Seán Sherlock
Question:123. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Taoiseach the amount paid out to all consultancy firms for any services rendered; and the cost per contract for the year to date in 2023, in tabular form. [31699/23]
View answerDepartmental Consultations
Questions (123)
Written answers
The Department of the Taoiseach has incurred no expenditure on consultancy services to date in 2023.
Departmental Expenditure
Questions (124)
Carol Nolan
Question:124. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Taoiseach if his Department purchased or produced any memorabilia such as pens, stationery, pins, badges, mugs or other types of souvenirs to mark or celebrate Pride 2023; and if so, the costs incurred. [31802/23]
View answerWritten answers
Staff from the Department of the Taoiseach were invited to participate, alongside staff from across the Civil and Public Service, in the Dublin Pride parade on 24th June 2023. For staff attending, flags and t-shirts were purchased at a total cost of €145.35.
Cross-Border Co-operation
Questions (125)
Jim O'Callaghan
Question:125. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Taoiseach for an overview of the Shared Ireland Programme since its establishment in 2020; the key initiatives taken; and his assessment of their impact to date. [31854/23]
View answerWritten answers
As provided for in the Programme for Government, we are progressing the Shared Island initiative, to benefit the whole island by working with all communities and traditions for a shared future, underpinned by the Good Friday Agreement.
The Government has so far allocated almost €250m from the Shared Island Fund for all-island projects. With this resourcing we are moving ahead with long-standing commitments and new investments that meet the objectives under the revised National Development Plan to create a more connected, sustainable, and prosperous island for all communities.
On 20 June the Government announced that a further €56m had been allocated from the Shared Island Fund, to move forward with a range of substantial cross-border investments. The major project is the commitment of €44.5m for construction of a new teaching building at Ulster University’s campus in Derry. Allocations were also agreed by Government in June for new all-island projects on the bioeconomy, to support respite care for children diagnosed with cancer, and to complete the tender for the Narrow Water Bridge.
We continue to progress the Shared Island Dialogue series which has to date engaged almost 3,000 citizens on how in practical ways we can better share the island into the future. Most recently, a dialogue was held on 16 June at Dublin City University on the role of education in connecting communities across the island of Ireland. 150 education, civil society and political representatives from North and South participated in the event.
On 20 June Government also announced the establishment of a new Youth Forum as part of the Shared Island initiative. This will commence in September and hear from young people across all communities on their vision and values for the future of this island.
Regarding the research programme, the Shared Island unit continues to provide high-quality evidence and analysis on the opportunities and challenges around deepening cooperation and connections on the island, working with research partners including the National Economic and Social Council (NESC), the ESRI, the Standing Conference on Teacher Education, North and South (SCoTENS), and the Irish Research Council.
The ESRI have published 8 reports to date under the Shared Island Research Programme including: Cross-Border Trade in Services (December 2021); Enhancing attractiveness of the island of Ireland to FDI (December 2021); Analysis of primary health care systems of Ireland and Northern Ireland (March 2022); North South comparison of Education and training systems and outcomes (April 2022); Modelling Productivity Levels in Ireland and Northern Ireland (November 2022); Benefit of all-island coordination of energy infrastructure and renewable energy (December 2022); Children’s care and early education in Ireland North and South (January 2023); Migrant Integration in Ireland, North and South (March 2023).
2023 ESRI work on Shared Island topics is underway, to be published later in the year on: Student Mobility in Ireland and Northern Ireland; Changing Social Attitudes? An analysis of Ireland North and South; Gender and Labour Market Inclusion on the Island of Ireland and Contrasting Housing Supply in Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Further details on the Shared Island research programme and all elements related to the implementation of the Shared Island initiative is available at www.gov.ie/sharedisland .
Departmental Policies
Questions (126)
Cathal Crowe
Question:126. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Taoiseach the main policy achievements of his Department since 27 June 2020. [31872/23]
View answerWritten answers
Since 27 June 2020, the Department of the Taoiseach has been working with Government Departments to progress key national priorities set out in the Programme for Government through the work programmes of the Cabinet Committees established:
· implementation of the Housing for All plan, including recent extra measures to make it cheaper to build and refurbish homes, speed up home building and drive down building costs;
· delivery of the Economic Recovery Plan 2021 and protecting Ireland’s economic recovery through continued job creation and transitioning towards a decarbonised and digital economy;
· delivering a range of measures to help families and business cope with the impact of rising prices;
· coordinating the work across Government on Ireland’s humanitarian response for people who have arrived from Ukraine and have availed of Temporary Protection in Ireland;
· publication of the report and recommendations on the Future of Media Commission;
· a new national digital strategy was launched to drive and enable the digital transition across the Irish economy and society;
· management of the whole of Government Response to COVID-19 including the vaccine roll-out;
· a comprehensive programme of dialogues and research by the Shared Island Unit underpinned by the Shared Island Fund with €247 million allocated to date supporting a range of projects;
· completion of the work of Citizens’ Assemblies on Gender Equality, on a directly-elected mayor for Dublin and Biodiversity Loss with the Citizens’ Assembly on Drug Use well underway;
· the programme of events as part of the Decade of Commemorations, including the Centenaries of the Handover of Dublin Castle, the Irish Civil War and the inauguration of the Irish Free State;
· advancing Ireland's role in Europe and the world, including through my participation in the European Council and Ireland's seat on the UN Security Council;
· launch of the revised National Development Plan, setting out the roadmap for investment of €165 billion in new and upgraded infrastructure over the decade ahead;
· supporting the development of the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021 and the Climate Action Plan 2021 and 2023 with key measures to fundamentally alter Ireland’s approach to climate change;
· continued work across my Department in a range of initiatives such as Ireland's Digital Framework; progressing Ireland’s well-being framework, developing the Government’s approach to social dialogue, implementation of the future of policing plan, supporting the work of the North East Inner City and work on Civil Service Renewal.
Disadvantaged Status
Questions (127)
Róisín Shortall
Question:127. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Taoiseach if he will arrange for a requested meeting (details supplied) to take place at an early date. [31980/23]
View answerWritten answers
In Spring 2023, a Child Poverty and Well-Being Programme Office was established in the Department of the Taoiseach.
Government decided that the Programme Office will focus on six priority areas. These are:
1. Income assistance and joblessness
2. Early learning and childcare
3. Reducing the cost of education
4. Family homelessness
5. Consolidating and integrating public health, family & parental assistance, and well-being services
6. Enhancing participation in culture, arts and sport for children and young people affected by poverty.
These areas were selected because they are areas of interventions that have the potential to bring about significant change for children and families living in poverty.
The Programme Office is now fully staffed and is currently working on a multi-annual programme plan.
Relevant officials from the Department of the Taoiseach will meet with representatives from the DEIS schools to discuss their concerns, and they will follow up accordingly.
Departmental Funding
Questions (128)
Denis Naughten
Question:128. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Taoiseach the total advertising budget allocated by his Department and agencies in each of the past ten years, and to date in 2023, respectively; the funding provided directly to RTÉ in each year; and if he has sought and secured an assurance that none of this funding was rebated via the RTÉ advertising barter account. [32000/23]
View answerWritten answers
The table below details expenditure by my Department on advertising from 2013 to the 30th June 2023. Since 2020, under the estimates processes, a specific allocation had been provided to the Department of the Taoiseach for COVID-19 Public Communications.
|
Total Advertising expenditure |
RTE Advertising expenditure |
|
|
2013 |
€68,128 |
Nil |
|
2014 |
€6,192 |
Nil |
|
2015 |
€53,666 |
Nil |
|
2016 |
€21,815 |
Nil |
|
2017 |
€40,616 |
Nil |
|
2018 |
€1,895,673 |
€86,486 |
|
2019 |
€33,659 |
Nil |
|
2020 |
€17,045,754 |
€2,185,958 |
|
2021 |
€11,573,834 |
€1,376,870 |
|
2022 |
€1,784,925.93 |
€85,160 |
|
30 June 2023 |
€4,808.23 |
Nil |
The Department does not provide any funding to RTE from its Vote.
In regard to RTE advertising, our media purchasing partner have confirmed that they have never used barter for any government business.
The National Economic and Social Development Office, under the aegis of the Department of the Taoiseach, does not have an advertising budget allocation in any of the past ten years or to date in 2023, and has never provided funding directly to RTE.
Small and Medium Enterprises
Questions (129)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:129. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Taoiseach if his Department collates statistics on the number of SMEs which close each year; and if so, if he will furnish this Deputy with statistics pertaining to each of the past ten years. [30824/23]
View answerWritten answers
The Central Statistics Office (CSO) has responsibility for collating information on the number of enterprises which close each year as part of its work in developing and maintaining the Central Business Register. The register is developed using data provided by the Companies Registration Office (CRO) and the Revenue Commissioners. The CSO, in line with its legal obligations under Regulation (EU) 2019/2152 and Regulation (EU) 2020/119, is currently preparing a submission to Eurostat for business demography for the year 2021 which includes the information requested by the Deputy. I have, therefore, asked the CSO to provide you with the information you requested for all available years as soon as possible after the submission of the data and no later than 30 days after this reply.
Sports Funding
Questions (130)
Catherine Murphy
Question:130. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Taoiseach if he will provide a schedule of the grants, grant-aid, low-cost borrowing and funding that his Department can provide to an association (details supplied), heading under which the grants, grant-aid, low-cost borrowing and funding is provided; the maximum amount that can be accessed; and the dates on which the schemes operate. [32286/23]
View answerWritten answers
The Department of the Taoiseach does not provide nor operate any such funding or grant schemes.
United Nations
Questions (131)
Catherine Connolly
Question:131. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 37 of 21 June 2023, to clarify the meaning of the statement that 'no new peacekeeping missions have been approved by the UN Security Council since 2014', in view of the fact that five new UN-mandated peace operations were established in 2022, which together deployed approximately 26,000 personnel (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32190/23]
View answerWritten answers
Under the UN Charter, the UN Security Council has primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. In fulfilling its mandate, the Security Council may adopt a range of measures, including the establishment of a UN peace mission or the authorisation of action by a group of States or a regional organisation, such as the European Union or the African Union.
However, no new peacekeeping missions have been approved by the UN Security Council since 2014.
Peace operations include a range of types of missions from armed interventions to special political missions. Other regional organisations, including the African Union and the European Union, also authorise missions of various types. The details supplied by the Deputy refer to missions which were approved by a number of different regional organisations, including the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CTSO), the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and the East African Community (EAC), rather than UN-mandated peacekeeping operations.
In January 2022, the intervention of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) in Kazakhstan did not have a UN mandate. The CSTO is an intergovernmental military alliance consisting of six states: Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Tajikistan. Kazakhstan requested deployment of CSTO troops after demonstrations escalated to mass protests, claiming international terrorist groups had hijacked the protests. The operation was terminated two weeks later.
In February 2022, the Stabilisation Support Mission in Guinea Bissau (SSMGB) was established by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) following an attempted coup. This mission is described by ECOWAS as a stabilisation force. It is not a UN peacekeeping mission and is not mandated by the UN Security Council.
In April 2022, the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) was reconfigured as the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). This mission does have a UN mandate, but is not a new mission given that it is a reconfiguration of AMISOM and largely shares the tasks and capacities of AMISOM while being designed with an expected mission transition in mind. AMISOM was established in 2007.
In June 2022, the East African Community Regional Force (EACRF) in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) was established by the East African Community (EAC) in response to increased instability and conflict in eastern DRC due to the resurgence of the March 23 Movement (M23) in the winter of 2021. There is a UN peacekeeping operation in the DRC, MONUSCO, established in 2010. The EACRF in DRC does not have a UN mandate and its aims go beyond the traditional parameters of peacekeeping.
In December 2022, the African Union established the Monitoring, Verification and Compliance Mission (AU-MVCM) as part of the Cessation of Hostilities agreement between the government of Ethiopia and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front. This is a monitoring and verification mission, not a peacekeeping mission, and it does not have a UN mandate.
Of the five referenced missions, only one, ATMIS, has a UN mandate. ATMIS is a continuation and reconfiguration of AMISOM, established in 2007. Accordingly, no new peacekeeping missions have been approved by the UN Security Council since 2014.
United Nations
Questions (132)
Catherine Connolly
Question:132. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of peacekeeping missions approved by the UN Security Council in each year since 1960; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32191/23]
View answerWritten answers
Under the UN Charter, the UN Security Council has primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. In fulfilling its mandate, the Security Council may adopt a range of measures, including the establishment of a UN peace mission or the authorisation of action by a group of States or a regional organisation, such as the European Union or the African Union.
However no new peacekeeping missions have been approved by the UN Security Council since 2014.
Details relating to current and past UN peacekeeping missions, including their mandates, years of operation and locations are publicly available on the United Nations website. All missions and years established are as follows:
|
Peacekeeping operation |
Year established |
|
United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO) |
1948 |
|
United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) |
1949 |
|
United Nations Emergency Force I (UNEF I) |
1956 |
|
United Nations Observation Group in Lebanon (UNOGIL) |
1958 |
|
United Nations Operation in the Congo (ONUC) |
1960 |
|
United Nations Security Force in West New Guinea (UNSF) |
1962 |
|
United Nations Yemen Observation Mission (UNYOM) |
1963 |
|
United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) |
1964 |
|
Mission of the Representative of the Secretary - General in the Dominican Republic (DOMREP) |
1965 |
|
United Nations India - Pakistan Observation Mission (UNIPOM) |
1965 |
|
United Nations Emergency Force II (UNEF II) |
1973 |
|
United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) |
1974 |
|
United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) |
1978 |
|
United Nations Good Offices Mission in Afghanistan and Pakistan (UNGOMAP) |
1988 |
|
United Nations Iran - Iraq Military Observer Group (UNIIMOG) |
1988 |
|
United Nations Angola Verification Mission I (UNAVEM I) |
1989 |
|
United Nations Transition Assistance Group (UNTAG) |
1989 |
|
United Nations Observer Group in Central America (ONUCA) |
1989 |
|
United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) |
1991 |
|
United Nations Angola Verification Mission II (UNAVEM II) |
1991 |
|
United Nations Observer Mission in El Salvador (ONUSAL) |
1991 |
|
United Nations Advance Mission in Cambodia (UNAMIC) |
1991 |
|
United Nations Iraq - Kuwait Observation Mission (UNIKOM) |
1991 |
|
United Nations Operation in Mozambique (ONUMOZ) |
1992 |
|
United Nations Operation in Somalia I (UNOSOM I) |
1992 |
|
United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC) |
1992 |
|
United Nations Protection Force (UNPROFOR) |
1992 |
|
United Nations Observer Mission in Liberia (UNOMIL) |
1993 |
|
United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda (UNAMIR) |
1993 |
|
United Nations Operation in Somalia II (UNOSOM II) |
1993 |
|
United Nations Observer Mission Uganda - Rwanda (UNOMUR) |
1993 |
|
United Nations Mission in Haiti (UNMIH) |
1993 |
|
United Nations Observer Mission in Georgia (UNOMIG) |
1993 |
|
United Nations Aouzou Strip Observer Group (UNASOG) |
1994 |
|
United Nations Mission of Observers in Tajikistan (UNMOT) |
1994 |
|
United Nations Angola Verification Mission III (UNAVEM III) |
1995 |
|
United Nations Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina (UNMIBH) |
1995 |
|
United Nations Preventive Deployment Force (UNPREDEP) |
1995 |
|
United Nations Confidence Restoration Operation in Croatia (UNCRO) |
1995 |
|
United Nations Support Mission in Haiti (UNSMIH) |
1996 |
|
United Nations Mission of Observers in Prevlaka (UNMOP) |
1996 |
|
United Nations Transitional Administration for Eastern Slavonia, Baranja and Western Sirmium (UNTAES) |
1996 |
|
United Nations Observer Mission in Angola (MONUA) |
1997 |
|
United Nations Civilian Police Mission in Haiti (MIPONUH) |
1997 |
|
United Nations Transition Mission in Haiti (UNTMIH) |
1997 |
|
United Nations Verification Mission in Guatemala (MINUGUA) |
1997 |
|
United Nations Mission in the Central African Republic (MINURCA) |
1998 |
|
United Nations Observer Mission in Sierra Leone (UNOMSIL) |
1998 |
|
United Nations Civilian Police Support Group (UNCPSG) |
1998 |
|
United Nations Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) |
1999 |
|
United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC) |
1999 |
|
United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) |
1999 |
|
United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) |
1999 |
|
United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE) |
2000 |
|
United Nations Mission of Support in East Timor (UNMISET) |
2002 |
|
United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) |
2003 |
|
United Nations Mission in Côte d'Ivoire (MINUCI) |
2003 |
|
United Nations Operations in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI) |
2004 |
|
United Nations Operation in Burundi (ONUB) |
2004 |
|
United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) |
2004 |
|
United Nations Mission in the Sudan (UNMIS) |
2005 |
|
United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor - Leste (UNMIT) |
2006 |
|
African Union - United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) |
2007 |
|
United Nations Mission in the Central African Republic and Chad (MINURCAT) |
2007 |
|
United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the DR Congo (MONUSCO) |
2010 |
|
United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) |
2011 |
|
United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) |
2011 |
|
United Nations Supervision Mission in Syria (UNSMIS) |
2012 |
|
United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) |
2013 |
|
United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) |
2014 |
|
United Nations Mission for Justice Support in Haiti (MINUJUSTH, formerly MINUSTAH est. 2004) |
2017 |
Passport Services
Questions (133, 139)
Bernard Durkan
Question:133. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs when a passport will issue in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32256/23]
View answer
Paul McAuliffe
Question:139. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs when a passport will be issued for a person (details supplied). [32490/23]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 133 and 139 together.
With regard to the specific applications about which the Deputies have enquired, the Passport Service has issued passports to the applicants.
Sports Funding
Questions (134)
Catherine Murphy
Question:134. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide a schedule of the grants, grant-aid, low-cost borrowing and funding that his Department can provide to an association (details supplied), heading under which the grants, grant-aid, low-cost borrowing and funding is provided; the maximum amount that can be accessed; and the dates on which the schemes operate. [32278/23]
View answerWritten answers
The Department of Foreign Affairs has had a long-standing and very positive relationship with the GAA, recognising the central role which the organisation plays in Irish communities all over the world, both as a sporting organisation and as a very unique social and community network.
The Department supports the organisation’s overseas activities primarily through the Government’s Emigrant Support Programme (ESP), which facilitates Irish Government investment in global Irish communities and is administered by the Department. This support is provided via three distinct pillars:
(i) the GAA in Britain;
(ii) the GAA in the USA; and
(iii) the GAA in the rest of the world – Global Games Development Fund (GGDF)
The third pillar, the GGDF, is dedicated primarily to clubs and projects (more than one club) in Asia, Australasia, Canada, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and South America, with DFA and the GAA contributing matching funding. Initiated in 2012, the number of projects supported by the GGDF has grown considerably, from 14 in 2012 to 146 in 2023, reflecting the growth of the GAA worldwide.
The Emigrant Support Programme grant round opens in January each year, with a four week window for organisations to apply. The 2023/24 round is now closed to applications. There is no maximum amount of funding that can be accessed.
GAA Clubs on the island of Ireland and across these islands should also apply separately through the Department of Foreign Affairs for Reconciliation Fund funding for projects that align with the Reconciliation Fund Strategy. The Reconciliation Fund awards grants to organisations working to build better relations within and between traditions in Northern Ireland, between North and South, and between Ireland and Britain. The Fund operates on an annual basis and the next funding round will open in Spring 2024. Whilst there is no maximum amount of funding that can be accessed, the average grant awarded in the 2023 Reconciliation Fund annual funding round amounted to €21,981.
Official Engagements
Questions (135)
Alan Kelly
Question:135. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he spoke with the United States Secretary of State at the recent Ukraine Recovery Conference in London. [32310/23]
View answerWritten answers
Continued high-level political engagement with senior US interlocutors on critical issues for Ireland is a priority for the Government.
In this context, I have had several engagements with high-level US officials and members of Congress in recent months. These include a bilateral exchange with Secretary Blinken during President Biden's visit to Ireland in April, during which we discussed foreign policy matters of shared interest and concern. My discussion with Secretary Blinken followed upon my meetings with Deputy Secretary of State Sherman and with National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan during my last visit to Washington, DC in February, where I had the opportunity to discuss Russia's ongoing illegal invasion of Ukraine.
While I had a number of bilateral meetings at the recent Ukraine Recovery Conference in London, I did not meet with Secretary Blinken on that occasion.
I look forward to continuing high level political engagement with senior US interlocutors on critical issues for Ireland, including support for Ukraine.
Departmental Staff
Questions (136)
Niall Collins
Question:136. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs when the competition for the new Department of Foreign Affairs election monitoring roster will be advertised; the number of places available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32334/23]
View answerWritten answers
The Department of Foreign Affairs maintains and administers a voluntary roster of suitably skilled and vetted individuals who are available to participate at short notice in election observation missions, organised by the European Union (EU) and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). The current Election Observation Roster was established for a period of five years, from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2023.
The Department is currently consulting with relevant experts and finalising documentation for the application process for Ireland’s new International Election Observation Roster. A deadline will be set for the submission of applications in the coming weeks.
All information will be made available on the Department’s website at: Election observation - Department of Foreign Affairs (irishaid.ie).
Diplomatic Representation
Questions (137)
Paul Donnelly
Question:137. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the extra resources and personnel that will be deployed at the Irish Embassy in Paris during the upcoming Rugby World Cup; and if a temporary emergency out-of-hours phone line will be set up for the duration of the World Cup. [32356/23]
View answerWritten answers
My Department is implementing a dedicated Rugby World Cup 2023 project that includes work on consular assistance as well as on promoting opportunities for Ireland during the course of this tournament.
To support our existing teams at the Embassy in Paris and Consulate General in Lyon, two additional locally recruited employees have been hired for a six month period and one additional HQ-based officer will be assigned to the Embassy in Paris for a two month period during the tournament.
There will be an enhanced consular presence in France to assist citizens as required during the tournament. This response will be managed by Ireland’s Embassy in Paris, supported by HQ-based colleagues. In addition to our Embassy in Paris and Consulate General in Lyon, pop-up consulates staffed will be established in Bordeaux and Nantes while the games are taking place in those cities.
Ireland’s Embassy in Paris will operate an emergency assistance telephone line during the Rugby World Cup that will be open Friday-Sunday of match weekends. This number will be disseminated across social media, online and via information leaflets ahead of and during the tournament.
Departmental Expenditure
Questions (138)
Catherine Connolly
Question:138. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs for a breakdown of the training and development and incidental expenses incurred by his Department in the years ending 31 December 2013, 31 December 2014, and 31 December 2015, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32462/23]
View answerWritten answers
The Department of Foreign Affairs, in common with other Government Departments, is allocated administrative funding each year for “training and development and incidental expenses”.
Funding for training and development includes foreign language support, course fees, professional memberships, conference and seminar fees and associated training costs. A variety of other administrative expenses are also covered from this allocation in the Revised Estimates. The table below provides details in respect of Votes 27 and 28 for the years 2013-2015.
|
Description of Expenditure |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
|
Advertising |
393,244 |
199,800 |
249,878 |
|
Bank Charges |
180,827 |
189,203 |
169,350 |
|
BIC Secretariat |
21,503 |
18,777 |
30,440 |
|
Books, Subscriptions and Publications |
611,286 |
661,942 |
798,054 |
|
Cleaning |
88,418 |
86,199 |
0 |
|
Currency Exchange Gain/Loss |
878,785 |
-230,132 |
3,870 |
|
Documents on Irish Foreign Policy |
148,847 |
152,614 |
165,590 |
|
Honorary Consuls |
329,770 |
294,907 |
350,837 |
|
Legal and Settlement Costs |
164,653 |
247,580 |
360,901 |
|
Official Entertainment at HQ |
1,330,432 |
468,425 |
531,598 |
|
Professional Fees and Outsourcing |
366,182 |
401,091 |
531,006 |
|
Prompt Payment Interest |
3,420 |
1,983 |
3,373 |
|
Security |
68,863 |
236,391 |
214,877 |
|
Training and Development |
1,027,185 |
642,458 |
788,127 |
|
Translation Services |
238,751 |
179,836 |
142,604 |
|
VAT Paid and Recoupable |
69,244 |
132,982 |
158,135 |
|
Vehicle Costs |
1,347,781 |
1,464,275 |
1,483,127 |
|
Other Costs |
250,964 |
230,171 |
203,479 |
Question No. 139 answered with Question No. 133.
Passport Services
Questions (140)
Thomas Gould
Question:140. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs for an update on a passport (details supplied) given it has now passed its issue date. [32598/23]
View answerWritten answers
With regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service has reviewed the application, taken action as appropriate and contacted the applicant directly in relation to the application.
Departmental Staff
Questions (141)
Neasa Hourigan
Question:141. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to outline what training the human resources disability officer in his Department has undertaken and is scheduled to undertake in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32636/23]
View answerWritten answers
My Department is committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for our employees with disabilities, and has a designated Disability Liaison Officer (DLO) to provide information, support and guidance to managers and staff on the provision of reasonable accommodations.
In their role, the DLO is familiar with and received training on the National Disability Act 2005, the Employment Equality Acts and the Code of Practice for the employment of people with a disability in the Irish Civil Service.
The DLO has taken part in seminars, events, and training courses delivered by the following organisations: the Department of Children, Equality, Diversity, Integration, and Youth, the Public Appointments Service, and One Learning as well as with experts such as the Irish Centre for Diversity and Legal Island.
The DLO also provides training to the Department’s staff. In order to promote disclosure of disability, the Department’s DLO meets new recruits in HQ as part of their induction programme to provide information on the supports available. Additionally, the DLO has been a key part of our global Regional Training Programme where they conduct information sessions with our network of diplomatic missions abroad on disability, the rights of the individual and on supports that can be offered.
The DLO is working with our e-learning partners Legal Island to develop Diversity & Inclusion training for the Department which will have a section on disability. It is intended that every officer in the Department will complete this training and receive certification on the topic.
Passport Services
Questions (142)
Brendan Howlin
Question:142. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will ensure that the renewal of a passport for a person (details supplied) will be processed urgently by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32659/23]
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With regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, further supporting documents for this application were received on 21 June 2023. Turnaround time from the receipt of further supporting documents is 15 working days.
Diplomatic Representation
Questions (143)
Catherine Murphy
Question:143. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if the Irish Ambassador to the United States has spoken with the Governor of the State of Virginia in the US to date in 2023. [32667/23]
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Ireland’s Embassy in Washington DC, as our representative office in the United States, leads on Ireland’s political, economic, and people-to-people relations across the United States. In addition to the Embassy’s engagement on a national scale, it also has consular responsibility for Washington, DC and the surrounding states of Virginia, Maryland and West Virginia.
Ireland's Ambassador to the United States has not has not yet had the opportunity to meet with the Governor of Virginia in 2023. However, officials from our Embassy, including the Ambassador, have in recent years visited and met with Irish and Irish American groups in Virginia, including the Irish American Society in Virginia Beach and the Coastal Virginia GAA.
EU Membership
Questions (144)
Matt Carthy
Question:144. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the current status of the applications for EU membership in respect of, separately, Kosovo, Georgia, Moldova, Bosnia Herzegovina, Türkiye, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Albania, Serbia and Ukraine; the current position of the Government in respect of each application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32733/23]
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There are currently eight candidate countries for EU membership: Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Türkiye and Ukraine. Georgia and Kosovo are considered ‘potential candidate’ countries, having submitted formal applications, but not yet been granted candidate status.
Ireland is, and always has been, a strong supporter of EU Enlargement, provided that candidates meet the necessary criteria for EU membership.
Montenegro has opened all 33 chapters which apply to them, and provisionally closed three. While Montenegro has made limited progress on EU reforms in recent years, we hope to see renewed commitment following Presidential and parliamentary elections in April and June respectively. President Milatovic, who the Taoiseach met en marge of the European Political Community on 1 June, cites EU membership as his first priority, and his Europe Now! movement has emerged as the country’s largest party.
Serbia has opened 22 out of 35 chapters, and provisionally closed two. The Government has progressed reform in some important areas, notably in respect of the judiciary. However, as Minister of State for European Affairs, Peter Burke, affirmed on his recent visit to Belgrade, new chapters are unlikely to be opened while Serbia fails to align with EU sanctions on Russia. A lack of progress in the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue remains as an additional barrier to Serbia’s EU accession.
Accession negotiations were opened with Albania and North Macedonia in July 2022. The screening of the acquis (a process to assess alignment with EU legislation) for both countries will continue until the end of 2023.
In order to lift a long-standing Bulgarian veto of their EU candidacy, North Macedonia agreed last year to amend its constitution to recognise the Bulgarian minority, along with several other ethnic groups. This followed agreement with Greece in 2018 to constitutionally change the name of the state. If the Government can secure the two-thirds parliamentary majority required to amend the constitution, Ireland will support opening of North Macedonia’s first chapters, a commitment I made to Foreign Minister Osmani in May and which Minister Burke underlined on his visit to North Macedonia last month.
Bosnia and Herzegovina was granted candidate status in December 2022. While it was hoped that this would spur early reform, progress to date has been relatively limited. The formation of a new Government of the Federation on 28 April is, as Foreign Minister Konakovic and I discussed in May, a very welcome development. However, we remain seriously concerned over secessionist rhetoric and steps to restrict civil society taken by political leadership in Republika Srpska, which are fundamentally at odds with EU values.
Kosovo formally applied for EU membership in December 2022. As is the case with Serbia, Kosovo’s European perspective will be significantly determined, by progress in the normalisation of relations through the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue. In that context, we have joined EU partners in expressing serious concern at the heightening of tensions in northern Kosovo over recent months.
Türkiye has opened 15 negotiating chapters, provisionally closing one. Negotiations have been essentially frozen since 2016, however, and are considered unlikely to restart absent renewed commitments on rule of law and fundamental human rights. At the same time, Türkiye continues to be an important partner for the EU. Ireland will continue to support work towards closer EU-Türkiye relations, while stressing the importance of rule of law and fundamental human rights, as well as the importance of Türkiye’s relationship with Greece and Cyprus.
Ireland warmly welcomed the granting of candidate status to Ukraine and Moldova and potential candidate status to Georgia in June 2022. We recognise that all three countries have been actively engaged to implement the key recommendations set out by the EU Commission.
Last month, the European Commission provided the informal General Affairs Council with a brief oral update on how each of the three applicants have progressed with their reform agendas. All three have made notable progress, and the Commission reported that further work is needed to advance priority reforms. A detailed report on the ‘eastern trio’ and remaining candidate countries will be published as part of the regular Enlargement Package in the autumn. A firm supporter of the EU perspectives of all three countries, Ireland welcomes last month’s oral updates. We await the Commission’s detailed recommendations in the autumn and remain committed to supporting all candidate and potential candidate countries as they advance on the path to EU membership.