Wednesday, 12 Jul 2023

Written Answers Nos. 31-51

Departmental Expenditure

Questions (31)

Seán Sherlock

Question:

31. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Taoiseach the amount paid by his Department in 2022 and to date in 2023 on outside or third-party reports of a technical nature or qualitative and quantitative nature, by payee, in tabular form. [34478/23]

Written answers

The Taoiseach

The expenditure on external reports in 2022 and to date in 2023 is set out in the table below.

The Shared Island unit in the Department of the Taoiseach is progressing a wide-ranging research programme to examine the political, social, economic and cultural considerations of a shared future for all communities and traditions on the island, underpinned by the Good Friday Agreement. The purpose of the programme is to provide high-quality evidence and analysis on the opportunities, and the challenges, around deepening cooperation and connections on the island. The programme is providing both a stronger evidence-base along with a rigorous analysis to inform inclusive civic and political discussion on a shared future on the island of Ireland.

This research programme is progressed with partners including the National Economic and Social Council, 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. There have also been contributions to research projects with the Department of Transport and the Department of Defence with a focus on green hydrogen and research related to the work of the Office of Emergency Planning respectively.

Dissemination of the research outputs is essential, and the Shared Island unit works with the research bodies to support launch events and engagement with the reports in civil society, academia, media and briefings for political representatives and Departments, both North and South. Further information relating to the Shared Island research programme can be found at: www.gov.ie/sharedisland.

The ESRI also undertook the Covid-19 Social Activity Measure (SAM) to inform policy during Covid-19

	€
Centre for Cross Border Studies (SCoTENS)	€63,440.71
Irish Research Council	€176,160.28
Department of Transport	€50,000
Department of Defence	€40,000
Economic and Social Research Institute	€303,128.77 – Shared Island
Economic and Social Research Institute	€302,225.76 – Covid-19 SAM

Departmental Expenditure

Questions (32)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

32. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to detail the precise programme, heading, subheading, vote and year of Estimate under which costs for the expenditure on the conference, Global Island: Ireland's Foreign Policy for a Changing World, which was held in Dublin Castle on 12-14 January 2015, is accounted for and-or reflected in; the breakdown, in tabular form, of the expenditure under the relevant subheading in the relevant year; the figure for the total cost of the conference; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34411/23]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs

The then Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Charlie Flanagan T.D., convened a three-day Departmental conference, "Representing the Global Island", at Dublin Castle on 12-14 January 2015.

The Conference brought together more than 90 Irish Ambassadors, Consuls General and senior diplomats for meetings with individuals from across the Department, other Government Departments and the State Agencies, as well as from the private sector, third level institutions and the creative sectors.

During the Conference, the Taoiseach launched a review of Ireland’s foreign policy: "The Global Island: Ireland’s Foreign Policy for a Changing World".

The total cost of the Conference was €65,515 and further details are set out below:

Vote	Heading	Subhead	Year of Expenditure	Value €
Vote 28	Administration	A2 Travel and subsistence	2014	20,798
Vote 28	Administration	A2 Travel and subsistence	2015	13,526
Vote 28	Administration	A3 Training and development and incidental expenses	2015	30,871
Vote 28	Administration	A5 Office equipment and external IT services	2015	320

Departmental Expenditure

Questions (33)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

33. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs for a breakdown, in tabular form, of the training and development and incidental expenses incurred by his Department under Vote 28 in each of the years 2013 to 2022. [34412/23]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs

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 Vote 28 for the years 2013-2022.

Description of Expenditure	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017
Advertising	372,783	176,208	220,384	138,244	368,257
Bank Charges	151,973	152,158	113,055	171,444	257,554
BIC Secretariat Funding	21,503	18,777	30,440	31,629	33,985
Books, Subscriptions and Publications	570,038	638,346	770,286	680,575	777,296
Currency Exchange Gain/Loss	1,004,382	-71,032	191,946	270,295	1,058,799
Documents on Irish Foreign Policy	148,847	152,614	165,590	195,272	280,314
Honorary Consuls	329,770	294,982	350,837	363,017	466,135
Legal and Settlement Costs	156,794	186,663	142,643	147,324	197,708
Official Entertainment	1,299,942	450,839	516,657	426,284	786,905
Professional Fees and Outsourcing	184,443	205,654	208,515	288,710	250,674
Prompt Payment Interest	3,074	1,323	3,125	1,953	1,990
Training and Development	904,023	544,234	616,903	572,709	720,217
Translation Services	235,578	177,657	141,056	111,785	146,910
Vehicle Costs	855,808	878,508	957,229	750,737	599,962
Vote 27 Mgmt Fee	-534,939	-317,839	-317,839	-329,550	-278,850
Wellbeing at Work Programme	-	-	-	-	-
Other Costs	384,077	147,908	143,277	172,324	124,104

Description of Expenditure	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022
Advertising	218,483	89,749	67,567	56,438	76,498
Bank Charges	296,335	360,363	393,718	540,726	734,954
BIC Secretariat Funding	34,179	33,592	41,789	34,963	34,870
Books, Subscriptions and Publications	766,127	735,902	664,063	780,372	720,379
Currency Exchange Gain/Loss	187,439	71,156	1,319,527	-293,225	-480,654
Documents on Irish Foreign Policy	213,250	244,104	219,401	221,139	243,975
Honorary Consuls	529,394	497,215	522,372	484,584	255,573
Legal and Settlement Costs	163,223	389,797	144,722	83,402	200,792
Official Entertainment	691,661	842,650	145,372	171,804	413,758
Professional Fees and Outsourcing	345,570	357,824	299,295	261,569	315,233
Prompt Payment Interest	3,947	8,972	11,990	8,936	13,532
Training and Development	788,842	849,677	812,932	850,980	1,079,010
Translation Services	197,728	271,362	-55,386	19,151	2,309,276
Vehicle Costs	882,061	915,094	635,925	775,921	1,049,463
Vote 27 Mgmt Fee	-304,200	-323,028	-304,200	-304,200	-304,200
Wellbeing at Work Programme	29,411	18,147	16,172	17,626	50,194
Other Costs	178,766	187,463	126,827	140,772	95,500

Departmental Expenditure

Questions (34)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

34. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs for a breakdown, in tabular form, of the training and development and incidental expenses incurred by his Department under Vote 27 in each of the years 2013 to 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34413/23]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs

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 Vote 27 for the years 2013-2022.

Description of Expenditure	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017
Advertising	20,461	23,592	29,494	28,661	21,697
Bank Charges	28,854	37,044	56,295	52,958	60,301
Books, Subscriptions and Publications	41,248	23,596	27,768	25,326	30,818
Cleaning	88,418	86,199	-	-	-
Currency Exchange Gain/Loss	-125,597	-159,099	-188,076	-238,188	-107,882
Legal and Settlement Costs	7,859	60,918	218,258	16,250	40,853
Official Entertainment	30,490	17,586	14,941	9,238	10,226
Professional Fees and Outsourcing	181,739	195,437	322,492	222,733	194,655
Prompt Payment Interest	346	661	249	254	1,695
Security	68,863	236,391	214,877	205,157	224,599
Training and Development	123,162	98,224	171,224	153,560	175,996
Translation Services	3,174	2,179	1,548	583	2,188
VAT Paid and Recoupable	69,244	132,982	158,135	99,620	115,211
Vehicle Costs	491,973	585,767	525,897	724,998	517,228
V28 Mgmt Fee	304,200	304,200	304,200	304,200	304,200
Other Costs	97,627	95,827	73,841	47,939	52,221

Description of Expenditure	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022
Advertising	16,417	25,894	10,329	7,705	26,511
Bank Charges	67,548	78,038	58,263	57,913	64,001
Books, Subscriptions and Publications	30,000	67,182	27,026	33,879	36,692
Cleaning	-	-	-	-	-
Currency Exchange Gain/Loss	-41,518	-14,548	64,012	57,425	-21,331
Legal and Settlement Costs	39,543	12,730	24,683	26,583	15,411
Official Entertainment	11,662	24,701	2,190	224	5,059
Professional Fees and Outsourcing	172,225	214,201	126,086	149,119	133,570
Prompt Payment Interest	2,067	2,677	1,333	4,744	304
Security	225,388	291,364	267,476	290,593	308,486
Training and Development	178,234	110,671	111,186	71,996	97,473
Translation Services	3,280	14,369	3,768	8,349	14,221
VAT Paid and Recoupable	113,563	129,055	94,951	106,007	144,741
Vehicle Costs	793,500	500,014	324,392	338,734	757,647
V28 Mgmt Fee	304,200	304,200	304,200	304,200	304,200
Other Costs	73,758	97,252	54,692	74,808	76,686

Departmental Expenditure

Questions (35)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

35. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to provide a breakdown, in tabular form, of the training and development and incidental expenses estimated to be incurred by his Department under Vote 28 in 2023. [34414/23]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs

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 the estimated expenditure in respect of Vote 28 for 2023.

Description of Expenditure	2023
Advertising	126,384
Bank Charges	731,578
BIC Secretariat Funding	34,500
Books, Subscriptions And Publications	728,542
Currency Exchange Gain/Loss	-300,000
Documents On Irish Foreign Policy	255,000
Honorary Consuls	485,000
Legal And Settlement Costs	553,220
Official Entertainment	562,000
Professional Fees And Outsourcing	526,713
Training And Development	1,524,130
Translation Services	134,650
Vehicle Costs	1,013,355
Vote 27 Management Fee	-304,200
Wellbeing at Work Programme	65,000
Other Costs	64,128

Departmental Expenditure

Questions (36)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

36. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to provide a breakdown, in tabular form, of the training and development and incidental expenses estimated to be incurred by his Department under Vote 27 in 2023. [34415/23]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs

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 the estimated expenditure in respect of Vote 27 for 2023.

Description of Expenditure	2023
Advertising	41,350
Bank Charges	58,450
Books, Subscriptions and Publications	55,650
Legal and Settlement Costs	42,000
Professional Fees and Outsourcing	29,200
Security	322,500
Training and Development	158,500
Translation Services	18,300
Vehicle Costs	776,700
Vote 28 Management Fee	304,200
Other Costs	163,150

Departmental Expenditure

Questions (37)

Seán Sherlock

Question:

37. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the amount paid by his Department in 2022 and to date in 2023 on outside/third-party reports of a technical nature or qualitative and quantitative nature, by payee, in tabular form. [34470/23]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs

My Department commissions outside or third party reports where highly specialised skills are not available internally and in particular, where ongoing independent evaluation of programmes and projects is necessary.

External expertise has informed, and continues to inform, my Department's strategies and policies and the effective delivery of our services to our citizens in a transparent and accountable manner representing value for money.

Such external expertise may involve the provision of specialised reports, expert analysis or expert technical services to the Department.

Provided is a table of people or organisations who provided third party reports to the Department of Foreign Affairs in 2022 and 2023 (to Date) and the amount they were paid.

Payee	Nature/Title of Report	Amount paid in 2022 and 2023 to date
Aisling Swaine	Consultancy to provide technical support on Gender Equality in the implementation of Ireland’s Policy for International Development	€19,188
Arab World for Research and Development(AWARD)	Gender Equality Review of the Development Framework for Palestine	€4,300
Bernard McLoughlin	Mission Strategy Review	€4,920
Conan McKenna	Review of Domestic Implementation of Restrictive Measures (Sanctions)	€2,914Note this was a shared cost between the Dept. of Foreign Affairs, the Dept. of Enterprise Trade and Employment, and the Dept. of Finance
Deirdre Farrell	Global Citizenship Education Strategic Partner Evaluation	€7,500
Derek Poate	Mission Strategy Review PretoriaMission Strategy Review Hanoi	€3,492
ECA Mobility Reports	Reports re International Accommodation Costs	€74,622
Gumfoot Consultancy Ltd	Support to Civil Society Fund	€19,273
Institute for Social and Environmental Transitions (ISET) International	Demining Review	€21,758
IOD Parc	Management Review of the International Development Programme	€63,598
Lynne Elliott	Mission Strategy Review	€1,500
Martin Rose	Global Citizenship Education Strategic Partner Evaluation	€16,538
Mary Ann Brocklesby	External Quality Assurance Uganda Mission Strategy	€1,625
Mercer Benchmarking Reports	Reports on International Salary Levels	€31,721
Mercer Mobility Reports	Reports re International Accommodation Costs	€7,887
Mokoro	Financial Risk Management Consultancy	€6,605
Nutrition Works	Nutrition Technical Support consultancy	€29,962
Public Good	Consultancy Services to undertake a mapping of initiatives funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs on Disability Inclusive Development and Humanitarian Action	€21,169
Vanessa Sheridan	Global Citizenship Education Strategic Partner Evaluation	€10,500

Departmental Expenditure

Questions (38)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

38. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if his Department referred the proposed funding for the Consultative Forum on International Security under the "training and development and incidental expenses" category within Vote 28, to the Department of Finance to determine whether the funding amounted to a new service or not, per the public financial procedure guidelines (PFP); if such a referral did occur, the outcome of same; if no referral occurred, the reasons for not referring the question to the Department of Finance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34518/23]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs

With a growing focus on security and defence issues across Europe and at national level, as Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence and with the support of the Government, I recently convened a national Consultative Forum on International Security Policy. The aim of the Forum was to provide an opportunity for a serious and honest conversation about the international security policy options available to the State, and the implications of each of these.

The Forum took place over four days in Cork, Galway and Dublin, and saw over 80 panellists moderating or speaking and approximately 1,000 attendees. Well over 600 submissions were received from the public and all discussions were live-streamed. These can also be watched back at www.gov.ie/ConsultativeForum.

Costs related to the Forum are being split on an equal basis between the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Defence. Costs arising for the Department of Foreign Affairs are being met from existing resources in Vote 28 and are a charge on the Department’s allocation for “training and development and incidental expenses”.

The Department did not refer the organisation of the Consultative Forum to the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform - which assumed responsibility in 2011 for functions previously assigned to the Department of Finance in the Public Financial Procedures - as it did not involve the provision of a new service.

I am fully satisfied that the ambit of Vote 28, as approved by Dáil Éireann, is sufficiently wide to cover the convening of a Forum of this kind, and that the organisation of a Forum of this kind is also consistent with the statutory functions allocated to the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Passport Services

Questions (39, 40)

Paul Kehoe

Question:

39. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs whether he has given any consideration to implementing or has undertaken any review, report or research into the feasibility of sending notice of expiration of passports to all passport holders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34549/23]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

40. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the estimated additional costs that would be accrued for the implementation of a renewal notice system (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34551/23]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs

I propose to take Questions Nos. 39 and 40 together.

The Passport Service takes every opportunity to remind citizens to check their passport validity. Each year the Passport Service proactively plans for the demand forecasted for the following year. Part of this planning involves a public communications strategy carried out by my Department, with a view to ensuring passport demand is manageable throughout the year, by encouraging citizens to apply in plenty of time for their passport prior to travel. The Department rolls out extensive media and communications campaigns annually for the Passport Service that encourage citizens to “look before they book” and regularly check passport expiry dates.

The 2022 communications campaign for passports ran throughout the year over print, broadcast and digital mediums, as well as stadium, event and airport advertising. It included advertisements in national and local radio, as well as advertisements in national press and social media. My Department also issued a press release at the end of 2022, which contained a reminder to citizens to check the validity of their passports and to renew if required. This press release received significant coverage across national media.

My Department has rolled out a similar media and communications campaign for 2023, with a Digital First focus. The campaign aims to encourage citizens to check their passport before booking travel, and to apply for their passport online and in plenty of time. This campaign began in December, with digital, print and social media advertisements. Radio advertisements commenced in January, followed by outdoor advertising in February. All advertisements remind citizens to check the validity of their passports before booking travel.

Indications are that the campaign has had the desired effect. The Passport Service received over 148,000 applications in January, the second highest monthly figure on record. Over 92% of these applicants applied online. The number of applications coming in remains high, and the Passport Service has issued almost 600,000 passports to date in 2023.

The Passport Service has an obligation to balance its customer-centric aspirations with its data protection obligations. Unlike car tax or travel insurance, adult passports only expire every 10 years and individuals may have moved residence on multiple occasions in the interim.

As the Deputy will appreciate, the Department has a statutory obligation from a data protection perspective to only use personal data, including which may include home addresses or email addresses, where it is satisfied the data is accurate and up-to-date and would, therefore, be precluded from automatically using addresses used for the dispatch of passports 10 years ago.

In line with the Department’s Digital First Strategy, the new passport system being developed by the Department under the Passport Reform Programme 2022-2025 intends to allow this new passport system to interact with the Government’s Digital Postbox. Once this new passport system is live from 2025, it is envisaged that citizens applying for a passport for the first time or renewing their passport will be able to opt in to receive electronic communications from the Passport Office, including passport expiry reminder notices, via this Digital Postbox. Further information on the Government’s Digital Postbox is available at www.digitalpostbox.ie.

Question No. 40 answered with Question No. 39.

Middle East

Questions (41)

Jim O'Callaghan

Question:

41. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his response to the latest Israeli incursion in Jenin; the action Ireland is taking in relation to this; what engagement he has had with other EU foreign ministers on the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34568/23]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs

I am deeply concerned by the recent incursion by Israeli security forces into Jenin. The operation was significant in scale, involving the use of live fire in a built up civilian area and resulting in numerous casualties. Roads were bulldozed, critical public infrastructure was damaged, more than 3,000 people were displaced, resulting in a significant worsening of the humanitarian situation within the camp. I condemn such impacts on innocent civilians.

I continue to raise the situation in the occupied Palestinian territory as a matter of priority at EU level. While last week’s incursion was ongoing, I was engaged in consultations with the EU Special Representative on the Middle East Peace Process. His programme in Dublin also included exchanges at senior official level, hosted by my Department, on his efforts to reinvigorate a political perspective, which is sorely lacking at the present time. In view of unfolding events, we also exchanged views on the deteriorating security and human rights situation on the ground.

On 4 July, the EU High Representative, Josep Borrell, expressed deep concern about the grave escalation in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory and stressed that civilians, especially children, must be protected under all circumstances and that the use of force must be proportionate and only a means of last resort, when strictly unavoidable in order to protect life, in line with international humanitarian law. I welcome that the forthcoming Foreign Affairs Council on 20 July will also afford an opportunity for EU Foreign Ministers to discuss recent developments in Jenin and the wider situation in the occupied Palestinian territory.

Diplomatic Representation

Questions (42)

Brendan Howlin

Question:

42. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will set out the number of officers at the Embassy of the Russian Federation who have been notified to his Department under Article 10 of the Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations, and any changes in the number notified in the past six months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34626/23]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs

There are currently 20 officers at the Embassy of the Russian Federation to Ireland who have been notified to my Department under Article 10 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations - 8 Diplomats and 12 Administrative and Technical staff.

Since 1 January 2023, my Department has been notified, under Article 10 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, of the departure of 3 Diplomats and 2 Administrative and Technical staff at the Embassy of the Russian Federation to Ireland.

Prior to Russia's invasion of Ukraine there were a total of 30 officers at the Embassy - 14 Diplomats and 16 Administrative and Technical staff.

Ireland continues to coordinate closely with other EU Member States on our engagement with Russia, including keeping numbers of embassy personnel under review.

Diplomatic Representation

Questions (43)

Brendan Howlin

Question:

43. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of Irish diplomatic and support staff assigned to the Irish Embassy in Moscow; if there have been any changes in this number in the past two years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34628/23]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs

There are currently three Irish posted staff members at the Embassy of Ireland in Moscow – the Ambassador, the Deputy Head of Mission, and one immigration officer from the Department of Justice.

In 2021, there were a total of eight Irish posted staff, which included three officers from the Department of Justice. Two posted staff were expelled in April 2022 by the Russian Government, in response to the expulsion of four officials at the Russian Embassy in Dublin. The reduction in numbers also reflects reduced economic activity as a result of EU sanctions on Russia in response to their ongoing aggression in Ukraine.

The Embassy employs fifteen Russian national staff members who provide administrative, technical and service support. This number has decreased by nine in the last two years.

Overseas Development Aid

Questions (44)

Brendan Howlin

Question:

44. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the budget for overseas development assistance in 2022, and the expected amount in 2023; the proportion of GNI that has been committed; if he will provide a breakdown of the various programmes under which ODA is spent; the amount assigned to each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34642/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs

For 2022, the Government provided a total allocation for Official Development Assistance (ODA) of €1.045 billion. This was the first year the allocation exceeded €1 billion. The actual outturn for 2022 has been calculated for submission in the coming weeks to the OECD, which monitors levels of ODA internationally. It shows the exceptional impact of ODA-eligible costs of services for Ukrainian refugees in Ireland in their first year, resulting in an overall ODA level of €2.33 billion, representing 0.64% of GNP. Excluding costs related to hosting Ukrainian refugees, 2022 ODA was €1.446 billion, or 0.40% of GNP. None of the costs associated with the reception of Ukrainian refugees were sourced from the Government's original ODA allocation for 2022, and this will also be the situation in 2023.

For 2023, the Government has provided a gross allocation to ODA of over €1.233 billion, which is the ninth consecutive year in which the allocation for ODA has increased. It includes €716 million for the Irish Aid programme managed by the Department of Foreign Affairs as well as ODA contributions from other Government Departments and Ireland's share of the EU Development cooperation budget.

Each year the Department of Foreign Affairs reports to the OECD Development Assistance Committee on overall expenditure on ODA against a set of internationally agreed statistical standards. This analysis informs the annual Irish Aid report which includes details of the the various programmes under which ODA is spent. The Irish Aid annual reports are available publicly on the internet (Where the Money Goes - Department of Foreign Affairs (irishaid.ie)).

Ireland's development programme has a strong global reputation and a strong commitment to quality. The 2020 OECD Peer Review of Ireland's development cooperation found Ireland to be a strong voice for sustainable development which invests in strong partnerships with civil society and is effective in addressing fragility. Also in 2020, the international think-tank ODI found Ireland to be the most principled donor country in allocating overseas development.

Equality Issues

Questions (45)

Cian O'Callaghan

Question:

45. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the current status of Actions 25.1-25.4 and 26.4 of the National LGBTI Inclusion Strategy (for which his Department is responsible), regarding the promotion of LGBTI rights internationally and providing information to Irish LGBI travellers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34702/23]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs

The promotion and protection of the rights of LGBTI+ persons is a domestic and foreign policy priority for Ireland.

Ireland supports efforts at international human rights fora to highlight and advance LGBTI+ rights, including through the European Union, the UN Human Rights Council, the Third Committee of the UN General Assembly, the Council of Europe, the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development.

Ireland strongly supports the UN Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, and participates in Interactive Dialogues with the Independent Expert at the UN in Geneva and New York, most recently at the June 2023 session of the Human Rights Council.

Ireland is a member of the UN LGBTI Core Group at the UN in New York and is an active contributor to the shaping of Core Group statements and events at the UN. Ireland is also a member of the Equal Rights Coalition (ERC), an intergovernmental body providing a forum for States to work together with civil society, cooperation agencies, and international organisations, among others to facilitate the exchange of information and best practices to create policies and actions that promote and protect the human rights and lives of LGBTI+ persons globally.

The Government is in regular dialogue with civil society groups and takes account of their views when providing inputs and recommendations on issues relating to sexual orientation and gender identity at the UN Human Rights Council’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR). Sexual orientation and gender identity is one of the issues Ireland raises most frequently at the UPR – Ireland routinely makes recommendations concerning the repeal of discriminatory legal provisions; the implementation of comprehensive anti-discrimination policies; and ensuring equal rights for the families of same-sex couples.

Globally, working with like-minded partners, Ireland’s mission network plays an active role in advocating for the rights of LGBTI+ persons, including promoting human rights and equality, highlighting discrimination and human rights violations, as well as advocating for the decriminalisation of homosexuality where it exists and against its criminalisation where this is contemplated.

Our diplomats also actively support LGBTI+ rights by participating in Pride parades and similar events across the world and offering support to LGBTI+ civil society organisations.

The Government’s Diaspora Strategy 2020-2025 undertakes to celebrate the diversity of our diaspora and in particular to support our LGBTQI diaspora. With that in mind, the Government has, through its Emigrant Support Programme, provided financial support to a number of projects organised by LGBTQI diaspora groups and looks forward to doing so again in the future.

The Department of Foreign Affairs website includes a dedicated page for LGBTI+ travellers (dfa.ie/travel/know-before-you-go/lgbt/). LGBTI+ travellers are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the country specific travel advice before travelling.

Waste Management

Questions (46)

Pádraig O'Sullivan

Question:

46. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question No. 346 of 27 June 2023, when people in rural areas will be able to access brown bins as per the Waste Action Plan; the reason for the extreme delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34428/23]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

My Department is currently preparing regulations which will require every household in the State on a waste collection service to be provided with a separate organic waste collection service. This is in line with commitments given in the Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy and will also satisfy the requirements of the Waste Framework Directive for Member States to ensure that, by 31 December 2023, bio-waste (organic waste) is either separated and recycled at source, or is collected separately and is not mixed with other types of waste.

Departmental Expenditure

Questions (47)

Seán Sherlock

Question:

47. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the amount paid by his Department in 2022 and to date in 2023 on outside/third-party reports of a technical nature or qualitative and quantitative nature, by payee, in tabular form. [34468/23]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

The information requested in the Question is being compiled by my Department and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Renewable Energy Generation

Questions (48)

Steven Matthews

Question:

48. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will consider an adjustment to the tax exemption limit of €200 per annum for domestic solar microgeneration to further incentivise their installation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34482/23]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

I have no role in this matter. Taxation and tax exemptions, including the tax exemption on income from domestic microgeneration, are managed by Revenue and within the purview of the Minister for Finance.

Environmental Policy

Questions (49)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

49. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the details of the progress made to date on reducing single-use plastics; the details of plans to ban single-use plastics; the timelines for same; the details of any public awareness campaigns undertaken by his Department to raise awareness of obligations to reduce single-use plastics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34525/23]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications (Deputy Eamon Ryan)

In July 2021, the Single Use Plastics Regulations came into effect. These regulations banned a range of single-use plastic items (SUP), including cutlery, plates, beverage stirrers, food containers and beverage cups and containers made of expanded polystyrene and all products made from oxo-degradable plastic.

The regulations also include mandatory labelling for certain products, informing consumers of the presence of plastic and the impact that littering and inappropriate disposal of those products has on the environment.

A Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) was launched in November 2022 to maximise the recyclability of plastic bottles. DRS aims to increase recycling rates and reduce the litter caused by beverage containers. The scheme will be operational from 1 February 2024.

In addition, the SUP regulations mandate the establishment of a number new Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes. Since January 2023, EPRs are in place for single use packaging items and for tobacco filter products containing plastic, while EPRs for wet wipes, balloons and fishing gear will be in place from end 2024. Producers of these products have a responsibility to finance the collection and environmentally-sound waste management of their products at end of life. This includes contributing to the cost of data gathering, litter clean up and awareness raising measures.

The Circular Economy Act, signed into law at the end of July, provides the Minister with the power to introduce levies and bans on a range of single use items. Levies and bans will be implemented through secondary legislation. The immediate focus is on the introduction of a levy on single-use cups for hot drinks (Coffee Cup Levy). Regulations to introduce this levy have been drafted and the Department plans to bring these into force as soon as is possible.

These measures have been and continue to be promoted on the platform 'MyWaste', an initiative of the Regional Waste Management Offices on behalf of my Department. A broader campaign to raise awareness of the Circular Economy more generally was launched last year by my Department. 'It's time to go Circular' introduces the public to the concept of circularity and lays the groundwork for more targeted campaigns around selected themes. For example, specific campaigns to prepare for the introduction of the coffee cup levy and deposit return later this year are in design.

Sustainable Energy Communities

Questions (50, 51)

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

50. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of sustainable energy communities that gained access to a grid connection in 2022, Q1 2023 and Q2 2023, per local authority, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34592/23]

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

51. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of sustainable energy communities that were on a waiting list to gain access to a grid connection in 2022, Q1 2023 and Q2 2023, per local authority, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34593/23]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

I propose to take Questions Nos. 50 and 51 together.

Responsibility for the regulation of the electricity market is a matter for the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) which is an independent regulator, accountable to a committee of the Oireachtas and not the Minister. The CRU was assigned responsibility for the regulation of the Irish electricity sector following the enactment of the Electricity Regulation Act, 1999 and subsequent legislation. The management of new connections to the electricity grid, including Community Led Energy Projects is a matter for ESB Networks, under rules determined by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU).

ESB Networks are independent of the Minister in the exercise of their functions. The CRU and ESB Networks have respective contact email addresses for Deputies, of which they are aware, should they wish to raise matters of concern such as those raised in the questions. In this instance, my Department has forwarded the queries raised in the questions to the ESB for their attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

Question No. 51 answered with Question No. 50.