |
Curragh Camp Married Quarters |
No. 26 O'Higgins Road |
|
DFTC |
Curragh Camp Married Quarters |
No. 32 O'Higgins Road |
|
DFTC |
Curragh Camp Married Quarters |
No. 34 O'Higgins Road |
|
DFTC |
Curragh Camp Married Quarters |
No. 40 O'Higgins Road, McDonagh |
|
DFTC |
Curragh Camp Married Quarters |
No.25 McDermott Terrace |
|
DFTC |
Curragh Camp Married Quarters |
No.26 McDermott Terrace |
|
DFTC |
Curragh Camp Married Quarters |
No.27 McDermott Terrace |
|
DFTC |
Curragh Camp Married Quarters |
No.28 McDermott Terrace |
|
DFTC |
Curragh Camp Married Quarters |
No. 29 McDermott Terrace |
|
DFTC |
Curragh Camp Married Quarters |
QM House Pearse |
|
DFTC |
Curragh Camp Married Quarters |
QM House McDonagh |
|
DFTC |
Curragh Camp Married Quarters |
No.30 McDermott Terrace |
|
DFTC |
Curragh Camp Married Quarters |
No.31 McDermott Terrace |
|
DFTC |
Curragh Camp Married Quarters |
No.32 McDermott Terrace |
|
DFTC |
Curragh Camp Married Quarters |
No.33 McDermott Terrace |
|
DFTC |
Curragh Camp Married Quarters |
No.34 McDermott Terrace |
|
DFTC |
Curragh Camp Married Quarters |
No.40 Warrant Officers, Clarke |
|
DFTC |
Curragh Camp Married Quarters |
No.43 Warrant Officers, Clarke |
|
DFTC |
Curragh Camp Married Quarters |
No.1 Fire Station Villas |
|
DFTC |
Curragh Camp Married Quarters |
No.2 Fire Station Villas |
|
DFTC |
Curragh Camp Married Quarters |
No.4 Fire Station Villas |
|
DFTC |
Curragh Camp Military College |
Pearse Privates Mess |
|
DFTC |
Curragh Camp Military College Married Quarters |
Warrant Officers Pearse 1 |
|
DFTC |
Curragh Camp Military College Married Quarters |
Warrant Officers Pearse 2 |
|
DFTC |
Curragh Camp Military College Married Quarters |
Warrant Officers Hospital 2 |
|
DFTC |
Curragh Camp Military College Married Quarters |
Warrant Officers Hospital 3 |
|
DFTC |
Curragh Camp Military College Married Quarters |
Warrant Officers Connolly 1 |
|
DFTC |
Curragh Camp Military College Married Quarters |
Warrant Officers Connolly 2 |
|
DFTC |
Curragh Camp Military College |
Mission Preparation Centre Pearse |
|
DFTC |
Curragh Camp Military College Married Quarters |
No 1 Pearse Terrace Upper |
|
DFTC |
Curragh Camp Military College Married Quarters |
No 2 Pearse Terrace Upper |
|
DFTC |
Curragh Camp Military College Married Quarters |
No 5 Pearse Terrace Upper |
|
DFTC |
Curragh Camp Military College Married Quarters |
No 6 Pearse Terrace Upper |
|
DFTC |
Curragh Camp Military College Married Quarters |
No 7 Pearse Terrace Upper |
|
DFTC |
Curragh Camp Military College Married Quarters |
No 9 Pearse Terrace Upper |
|
DFTC |
Curragh Camp Military College Married Quarters |
No 10 Pearse Terrace Upper |
|
DFTC |
Curragh Camp Military College Married Quarters |
No 11 Pearse Terrace Upper |
|
DFTC |
Curragh Camp Military College Married Quarters |
No 12 Pearse Terrace Upper |
|
DFTC |
Curragh Camp Military College Married Quarters |
No 13 Pearse Terrace Upper |
|
DFTC |
Curragh Camp Military College Married Quarters |
No 14 Pearse Terrace Upper |
|
DFTC |
Curragh Camp Military College Married Quarters |
Warrant Officers McDonagh 2 |
|
DFTC |
Curragh Camp Married Quarters |
2 South Road |
|
DFTC |
Curragh Camp Military College Married Quarters |
Canteen Managers, Pearse Terrace Upper |
|
DFTC |
Curragh Camp Military College |
office BFW No 3 |
|
DFTC |
Curragh Camp Military College |
Carpenters shop BFW No 3 |
|
DFTC |
Curragh Camp Military College |
Machine Shop BFW No 3 |
|
DFTC |
Curragh Camp Military College |
Stores BFW No 3 |
|
DFTC |
Curragh Camp Military College |
Post Office |
|
DFTC |
Curragh Camp Military College |
JM House |
|
DFTC |
Curragh Camp Military College |
Old green galvanise sheds |
|
DFTC |
Curragh Camp Military College Married Quarters |
Detached No .1 hospital grounds |
|
DFTC |
Curragh Camp Military College Married Quarters |
Old sign painting shop |
|
DFTC |
Curragh Camp Military College Married Quarters |
71 Pumping Station House McDonagh well |
|
Naval Service |
Haulbowline Married Quarters |
No. 15 |
|
Naval Service |
Haulbowline Married Quarters |
No. 16 |
|
Naval Service |
Haulbowline |
Block 4 |
|
Naval Service |
Haulbowline |
Block 9 |
|
Naval Service |
Haulbowline |
Old Tank Building |
|
Naval Service |
Haulbowline |
Old Ops Building |
|
Naval Service |
Haulbowline |
Former CIS Stores |
472. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Defence the amount of funding and investment provided for and spent in the Curragh training camp in County Kildare in each of the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54247/22]
View answerI am assuming that the Deputy's question relates to major capital building investment at the DFTC, Curragh Camp for the past three years, 2019-2021 inclusive. The table below sets out the information sought.
|
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
|
Refurbishment of Block 7 Plunkett |
Refurbishment of Block 7 Plunkett |
Refurbishment of Block 7 Plunkett |
|
Ammunition Depot Building |
Ammunition Depot Building |
Ammunition Depot Building |
|
Upgrade of Shower Rooms 1, 2 & 3, Cadet’s Mess |
Upgrade of Shower Rooms 1, 2 & 3, Cadet’s Mess |
Provision of Rifle Range & Associated Works |
|
Provision of Rifle Range & Associated Works |
CCTV Installation Upgrade |
|
|
Pearse Barracks Refurbishment |
Refurb Of Hospital Wards 2 And 8 |
|
|
Re-Roofing Of Disaster Store |
Fire Proofing Upgrade, Cadet’s Mess |
|
|
CCTV Installation Upgrade |
||
|
Refurbishment of Hospital Wards 2 And 8 |
||
|
€2.955m |
€2.587m |
€2.143m |
The Deputy may also wish to note the following major capital projects in respect of the DFTC which are included in the 5 Year infrastructure development programme and are either on site already or at an advanced stage of design delivery:
- Provision of a new Cadet school- main works are now underway and expected to be completed in 2023;
- Provision of a new CIS workshop- design team planning stage;
- Provision of a new ARW Headquarters- design team planning stage;
473. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Defence if any study has been conducted or report prepared as to the suitability of Columb Barracks, Mullingar, as a location for the erection of portacabins to provide accommodation to those fleeing the war in Ukraine, given that many of the community groups operating from Columb Barracks have no access to water or sewage services. [54350/22]
View answerAs part of the whole of Government response to provide assistance to those fleeing the conflict in Ukraine, I can confirm that my Department has identified the former Mullingar Barracks as a site which could be used to accommodate such persons. It is primarily a matter for the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to satisfy itself that the premises are adequate for their requirements. I am advised that my officials have recently received confirmation that it is that Department's intention to use the premises for same.
474. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Defence if any study has been conducted or report prepared as to the suitability of Connolly Barracks, Longford, as a location for the provision of temporary accommodation to those fleeing the war in Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54351/22]
View answerI am advised that the property referred to by the Deputy is no longer in the ownership of my Department and as such my Department has no role in this matter.
475. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Defence the number of protected disclosures and internal complaints made by members of the Defence Forces in the past ten years; the number that remain open; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54516/22]
View answer476. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Defence the number of protected disclosures or internal complaints made by members of the Defence Forces in which his Department found against the complainant and which were subsequently upheld in the WRC, by year since 2010, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54517/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 475 and 476 together.
The current legislation pertaining to protected disclosures was enacted in 2014 and hence the detail relating to protected disclosures provided herein commences from that time.
The purpose of the Protected Disclosures Act 2014 (the Act) is to provide a mechanism whereby workers can provide information in confidence to employers relating to relevant wrongdoings as set out in the Act. It also protects persons from the taking of action against them in respect of the making of certain disclosures in the public interest. In the case of members of the Defence Forces, the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces is empowered to investigate their claims of penalisation.
The Act does not set out a process by which information provided by way of a protected disclosure should be investigated. The process adopted, broadly speaking, is one of assessing whether the information provided meets the criteria of the Act and then assessing the best method to investigate the alleged wrong doing using either internal or external methods. A Discloser is not seen as a Complainant and the protected disclosure process does not involve investigating the Discloser or making findings against the Discloser.
The following table details the number of protected disclosures received in the years 2014 to date.
|
Year |
Number of Disclosures |
|
2014 |
2 |
|
2015 |
3 |
|
2016 |
2 |
|
2017 |
11 |
|
2018 |
4 |
|
2019 |
4 |
|
2020 |
12 |
|
2021 |
10 |
|
2022 (end of October) |
1 |
Of the total number received since 2014, fifteen remain open. Protected Disclosures can be classified as remaining open for a variety of reasons such as trying to establish whether the Discloser is a worker or information provided may also be linked to separate processes.
Section 16 of the Act provides that subject to exceptions, a person to whom a protected disclosure is made, and any person to whom a protected disclosure is referred in the performance of that person’s duties, shall not disclose to another person any information that might identify the person by whom the protected disclosure was made. On this basis, it would be inappropriate for me to give specific detail that may identify a Discloser.
The Deputy may be aware that with regard to internal complaints, there is a statutory process in place for redress of wrongs for serving members of the Defence Forces, which is enshrined in the Defence Act. I have no statutory role in the process for investigating complaints submitted under the process. I should also underline that this process is separate and distinct to the protected disclosures mechanism.
I am fully committed to compliance with the requirements of the Protected Disclosures Act, 2014 and to the protections contained in that Act.
477. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Defence the number of reviews of training procedures and gender discrimination in the Defence Forces that have been undertaken; the number ongoing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54518/22]
View answerI would like confirm to the Deputy that the Workplace Relations Commission recommendations on anti-discrimination law arising from a decision in December 2020 are currently being implemented by the Military Authorities with a view to ensuring that all of the training programmes, materials and associated documents for Defence Forces personnel are fully aligned, and compatible with the provisions of the relevant equality legislation.
A report of a Defence Forces Working Group, comprising membership from the Defence Forces HR, Legal and Training & Education HQ Branches as well as representatives from the Defence Forces Formations, is currently being taken forward, in collaboration with my officials, to ensure the directions of the WRC Adjudication, are implemented.
478. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Defence the number of Defence Forces members who have been required to sign non-disclosure agreements as a result of a legal settlement in respect of actions for sexual harassment, discrimination or bullying in the past 20 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54519/22]
View answerThe management of claims against the Minister for Defence in relation to personal injuries alleged to have occurred within Ireland has been delegated to the State Claims Agency (SCA) since 2001. The management of claims in respect of personal injuries alleged to have occurred overseas, claims of post-traumatic stress disorder, bullying and other harassment cases have been delegated to the SCA since 2011. Prior to 2011, these claims were management by the Chief State Solicitor’s Office.
The State Claims Agency (SCA) has advised that confidentiality agreements may be requested by the SCA or the Plaintiff. The SCA does not routinely request confidentiality agreements in relation to claims’ settlements but does so very occasionally when it deems it necessary and appropriate. Where it is requested by the Plaintiff, it is the SCA's practice to agree to enter into a confidentiality agreement.
The SCA has advised that the use of mediation to resolve claims has increased in recent years. The mediation process is entirely confidential between the parties. It is almost invariably the case in mediations that the mediator will ask the parties to sign an agreement attesting to the confidential nature of the mediation and it’s outcome.
The SCA further advises that the National Incident Management System (NIMS) does not capture/record data on confidentiality agreements and so it is not possible to provide statistics on non-disclosure agreements as a result of a legal settlement in respect of actions for sexual harassment, discrimination or bullying.
The CSSO has also been consulted on this matter and has advised that their reporting system is not in a position to readily identify those files where Defence Forces members were asked to sign a non-disclosure agreement.
The Deputy will appreciate that I am not in a position to discuss specific settlements or to comment on the nature of such settlements.
479. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Defence the reason that the 'Women of Honour' have not been briefed on the progress of the review into abuse of personnel in the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54520/22]
View answer480. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Defence his plans for a statutory procedure to examine past and ongoing abuse of personnel in the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54521/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 479 and 480 together.
As the Deputy will be aware, I am committed to ensuring that every member of the Defence Forces can carry out their duties in a workplace underpinned by dignity and equality.
The Judge-led Independent Review Group, established last January by me, following Government approval, is examining the systems, policies and procedures for dealing with issues relating to bullying, discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual misconduct as well as workplace culture in the Defence Forces.
This Review is well underway and is a necessary and critical first step to address the need for a safe work environment for serving members with zero-tolerance for such unacceptable behaviour. The serving members of the Defence Forces expect nothing less.
There was extensive engagement with the Women of Honour Group and other stakeholders including serving members, in advance of the establishment of the Independent Review to examine issues relating to unacceptable behaviour in the Defence Forces. Without question, the engagements raised very serious concerns and I wish to pay tribute to all parties, including Women of Honour, for the courage they displayed in sharing their experiences.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Terms of Reference provide that it is open to the Review Group to conduct its business through oral and/or written engagement on a group basis and/or individual basis. The Review will include the receipt of the views and experiences from both current and former Defence Forces personnel of workplace incidents of unacceptable behaviour. I wish to underline that the sharing of such views and experiences by interviewees is entirely voluntary and treated in confidence.
I wish to add that the work of the Independent Review Group is entirely independent in keeping with the Terms of Reference. The Group have full independence and autonomy to undertake its body of work, under its Chair, Ms Justice Bronagh O’Hanlon. The Deputy will appreciate that I must allow the Group to undertake its body of work with full respect for their independence and autonomy.
I have received eight updates from the Independent Review Group including when they asked for a 4th member to assist in completing their work. This request was approved. In line also with the Terms of the Review, I have also been briefed via an Interim Report and at the request of the Group, this will not be published, as its work is not complete.
The Deputy will be aware that the Terms of Reference for the Review are wide-ranging and provide that Government may consider further work on receipt of the Independent Review findings. These assurances have been relayed to all stakeholders, including the Women of Honour Group.
As the Deputy will appreciate, I’m eager to have this work concluded. The final report which is to be presented to me at the end of the year, will be brought to Government, before being published.
