Written Answers Nos. 115-139
116. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the expected processing time from application submission to sale of house on affordable houses or the target that he is hoping to achieve. [62650/22]
View answerHousing for All is the Government’s plan to increase the supply of housing to an average of 33,000 per year over the next decade. This includes the delivery of 90,000 social homes, 36,000 affordable purchase homes and 18,000 cost rental homes. Housing for All is supported by an investment package of over €4bn per annum, through an overall combination of €12bn in direct Exchequer funding, €3.5bn in funding through the Land Development Agency (LDA) and €5bn funding through the Housing Finance Agency.
Under Housing for All, the Government will deliver 47,600 new build social homes, 3,500 social homes through long-term leasing and 28,500 new affordable homes in the period 2022-2026.
In implementing the key objectives under Housing for All, each local authority has prepared and published a Housing Delivery Action Plan in respect of local authority supported or overseen delivery from 2022 to 2026. I have set individual five-year Housing delivery targets for local authorities. 18 local authorities with a strong and identified affordable housing need were also set affordable housing delivery targets and asked to include their planned affordable housing delivery in their Housing Delivery Action Plans.
2022 represents the commencement of a very ambitious programme of delivery of affordable housing. This momentum will continue with delivery significantly increasing in 2023. A pipeline of housing delivery is in place and being developed by local authorities, by Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) and by the LDA.
With regard to the purchase of each affordable home, the timeline is dependent on individual purchasers' arrangements with the local authority in question. Pro forma legal and conveyancing material has been issued by my Department to all local authorities, having been agreed across stakeholders including the Law Society, all participating banks, local authorities, the Property Registration Authority and others. The sale of an affordable home is expected to be completed very shortly after the home is advertised and available for transfer to the purchaser.
117. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the amount spent on social media advertising in 2021 and to date in 2022, in tabular form; and the amount spent per platform. [62808/22]
View answerI refer to the reply to Question No. 541 of 19 January 2022 which set out the information relating to social media spending in 2021.
The information requested relating to social media spending in 2022 is being compiled and will be forwarded in accordance with Standing Orders.
|
Platform |
Amount (2021) in Euro |
|
YouTube |
1,473.16 |
|
|
1,705.10 |
|
|
2,293.24 |
|
|
633.45 |
|
Total |
€6104.95 |
|
Platform |
Amount (2022) in Euro |
|
Facebook/Instagram |
47,599.23 |
|
|
18,219.37 |
|
|
3,050.58 |
|
YouTube |
4,956.01 |
|
TikTok |
5,576.64 |
|
Total |
€79,401.83 |
118. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has had any recent discussions with the authorities in the United States in relation to the appointment by President Biden of a Special Envoy to Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62377/22]
View answerThe Good Friday Agreement and the peace process in Northern Ireland are not simply an achievement of the Irish and British Governments and the political representatives of the people of Northern Ireland, but one to which successive US Administrations and Members of Congress have also made important contributions.
The Government recognises the support which President Biden has given to the consolidation of peace in Northern Ireland, as he has done consistently throughout his career.
Over many decades, US administrations both Democratic and Republican have nominated Special Envoys to Northern Ireland. Each one of these Special Envoys has played an important role in building peace in Northern Ireland and, also, in assisting economic development.
The role of the US Special Envoy to Northern Ireland has been greatly valued by successive Irish Governments, and the possible appointment of a new Envoy was something I discussed during my most recent visit to Washington, D.C. last month.
Decisions on the appointment of US Special Envoys are of course a matter for the US authorities. However, the Government welcomes all engagement and support by the US to ensure the Good Friday Agreement is upheld, and in that context we would welcome the appointment of a US Special Envoy to Northern Ireland.
119. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide details of all fines, including the amounts, that his Department or agencies under the remit of his Department, have paid since the start of the 33rd Dáil term to the European Commission relating to cases for infringements of European Union law or failure to transpose EU law in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62421/22]
View answerThere have been no fines sought by the European Commission on my Department relating to cases for infringement or for failure to transpose EU directives.
120. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will raise the issue of Indonesia’s new penal code with the Indonesian Government and the major problems relating to the criminalisation of political thought and activism, the criminalisation of sex outside of marriage and further restrict access to abortion. [62442/22]
View answerA new Criminal Code was approved by the Indonesian Parliament on 6 December 2022, with the support of all political parties. The Criminal Code, due to take effect in 3 years' time, will remain open to constitutional challenge pending its introduction in 2025. It will apply equally to Indonesian and foreign residents, as well as tourists.
Many provisions contained in the new Criminal Code are deeply worrying, especially those that could have a serious negative impact on women, LGBTI+ persons, religious and minority groups, and those that restrict the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. Provisions include the criminalisation of consensual sex outside of marriage, cohabitation of couples outside of marriage, abortion, as well the curtailment of freedom of speech. Ireland believes that such laws would be retrograde steps. The potential for the new Code to reverse progress on the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms achieved in the last twenty years is particularly worrying.
Together with our EU partners, Ireland has been closely following the development of the Criminal Code and the wider human rights environment in Indonesia. This has included active EU engagement with the Indonesian government during the development of the Criminal Code. During the 41st Session of the Human Rights Council’s Universal Periodic Review of Indonesia in November 2022, Ireland expressed concerns to the Government of Indonesia about the deteriorating human rights situation in the state and the potential negative impact of the draft Criminal Code, particularly on freedom of expression and LGBTI+ persons. We highlighted the need to ensure that the Criminal Code would be fully compliant with Indonesia’s international law obligations including, but not limited to, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the UN Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment or Punishment.
Civil society in Indonesia, including groups focused on human rights, is active and vibrant. The Embassy of Ireland in Jakarta is closely monitoring reaction and developments in Indonesia and has discussed the implications of the new laws with civil society groups. The Embassy is also working closely with other EU partners based in Jakarta with a view to coordinating engagement. The Department’s travel advice has been updated with the latest information for those wishing to travel to Indonesia.
121. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on a policy issue raised by an Irish citizen living abroad relating to archaic list of professions allowed to witness Irish passports (details supplied); if he shares the view that both the list of professionals is archaic and particularly burdensome for Irish citizens living abroad and such professionals in foreign jurisdictions; if he agrees that allowing Irish embassy staff to witness passport applications would be more appropriate; his plans, if any, to review the list and process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62446/22]
View answerThe witnessing of relevant passport application forms is a vital element of the identity verification process for the Passport Service as it provides initial assurance that the person in the photograph is the same person presenting to submit the passport application form. In the case of children's applications, it also ensures that the consent of guardians is verified. Since 2017, an adult applicant renewing their passport through the Online channel is not required to have a form witnessed
My Department has an extensive list of eligible witnesses for passport application forms for citizens who are resident outside of Ireland. The current list of witnesses extends to over 18 different categories. This list is available on my Department's website at www.dfa.ie/passports/how-to-get-your-application-witnessed/.
The list of approved witnesses was prepared to provide generic categories that could be found not only in this State but also in other countries around the world. There is a need to have a generic or broad list of individuals from groups throughout the world who are clearly identifiable. It is not a requirement for the witness to know the applicant, but to be satisfied as to his or her identity.
In the context described above, there are no plans to carry out a review of the list of approved witnesses at this time.
122. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will raise reports of the Iranian authorities shooting protestors and targeting women at the UN Security Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62450/22]
View answer123. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the actions that he proposes to take given Ireland’s position on the UN Security Council regarding reports of Iran executing protestors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62451/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 122 and 123 together.
Ireland opposes the use of the death penalty in all circumstances, and I am horrified that Iran has started to execute people for their alleged involvement in the protests.
I am very concerned by reports that the Iranian government has sentenced a number of other people, including children, to death for their involvement in the ongoing protests.
Ireland has consistently raised our concerns around the high number of executions in Iran, including though the Universal Periodic Review process at the Human Rights Council. I urge Iran to declare a moratorium on executions, and to consider alternative sentencing.
The vast majority of those who have been arrested by the Iranian authorities in recent weeks, by some estimates more than 15,000 people, were simply exercising their fundamental rights to freedom of assembly and freedom of speech.
I commend the courage of the Iranian women and men who continue to exercise their fundamental rights. The Iranian security and police forces have continued to respond with lethal force, and the level of violence, including sexual violence, perpetrated against protestors has risen in recent weeks.
Ireland raises human rights issues with Iran at every suitable opportunity, including in our direct contacts with Iranian officials, in contributing to EU policy on Iran, and in international fora such as the UN General Assembly and the Human Rights Council.
I have spoken directly with my Iranian counterpart about these issues, most recently in September at the United Nations in New York, and again on 6 October and 13 December via phone call. I reiterated Ireland’s position when I summoned the Iranian Ambassador to Iveagh House on 20 October.
In 2022 as in the past, Ireland co-sponsored the annual resolution at the Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly, which was adopted on 16 November. The resolution addresses a broad range of issues related to severe human rights violations in Iran. Ireland has also supported the call to hold a special session of the Human Rights Council on 24 November to discuss the concerning human rights situation in Iran.
Ireland has fully supported the united EU response to Iran's disproportionate and violent suppression of protests and its transfer of weapons to Russia, including the sanctions applied on 17 October and 14 November as well as the additional sanctions which were agreed on 12 December.
124. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide an update on a foreign birth registration application number (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62488/22]
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 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.
With regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, supporting documentation for this application was received on 10 May 2022. The application is being stored securely pending entitlement checking.
125. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has raised the treatment of political prisoners in Bahrain at the UN Security Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62523/22]
View answer126. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide an update on his Department’s response in relation to the ongoing detention and deprivation of adequate medical treatment of a person (details supplied) in Bahrain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62524/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 125 and 126 together.
I note with concern the details in the case referred to by the Deputy.
Respect for human rights is an integral part of Ireland’s foreign policy and we consistently seek to raise our concerns on human rights issues through the most appropriate and effective channels.
Officials from my Department have raised concerns over the human rights situation in Bahrain directly with the Bahraini authorities, including the detention of political prisoners and conditions in prisons.
Ireland also engages on the issue of human rights in Bahrain as a member of the European Union.
At the most recent EU-Bahrain Human Rights Dialogue on 27 October 2022, issues of concern raised by the EU included freedom of expression, prison conditions, right to a fair trial, and the death penalty. The EU Special Representative for Human Rights, Eamon Gilmore, has made representations to the Bahraini authorities on the detention of a number of individuals.
At the most recent Universal Periodic Review of Bahrain at the Human Rights Council in Geneva on 7 November 2022, Ireland urged Bahrain to uphold freedom of religion and belief for all persons including members of the Shia community; we regretted the reintroduction of the death penalty in 2017 following a moratorium of several years; and we urged Bahrain to carry out independent and prompt investigations into all allegations of torture or other forms of ill-treatment and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.
We also recommended the immediate release of all individuals who have been arbitrarily arrested, and for the creation of a safe and enabling environment for civil society organisations and human rights defenders.
Ireland will continue to monitor developments in Bahrain and call on the Bahraini Government to deliver on its stated commitment to make progress in relation to human rights.
127. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the amount spent on social media advertising in 2021 and to date in 2022, in tabular form; and the amount spent per platform. [62805/22]
View answerMy Department and its Embassy network has engaged in promotion on social media where there is important information that needs to be brought to the attention of citizens, and for the wider promotion of Ireland around the world. This includes campaigns for St Patrick's day, encouraging the timely renewal of Passports, COVID-19 travel restrictions, and the impact of Brexit.
|
Date |
Campaign |
Costs |
|
Jan & March-21 |
Get Ireland Brexit Ready |
73,696.42 |
|
Feb-21 |
Bloomsday |
38,440.89 |
|
Mar-21 |
Saint Patrick's Day |
82,761.05 |
|
Jan-Dec 2021 |
Missions expenditure |
3,212.08 |
|
Jun-21 |
Global Ireland Nordic Strategy |
873.32 |
|
Sep-21 |
Brexit Exporters campaign |
3,024.16 |
|
Dec-21 |
Brexit digital media campaign |
1,270.91 |
|
Total 2021 |
203,278.83 |
|
Date |
Campaign |
Costs |
|
Jan - Aug 2022 |
Missions expenditure |
926.89 |
|
Jul-22 |
Covid -19 Travel Advice |
70146.79 |
|
Mar-22 |
Expo 2020 Dubai |
60099.92 |
|
Mar-22 |
Saint Patrick's Day |
141343.67 |
|
June - 22 |
Bloomsday |
25000.00 |
|
Jul-22 |
Consular Assistance |
36382.66 |
|
Apr-22 |
Global Ireland campaign |
2519.52 |
|
May-22 |
Europe Day Campaign |
11401.39 |
|
Sep-22 |
Consular & Travel Advice |
25489.91 |
|
Oct-22 |
UN Security Council |
4642.72 |
|
Total 2022 |
377,953.47 |
128. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if in communications with the with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland he has raised the need for the British government and Northern Ireland authorities to fully co-operate in all investigations into atrocities such as the Belturbet bombing of December 1972 and the Dublin Monaghan bombings of May 1974; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62824/22]
View answerThe Government has consistently raised the issues in the All Party Motion on the 1974 Dublin-Monaghan bombings at political and official level with the British government, including at the recent British Irish Intergovernmental Conference on 7 October in London. We have repeatedly called on the British government to allow access by an independent, international judicial figure to all original documents relating to the bombings.
We have made clear to our counterparts that the absence of a response from the British Government is of deep concern to the Government, and that there remains an urgent need for a response. The Government will continue to engage with the British Government on this request, to pursue all possible avenues to achieve progress on this issue until a resolution is found.
The Government is also committed to supporting the work of Kenova, which is a series of ongoing independent UK police investigations or reviews into Northern Ireland legacy cases. Operation Denton is an ongoing independent analytical review by Kenova into the activities of what was known as the Glenanne Gang in Northern Ireland and includes the Dublin Monaghan Bombings.
As Operation Denton is an analytical review being carried out in another jurisdiction rather than a formal criminal investigation, in order to achieve the strong desire of An Garda Síochána and the Government to co-operate with Operation Denton to the maximum extent possible, it was necessary to create a dedicated cooperation mechanism. In June the Minister for Justice signed a directive under section 25(1) of the Garda Síochána Act and in July the Minister signed a regulation under the Data Protection Acts to facilitate the transfer of information to Operation Denton. On foot of this information has been provided to the Kenova Team.
The commitment of An Garda Síochána to legacy cases was demonstrated recently where, following a review of the Belturbet Bombing (1972) investigation, An Garda Síochána has identified a number of lines of inquiry. A Senior Investigating Officer has been appointed to lead the investigation and an incident room has been established at Ballyconnell Garda Station. An Garda Síochána issued an appeal on 18 October for anyone with information in relation to the Bombing to make contact.
The Government will maintain a close and cooperative relationship with Justice for the Forgotten, as we continue work to seek the full facts of the appalling events of 25 May 1974 and of other attacks in this jurisdiction during the Troubles.
129. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the outcome of his most recent discussions with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in relation to the present and unacceptable British government proposals to deal with legacy issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62825/22]
View answerI most recently met with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on 7 December 2022 and expressed again the Government’s clear and consistent view that the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill as drafted is not fit for purpose. If the proposed Bill enters into force, the legislation would have far reaching, negative impacts for victims, their families and communities in Northern Ireland and beyond. Enactment would, in my view, severely damage the process of reconciliation and damage trust in the justice system in Northern Ireland.
I raised with the Secretary of State the near universal opposition to this Bill in Northern Ireland, including from the five main political parties, those representing victims and their families, civil society groups, and faith leaders.
Earlier that day in Belfast, I had listened to representatives of a number of victims’ groups, including people who had lost family members to violence, who reiterated their opposition to the proposed UK legislation.
To both the Secretary of State and to the victims’ groups, I outlined that the Government’s approach to legacy and reconciliation in Northern Ireland has always been that it should be victim-centred, with the starting point the approach agreed by both Governments and the Executive parties in the Stormont House Agreement.
Furthermore, the incorporation into Northern Ireland of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) was a key element of the Good Friday Agreement, helping creating confidence and trust in the rule of law and systems of justice. This Bill seeks to introduce an amnesty for crimes amounting to gross human rights violations, which would appear to be contrary to the Convention. All victims deserve, and are entitled to, ECHR Article 2 compliant investigations. It is my firm view that these paths must remain open to victims, survivors and their families.
The UK Government has recently expressed an intention to introduce amendments to the Bill. While this is welcome, I have been very clear in my contacts with the UK Ministers, including with the Secretary of State, that any amendments would need to be radical, fundamentally changing the substance of this Bill if core concerns around immunity, compliance with human rights obligations, and victims’ participation are to be met. It must be compliant with our shared obligations under the ECHR. Although neither I nor my officials have yet seen the text of the signalled amendments, from what NIO Minister Lord Caine has said in the House of Lords they do not seem to go far enough to address my concerns. That said, I remain open to engagement and considering options but will be guided by fundamental human rights principles and the needs of victims and their families.
I will continue to use all avenues to effect change to this legislation. In addition to raising our profound concerns about this Bill directly with British Government, at official and political level, I have ensured that these concerns have also been articulated in relevant multilateral fora, including at the Universal Periodic Review of the UK by the UN Human Rights Council, and most recently at the Council of Europe.
130. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide details of all fines, including the amounts, that his Department or agencies under the remit of his Department, have paid since the start of the 33rd Dáil term to the European Commission relating to cases for infringements of European Union law or failure to transpose EU law in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62416/22]
View answerMy Department has not paid any fines to the European Commission for infringements of European Union Law or for failing to transpose EU law since the start of the 33rd Dáil term.
131. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Defence the action that he will take to assist the overholding residents of an area (details supplied) in close proximity to the Curragh camp; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62598/22]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware it has been a long-standing policy to discontinue the historic provision of tied housing to Defence Forces personnel. This policy introduced in the late 1990s has been implemented on a gradual basis, sympathetic to the needs of those occupying these former Married Quarters, particular those persons who may be vulnerable. It is not intended to reverse this long-standing policy.
The Deputy has not indicated the details of the Overholder in question, however, I can advise that my Department has made an offer of a Licence to all Overholders that would regularise their position. My officials have also offered to liaise with the Local Housing Authority on their behalf, for reasons relating to GDPR, the Overholder's consent is required, and my officials have written to the Overholders on two occasions requesting same.
132. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Defence the number of personnel who have been reported as AWOL in each of the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62599/22]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, absence without leave from the Defence Forces is a disciplinary matter provided for in Defence Forces Regulations and lies within the purview of the Chief of Staff.
The Defence Act 1954 (as amended) provides the principle statutory basis for the Court-Martial system, which administers military justice in the Irish Defence Forces. The Court-Martial system provides a mechanism for the enforcement of Military Law in the Defence Forces. Military Law consists of a system of rules and regulations contained in the Defence Act 1954 (as amended) (“the Act”) and Regulations, Instructions and Orders made under the authority of the Act.
The main purpose of Military Law is to regulate the behaviour of military personnel, having regard to the specific requirements and demands of military life, in order to ensure that the required standard of discipline is maintained at all times.
Members of the Permanent Defence Force are subject to Military Law at all times. Chapter II of Part V of the Act provides for the various offences against Military Law for which persons subject to Military Law may be tried and punished by Courts-Martial.
These sections include many offences which are not offences under the ordinary criminal laws of the state, such as Absence Without Leave (Section 137). In effect this means that persons subject to military law, as well as being subject to the ordinary criminal law of the state, may be tried, convicted and sentenced by court-martial for a wide range of what are known as “military” offences.
Each absence is managed on a case-by-case basis by the appropriate military authority and requires a thorough investigation. It is not possible to accurately determine the current annual rate of absence until all reported instances of absence are investigated and any resulting disciplinary proceedings are concluded. Such investigation may result in some absences recorded during 2022 being discounted.
Based on the most recent data available, the military authorities have provided the following details of absence from 2013 to the end of October 2022 are as follows:
|
Year |
Individuals absent during period |
|
2022 (January to 31st October) |
167 |
|
2021 |
106 |
|
2020 |
64 |
|
2019 |
82 |
|
2018 |
133 |
|
2017 |
152 |
|
2016 |
145 |
|
2015 |
136 |
|
2014 |
138 |
|
2013 |
134 |
I am advised that the above figures are representative of Defence Forces personnel who, during the reporting period, were initially recorded as absent by their administration office pending subsequent detailed investigation.
133. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide an overview of the key defence initiatives announced since 27 June 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62773/22]
View answerThe Programme for Government contains an ambitious range of commitments concerning the Defence sector that my Department will continue to implement over the lifetime of the Programme.
The Defence Organisation played a very significant role in the State’s overall response to the Covid 19 pandemic. The response involved the Department of Defence, the Defence Forces and Civil Defence, having regard to their specific roles. The Defence Organisation participated in a number of official groups such as the High Level Task Force for Covid 19 Vaccination. In addition to supporting the HSE, the Defence Forces provided a broad range of supports to other Departments and Agencies. There were over 59 thousand Defence Force Taskings in 2020 and over 62 thousand taskings in 2021.
One of the key commitments in the Programme for Government was to establish a Commission on the Defence Forces. On the 15th December 2020, the Government approved terms of reference and the membership of an independent Commission on the Defence Forces, and their report was published on the 9th February 2022.
On the 12th July 2022, Government approval was given for a move to 'Level of Ambition 2' (LOA2), as set out in the capability framework devised by the Commission on the Defence Forces. This will result in the Defence budget rising from €1.1 billion to €1.5 billion, in 2022 prices, by 2028, the largest increase in Defence funding in the history of the State. This will allow for the required substantial transformation and investment in recruitment and equipment that were identified by the Commission. The move to LOA2 will require an additional 2,000 personnel (civil and military) over and above the current establishment of 9,500.
A High-Level Action Plan (HLAP) was also approved. Some specific initiatives include the immediate commencement of planning for military radar capabilities, including primary radar, the establishment of an Office of Reserve Affairs with the priority objective of developing a regeneration plan for the Reserve Defence Force and the commencement of a Strategic Defence Review and officials in my Department are working with the Military Authorities with a view to progressing this action. A civil/military Implementation Management Office (IMO) has been established to support the implementation of the overall transformation programme required to implement recommendations from the report and work on a detailed implementation plan, which will set out how the report’s recommendations will be delivered over the next number of years, is currently at an advanced stage.
An organisational capability review of the Department of Defence commenced in 2021. The Review was conducted by the Organisational Capability Review team which is based in the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and involved engagement with Departmental staff and key stakeholders in the policy and operational domains of the Department. The report has been published on the Department’s website and an Action plan has been developed to address the recommendations of the review.
My Department continue to implement the rolling 5-year Infrastructure Plan and rolling 5-year Equipment Development Plan for the Defence Forces. Just last week we published an updated Infrastructure Plan for the period 2022- 2027, with over €300m in building investment planned over the next 5 years. Major equipment projects are also being progressed and delivered including the upgrade of the Mowag Armoured Personnel Carriers, the acquisition of Armoured Utility Vehicles for the Army, the acquisition of PC 12 and C-295 aircraft for the Air Corps and the acquisition of refitted second user Inshore Patrol Vessels and progress on the new Multi Role Vessel (MRV) project for the Naval Service.
Recruitment and retention of personnel is a key priority for me. My Department has progressed a number of activities relating to recruitment and retention in the Defence Forces, and related HR issues. The Report of the Public Service Pay Commission (PSPC) on Recruitment and Retention in the Defence Forces was published on the 4th of July 2019. The Report was accepted in full by the Government and an extensive High-Level Plan titled "Strengthening our Defence Forces” was also agreed and published on the same date.
All projects undertaken to facilitate the implementation of the recommendations of the PSPC report have now been completed, and/or are being progressed as part of normal business. A range of other initiatives have been introduced including commissioning from the ranks, the re-entry of former PDF personnel with specific skills, a sea-going commitment scheme for Naval Service Personnel, an Air Corps Service Commitment Scheme, the Naval Service Tax Credit and extending service limits for Privates, Corporals and Sergeants. The recently extended Building Momentum Agreement 2021-2023 provides for increases in pay for all public servants, including members of the Defence Forces of 6.5% over the lifetime of the agreement.
Following Government approval, a Judge-led Independent Review Group, was established on 25 January last, to examine issues relating to dignity, discrimination, bullying, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual misconduct in the Defence Forces. A final report will be submitted to me by the end of the year and will be brought to Government.
In relation to legislation, the Defence Forces (Evidence) Act 2022 was enacted during 2022. The principal purpose of this Act is to provide for members of the Military Police to take and use DNA samples and other evidence for the purposes of their investigations, including outside the jurisdiction when Defence Forces personnel are deployed overseas. I also signed the Commencement Order for the Defence (Amendment) Act 2021 and all provisions of the Act commenced with effect from 4 April 2022. Comprehensive rewrites of the Defence Forces Regulations relating to the Reserve Defence Forces (R5 and R7) and Boards of Survey (L7) have also been completed.
With regard to international initiatives, my Departments main focus since June 2020 was Ireland’s policy input into negotiations around the establishment in March 2021 of the European Peace Facility (EPF); the new mechanism to finance Common Security and Defence Policy initiatives, and the Strategic Compass; which sets out the EU’s shared vision for Common Security and Defence Policy that was adopted in March of this year.
Since June 2020, the Office of Emergency Planning (OEP) in my Department has continued to prioritise and enhance interdepartmental strategic emergency management through capacity building and knowledge sharing. This has been achieved by the publication of 4 guideline documents under the Strategic Emergency Management, National Structures and Framework suite of documents. These guideline documents were produced on the subjects of the National Emergency Coordination Group; Critical Infrastructure Resilience; Climate Adaption and; Planning and Exercising. The OEP has provided specialist training to colleagues from across the Lead Government Departments on the subject of strategic emergency management and crisis communications. Working with the Shared Island Unit of the Department of the Taoiseach, the OEP has hosted an all-island disaster risk reduction conference, bringing together policy area, academic and private sector experts in strategic emergency planning from across the island of Ireland.
My Department also published The National Risk Assessment for Ireland 2020, which identifies and assesses the likelihood and impact of key risks facing the State across a broad range of emergencies. It formed part of the EU-wide risk assessment process. Subsequently, my Department also published an Assessment of Risk Management Capabilities Report in 2021, which identified the capabilities in each of the government departments tasked with dealing with the 16 strategic risks identified in the National Risk Assessment for Ireland.
The Defence Organisation has also being working across Government to provide a range of supports in response to the Ukrainian crises. This includes the provision of approximately 10 tonnes or 5,000 units of ready-to-eat meals and 200 units of body armour which have been shipped from Defence Forces stocks to Ukraine. A number of Department properties have also been made available for accommodation. The Defence Forces continue to provide logistical assistance to DCEDIY and HSE in a range of areas (transport and set up and provision of furniture and equipment etc.) and the Air Corps on behalf of the HSE have completed five air ambulances from Poland with Ukrainian patients plus their families. The Department continues to engage with DHLGH and the HSE in support of potential future similar assistance.
I am satisfied that significant progress is being made in implementing the Government’s ambitious programme for Defence and I look forward to ongoing delivery of key commitments.
134. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Defence the amount spent on social media advertising in 2021 and to date in 2022, in tabular form; and the amount spent per platform. [62800/22]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy, the amount spent on social media advertising in my Department is as follows.
|
Year |
Campaign |
Platform |
Amount |
|
2021 |
Be Summer Ready |
|
€4,596.54 |
|
2021 |
Be Winter Ready |
|
€14.432.61 |
|
2022 |
Be Summer Ready |
|
€14,579.83 |
|
Total |
|
|
€33,608.98 |
135. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Education the number of ASD places in both primary and secondary schools in Dublin Bay North; if there are any plans to increase capacity; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [62361/22]
View answerI would like to thank the Deputy for the question and would like to advise the following:
My Department is committed to delivering an education system that is of the highest quality and where every child and young person feels valued and is actively supported and nurtured to reach their full potential. My Department strives to ensure that every child has access to an educational experience that is appropriate to their needs and supports both their academic and personal development.
Our policy, which is set out in the Education of Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004 (EPSEN) is that children with SEN should be educated in mainstream placements with additional supports provided as appropriate.
Where children require more specialised educational settings, such as special classes or special schools, the Department and National Council for Special Education (NCSE) ensures that the necessary resources and supports for such placements are provided in line with the needs of the child.
My Department is engaging intensely with the NCSE in relation to the forward planning of new special classes for the next school year 2023/2024. This work involves a detailed review of statistical data in relation to forecasting demand for special class places, consideration of improved data sharing arrangements and a particular focus on the provision of special classes at post-primary level.
At local level, the NCSE is continuing to engage with schools regarding the establishment of additional special classes for the next school year 2023/2024. Every support will be made available to schools to progress the opening of special classes in the shortest possible timeframe. As part of Budget 2023, additional funding is being provided to allow the NCSE recruit additional staff, including SENOs. These additional resources should ensure that the NCSE can better support parents and schools in relation to the provision of special education needs places.
Significant improvements have been made to the forward planning process for special education places over the last 2 to 3 years, including:
- the inclusion of special classes in all new schools by default (e.g. 4 class in a 1000 pupil post-primary school).
- improving the use of Geographic Information Systems in planning for special classes and special school places and
- increased engagement with key stakeholders such as patron bodies and management bodies, particularly at post-primary level.
As of 30th November there have been 396 new special classes open for the 2022/2023 school year, bringing the total of special classes to 2,548 opened nationwide. The 396 new special classes for 2022/23 is broken down by 263 at primary level and 133 at post primary level.
As part of Budget 2023, my Department’s budget was substantially increased, by over 10%, meaning that for 2023 the Department will spend over €2.6 billion on special education. This level of educational funding and support is unprecedented and represents in excess of 27% of the Department’s total allocation for 2023. This includes additional teaching and care supports.
For 2023, at least a further 370 special classes will open, taking the total number of special classes to over 2,900 in 2023.
The NCSE is statutorily responsible for planning and coordinating provision at both a local and a national level and advising my Department in this regard.
The NCSE have advised my Department that it does not hold data by parliamentary constituency. However, they can provide data on the number of ASD classes by Dublin postal code.
It is worth noting that there are typically 6 places per class, so the numbers listed below represent the total capacity of ASD classes in each postal code area.
|
Postal Code |
No of ASD Classes |
Total Capacity |
|
Dublin 01 |
6 |
36 |
|
Dublin 02 |
1 |
6 |
|
Dublin 03 |
9 |
54 |
|
Dublin 04 |
6 |
36 |
|
Dublin 05 |
24 |
144 |
|
Dublin 06 |
4 |
24 |
|
Dublin 06W |
10 |
60 |
|
Dublin 07 |
21 |
126 |
|
Dublin 08 |
12 |
72 |
|
Dublin 09 |
14 |
84 |
|
Dublin 10 |
12 |
72 |
|
Dublin 11 |
14 |
84 |
|
Dublin 12 |
25 |
150 |
|
Dublin 13 |
16 |
96 |
|
Dublin 14 |
9 |
54 |
|
Dublin 15 |
46 |
276 |
|
Dublin 16 |
9 |
54 |
|
Dublin 17 |
5 |
30 |
|
Dublin 18 |
10 |
60 |
|
Dublin 20 |
4 |
24 |
|
Dublin 22 |
18 |
108 |
|
Dublin 24 |
36 |
216 |
|
Dublin County |
108 |
648 |
|
Dublin Total |
431 |
2586 |
The NCSE is committed to ensuring that students with ASD have access to the support and services they need to succeed in school. As such, both my Department and the NCSE are continually working with schools in the Dublin Bay North area to ensure there is sufficient capacity to meet the demand for ASD classes.
Parents seeking special class placements for their children are advised to contact the NCSE locally so that their needs can be taken into account for planning purposes. The local SENOs remain available to assist and advise parents of children with special educational needs. Parents may contact SENOs directly using the contact details available at: ncse.ie/regional-services-contact-list.
Information on the list of schools with special classes, the types and locations of these classes is published on the NCSE website and is available at www.ncse.ie
It is open to any school to make an application to the NCSE for the establishment of a specialised provision and where sanctioned, a range of supports, including capital funding, is made available to the school.
I want to reassure you also that my Department will continue to support the NCSE and schools through the provision of the necessary funding and capital investment to ensure all children are successful in accessing an education.
136. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Education if she will provide an update on a case (details supplied) raised with her Department. [62372/22]
View answerThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of my Department. In the last school year over 121,400 children, including over 15,500 children with special educational needs, were transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country at a cost of over €289m in 2021.
The purpose of my Department's School Transport Scheme is, having regard to available resources, to support the transport to and from school of children who reside remote from their nearest school.
On 18th August 2020 NPHET advised that, for post-primary school students on school transport, social distancing should be ensured in line with that on public transport.
As such, for the 2020/21 school year, based on public health advice the Department provided for School Transport Scheme services to fully operate, but with additional measures such as pre-assigned seating, additional hygiene requirements and the implementation of measures on post-primary services required to provide physical distancing, using 50% of passenger capacity. Primary services operated at 100% capacity but with the additional measures and hygiene requirements in place.
Planning for school transport scheme services for the 2021/22 school year proceeded on the basis that the public health measures in place as schools closed at the end of the last school year would remain as the term began in the new school year. This included the operation of post-primary services at 50% capacity, in addition to hygiene measures and the wearing of masks on-board. The Department kept this position under review as the vaccination programme for children on post-primary services was rolled out and as the lifting of restrictions on public transport services proceeded.
Due to the timing of the 50% capacity guidelines that were issued from NPHET with regard to post primary school transport services, the Department issued communications which was made available at gov.ie and circulated via an email from Bus Éireann to families with existing school transport accounts, advising that it was understood that for some parents and children this latest updated advice may have meant that some parents would not wish for their children to use post-primary school transport and may have wished to bring their own child or children to school for the 2020/2021 school year.
It was requested that if families chose not to use post-primary school transport that they inform the Department by emailing schooltransportrefunds2020@education.gov.ie by Friday 4th September 2020 and on receipt of this email a refund on the cost of the school bus ticket would be arranged. A grant would be provided to support the cost of transport arrangements for those families who were eligible for transport under the terms of the school transport scheme, had applied for school transport by the deadlines and whose parents had decided not to use transport for the 2020/2021 school year and had advised the Department as outlined above.
Bus Éireann have confirmed that the pupil referred to by the Deputy was not attending a post primary school at this time and therefore would not qualify for the grant mentioned above.
137. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Question No. 259 of 1 December 2022, if all efforts are being made to ensure that the son of a person (details supplied) is not left without access to mainstream education; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [62379/22]
View answerI would like to thank the Deputy for the question and would like to advise the following:
Enabling children with special educational needs to receive an education is a priority for this Government.
For 2022, my Department will spend in excess of €2.3 Billion, or over 25% of the Department’s budget on providing a wide range of schemes and supports for children with special educational needs.
For 2023, this spend will be substantially increased by over 10%, meaning that for 2023 my Department will spend over €2.6 billion on special education.
This level of educational funding and support is unprecedented and represents in excess of 27% of the Department’s total allocation for 2023.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision for children nationwide.
Parents seeking special class placements for their children are advised to contact the NCSE locally so that their needs can be taken into account for planning purposes. The local SENOs remain available to assist and advise parents of children with special educational needs. Parents may contact SENOs directly using the contact details available at: ncse.ie/regional-services-contact-list.
The role of the SENO is to support parents and guardians by providing information, establishing special classes and engaging with other professionals working with their child.
The NCSE have advised my Department that in the case of the child referred to by the Deputy, they have been in contact with the parents of the child on a number of occasions to provide information on available schools and special classes in the Celbridge area, as well as advice on the application process.
To date, the parents have applied to local schools. One of the schools has not yet closed its admission process, and it will be January/February 2023 before the intake of students is announced.
The NCSE have advised my Department that the SENO and the team manager have provided the child’s parents with a list of schools in the Celbridge area and surrounding areas.
The SENO and the NCSE are working continuously with all schools in North Kildare who are willing to open new special classes or additional classes, in order to meet the growing demand for these classes.
It is of course open to any school to engage with the NCSE to establish a special class.
My Department is committed, in conjunction with the NCSE, to continue to work with parents, schools, patrons and all stakeholders to ensure that there are sufficient appropriate places for students with additional needs and to support all students to achieve their potential.
While the preference is for the NCSE to work in collaboration with schools to provide sufficient places, there is recourse to the Section 37A process if necessary. Under Section 37A, where all efforts to provide sufficient places have not been successful, the Minister can compel a school to make additional provision. New urgent legislation enacted this summer provides for a more streamlined Section 37A process.
I want to reassure you also that my Department will continue to support the NCSE and schools through the provision of the necessary funding and capital investment to ensure all children are successful in accessing an education.
138. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Education if she is aware of the continuing lack of school transport for a family (details supplied); and if, in the circumstances she will intervene to ensure that transport is provided for these children. [62394/22]
View answerThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of my Department. In the last school year over 121,400 children, including over 15,500 children with special educational needs, were transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country at a cost of over €289m in 2021.
In July 2022, Government announced funding for the waiving of school transport scheme fees for the coming school year as part of a wider package of cost of living measures.
Ticket registration for the 2022/23 school year closed on 29 July by which time almost 130,000 applications/registrations were received for mainstream school transport. This figure includes 44,299 new applications as well as roll-overs from the previous school year.
Children are eligible for transport at primary level where they reside not less than 3.2 kilometres from and are attending their nearest national school, and at post primary level where they reside not less than 4.8 kilometres from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre as determined by the Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.
Children who are eligible for school transport and who have completed the application process on time have been accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation.
Children who are not eligible for school transport, but who completed the application process on time, will be considered for spare seats that may exist after eligible children have been facilitated; such seats are referred to as concessionary seats.
Because of the nature of concessionary transport for non-eligible children and the priority of providing places for eligible children, there may be an excess of demand over supply for concessionary places, in these cases Bus Éireann will allocate tickets for spare seats using a random selection process.
Bus Éireann has advised that the pupils referred to by the Deputy in this case are mainstream concessionary to their school of attendance. There is no service to this school from where the pupils currently reside.
139. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Education if she will provide details of all fines, including the amounts, that her Department or agencies under the remit of her Department, have paid since the start of the 33rd Dáil term to the European Commission relating to cases for infringements of European Union law or failure to transpose EU law in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [62417/22]
View answerThere have been no EU fines paid by the Department of Education since the start of the 33rd Dáil term to the European Commission relating to cases for infringements of European Union law or failure to transpose EU law.
