Tuesday, 6 Dec 2022

Written Answers Nos. 233-258

Housing Schemes

Questions (234)

Eoin Ó Broin

Question:

234. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the average differential rent paid in the State. [60524/22]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

Local authorities set and collect rents on their dwellings in accordance with section 58 of the Housing Act 1966.  The making or amending of such rent schemes is generally a matter for local authorities within broad principles set out by my Department, including that rent levels should be based on income and reflect tenants’ ability to pay.

Decisions regarding how the rent charged is calculated and any increase or decrease in the amount of rent charged and the type of household income that is reckonable or disregarded for rent purposes is a matter for individual local authorities in line with their respective rent schemes. My Department has no role in the making of these rent schemes and does not collect data on the average differential rent paid locally or nationally.

Departmental Strategies

Questions (237)

Josepha Madigan

Question:

237. Deputy Josepha Madigan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage Heritage when the National Landscape Strategy 2015-2025 (action No. 3) guidelines are to be published for local landscape character assessments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60632/22]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage

Under Heritage Ireland 2030, the new national heritage plan, there is an action to advance the implementation of the National Landscape Strategy and complete a National Landscape Character Assessment.

My Department is undertaking a workforce planning exercise currently and a proposal has been submitted for increased staffing resources to deliver this strategy and related priorities. It should be noted that this exercise encompasses the whole Department and that the exact numbers and assignment of staff has yet to be finalised. 

It is important to note that the National Landscape Strategy transcends heritage. In this connection it is also worth noting the ongoing work led by the Environmental Protection Agency to carry out pilot landscape character assessments and conduct a literature review to inform the development of a Landscape Character Assessment Toolkit for use by local authorities.

Housing Schemes

Questions (238)

Seán Canney

Question:

238. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will change the criteria for the croí cónaithe scheme to include houses which have a functioning septic tank built to the standards prevailing when the house was constructed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60635/22]

Awaiting reply from Department.

Peace Commissioners

Questions (239)

Paul McAuliffe

Question:

239. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he has any plans to allow Peace Commissioners to sign and witness affidavits for social housing applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60702/22]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

A signed affidavit or letter is required in circumstances where there is no separation or divorce agreement in place. The affidavit or letter should confirm there is no formal separation agreement and no court proceedings pending under family law legislation, as well as the position regarding maintenance payments, overnight access and custody arrangements for children, and property ownership.

It is considered appropriate that such confirmation is provided by a solicitor given the sensitivity and complexity of issues involved. 

This requirement has been in place since the Social Housing Assessment Regulations were introduced in 2011, which standardised the assessment process, and I have no plans to change this requirement at this time.

Departmental Staff

Questions (243)

Mairéad Farrell

Question:

243. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide a list of the categories of public sector workers and civil servants under his Department whose contracts fall under the Croke Park Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60735/22]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

The Croke Park Agreement encompassed all civil servants in my Department. No distinction was made between categories of civil servants under the Agreement.

My Department does not hold the requested information in respect of public servants employed by the State Bodies under its aegis.  Arrangements have been made that these State Bodies may be contacted directly by e-mail by members of the Oireachtas, as set out in the table below.  

State Body	Contact E-mails
An Bord Pleanála	[e-mail]
An Fóram Uisce (the Water Forum)	[e-mail]
Approved Housing   Bodies Regulatory Authority	[e-mail]
Docklands Oversight and Consultative Forum	[e-mail]
Ervia	[e-mail]
Gas Networks Ireland	[e-mail]
Heritage Council	[e-mail]
Housing Finance Agency	[e-mail]
Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency	[e-mail]
Irish Water	[e-mail]
Land Development Agency	[e-mail]
Local  Government Management Agency	[e-mail]
National Oversight and Audit Commission	[e-mail]
National Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee	[e-mail]
Office of the Planning Regulator	[e-mail]
Ordnance Survey Ireland	[e-mail]
Property Registration Authority	[e-mail]
Pyrite Resolution Board	[e-mail]
Residential Tenancies Board	[e-mail]
Valuation Office	[e-mail]
Water Advisory Body	[e-mail]
Waterways Ireland	[e-mail]

Housing Policy

Questions (244)

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

244. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the reason that persons applying for social housing or a social housing transfer due to a disability or medical grounds must provide medical references from two separate healthcare professionals when completing the HMD form 1; if he is aware that persons applying for other State supports due to disability or medical grounds are required to provide just one medical reference; and if he is aware of the difficulties arising from this procedure for vulnerable and elderly people. [60760/22]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

Applications for social housing support are assessed by the relevant local authority, in accordance with the eligibility and need criteria set down in section 20 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 and the associated Social Housing Assessment Regulations 2011, as amended. The allocation of local authority dwellings, including the prioritisation of certain households, is a matter for the local authority concerned, in accordance with their allocation schemes made under section 22 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 and associated Regulations.    

A revised Social Housing Support Application Form was introduced with effect from 19 April 2021.  The new form includes an additional form which an applicant who wants to apply for assessment for priority support based on medical need or disability must complete (HMD-Form 1). The new form may be completed by a variety of healthcare professionals. This replaces the requirement under the older application to obtain a medical consultant’s letter, which many potential applicants found to be onerous where they were not being cared for by a consultant.  

The 2011 Assessment Regulations prescribes, within the Regulations, the housing support application form which must be completed. These Regulations also provide that the local authority may request additional information where it is necessary to assess the applicant’s eligibility for housing support as it is doing in requesting the HMD1 form.  The purpose of the HMD1 form is to obtain sufficient information to allow the local authority to assess the nature of the applicant’s condition in order to award a priority to the applicant if that is merited. 

Question No. 245 answered with Question No. 209.

Departmental Projects

Questions (246)

Duncan Smith

Question:

246. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when a project (details supplied) will be completed and opened; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60858/22]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage

The Project referred to in the Question is a very significant initiative. It will support communities, and create exciting opportunities for recreation and ways to experience interesting places from new perspectives.    

Waterways Ireland obtained planning permission for the Project including the canal side works and the roadside works from Lowtown to Athy.  Kildare County Council is the Project Manager for the Project and is responsible for overall project delivery.

The project objectives are to:

(1) Provide upgraded and new physical infrastructure in accordance with planning permission;

(2) Provision of infrastructure to achieve ‘Accredited Blueway’ status for the route; and

(3) Co-ordinate marketing activity to maximise the potential of the Blueway.

Waterways Ireland is responsible for the delivery of the canal side works elements only and have completed 29.9km of the towpath. This equates to 83% of the overall towpath being developed. A further 5.9km is currently under construction with a target completion date of Q2 2023.

The roadside works elements are being undertaken by Kildare County Council who will be responsible for delivery of ancillary infrastructure including signage and visitor facilities. A report from Kildare County Council is currently being finalised setting out these requirements, with implementation planned for 2023.

Project updates are published regularly by Kildare County Council on its website.  

The target completion date for the remaining works is Q2 2023.

Departmental Inquiries

Questions (247)

Jim O'Callaghan

Question:

247. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of the inquiry that was initiated in 2019 into (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60926/22]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

In November 2019, my predecessor, the then Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, appointed an authorised person under section 224 of the Local Government Act 2001 to prepare a report into the alleged role, if any, of Dublin City Council regarding payments made to certain individuals for the purpose of facilitating the protection of social housing developments in Ballyfermot/Cherry Orchard, Dublin, against anti-social behaviour, intimidation of workers and criminal damage.

This work has been completed and the report by the authorised person remains under consideration within my Department. 

I also understand that the matter is the subject of a criminal investigation by An Garda Síochána, which must be allowed to follow its course.

Housing Schemes

Questions (248)

Niall Collins

Question:

248. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he can advise if the improvement works in lieu of social housing scheme will be reopened to new applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60929/22]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

My Department provides grant funding on an annual basis to local authorities for adaptations and extensions to the existing social housing stock to meet the needs of local authority tenants. The scheme applies to works that are necessary to address the needs of older people, people with a disability or overcrowded situations.

This present funding also extends to Improvement Works in Lieu which allows works to be carried out on a privately owned house on the basis that this house will be occupied by someone on the social housing list or someone who will return their social house to the local authority in lieu of the works being done on the private house which they will occupy.

Local authorities in their administration of the scheme identify housing adaptation needs and oversee and prioritise appropriate responses to meet these needs.

Housing Policy

Questions (249)

Cian O'Callaghan

Question:

249. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the means test for housing aid for older people, which is calculated through total household income, will be reviewed with regards to adult children moving home with elderly parents to care for them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60951/22]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

My Department provides funding to local authorities for the Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability Scheme. These schemes assist eligible applicants living in privately owned homes to make their accommodation more suitable for their needs, with Exchequer funding of €65 million available nationally in 2022. As part of the annual budgetary process the Exchequer funding provision for 2023 has been increased by €2 million to a total of €67 million, continuing the year on year increases since 2014.

Housing for All commits to reviewing the suite of Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability. Among the areas which the review, currently underway, will consider are income thresholds (including the means test provisions) and grant limits, and the application and decision-making processes including the supplementary documentation required. The review is to be completed by the end of 2022.

Rights of Way

Questions (250)

Ivana Bacik

Question:

250. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the role of his Department in maintaining public rights of way for the purpose of recreational walkers.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60987/22]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage

The Planning and Development Act 2000 (the Act), places responsibility for the maintenance of public rights of way directly with local authorities, by requiring them to preserve existing public rights of way through mapping and listing them as part of their development plans. Under Section 30 of the Act, I am precluded in my role as Minister with responsibility for planning from commenting on any particular case in which a planning authority is concerned.

Section 10(2)(o) of the 2000 Act requires that all development plans include objectives for “the preservation of public rights of way which give access to seashore, mountain, lakeshore, riverbank or other place of natural beauty or recreational utility, which public rights of way shall be identified both by marking them on at least one of the maps forming part of the development plan and by indicating their location on a list appended to the development plan.”

In addition to the requirement set out in Section 10(2)(o) of the Act, there are a number of mechanisms that the local authority can use to secure the development of improved access to the countryside and amenities besides this statutory process. The "permissive access mechanism" described in Circular Letter PL 5/2015 can complement the statutory development plan objective and can deliver an integrated approach to combining agreed ways and trails with public rights of way statutorily defined in the development plan. This approach has the potential to extend the amenity and recreational offer, and, as such, provides better access and improved connectivity throughout a local area or the wider county area. The overall combined approach, providing an inventory of permissive access routes in addition to rights of way, represents a best practice approach.

Local authorities in their role as Road Authorities have the power to declare public roads under the Roads Act 1993, as amended, and once a public road is declared, a public right of way is created and it is the responsibility of the local authority to maintain the public road and the public right of way. This is a matter which falls under the responsibility of my colleague the Minister for Transport.

Housing Policy

Questions (251)

Gary Gannon

Question:

251. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his attention has been drawn to the rising number of elderly people living on the brink of homelessness (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61011/22]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

Increased supply across all tenures is key to eradicating homelessness.  Housing supply is increasing under Housing for All.

There is a strong pipeline, with 44,715 dwellings granted planning permission in the 12 months to the end of June 2022. 27,773 new homes were completed in the twelve months to end September 2022 - greater than the total for 2021 or any full year since the CSO completions series began. There were 26,608 units commenced in the year to October 2022 and we are on track to exceed the Housing for All target of 24,600 new build homes in 2022.

Record State investment of €4.5bn will be made available in 2023 to support the largest State home building programme ever, with 9,100 direct build social homes and 5,500 affordable homes. 

Having regard to immediate pressures, the aim of the emergency winter eviction ban is to reduce the burden on homelessness services and the pressure on tenants and the residential tenancies market.  To assist in managing demands on housing services after the winter period and ensure that there is no cliff edge impact on 1 April, the ban provides for deferred Notices of Termination to take effect on a phased basis over the period from 1 April to 18 June 2023.

As a further emergency measure, I have also written to local authority Chief Executives, informing them of my decision to continue the delegated sanction, to purchase homes where the tenant is at risk of homelessness, for the duration of the emergency winter eviction ban and up to the end of the transition period in June 2023.

Housing Policy

Questions (252)

Gary Gannon

Question:

252. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will ringfence some social housing for persons coming out of care (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61012/22]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

The allocation of social housing support to qualified households is a matter for the local authority concerned, in accordance with its allocation scheme made in accordance with Section 22 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 and associated Social Housing Allocation Regulations 2011.  This legislation requires all local authorities, as a reserved function, to make an allocation scheme which specifies, among other things, the manner of, and the order of priority for, the allocation of dwellings to households on the housing and transfer lists.

I am aware that people with care experience are unfortunately at a heightened risk of homelessness. My Department published a protocol in 2014 which clarified the roles of Tusla and Housing authorities and outlined the practical steps involved in assessing a young person leaving State care and managing that person's accommodation and support needs. In 2017, my Department issued a circular which provided that, where a local authority is informed by Tusla that there is a need for accommodation for people aged 18-21 (or up to 23 if in education/training) leaving State care and who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, it may invite AHBs to apply for CAS funding to provide appropriate accommodation.

In response to the increase in the number of people aged 18 - 24 experiencing homelessness, my Department recently published a new national Youth Homelessness Strategy. The Strategy sets out 27 distinct actions with three main strategic aims:

To prevent young people from entering homelessness;

To improve the experiences of young people in accessing emergency accommodation; and

To assist young people in exiting homelessness.

This Strategy identifies six cohorts who are particularly vulnerable to experiencing homelessness and who are disproportionately represented in the young homeless population. These cohorts include young people with care experience, disabled people, young parents, members of the LGBTI+ community, members of the Traveller community, and young people leaving prison. The Strategy sets out specific actions to help each of these vulnerable cohorts. For those leaving care, the specific actions are:

- Tusla to finalise its Strategic Plan for Aftercare 2023-2025, which will align with the Youth Homelessness Strategy, as well as contain a commitment to an integrated approach to implementing key recommendations on the provision of an appropriate continuum of accommodation for young people with care experience; and

- Review and update Housing Circular 46/2014 on the Protocol on Young People Leaving State Care.

Other actions in the Strategy which apply to all young people, including those leaving care, include the development of homelessness prevention programmes; the enhancement of connectivity between local authorities and Tusla; the specific inclusion of young people in regional Homelessness Action Plans; and the development of a pilot model of a housing-led intervention for young people: Supported Housing for Youth (SHY). My Department is now in the process of establishing a Steering Group to drive the delivery of the actions set out in the Strategy.

Departmental Policies

Questions (253)

Holly Cairns

Question:

253. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his views on ensuring that all marine protected areas only begin 500 meters offshore. [61014/22]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

The legislative basis for my Department's work on marine protected areas (MPAs) stems from the EU Directive 2008/56/EC (The Marine Strategy Framework Directive - MSFD) and, more specifically, area based conservation measures under Article 13.4.

In this regard it is Ireland's entire maritime area, which comes under the MSFD's implementation regime, that is of relevance. It follows that all coastal and offshore marine waters should be considered in the designation and management of MPAs under the forthcoming legislation in development by the Government.

It should be noted, however, that our coastal waters situated within six nautical miles (11km approx.) of land already have a high degree of area-based conservation coverage. This existing protection is in place under the EU Birds and Habitats Directives and the Wildlife Acts. Further details on existing coverage by protected sites can be found in the expert MPA Advisory Group report "Expanding Ireland's Marine Protected Area Network", available at the following link: 

www.gov.ie/en/publication/e00ec-marine-protected-areas/?referrer=http://www.housing.gov.ie/water/marine-environment/marine-protected-areas/marine-protected-areas.

Departmental Regulations

Questions (254)

Holly Cairns

Question:

254. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his views on introducing regulations concerning the use of rock-breaking equipment. [61015/22]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage

Planning authorities and An Bord Pleanála, as appropriate, may grant planning permission for a development, which involves rock breaking [drilling. blasting or splitting], such as a quarry. A person is not entitled solely by reasons of a planning permission to carry out development.

Where blasting is required, the issuing of a permit for the use of explosives in the extractive industry, or for other purposes, is a matter for An Garda Síochána, which falls within the remit of my colleague, the Minister for Justice, whose Department has issued the Guide to Explosives Legislation in Ireland.

When making a decision on a planning application for a quarry, a planning authority or the Board, as appropriate, is required to have regard to the particular local circumstances of the proposed development and may attach appropriate conditions to the permission on a case by case basis.  

My Department issued statutory Guidelines to Planning Authorities on Quarrying and Ancillary Activities in April 2004, to which planning authorities and the Board must have regard when considering a planning application for a quarry. The Guidelines include planning guidance on the attachment of appropriate conditions to quarry-related permissions.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which is under the remit of my colleague, the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications, published guidelines in 2006 on Environmental Management in the Extractive Industry, which complement the 2004 Quarrying Guidelines issued by my Department and include advice on the management of environmental issues associated with blasting in quarries, such as pollution, noise and vibration. 

Furthermore, the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) - which is under the remit of my colleague, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment - is responsible for the enforcement of health and safety in the workplace, including specific requirements in relation to quarries under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Quarries) Regulations 2008, the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Quarries) (Amendment) Regulations, 2013 and their associated guidance.

Traveller Accommodation

Questions (255)

Violet-Anne Wynne

Question:

255. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will establish as a priority the Traveller accommodation authority and oversee national delivery to address supply, chronic overcrowding, and inadequate accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61044/22]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage

The Traveller Accommodation Expert Review report, published in July 2019, reviewed the Housing (Traveller Accommodation) Act, 1998, and other legislation that impacts on the provision and delivery of accommodation for Travellers.

The Expert Review report, which is intended to improve the effectiveness of the arrangements for providing accommodation for members of the Traveller community, has 32 recommendations across 4 categories which are aimed at: 

Addressing research deficiencies, including how information is gathered and used;

Removing any potential delays and obstacles in the planning system in terms of delivery;

Increasing resources and delivery capacity; and

Strengthening governance arrangements.

A Programme Board was established to drive implementation of the recommendations from the Expert Group report. The Programme Board has agreed a work programme which includes consideration of the recommendation regarding a Traveller accommodation authority.  Discussion within the Programme Board on this recommendation is actively ongoing.

The Programme Board agreed to report progress on implementation of the recommendations on my Department's website and this can be found at the following link:

 www.gov.ie/en/publication/37910-traveller-accommodation-expert-review-programme-board-update/.

Registration of Births

Questions (256)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

256. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when an application for a foreign birth registration will be processed (details supplied); the reason for the delay in processing the application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60217/22]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs

My 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 to 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. These measures, which include increased staffing directed towards the processing of FBR applications, are having a positive impact on the number of applications being processed each month. The number of FBR applications processed per month has doubled in both September and October, with over 1,000 processed in August, over 2,000 processed in September and almost 5,000 processed in October. 

Supporting documents for the application to which the Deputy has referred were received on 30 May 2022, and are being stored in a secure environment pending entitlement checking. 

Departmental Meetings

Questions (257)

Noel Grealish

Question:

257. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of Ireland’s relationship with Nicaragua; if there is regular contact with officials from that country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60247/22]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs

I am gravely concerned at the situation in Nicaragua. The human rights violations, crackdowns on opposition voices and independent media, and backsliding on democratic norms that have been observed in Nicaragua since 2018, and which have intensified since the run up to the November 2021 elections, are unacceptable and deeply alarming.

Ireland, and the EU, continue to maintain diplomatic relations with Nicaragua, and we have, along with our EU partners, used all channels of engagement available to call on the Nicaraguan authorities to put an end to all repression and restore full respect for human rights, including by allowing the return of international human rights bodies and NGOs to Nicaragua, and to release political prisoners. We will continue to do so, including on the ground through our Embassy in Mexico, which covers Nicaragua, and through the EU Delegation in Managua.

I fully support the statement made by the EU HR/VP Josep Borrell on 2 October 2022, rejecting the unjustified and unilateral decision of the Nicaraguan authorities to expel the Head of the EU Delegation to Nicaragua, and to cut diplomatic ties with the Kingdom of the Netherlands. These moves constitute further examples of Nicaragua’s withdrawal from the global rules-based order, and will only lead to further international isolation. The EU’s subsequent decision to declare the Nicaraguan Ambassador to the EU as persona non grata was a reciprocal and proportionate response to an unwarranted decision. The EU remains open to dialogue with Nicaragua, provided that this dialogue is conducted in a respectful manner.

At the recent 51st session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, Ireland made clear once again to the Nicaraguan authorities its concern over the above-mentioned issues, highlighting in its national statement the repression of all dissenting voices, including religious leaders, and calling on the authorities to restore respect for freedom of religion or belief. The same calls were reiterated in the EU's statement on Nicaragua during the same session.

In addition, Ireland fully supports the EU sanctions in place on various individuals and entities that are responsible for serious human rights violations in Nicaragua. Ireland is prepared to support any additional EU measures that are aimed at supporting democratic norms and human rights in Nicaragua and that do not impact negatively on the population.

From 2012 to 2021, Ireland provided just under €12 million in funding to Nicaragua, reflecting the solidarity of the Irish people with the people of Nicaragua. This funding focused on the areas of governance and human rights, gender equality, food security, nutrition and environmental sustainability, and was channelled through Irish Non-Governmental Organisations. We will also continue to support EU development cooperation activities in support of the Nicaraguan people.

I can assure the Deputy that we will continue working to support the people of Nicaragua however possible, in order to support a return to democratic norms and to protection of fundamental freedoms.

Consular Services

Questions (258)

Alan Kelly

Question:

258. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the dates in 2022 on which the Irish Consul General and or Vice Consul General in Chicago visited Detroit in the State of Michigan; and the purpose of each visit in tabular form. [60392/22]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs

Ireland’s Consulate General in Chicago works to promote Ireland's interests in the Midwestern region of the United States. This includes engaging with our active and widespread diaspora community, including by providing support to Irish communities and organisations through the Government’s Emigrant Support Programme, delivering consular assistance to Irish citizens in the Midwest, and promoting trade and economic opportunities in partnership with our State Agencies based in Chicago.

Detroit and the greater state of Michigan are a key priority for the team of the Consulate General. Approximately 7.3 million people across the Midwestern US claim Irish heritage, and 1 million of those people live in Michigan.   

Opportunities for the Consulate General in Chicago to undertake travel throughout the totality of its consular area over the past two years have been restricted due to the pandemic none the less our Consul General in Chicago has undertaken one visit to Detroit, MI so far in 2022. The date and purpose of this visit is listed in tabular form below. 

Date	Representative	Visit Purpose
June 2022	Acting Consul General	Visit of Ireland’s Ambassador to the United States to Michigan for community, business and political meetings in the cities of Detroit and Lansing.