Written Answers Nos. 155-166
155. Deputy James Lawless asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide an update on an application by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16413/23]
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. The service was also impacted by necessary Covid-19 restrictions in 2020 and 2021 and the unprecedented demand for passports seen in 2022.
During 2022, my Department implemented a number of measures to address the volume of FBR applications on hand, with a view to significantly reducing the processing time for these applications. These measures, which include increased staffing directed towards the processing of FBR applications, have been successful in reducing the waiting time for applicants. FBR applications are now being processed within the normal turnaround times of between 6 and 9 months from receipt of supporting documents, down from over 2 years in September 2022.
Foreign Birth Registration, by its nature, is a detailed and complex process, often involving official documentation relating to three generations and issued by several jurisdictions. Such documents take considerable time to validate.
With regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, this application was registered on 12 May 2022. The Passport Service requested further supporting documents for the application on 24 February 2023. The turnaround time for applications in respect of which further supporting documents have been submitted is 3 months.
156. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the context of the commitment to set up an annual high-level political dialogue between the EU and the Palestinian Authority, what plans are in place to advance and implement this new strategy; the goals, targets and expected outcomes and how this new approach is expected to influence the routine discriminatory practices towards the Palestinian people; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16437/23]
View answerAs noted in my response to the Deputy of 23 February 2023, the commitment to set up an annual high-level political dialogue between the EU and the Palestinian Authority was made at the Foreign Affairs Council in January 2023, at which EU Foreign Ministers had a lunchtime exchange with the Palestinian Prime Minister, Mohammad Shtayyeh, and Palestinian Foreign Minister, Dr Riad Malki.
The overriding goal of such a dialogue would be to deepen bilateral relations between the EU and the Palestinian Authority, which are guided by a number of frameworks, including the EU-Palestine Action Plan under the European Neighbourhood Policy. I welcome that the dialogue will provide a high-level forum for political exchange, including on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and on domestic developments within the Palestinian Authority. It will also lend greater visibility to the role of the EU as the lead development and humanitarian partner, working to improve the lives of all Palestinians and promoting shared human values.
In view of recent developments, the EU also continues to engage with all partners at the highest level to underline the urgent need to restore a political horizon towards a two-state solution. On 8 March the EU High Representative issued a declaration on behalf of the 27 EU Member States, expressing deep concern at the increasing violence and extremism in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory. In this declaration, the EU also reaffirmed its proposal of an unprecedented package of economic, political and security support in the context of a final status agreement as endorsed in the Council conclusions of December 2013, recalling the importance of working closely with other Arab and international partners to this end.
157. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has contacted the new leader of the Scottish National Party, Mr. Humza Yousaf, with a view to meeting with him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16456/23]
View answerThe Taoiseach and I, and our colleagues in Government, look forward to engaging with the new Scottish Government in the period ahead.
I have congratulated the new First Minister of Scotland, Humza Yousaf, on his appointment and look forward to working with him and his Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, External Affairs and Culture, Angus Robertson, to deepen Ireland’s bilateral relationship with Scotland.
Ireland and Scotland are close neighbours and friends. The Ireland-Scotland Joint Bilateral Review Report 2021-2025 provides an important framework to deepen engagement and to collaborate across a range of areas of mutual interest. There continues to be strong delivery across all strands of the framework and I look forward to meeting soon with Cabinet Secretary Robertson to review progress.
Separately, the British Irish Council provides an important framework for regular engagement at political and official levels across these islands. Scotland plays a key role in supporting this important institution under Strand 3 of the Good Friday Agreement by hosting the BIC Secretariat in Edinburgh. We look forward to inviting the First Minister to Ireland for a British Irish Council Summit later this year.
158. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs what work Ireland is doing to improve the condition of human rights in Pakistan, and to protect opposition leaders there from being unjustly arrested or harmed. [16461/23]
View answerThe promotion and protection of universal human rights is a cornerstone of Irish foreign policy and I can confirm that Ireland has consistently engaged with Pakistan on human rights issues, both bilaterally and multilaterally.
In the context of our bilateral relationship, Ireland's Ambassador to Pakistan visited Islamabad in November 2022 and discussed human rights issues with a number of Pakistani governmental officials. Earlier, in February 2021, she also met with Pakistan’s then Federal Minister for Human Rights, Ms Shireen Mazari.
Most recently, Ireland engaged with Pakistan during their recent Universal Periodic Review at the Human Rights Council in January 2023. We recommended that Pakistan establish an independent inquiry into all suspected cases of enforced disappearance, and hold alleged perpetrators to account. We also recommended that Pakistan amend blasphemy legislation to avoid unjustly targeting or discriminating against religious minorities. Ireland will continue to support Pakistan’s efforts to advance human rights through this UN Human Rights Council mechanism, acknowledging progress where appropriate.
At EU level, the EU Special Representative for Human Rights, Mr Eamon Gilmore met with Minister Mazari in February 2022, as part of a visit to reaffirm the centrality of human rights in the EU-Pakistani relationship. At the EU-Pakistan Joint Commission in October 2022, both sides discussed civil and political rights. Ireland will continue to contribute actively to the development of EU policies towards Pakistan.
The Embassy of Ireland in Turkey, which is accredited to Pakistan, continues to actively monitor political developments across Pakistan, in close consultation with the EU Delegation in Islamabad.
159. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide an update on two applications for citizenship (details supplied). [16476/23]
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. The service was also impacted by necessary Covid-19 restrictions in 2020 and 2021 and the unprecedented demand for passports seen in 2022.
During 2022, my Department implemented a number of measures to address the volume of FBR applications on hand, with a view to significantly reducing the processing time for these applications. These measures, which include increased staffing directed towards the processing of FBR applications, have been successful in reducing the waiting time for applicants. FBR applications are now being processed within the normal turnaround times of between 6 and 9 months from receipt of supporting documents, down from over 2 years in September 2022.
Foreign Birth Registration, by its nature, is a detailed and complex process, often involving official documentation relating to three generations and issued by several jurisdictions. Such documents take considerable time to validate.
With regard to the specific applications about which the Deputy has enquired, whilst the online applications were submitted on 25 March 2023, both applications are pending the submission of supporting documents. The processing time begins from the date supporting documents are received by the Passport Service.
160. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs when a foreign birth registration application will be processed for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16532/23]
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. The service was also impacted by necessary Covid-19 restrictions in 2020 and 2021 and the unprecedented demand for passports seen in 2022.
During 2022, my Department implemented a number of measures to address the volume of FBR applications on hand, with a view to significantly reducing the processing time for these applications. These measures, which include increased staffing directed towards the processing of FBR applications, have been successful in reducing the waiting time for applicants. FBR applications are now being processed within the normal turnaround times of between 6 and 9 months from receipt of supporting documents, down from over 2 years in September 2022.
Foreign Birth Registration, by its nature, is a detailed and complex process, often involving official documentation relating to three generations and issued by several jurisdictions. Such documents take considerable time to validate.
With regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, this application was registered on 26 July 2022. A member of the FBR team will be in contact with the applicant in due course.
161. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of staff within his Department who are based and working with the European Union in Brussels; their present roles and responsibilities; the posts and responsibilities presently vacant; the corresponding figures on 23 June 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16560/23]
View answerThe number of staff from the Department of Foreign Affairs serving at the Permanent Representation of Ireland to the European Union at 23rd June 2016 and 30th March 2023 is provided below in tabular form.
In addition, the Department of Foreign Affairs also facilitates the secondment of officers from other Government Departments to the Permanent Representation of Ireland to the European Union to serve in a variety of roles.
Further detail on the individual roles and functions of DFA staff and seconded staff serving in the Permanent Representation are available on my Department’s website www.dfa.ie/prep/brussels/staff.
Staffing levels at all of Ireland’s missions overseas are kept under continuous review.
|
DFA staff serving in the Permanent Representation of Ireland to the European Union |
23rd June 2016 |
30th March 2023 |
|
Assistant Secretary |
2 |
2 |
|
Principal Officer and Equivalent |
2 |
4 |
|
Assistant Principal and Equivalent |
10 |
19 |
|
Administrative Officer and Equivalent |
3 |
9 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
1 |
1 |
|
Executive Officer |
2 |
2 |
|
Clerical Officer |
15 |
15 |
|
Total |
35 |
52 |
162. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide an update on an application (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16638/23]
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. The service was also impacted by necessary Covid-19 restrictions in 2020 and 2021 and the unprecedented demand for passports seen in 2022.
During 2022, my Department implemented a number of measures to address the volume of FBR applications on hand, with a view to significantly reducing the processing time for these applications. These measures, which include increased staffing directed towards the processing of FBR applications, have been successful in reducing the waiting time for applicants. FBR applications are now being processed within the normal turnaround times of between 6 and 9 months from receipt of supporting documents, down from over 2 years in September 2022.
Foreign Birth Registration, by its nature, is a detailed and complex process, often involving official documentation relating to three generations and issued by several jurisdictions. Such documents take considerable time to validate.
With regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, this application was registered on 31 March 2021. The Passport Service requested further supporting documents for the application on 30 November 2022. Further supporting documents were received by the Passport Service on 25 January 2023. These documents are due to be processed in the near future.
163. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide an update on an application (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16639/23]
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. The service was also impacted by necessary Covid-19 restrictions in 2020 and 2021 and the unprecedented demand for passports seen in 2022.
During 2022, my Department implemented a number of measures to address the volume of FBR applications on hand, with a view to significantly reducing the processing time for these applications. These measures, which include increased staffing directed towards the processing of FBR applications, have been successful in reducing the waiting time for applicants. FBR applications are now being processed within the normal turnaround times of between 6 and 9 months from receipt of supporting documents, down from over 2 years in September 2022.
Foreign Birth Registration, by its nature, is a detailed and complex process, often involving official documentation relating to three generations and issued by several jurisdictions. Such documents take considerable time to validate.
With regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service has issued an FBR certificate to the applicant.
164. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will clarify a matter regarding his Department’s press statement regarding the review of the North South Interconnector (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16062/23]
View answerThe press statement referred to in the Question announced that Government had noted an independent expert review on the North-South Interconnector, and that the review had found that the conclusions of the 2018 International Expert Commission on the decision to build the North-South Interconnector above ground remain valid.
The 2018 International Expert Commission made a number of findings and, on the basis of these findings, concluded that “from a techno-economic point of view, an Alternating Current (AC) overhead line is the most beneficial way of meeting the need for enhanced power transfer capability between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.” As part of its findings the Expert Commission emphasised the need for additional stability and reliability in the Irish and Northern Irish Grid. It found that the proposed AC overground interconnector would provide these benefits. It identified and set out the difficulties and risks that would come from trying to obtain the same benefits from an underground Direct Current (DC) link.
The current report confirms the findings of the 2018 Report that an AC overground interconnector is the most beneficial way of meeting the need for enhanced power transfer capability between the grids in Ireland and Northern Ireland. In particular, despite the fact that it notes some additional industry experience in the use of embedded DC lines, it does not recommend it for this project and only goes as far as recommending that the “VSC-HVDC option should not be ruled out for future projects”. This is the latest in a long line of independent studies confirming the analysis carried out by EirGrid.
The clear conclusion from these findings is that the North South Interconnector cannot be undergrounded for a range of reasons, including that it will not provide the grid reliability and stability that is required.
165. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the actions his Department has initiated to prevent littering; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16065/23]
View answer166. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the efforts his Department is making to support local authorities in preventing littering; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16066/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 165 and 166 together.
Under the Litter Pollution Act, 1997, the primary responsibility for management and enforcement responses to litter pollution lies with local authorities. It is a matter for each local authority to determine the most appropriate public awareness, enforcement, and clean-up actions in relation to litter taking account of local circumstances and priorities.
My Department provides financial support to local authority efforts to tackle litter through the Anti-Litter & Anti-Graffiti Awareness Grant Scheme. In 2022 €750,000 was provided under this Scheme and a similar amount is expected to be made available in 2023.
Funding is also provided annually in support of a number of important anti-litter initiatives such as the National Spring Clean, Picker Pals, the PURE Project and Irish Business against Litter.
The recently enacted Circular Economy and Miscellaneous Provisions Act advances several legislative provisions which will further support Local Authorities in their anti-litter efforts, including providing for the GDPR-compliant use of a range of technologies, such as CCTV for litter enforcement purposes and an increase in the level of the on-the-spot fine for littering.
