Written Answers Nos. 93-107
93. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Taoiseach if any chief executive of a State/semi-State body or other public body under the aegis of his Department received any benefit from taxable benefits being paid on their behalf by the body/organisation for each of the years 2019 to date; if so, the amount and details, in tabular form. [40770/23]
View answerNo taxable benefits were paid, during the period 2019 to date, on behalf of the Chief Officer of the National Economic and Social Development Office (NESDO), which is the only body under the aegis of the Department.
94. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Taoiseach if he will clarify a matter (details supplied). [40957/23]
View answerI can confirm that the housing stock figure of 2,112,121 from Census 2022 includes 66,956 holiday homes.
95. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Taoiseach whether data is collected on rates of child poverty, particularly in areas of deprivation, as defined by Pobal, by his Department or any relevant bodies; the methods used; and the subsets under which this data is collected. [41134/23]
View answerThe Pobal HP Deprivation index is a widely used social gradient metric, which scores each small area (50 – 200 households) in terms of affluence or disadvantage. The index uses information from Ireland’s census, such as employment, age profile and educational attainment, to calculate this score.
The CSO Survey on Income and Living Conditions (SILC) is a household survey covering a broad range of issues in relation to income and living conditions. It is the official source of data on household and individual income and provides a number of key national poverty indicators, such as the at risk of poverty rate, the consistent poverty rate, and rates of enforced deprivation. The at risk of poverty rate is the share of persons with an equivalised income below a given percentage (usually 60%) of the national median income. Enforced deprivation is defined as not being able to afford to buy two or more of 11 basic deprivation indicators. Consistent poverty is defined as those who are both at risk of poverty and experiencing enforced deprivation.
Results from the survey are published annually at both an overall state level and by the following demographic characteristics; Sex, Age Group, Principal Economic Status, Highest education level attained, Household composition, Number of persons at work in the household, Tenure status, Urban/rural location, NUTS2 Region. The breakdowns by demographic characteristics are restricted by the limitations of the sample size. Reliability of results are dependent on sufficient sample sizes being achieved for each sub-cohort. Unlike the Pobal HP Deprivation Index which is based on Census data, estimates from the SILC are not available at the small area level. Sample sizes are published along with the results.
The most recent results published for SILC 2022 can be found on the CSO website.
In relation to child poverty, the at risk of poverty rate, the consistent poverty rate, and rates of enforced deprivation are available for those aged 0-17. See table below of most recent results by Age Group from SILC 2022:
|
Age group |
At risk of poverty rate |
Deprivation rate |
Consistent poverty rate |
|
0-17 |
15.2 |
19.9 |
7.5 |
|
18-34 |
7.8 |
19.8 |
4 |
|
35-49 |
10.7 |
18.3 |
4.6 |
|
50-64 |
14.6 |
16 |
6.6 |
|
65+ |
19 |
12.7 |
3.3 |
96. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Taoiseach the number of Bills prepared by his Department in the 33rd Dáil to date; the number and title of those Bills that included a Regulatory Impact Assessment; and the title of the RIAs published by his Department [41598/23]
View answerNo Bills relating to this Department have been prepared in the period specified.
97. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the timescale for the processing of an application for inclusion on the foreign births register (details supplied). [40985/23]
View answerForeign Birth Registration (FBR) applications are currently being processed within the normal turnaround time of 9 months from receipt of all required supporting documents. Applications that require further supporting documents will take longer to process.
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 FBR application about which the Deputy has enquired, supporting documents were submitted on 14 September 2023. The application is presently at the preliminary registration and document scanning processing stage. In line with current turnaround time of 9 months, this application will fall due for processing in June 2024.
98. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of outstanding applicants for foreign birth registration in each of the years 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023; the average waiting time for applicants in each of the years 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023; the number of applicants waiting longer than a year for their application to be processed; and the reason for delays in processing foreign birth registrations. [41042/23]
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. In 2015, prior to Brexit, less than 6,000 entries were made to the Foreign Births Register. In 2022, a peak number of 20,000 entries were made to the Register.
Arising from Covid-19 restrictions, and the subsequent reassignment of FBR staff to assist in the provision of essential passport and consular services, the Foreign Birth Registration service was paused for a significant period across 2020 and 2021. During this time, processing was available for emergency FBR applications such as those submitted by stateless persons.
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. A significant proportion of FBR applications are incomplete on initial receipt and require additional supporting documents in order to allow the Passport Service to progress the application. The Passport Service contacts applicants to request required additional documents. Given the complexity of the applications, it can take some time for applicants to submit all of the required documents.
My Department has put in place a number of measures that have addressed the volume of FBR applications over the past year and has made significant progress in reducing the processing time for these citizenship applications. The processing time has reduced from 18 months to 2 years in 2022 to under 9 months in 2023. The Passport Service will continue to invest additional resources in the FBR unit with a view to further reducing the processing time by end of this year.
There are currently 4,000 FBR applications in the system for more than 12 months. These are applications that are incomplete and are on hold pending receipt of additional information or documentation from the applicants.
The figures requested by the Deputy are outlined below in tabular form.
FBR applications on hand with the Passport Service 2018-2023
|
Year Application Received |
FBR Applications On Hand* |
|
2018 |
550 |
|
2019 |
1,000 |
|
2020 |
550 |
|
2021 |
550 |
|
2022 |
3,400 |
|
2023 |
23,000 |
*Applications on hand that were received between 2018 and December 2022 are on hold pending receipt of additional required documentation from the applicants.
FBR application turnaround times 2018-2023
|
Year |
Turnaround Time |
|
2018 |
6 months |
|
2019 |
12-18 months |
|
2020 |
12-18 months - Service paused due to Covid |
|
2021 |
24 months - Service paused due to Covid until November 2021 |
|
2022 |
18-24 months |
|
2023 |
9 Months |
99. Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to outline Ireland's position on the need to reopen the Lachin corridor route between Nagorno- Karabach and Armenia; if Ireland would raise the issue directly with our European partners and the United Nations, with a view towards ensuring through passage by means of humanitarian corridors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41057/23]
View answerThe significant developments in Nagorno-Karabakh are a matter of serious concern to Ireland and our EU partners, and our priority remains the humanitarian situation on the ground. On 18 September, we were encouraged by the simultaneous passage of humanitarian supplies from Armenia via the Lachin corridor and from Azerbaijan via Aghdam into Nagorno-Karabakh. However, as you will be aware, the following day, on 19 September, there was a significant military escalation by Azerbaijan in the region. We promptly reacted, calling for an immediate ceasefire and for a return to dialogue, amplifying the appeal of High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission (HR/VP) Josep Borrell.
In the context of a ceasefire announcement to come into effect at 1pm local time on 20 September, the EU Political and Security Committee (PSC) was swiftly convened and a meeting took place that day to receive a briefing on recent developments from EU Special Representative Toivo Klaar, and the European External Action Service (EEAS). The EU remains ready to provide humanitarian assistance and, on 21 September, the European Commission confirmed the mobilisation of €500,000 to support the populations affected by the escalation of hostilities, in addition to €1.17 million in humanitarian assistance provided already this year.
At the UN Security Council meeting convened on 21 September, HR/VP Borrell underscored Azerbaijan’s responsibility to ensure full respect for the rights and security of Karabakh Armenians, and appealed to Azerbaijan to ensure unimpeded humanitarian access. Ireland echoed the HR/VP’s calls for respect for the ceasefire, and for immediate engagement by the parties in genuine and comprehensive dialogue.
Ireland has also been engaged at the OSCE on these developments, taking part in the special Permanent Council meeting convened on 20 September at the request of Armenia. During this meeting, the EU stressed the importance of humanitarian access, and urged the use of dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the situation. The OSCE Chair-in-Office has also been holding high-level meetings with relevant parties to emphasise the paramount importance of meeting the humanitarian needs of civilians. As expressed in his 20 September statement, the OSCE Chair-in-Office also stands ready to facilitate dialogue, and Ireland expressed our support for the OSCE’s efforts to facilitate a sustainable solution to this crisis, with the rights and security of civilians at its core.
Ireland will continue to engage at the bilateral, EU and multilateral level to reiterate the humanitarian imperative of protecting the rights and security of Karabakh Armenians, as well as the EU and OSCE's commitment to support the resumption of negotiations in view of concluding a comprehensive and sustainable peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
100. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to outline the assistance which Irish citizens can expect to receive from his Department or from Irish embassies or consulates abroad in the event of an emergency hospitalisation while abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41086/23]
View answerThe Department of Foreign Affairs provides consular assistance within the remit of our Consular Assistance Charter which is available on the department's website: Consular Assistance Charter - Department of Foreign Affairs (dfa.ie) In the event that an Irish citizen becomes sick or injured abroad, consular assistance in provided in line with the following published guidance: Sick or injured abroad - Department of Foreign Affairs (dfa.ie).
101. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will recognise the State of Palestine in the lifetime of this Government; and if so, if he will lay out a timeline for this to happen. [41124/23]
View answerThe Programme for Government states that the Government will “honour our commitment to recognise the State of Palestine as part of a lasting settlement of the conflict, or in advance of that, when we believe doing so will progress efforts to reach a two-State solution or protect the integrity of Palestinian territory”.
In the absence of progress towards a two-State solution, I would be prepared to recommend to the Government recognition by Ireland of a State of Palestine, if and when it might be helpful, and this is a matter which I discuss regularly with EU colleagues.
The timing and context of any such decision would affect whether the resulting loss of influence would be matched by a commensurate benefit for the Palestinian people and a positive impact on the peace process and a two-State solution. My judgement at present is that this is not the case.
102. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if the Government will pursue legal action against the British government over the passing of the Legacy Bill in Westminster; if he has consulted the Attorney General on this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41161/23]
View answerI understand that the Northern Ireland Legacy Bill received Royal Assent on 18 September. Since this Bill was introduced at Westminster in May 2022, the Government, together with all the main political parties in Northern Ireland, victims and their representatives, church leaders and civic society, have consistently expressed strong opposition to the approach to dealing with the past which the UK government have taken.
I take every opportunity to raise these concerns with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. I have repeatedly made clear to him my clear view that the approach proposed is not compliant with the European Convention on Human Rights and would damage reconciliation efforts in Northern Ireland. The UK Government are aware that our preferred approach to dealing with these issues would be that agreed by the two Governments, together with Northern Ireland leaders, at Stormont House.
The Stormont House Agreement was the result of an inclusive, all-party process and enjoyed significant support from those most directly impacted by the Troubles. This Bill, in contrast, was introduced without meaningful consultation with those most affected, victims, civil society, and Northern Ireland parties, and with no genuine engagement with the Irish Government. The enactment of this Bill will not draw a line under legacy issues, but will instead ensure that it remains a source of contention, suspicion and mistrust.
This Bill has been the subject of significant international criticism. On 19 September, the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe expressed its serious concern with the Bill for the sixth time, and invited the Chair to send a letter to the UK authorities outlining the concerns of the Committee. This is a significant step following the adoption of an interim resolution in June 2023, and demonstrates the strength of opposition among Member States.
I am aware of calls for consideration of the initiation of an inter-state case against the United Kingdom before the European Court of Human Rights in relation to the UK Legacy Bill. Many of those calls come from groups representing victims, and from elected members of this House. As the Taoiseach and I have stated, the Government have sought legal advice on this matter via the Attorney General. When that advice is received the Government will consider what subsequent action will be taken.
103. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of Bills prepared by his Department in the 33rd Dáil to date; the number and title of those Bills that included a Regulatory Impact Assessment; the title of the RIAs published by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41590/23]
View answerTwo Bills were prepared by my Department in the 33rd Dáil to date.
The Withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union Consequential Provisions Act 2020 (no. 23 of 2020) was enacted on 10 December 2020.
The Act consists of 22 Parts under the remits of Ministers responsible for 11 different Government Departments, 20 of which have been commenced. While no formal Regulatory Impact Assessment was conducted, the Memorandum for Government approving the General Scheme of the Act included a section on Regulatory Impact Assessment as provided for in the Cabinet Handbook in cases where a formal Regulatory Impact Assessment is not conducted.
The Maritime Jurisdiction Act 2021 (no. 28 of 2021) was prepared by the Department of Foreign Affairs with the advice of the Attorney General and in consultation with other Departments, and enacted on 22 July 2021.
The Act consolidates existing legislation but does not introduce any new regulatory requirements. It also makes further and more detailed provision in domestic law for the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which the State ratified in 1996. In these circumstances it was not necessary to conduct a Regulatory Impact Assessment.
104. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on recent representations with the Government of Colombia; and if he will make a statement on reported threats of violence against teachers unions, including the Colombian Federation of Educators in Colombia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41612/23]
View answerIreland and Colombia enjoy excellent, long-standing relations across a range of areas and we maintain close contact with the Colombian Government across all levels. The Embassy of Ireland in Bogotá has very regular contact with interlocutors from the Colombian Government on all areas of our bilateral relationship, while officials in my Department also maintain close contact with officials from the Embassy of Colombia in Dublin.
My own most recent direct engagement with the Colombian Government was my meeting with Colombian Foreign Minister Alvaro Leyva at the Munich Security Conference in February. Our meeting covered a broad range of issues; I spoke of the strong, wide-ranging relationship between Ireland and Colombia, and received thanks from Minister Leyva for Ireland’s continued support for the Colombian Peace Process and our work on the United Nations Security Council.
In relation to reported threats of violence against teachers unions, I am concerned at all threats and acts of violence against unions and their members, including those referenced in the Deputy's question, and I condemn the recent violence against teachers and trade unionists in Colombia. Ireland will continue to support the protection of these groups, as well as all vulnerable and minority groups in Colombia, including through advocacy at the multilateral and bilateral levels, and by funding a range of non-governmental organisations working on human rights and related issues in the country.
Ireland also continues to actively support peacebuilding in Colombia as a key priority, with a view to ensuring a peaceful future for all Colombians, and we remain firmly committed to supporting the implementation of the 2016 Colombian Peace Agreement, as well as the “Total Peace” policy of the current administration. Our support to peacebuilding in Colombia is channelled through local engagement and multilateral engagement in a range of fora, as well as through funding directed through the EU, the UN and various non-governmental organisations, and a lesson sharing programme based on our own experience of peacebuilding on this island.
My Department will continue to monitor the issues raised by the Deputy and to raise those concerns at the appropriate level.
105. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications how the NIS2 Directive on cybersecurity will be implemented in Ireland; and whether consultation and an information campaign are planned to better inform the public and affected bodies. [40990/23]
View answerDirective (EU) 2022/2555 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 December 2022 on measures for a high common level of cybersecurity across the Union, amending Regulation (EU) No 910/2014 and Directive (EU) 2018/1972, and repealing Directive (EU) 2016/1148, also known as the NIS 2 Directive was agreed last December and published in the Official Journal of the European Union on 27 December 2022. The NIS 2 Directive is a major step forward for cyber resilience in Europe and will enhance cyber risk management across the Union including generating significant improvements in our capacity to respond to major incidents and developing the information-sharing platforms which are proving effective to date.
Following a Government decision last June, officials in my Department are drafting Heads of a Bill for the transposition of the Directive. Work has begun on the preparation of a general scheme which will be considered by Government, with a view to meeting a transposition deadline of 17th October 2024.
Officials in my Department have been engaging with a wide range of stakeholders with regard to the implications of this important legislation. A public consultation on the Commission's proposal for the Directive was held in 2021 to inform our national position for negotiations at EU level. It is not proposed to hold a further public consultation on the transposition of the Directive. There are plans in train to implement a national communications campaign to raise awareness of the Directive which will commence in the coming months.
106. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to state all detail in relation to the decision to pay taxable benefits to the CEO of €64,000 which have been included in the 2002 annual returns for Bord na Móna, in particular how the decision was made; and by whom; if he was consulted in relation to it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41052/23]
View answerThe CEO’s overall remuneration package, including taxable benefits, is determined by a sub-committee of the Board, in line with the company’s statutory obligations and the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies - Remuneration and Superannuation Terms.
The CEO's contracted terms and conditions are subject to approval by the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications and the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform. Ministerial sanction was provided in 2018 for the appointment and contract of the Chief Executive of Bord na Móna.
Payment of taxable benefits is a matter for the company in line with tax law.
The remuneration of the CEO of Bord na Móna is a matter of public record and is disclosed, in full, in Bord na Móna’s annual report and accounts. This includes salary, pension contributions and all taxable benefits.
107. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he and his Department will support Inland Fisheries Ireland in any potential marketing campaign to promote Lough Corrib SAC as a carp fishery for angling tourism-purposes, considering the recent finding of carp in the lake; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41091/23]
View answerMy officials have liaised with Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) on this matter.
IFI has informed me that one common carp (Cyprinus Carpio ) was recorded in Lough Corrib during stock management operations but that no other common carp have been recorded in fish stock surveys of the lake to date.
Common Carp (Cyprinus Carpio) is one of four fish species listed as a non-native species subject to restrictions under Regulations 49 and 50 of the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 [SI. 477]. Therefore, it would be inappropriate to support any potential marketing campaign to facilitate a fishery for a non-native species in a Special Area of Conservation.
