Written Answers Nos. 146-166
146. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to provide a status update on the works taking place at the Magazine Fort in the Phoenix Park; the expected duration or the works; to provide a timeline for the opening of the site to general public-access; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49373/23]
View answerMy officials are currently looking into this matter and I will revert to the Deputy shortly with a more substantive response.
147. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform what plans his Department has to reduce the risk of flooding nationwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49282/23]
View answerThe Office of Public Works, as the lead agency for flood risk management, is coordinating the delivery of measures towards meeting the Government’s National Flood Risk Policy.
A broad range of structural and non-structural measures have already been implemented to address flood risk under an approach structured around three pillars: prevention, protection and preparedness.
In 2018, to establish those communities that are at risk from significant flood events, the OPW completed the largest study of flood risk ever undertaken by the State: the Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme. The CFRAM Programme studied 80% of Ireland’s primary flood risk and identified solutions that can protect over 95% of that risk. Some 150 additional flood relief schemes were identified through this Programme.
The Government has committed €1.3 billion to the delivery of these flood relief schemes over the lifetime of the National Development Plan to 2030 to protect approximately 23,000 properties in communities that are under threat from river and coastal flood risk. Since 2018, as part of a phased approach to scheme delivery, this funding has allowed the OPW, in partnership with local authorities throughout the country, to treble the number of schemes at design, planning and construction to some 100 schemes at this time.
The implementation of flood relief projects is a very complex process with significant challenges. Designing a technical solution, ensuring a robust approach to the environmental assessments, and meeting other regulatory requirements are essential to both inform the best scheme and to reduce the risk of challenges to a proposed scheme.
To date, 54 schemes have been completed, which are providing protection to over 12,000 properties and an economic benefit to the State in damage and losses avoided estimated to be in the region of €1.9 billion. Consequently, work to protect 80% of all at-risk properties nationally is completed or underway.
Of the flood relief schemes being progressed through the various stages from scheme development through to planning, detailed design, construction and handover, seven schemes are currently at construction stage and, once completed, these schemes will provide flood protection to approximately 1,700 properties.
Schemes currently being delivered have been prioritised as Tranche I schemes. Also included in these active schemes are four Tranche II Pilot projects. The pilot, which I announced in May 2023, is in response to engagement between OPW and local authorities to agree a planned national approach to future schemes. Consequently, a new delivery model for flood relief schemes is being piloted which will better inform the future Tranche II schemes' delivery.
In addition to the flood relief schemes noted above, the OPW Minor Flood Mitigation Works & Coastal Protection Scheme provides funding to Local Authorities to undertake minor flood mitigation or coastal protection works or studies to address localised flooding and coastal protection problems within their administrative areas. This scheme provides 90% funding to local authorities to manage localised flood risk.
Information on the status of flood relief schemes and data on Minor Works is available at www.floodinfo.ie.
148. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the current status of the Lough Funshinagh Flood Relief Scheme in County Roscommon; the timeline for progressing this project to Stage IV Implementation/Construction phase; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49514/23]
View answerRoscommon County Council is leading the response to the flooding risk at Lough Funshinagh, Co. Roscommon.
Under my direction senior officials from the Office of Public Works (OPW) met with officials from Roscommon County Council during 2022 focusing on identifying possible approaches to a viable solution to manage the flooding risk at Lough Funshinagh.
In December 2022 Roscommon County Council and the OPW agreed to establish an Expert Working Group to support and help to identify the pathway to finding a means of progressing a viable solution. The membership of this Expert Working Group includes cross departmental and agency representation.
The initial work of the Expert Group was to scope out the requirements for a commission to undertake the necessary surveys and investigations. This work is being informed by a review, by the OPW, of the evidence and research on the nature and functioning of Lough Funshinagh. The brief for the necessary surveys and investigations required have been progressed, but due to the current market conditions there has been difficulty procuring these services.
A Steering Group being led by the Council, with representation from the OPW oversee the work to identify a viable solution to manage the flooding risk at Lough Funshinagh. The Steering Group has been meeting throughout the past year and is meeting again this week and will discuss progression of the necessary surveys and investigations and the estimated timelines to progress to implementation.
I can assure the Deputy that I am doing all that I can to support both the community and Roscommon County Council in progressing this matter to find an effective and sustainable solution to address the flooding risk in the area.
149. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the current status of works on the removal of the pinch points in the Shannon Callows between Athlone and Meelick Weir; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49516/23]
View answerThe Shannon Callows is a natural floodplain, which floods in winter. Summer flooding in the Shannon Callows region is also a real concern when there is heavy summer rainfall.
Possible approaches to provide a long term solution to summer flooding in the Shannon Callows are being developed by the Shannon Flood Risk State Agency Co-ordination Working Group (the Group). The Shannon Callows includes two sites designated under European Environmental legislation, the River Shannon Callows SAC and the Middle Shannon Callows SPA.
The Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management Programme (CFRAM) included a Shannon CFRAM Study which identified possible benefits of removing constrictions or ‘pinch points’ on the bed of the channel between Athlone and Meelick Weir, subject to more detailed analysis.
The Group's work is informed by the Flood Risk Management Plans for the Shannon River Basin District (RBD). Currently, there are 13 completed schemes in the Shannon RBD and these schemes are already providing protection to over 2,600 properties. A further 36 flood relief schemes will be delivered or underway as part of the Government’s €1.3bn investment in flood relief measures over the lifetime of the National Development Plan to 2030. 24 of these schemes are currently being progressed including Athlone and Springfield which are currently at construction stage. When completed, all schemes will protect 95% of properties identified as being at significant risk from flooding in the Shannon RBD.The Group met on 11th October, 2023 and discussed a range of issues relating to work underway to assist with flood risk management along the River Shannon, including the project for the removal of the ‘pinch points’ through the Callows region between Athlone and Meelick weir. The Government has noted the decision of the Group to invest €4m in this project and a further €3m in strategic maintenance along the River Shannon.A Steering Group is in place to oversee the project. A tender will issue shortly for an Ecological Consultant to carry out a high level environmental study. The study will consider the possible impacts of: the excavation of material at key locations in the River Shannon channel; the longer term maintenance of the riverbed (sediment and vegetation management) and changes in water levels.
150. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform when will the next National Development Plan review take place; if student accommodation is being considered as part of this review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49599/23]
View answer151. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform as part of the next National Development Plan review, will the issue of university research (capital) equipment be considered as part of this review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49600/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 150 and 151 together.
In March 2023, I presented to Government a package of significant actions aimed at enhancing project delivery for the National Development Plan (NDP). Among these actions, I committed to an independent evaluation of investment priorities and capacity of the NDP, focusing on the capacity to deliver current Government priorities, to utilise sectoral capital allocations and to estimate the impact of the NDP on key economic indicators. The ESRI was commissioned to carry out this evaluation in April 2023. The report will be published during Q4 this year. On foot of the ESRI report, my Department will commence the process of agreeing sectoral NDP allocations out to 2028, with a view to the publication of the revised NDP sectoral allocations in 2024.
As the Deputy will be aware I am responsible for setting overall capital allocations across Departments, the inclusion of a review on student accommodation and university research (capital) equipment will be a matter for the relevant Minister and their Department.
152. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if, following a request to the OPW that the gates at Meelick and Lusma on 6, 10 and 12 July be opened in order to enable the river to flow freely, it was not until 15 July, being nine days after the initial request, that the gates were opened leading to devastating flooding in the Shannon Callows from Athlone to Meelick; the reason for the delay in opening the gates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49644/23]
View answerClimate change will have a significant impact on flood risk in Ireland. It is projected that the number of heavy rainfall days per year will increase, which would lead to an increase in flood risk. According to Met Éireann data, July 2023 was the wettest July that has ever been recorded, with prolonged heavy rainfall on 14th and 15th. July 2023 also had more than four times the amount of rain observed in July 2022 and more than twice that observed in July 2021.On a day to day basis, water levels on the Shannon River are managed in accordance with agreed protocols between Waterways Ireland and the ESB. The OPW has no role in the operation of sluice gates.The ESB and Waterways Ireland are in continuous communication and coordinate management of the eight sets of sluice gates impacting on water levels on the lake and river sections of the Shannon, seven days a week. Waterways Ireland and the ESB proactively monitor weather forecasts and use water level reading instrumentation to make informed decisions around sluice opening and closing procedures, whilst adhering to protocols agreed with the ESB.
Waterways Ireland have advised that on the 6th of July water levels recorded showed the water level 60mm below ordinary summer level at Banagher and 190mm below ordinary summer level upstream of Victoria lock. Waterways Ireland had 2 sluices open at both Meelick and the New Cut.
Waterways Ireland was aware through monitoring of weather forecasts that heavy rainfall was predicted. In anticipation of this and over the week commencing the 10th of July Waterways Ireland opened an additional 4 sluices in both Meelick and the New Cut on the 10th of July and an additional sluice at Meelick and 2 additional sluices at the New Cut on the 14th of July.Water level readings taken on the morning of the 14th showed the level in Banagher 70mm below ordinary summer level and upstream of Victoria Lock showing a level 340mm below ordinary summer level. Intensive rain fall began on the 14th July across many parts of Ireland. In response Waterways Ireland opened the following sluices over that weekend period:• 14-07-2023 – 2 sluices opened at the New Cut.• 15-07-2023 - 6 sluices opened at the New Cut. (Over two visits)• 15-07-2023 – 4 Sluices opened at Meelick Weir.(Over two visits)• 16-07-2023 – 1 Sluice opened at Meelick Weir.• 16-07-2023 – 2 Sluices opened at the New Cut.No further interventions could be undertaken by Waterways Ireland as all sluice were open from the 16th. Simultaneously to this the ESB closed all sluices on Athlone weir on the afternoon of the 14th July to limit the volume of water entering the Callows area. On Sunday, the 16th Water level readings taken at Banagher were 250mm above ordinary summer level with Victoria Lock upstream reading 210mm below ordinary summer level. This sluice arrangement remained in place until water levels had receded back to Ordinary Summer Level.
These operations influence the levels on the Shannon but due to the shallow gradient of the river and the many natural restrictions along its course, the levels cannot be fully controlled especially when the Shannon is in flood. The river level is primarily the result of the amount of rain that falls on the river catchment area. When all sluice gates are open, there is no further action available to prevent further rising water levels. Possible approaches to provide a long term solution to summer flooding in the Shannon Callows are being developed by the Shannon Flood Risk State Agency Co-ordination Working Group. This Group, which is chaired by the OPW, provides a forum where all statutory organisations with roles and responsibilities that involve the River Shannon catchment can further monitor and co-ordinate their respective work programmes to assist with managing flood risk along the Shannon catchment.Flood risk to communities on the River Shannon and elsewhere is being addressed through flood risk management plans. Flood relief schemes are the primary means of protecting cities, towns and villages from flooding. There are currently 13 completed schemes in the Shannon River Basin District and these schemes are already providing protection to over 2,600 properties. A further 36 flood relief schemes will be delivered as part of the Government’s €1.3bn investment in flood relief measures over the lifetime of the National Development Plan to 2030. 24 of these schemes are currently being progressed including Athlone and Springfield which are currently are substantially complete.A full list of flood relief schemes in the Shannon River Basin District is available here: www.floodinfo.ie/scheme-info/?r=7
154. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will respond to concerns raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49662/23]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, I have overall policy responsibility in relation to public service occupational pension schemes payable to retired public servants.
For all new entrants to the public service (including members of An Garda Síochána) on or after 6 April 1995 (the date of introduction of full social insurance for public servants who now pay Class A PRSI) and before 1 January 2013 (the date of introduction of the Single Public Service Pensions Scheme) pension payment comprises of three components:
1. A Public Service Occupational Pension payable by the public service employer;
2. Social Insurance benefit(s) payable, subject to eligibility, by the Department of Social Protection (DSP) and;
3. Where the Social Insurance benefit payable does not equate to the full rate of State Pension Contributory (SPC), an occupational supplementary pension may be payable by the public service employer subject to an individual meeting eligibility criteria.
An occupational supplementary pension seeks to make up the difference between the occupational pension which would have been payable had that pension not been integrated, and the occupational pension in payment when combined with any Social Insurance Benefits in payment. The payment of an occupational supplementary pension is not automatic and is subject to an individual meeting the following criteria:
• The retired public servant is not in paid employment;
• The retired public servant, due to no fault of their own, fails to qualify for Social Insurance benefit(s) or qualifies for a benefit at less that the value of the SPC; and
• The retired public servant must have reached minimum pension age or retired on grounds of ill-health.
In relation to the first condition above, any paid employment would exclude a retired public servant from the payment of the occupational supplementary pension in full - see below.
The second condition is important to ensure no duplication of payments from public funds. To verify this condition, prior to payment of the Occupational Supplementary Pension, a retired public servant must engage with the DSP and obtain proof that they have exhausted any relevant benefits for which they may be eligible under the social insurance system. The rules surrounding qualifying for a Social Insurance benefit are a matter for the DSP.
Where an individual in receipt of an occupational supplementary pension takes up employment, for example, for one day, the supplementary pension would cease for that one day only and will be payable for the other 4 working days in the week, similar to how an entitlement to Jobseeker’s Benefit is treated. Therefore, taking up paid employment for one day in the week/year would not cause an occupational supplementary pension to cease for the whole year. The occupational supplementary pension would not be payable for that one day of paid employment. My officials have confirmed this policy with the Department of Justice. A pro-rated occupational supplementary pension is based on number of days during which the pensioner is not employed, rather than monetary amount earned, e.g. if an individual in receipt of a occupational supplementary pension takes up employment for 1 day a week, the occupational supplementary pension would be payable at 80% (i.e. 4/5th), rather than ceasing in its entirety. The onus is on the individual to notify their pension paying authority should there be any change in their employment status.
It should be noted that no Interdepartmental Working Group has been established to examine this matter, rather my officials are engaging with the relevant stakeholders in order to progress the matter. My Department is aware that there are some issues concerning the procedures for qualifying for the payment of an Occupational Supplementary Pension and we are liaising with the DSP and other key stakeholders to review the processes involved and establish if a more efficient and streamlined approach is possible.
155. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the current status of works on the weir at Ballincollig Regional Park; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49824/23]
View answerBallincollig Weir, which is part of Ballincollig Regional Park, is in the ownership of Cork City Council since the boundary change between Cork County and City in June 2019. The Weir had apparently been in disrepair for many years before a breach occurred in December 2014, which has left the weir in extremely poor condition.
While there are no hydraulic benefits to the flood relief scheme from the weir, the Lower Lee Flood Relief Scheme Steering Group in 2021, committed to the incorporation of remedial works to the weir as part of the construction contract and budget for the Scheme, if appropriate.
The nature of any such remedial works will be subject to an assessment of planning, structural, fisheries and cultural heritage considerations, which the Lower Lee Flood Relief Scheme Steering Group has asked the Scheme’s design consultants, contracted by the OPW, to review. The consultants’ proposal to undertake a preliminary feasibility assessment and constraints study for the reinstatement of Ballincollig Weir has been approved and is ongoing. Site surveys and inspections have now been completed, and a report is expected to be completed within the next few months.
156. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the Garda stations within the DMR that are scheduled for refurbishment by the OPW between now and the first half of 2024; the nature of the refurbishment, per station, in tabular form; and if known, when refurbishment works will commence. [49861/23]
View answerI can confirm that the Office of Public Works has scheduled refurbishment works to Garda Stations within the DMR to be carried out between now and the first half of 2024.
The Garda Stations and the nature of the works to be carried out are outlined in the table below and include only works valued in excess of €150,000. The works outlined relate to works funded both by OPW and An Garda Siochána.
The Commencement dates for the scheduled works are subject to the final sign off of operational and design requirements by An Garda Síochána and where necessary, successful tendering process.
|
Garda Station |
Nature of the works |
Works Due for Commencement |
|
Cabra GS |
Refurbishment/ reconfiguration of portacabins to rear. |
Q2 2024 |
|
Lusk GS |
Reconfiguration and upgrade of station, including conversion of married quarters |
Q2 2024 |
|
Swords GS |
Reconfiguration of 2 rooms at first floor level to provide new canteen and kitchen area |
On site, to complete end 2023/ early 2024 |
|
Finglas GS |
Investigation and repair of pre tensioned glass façade to tower |
On site, to complete end 2023/ early 2024 |
|
Malahide GS |
Maintenance works to attics and large scale roof repair to valleys. |
On site, to complete end 2023/ early 2024 |
|
Malahide GS |
Refurbishment of cast iron railings, painting / refurbishment of façade and windows |
Q2 2024 |
|
Raheny GS |
Structural repair works to 2 storey block, including underpinning, works to brickwork façade, and new footpath. |
Q3 2024 |
|
Crumlin GS |
Prisoner Processing Area Spec Upgrade |
Q2 2024 |
|
Sundrive Rd GS |
Public Office Refurbishment |
Q2 2024 |
|
Greystones GS |
Boundary Wall repairs and car park resurfacing |
Q1 2024 |
157. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if any additional or emergency funding will be provided for flood relief works in the Inch Lane, The Ragg area of Thurles in County Tipperary; if he will review the personal circumstances of a person (details supplied); if his Department has plans for any new flood relief schemes in this area of County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49901/23]
View answerMy officials are currently looking into this matter and I will revert to the Deputy shortly with a more substantive response.
158. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform how many times the Shannon Flood Management Group met in 2022 and to date in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49969/23]
View answerThe Shannon Flood Risk State Agency Co-ordination Working Group (the Group) was established by the Government in early 2016 and is chaired by the OPW.
Meetings of the Group are held bi-annually and the most recent meeting was held on the 11th October 2023. The previous meeting was held on 26th April 2023. The Group met twice in 2022, on 27th April and 20th October. Minutes of the Groups meetings and terms of reference and are available at:
www.gov.ie/en/publication/4d487d-shannon-flood-risk-state-agency-co-ordination-working-group/
The Group provides a forum where all statutory organisations with roles and responsibilities that involve the River Shannon catchment can further monitor and co-ordinate their respective work programmes to assist with managing flood risk along the Shannon catchment.
To add to the overall flood protection from flood relief schemes, the Shannon Flood Risk State Agency Coordination Working Group produces an annual Work Programme that demonstrates the extensive work and co-ordination by all State bodies to jointly and proactively help address flood risk on the Shannon under the following themes of activity: physical works, maintenance, water management, regulatory, policy and planning.
The group is currently progressing a number of collaborative initiatives including developing a long-term strategic maintenance programme for the River Shannon and identifying short-term targeted maintenance activities.
159. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to report on the work of the Enterprise Ireland office in Singapore since its establishment. [49300/23]
View answerEnterprise Ireland’s (EI’s) Singapore office has been located within ‘Ireland House’ in the Ireland Embassy since 2000. The office supports EI client companies to achieve export growth by ensuring they are market-ready and have sufficient market intelligence on the Southeast Asia (SEA) region.
Asia will be a central driver of future world growth, with economic forecasts (IMF 2023) suggesting that as much as 70% of global growth in the coming years will come from the region. According to latest figures (2021), the total number of people living in the ten Member States of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has reached 663.9 million, making ASEAN the third most populous economy in the world after China and India.
Singapore remains EI’s business hub for SEA and continues to support new and scaling companies to access opportunities within Singapore and other SEA markets. In recent years, EI has established representative offices in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam (2020) and Kuala Lumpur (2021) to support continued regional growth and business opportunities.
The EI team in Singapore consists of seven staff members focussing on sectors including Edutech, Financial Services and Fintech, High Tech Construction, Agritech, Life Sciences and Digital Health, Digital Technologies, IOT & Cybersecurity, Cleantech & Sustainability, Consumer Retail, and Aviation.
The Singapore office and their representative offices facilitate and broker introductions between EI client companies and key companies in the ASEAN region to achieve export growth. Market advisors directly support clients, and scaling and diversification in the region are assisted through one-to-one engagements between clients and advisors. In addition to facilitating introductions and B2B meetings, EI provides support on market validation, competitor intelligence, value proposition, channel strategy, sales processes and establishing a market presence. The Singapore and ASEAN market activity also includes notable trade events and inward Ministerial visits.
Enterprise Ireland will continue to focus on:
1. Driving scale through one-to-one client work within the key sectors of opportunity and clients who have scaling capabilities in the region.
2. Proactively seeking new market opportunities enabling clients to grow and diversify to new markets within ASEAN.
3. Assisting clients to build presences in ASEAN markets.
CSO data for ASEAN export and import values is illustrated in the table below.
|
ASEAN |
2019 |
2020 |
2022 |
|
Exports to market from Ireland (€ million) |
|||
|
Goods |
1,305 |
1,293 |
2,210 |
|
Imports to Ireland from market (€ million) |
|||
|
Goods |
2,412 |
3,988 |
3,636 |
160. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to report on the work of the IDA office in Johannesburg since its establishment. [49301/23]
View answerAn important element of the IDA’s strategy is to diversify its market reach by broadening the geographic profile of investment. ‘Pioneering Markets’, which is the name given to the new markets identified to extend IDA’s global footprint, was established within the Growth Markets Division in 2019. This approach has been supported by a number of in-market Pathfinders, who are part-time consultants, located across multiple geographies including South Africa.
Since appointment in 2019, IDA Ireland’s South African pathfinder has been instrumental in promoting Ireland as an investment location. In this regard, the IDA has engaged with a number of South African companies and hosted several itineraries for technology and fintech firms interested in investing in Ireland. Moreover, the Dublin-based IDA team members have also participated in various South Africa focused events and speaking opportunities both in-market and in Ireland.
The IDA has welcomed investments from South Africa in the key sectors of Technology, Financial Services and Life Sciences and there is a growing number of South African companies with FDI operations in Ireland. These companies include Investec, Aspen and OUTsurance. According to my Department's Annual Employment Survey 2022, there are 11 South African companies located in Ireland which employ over 200 people. While there has been further investment in 2023, the data relating to 2023 will not be available until early next year.
South Africa will continue to be a key target market for IDA Ireland’s Growth Markets Division. IDA Ireland is committed to proactively position Ireland as the perfect location for South African companies to base their European operations and is confident of more investments from South Africa during 2024 and beyond, leading to further job creation in the coming years.
161. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 382 and 383 of 7 November 2023, if he will provide a breakdown of general employment permits (not critical skills employment permits) issued in 2020, 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023, by 4-digit SOC Code of employment and further broken down (details supplied). [49405/23]
View answer162. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 382 and 383 of 7 November 2023, for a breakdown of general employment permits (not critical skills employment permits) currently held in the State by 4-digit SOC Code of employment and further broken down (details supplied). [49406/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 161 and 162 together.
The Employment Permits Section of the Department has provided the requested information in the attachment, which sets out data on the number of General Employment Permits granted by nationality and gender in the years 2020, 2021, 2022 and up to and including 6th November 2023 by four-digit SOC code.
163. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to outline his plans, if any, for the establishment of an oversight committee to support the work of a referendum on the Unified Patent Court; the membership of this committee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49445/23]
View answer164. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on the establishment of an Irish local division of the Unified Patent Court; the work carried out to date in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49449/23]
View answer165. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if it is intended to allow Irish judges to participate in the Unified Patent Court on a part-time basis; if so, what changes to legislation of the constitution would be required to enable this to happen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49451/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 163, 164 and 165 together.
In June 2022, the Government reaffirmed its intention to participate in the Unitary Patent System and the Unified Patent Court (UPC) and to hold a related referendum. An amendment to the Constitution is required before Ireland can ratify the Agreement on the UPC (UPCA), as the Agreement entails a transfer of jurisdiction from the Irish courts to an international court.
The timing of the Referendum is a matter for Government to decide. My Department’s officials are currently advancing referendum preparations. The work underway includes the drafting of a Constitutional Amendment Bill with assistance from the Office of Parliamentary Counsel. An Interdepartmental Group was convened in September to assist in advancing preparations.
The Government proposes to establish a local division of the UPC subject to the outcome of a Constitutional Referendum. If Ireland completes its ratification of the UPCA, appropriately qualified Irish applicants will be eligible to apply to the UPC to be considered for appointment as judges of the court by its Administrative Committee.
166. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of licences for dual use items issued for trade with Israel in each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49502/23]
View answerMy Department is responsible for administering controls on the export of Dual-use goods from Ireland, in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2021/821 of the European Parliament and of the Council setting up a Union regime for the control of exports, brokering, technical assistance, transit and transfer of dual-use items.
Dual-use items are goods and technology, including software, that can be used for both civil and military applications, as set out in Annex 1 of Regulation 2021/821. Many standard business ICT products, both hardware and software (e.g. data storage, networking, cybersecurity), incorporate strong encryption for security purposes and are therefore subject to Export Controls.
All applications for export authorisations in respect of Dual-Use goods are subject to rigorous scrutiny by my officials, on a case-by-case basis. Each application is reviewed against the eight assessment criteria set out in Article 2 of the European Council Common Position 2008/944/CFSP defining common rules governing control of exports of military technology and equipment.
Consideration is given to international obligations and commitments under export control arrangements and international treaties as well as considerations about intended end-use and the risk of diversion.
The application is also reviewed against any EU Restrictive Measures, such as trade sanctions or arms embargoes, that may be in place in respect of the destination country.
My officials seek observations from the Department of Foreign Affairs on any foreign policy concerns, including human rights considerations, that may arise with the proposed export.
The table below sets out the number of individual dual-use export licences issued in respect of end users in Israel.
|
Year |
No of individual licences Issued |
|
2019 |
17 |
|
2020 |
26 |
|
2021 |
25 |
|
2022 |
31 |
|
2023 – to date |
31 |
