Holly Cairns
Question:658. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health whether play therapists registered with IPTA could be added to the list of professions examined by CORU. [52567/23]
View answerHealth Services Staff
Questions (658)
Written answers
A number of representative bodies for unregulated professions have approached the Department seeking to be regulated. It is important in this context to point out the issues to be considered regarding the proportionate degree of regulatory force required to protect the public are complex.
In light of this, and in line with ongoing work in the Department of Health, the Health Research Board was requested to carry out research on behalf of the Department to assist in policy development in this area. The report, “National Approaches to Regulating Health and Social Care Professions”, examines the approaches to the regulation of health and social care professionals internationally and is publicly available on the Department’s website (www.gov.ie/en/publication/ea62b-national-approaches-to-regulating-health-and-social-care-professions/ ).
My officials are in the process of drawing from this report and other relevant sources to develop a framework to guide policy on the regulation of health and social care professionals into the future. This framework will also be informed by an evidence and risk-based approach to regulation in line with requirements set out in the EU Proportionality Test Directive, which was transposed into Irish law on 19 August 2022 (S.I. No. 413/2022). Further information on the Proportionality Test Directive can be found here: single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu/news/services-directive-handbookproportionality-test-directive-guidance-2022-12-22_en
It should be noted that there are no plans in place to progress regulation of individual professions until appropriate risk-assessment and evaluation tools are in place in compliance with best practice, international evidence, and the Proportionality Test Directive.
Primary Care Centres
Questions (659)
Mark Ward
Question:659. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health for a breakdown of the cost of completion of the new Boot Road primary care centre in Clondalkin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52572/23]
View answerWritten answers
As the Health Service Executive (HSE) holds responsibility for the provision, along with the maintenance and operation of Primary Care Centres, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
The Deputy may be aware, management and administrative grade staff in the Fórsa union in the HSE commenced industrial action on Friday, 6 October. As a consequence of this industrial action, members in these grades are not engaging with political forums or processes. As a result, the question asked by the Deputy may be delayed in receiving a response directly from the HSE.
Departmental Staff
Questions (660)
John Brady
Question:660. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if there are personnel in his Department who could be classified as having a significant or exclusive focus of their role dedicated to dealing with integration; if so, to detail the title of the post; the grade level of that post; the core functions of that role; to provide details of the exact nature of their responsibilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51826/23]
View answerWritten answers
The work of integration sits across a number of sections in my Department. There is no personnel focused specifically on this area. An Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) unit sits within my Department and also works closely with the Centre of Excellence for EDI in the Higher Education Authority and the wider tertiary sector to ensure that we can make a real impact on all forms of equality.
Freedom of Information
Questions (661)
Carol Nolan
Question:661. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the total number of Freedom of Information requests submitted to his Department in 2022 and to date in 2023; the total number of such requests that were rejected in their entirety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51974/23]
View answerWritten answers
My Department reports annually to both the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and the Office of the Information Commissioner on Freedom of Information activity. The Office of the Information Commissioner publish this data in its annual report and the annual reports up to 2022 are available on the OIC’s website - www.oic.ie/publications/annual-reports/
In 2022 my Department received 84 requests. 25 of these requests were refused.
To date in 2023 my Department has received 53 requests. 13 of these requests have been refused.
Apprenticeship Programmes
Questions (662)
Mairéad Farrell
Question:662. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to a debate in Dáil Éireann (details supplied), if any review of the requirement to pass the Ishihara colour vision test has taken place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51989/23]
View answerWritten answers
Currently, there are 73 national apprenticeship programmes available in Ireland. Of these, 58 have no qualifying criteria associated in regards to colour blindness. More generally, to support apprentices, information is sought at the point of registration on any additional supports that may be needed due to a disability. Education and training providers offer learning and other supports to apprentices during their training and many employers also provide accommodations in the workplace to apprentices with disabilities. Approximately 3% of the apprentice population have declared one or more disabilities, and are receiving additional supports. A majority of these identified themselves as having dyslexia or other disabilities related to learning.
However, for a small number of professions, trichromacy (i.e. normal colour vision) is an important ability to possess. For our apprenticeships, this impacts on the participation requirements for 15 programmes. Specifically, for these programmes apprenticeship applicants must pass the Ishihara colour vision test without the use of corrective lenses.
The list of apprenticeships that this requirement applies to is set out below:
• Aircraft Mechanics
• Electrical
• Electrical Instrumentation
• Instrumentation
• Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
• Electronic Security Systems
• Floor and Wall Tiling
• Original Equipment Manufacturing (OEM) Engineer
• Painting and Decorating
• Agricultural Mechanics
• Construction Plant Fitting
• Heavy Vehicle Mechanics
• Vehicle Body Repairs
• Motor Mechanics
• Plumbing
SOLAS are continually reviewing the existing apprenticeship programmes and the matter of colour vision testing is included in this process. In terms of the review of colour vision requirements for apprenticeship programmes, currently, -
• One colour vision review has been completed for Motor Mechanics (Automotive Technology).
• Five Programme Advisory Board (PAB) meetings are scheduled, covering Plumbing, Electrical, Heavy Vehicle Mechanic, Metal Fabrication and Carpentry & Joinery. The continued requirement for colour vision in these five crafts will be on each agenda.
• A further eleven crafts are due for desktop review.
• In addition, PAB consultation in 2024 will have the continued requirement for the review of colour vision on each agenda.
Technological Universities
Questions (663)
Matt Shanahan
Question:663. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the total quantum of Department funding provided to MTU to develop a new 1,200-seater arena; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51998/23]
View answerWritten answers
No funding for this project was provided by my Department.
Technological Universities
Questions (664)
Matt Shanahan
Question:664. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science how he intends to differentiate future capital funding to ensure that SETU receives the combined capital streams that are presently divided in other regions between the National University and the technological university where each region obviously derives greater benefit from the quantum of funding combined (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51999/23]
View answerWritten answers
My officials and I are working closely with SETU to realise our collective ambition for the delivery of Higher Education across our South East region. Capital projects across the Higher Education sector are identified through competitive processes, with successful projects progressing through the various stages of architectural planning, tender and construction in line with the provisions of the public spending code.
The revised National Development Plan (NDP) published in October 2021 provided clarity on Departmental capital ceilings for the period 2022 – 2025. Higher education capital funding is primarily organised on the basis of funding programmes, which have tailored parameters depending on the objectives that they seek to achieve.
The key Exchequer funding programmes to date include the following:
- Higher Education Strategic Infrastructure Fund
- Higher Education Infrastructure Upgrade and Refurbishment Fund
- Energy Efficiency and Decarbonisation Pathfinder Programme (co-funded with SEAI)
- Apprenticeship Grant
- Devolved Capital Grant
- Technological Sector Strategic Projects Fund (TSSPF)
The Devolved Capital Grant is generally allocated to individual institutions in accordance with a model based primarily on student numbers, weighted by course type and mode of student.
The funding allocations under the co-funded Higher Education Strategic Infrastructure Fund (HESIF) and the EEDPP 2020, 2021 and 2023 programmes were done by way of competitive call against set criteria outlined in the call documents. Applications were appraised by assessment teams under the terms and conditions that issued to institutions.
As the Deputy knows, my Department gave approval, subject to the required due diligence that has to be carried out, for South East Technological University to expand its presence in Waterford on the Waterford Crystal site. It is a significant milestone in the development of South East Technological University. The purchase of that site provides opportunities for the development and creation of a real enterprise quarter in Waterford that will benefit the university.
I am also very eager to make progress on the existing estate as regards our higher education energy efficiency and decarbonisation pathfinder programme. Two projects at SETU have been approved to advance through that programme. These are a deep fabric retrofit to the business school at SETU Waterford and a medium retrofit with a high-temperature, air source heat pump to the Burrin building at SETU Carlow. Both projects have received approval and a third project in SETU Waterford has been allocated capital funding to support the design development costs of a deep fabric retrofit with low Temperature Air Source Heat Pump of the Engineering and Science Building.
Feasibility Study Investment fund of €1m in 2023/2024 is also available to support the TU’s (including SETU) in conducting activation feasibility assessments to ascertain student accommodation needs in campus locations.
Cross-Border Co-operation
Questions (665)
Mairéad Farrell
Question:665. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 43 of 14 November 2023, if he will provide the total expenditure on research partnerships, arrangements or any other joint work that was entered into in the years 2021, 2022 and 2023, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52017/23]
View answerAwaiting reply from the Department
Cross-Border Co-operation
Questions (666)
Mairéad Farrell
Question:666. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 43 of 14 November 2023, if he will provide the total expenditure on research partnerships, arrangements or any other joint work that was entered into in the years 2021, 2022 and 2023, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52017/23]
View answerWritten answers
My Department has provided funding through the Higher Education Authority (HEA), the Irish Research Council (IRC) and Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) to fund North/South projects, details of which are highlighted as follows.
The North South Research Programme (NSRP) is a collaborative scheme arising from the Government’s Shared Island initiative at the Department of the Taoiseach, supporting the strengthening of links between researchers, research communities and higher education institutions (HEIs) across the island of Ireland. It is being delivered by the HEA on behalf of my Department.
The total value of the funding supporting the NSRP is €55.6m, comprising the 2021 allocation of €40m from the Shared Island Unit, a HEA contribution of €5.6m, and an additional €10m granted by the Shared Island Unit in December 2022. The initial Shared Island allocation of €40m allocation is inclusive of a 5% administrative top slice (€2m) to support the delivery of the programme by the HEA.
Under the first call of the NSRP, 62 projects were awarded funding to a total value of €37.28m following an independent assessment process.
Projects commenced in 2022 with funding to be disbursed on a phased basis and subject to ongoing compliance with the terms and conditions of the NSRP and satisfactory reporting on progress to the HEA. To date, projects have received two instalments of funding – the first on project commencement and the second disbursed at the outset of the second year of project implementation and following satisfactory reporting to the HEA.
The following table sets out the aggregate payments made to projects 2022 – 2023. It excludes expenditure in respect of administration.
|
North South Research Programme (NSRP) |
- |
|
Year |
Project Payments |
|
2021 |
- |
|
2022 |
€16,250,000 |
|
2023 |
€11,717,886 |
Expenditure made by the IRC over two cycles of New Foundations funded by Shared Island is set out in the following table.
|
New Foundations |
- |
|
2023 |
€35,640.55 |
|
2022 |
€176,067.70 |
|
2021 |
€128,422.72 |
|
2020 |
N/A |
Expenditure made through the US-Ireland R&D programme for the past three years, which involves partnership with the two universities in Northern Ireland (as well as in the US), is set out as follows. This shows both the SFI expenditure and the corresponding Northern Ireland amounts committed by the Northern Ireland funders.
Note that this is the total expenditure by SFI in each year 2021 - 2023 for new awards.
US-Ireland funding commitments made for awards issued in 2021 – 2023
|
Calendar year |
Number of awards |
Total SFI funding |
Total NI funding* |
|
2021 |
7 |
€2,656,429 |
£2,015,199 (€2,317,478) |
|
2022 |
12 |
€3,428,141 |
£3,745,245 (€4,307,031) |
|
2023 (to date) |
6 |
€3,789,873 |
£1,779,803 (€2,046,773) |
|
Totals |
25 |
€9,874,443 |
£7,540,247 (€8,671,284) |
*Funding provided by either Department for the Economy NI, or HSC Research and Development NI to support parallel research in Northern Ireland under one tripartite US-Ireland award.
Departmental Advertising
Questions (667)
Carol Nolan
Question:667. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the total costs incurred by his Department arising from the placing of advertisements with the national broadcaster, RTÉ, in any format, for each of the years 2016 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52165/23]
View answerWritten answers
In the three years since the launch of this Department, the sum of €89,130.45 has been spent on advertising on RTE.
This has been spread across seven media campaigns, such as the launch of the Right Course website, changes to student supports, encouraging homeowners to rent a room to a student, and the EU Year of Skills campaign.
Departmental Communications
Questions (668)
Carol Nolan
Question:668. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if the Department, or any body under the aegis of his Department, has facilitated in-person or remote briefings on any issue by organisations (details supplied) from 2020 to date; if so, the topic discussed; the fees paid to the organisations for these briefings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52192/23]
View answerWritten answers
My Department is not aware of any meetings or briefings, in person or remote, from 2020 to date with the Institute for Strategic Dialogue (ISD) or the Hope and Courage Collective.
If the Deputy wishes to contact the ageis Bodies under the remit of my Department, the contact information is as follows.
Contact e-mail Addresses for State Bodies under the remit of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
|
Name of Body |
Dedicated Email address for the Members of the Oireacthas |
Designated Official Responsible for assisting Oireachtas Members |
|
Higher Education Authority |
Oireachtas@hea.ie |
Padraic Mellett* |
|
Irish Research Council( Note 1) |
Oireachtas@research.ie |
Padraic Mellett* |
|
Grangegorman Development Agency |
Communications@ggda.ie |
nora.rahill@ggda.ie |
|
SOLAS |
oireachtasinfo@solas.ie |
Maria Walsh maria.walshe@solas.ie |
|
Skillnets Ltd |
oireachtas@skillnets.com |
t.donnery@skillnets.com |
|
Quality and Qualifications Ireland |
ceo@qqi.ie |
ceo@qqi.ie |
|
Léargas – The Exchange Bureau |
oireachtas@leargas.ie |
fbroughan@leargas.ie |
|
Science Foundation Ireland |
Science Foundation Ireland |
Ciara Cotter |
Note 1 – In regard to the Higher Education Authority (HEA) and the Irish Research Council (IRC) as the IRC operates under the auspices of the HEA. Mr Mellett will address Oireachtas queries for both the HEA and IRC. Please use Oireachtas@hea.ie and Oireachtas@research.ie respectively to contact Mr Mellett.
Departmental Policies
Questions (669)
Mairéad Farrell
Question:669. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his officials have begun the work to bring forward options to use the NTF surplus to address the urgent national skills needs (details supplied); the relevant Acts and sections therein related to the NTF which need to be amended to enable the release of the funds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52259/23]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy will be aware, plans to spend the significant and growing surplus in the National Training Fund must be considered within the context of the Government’s overall budgetary policy.Any increase in NTF expenditure, all other things being equal and without a corresponding reduction on the Vote, requires an increase in my Department’s and the overall Government expenditure ceilings.
In his Budget speech, Minister Donohoe noted the NTF surplus and committed to examining how the funding needs of further and higher education can be met. I fully support the key role the NTF surplus can play in future proofing the skills needs of the labour market and ensuring that workers can upskill and reskill, accessing lifelong learning opportunities. I have written to Minister Donohoe regarding the next steps to identify options, including legislative changes, for the future operation of the Fund. My officials will collaborate with their colleagues in the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, on options that maybe considered for the future operation of the Fund including legislative changes. My officials are seeking legal advice on the scope of expenditure currently permitted under the Act.
Cost of Living Issues
Questions (670)
Seán Sherlock
Question:670. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 349 of 21 November 2023, if a response will issue to the point referenced by that Minister. [52326/23]
View answerWritten answers
I have asked my officials to contact the relevant Education and Training Board that funds the National Learning Network in question in relation to the individual's case and I will respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Cost of Living Issues
Questions (671)
Seán Sherlock
Question:671. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 349 of 21 November 2023 (details supplied), to confirm that those attending the National Learning Network whose previous social protection payments like disability allowance and fuel allowance are now paid by the training provider, will receive the budget 2024 once-off cost-of-living payments being paid to those in receipt of disability allowance and fuel allowance; the number of recipients there are; if he is aware of the difficulties last year in making these payments; what action he has taken to address this matter; if he will ensure there is no disincentive to taking up training and educational opportunities for those with disabilities where they miss out on once-off payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52371/23]
View answerWritten answers
I can confirm that all people in receipt of ETB training allowances who were previously in receipt of a Disability Allowance payment, will receive the €400 Cost-of-Living lump sum and the other cost of living lump sum payments as appropriate. My officials have requested SOLAS and the Education Shared Business Service at the Department of Education (ESBS) to put the necessary arrangements in place to ensure the payment is made to those eligible learners who are on Training courses as soon as possible. The aim is to pay the €400 cost-of-living payment and €300 fuel lump sum payment at the end of this week. In terms of the number of recipients involved, my officials are engaging with SOLAS to obtain this number and this will be forwarded to the Deputy at the earliest opportunity.
In relation to the Cost-of-Living measures for recipients in receipt of a disability allowance and fuel allowance first announced in Budget 2023, following clarification from the Department of Social Protection that former Disability Allowance recipients should receive the previous lump sum payments, the necessary arrangements were put in place to ensure that these payments were made at the earliest opportunity.
Third Level Staff
Questions (672)
Mairéad Farrell
Question:672. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he had any discussions with HEIs in relation to their adoption of an employment charter (details supplied); if he will support as many HEIs as possible signing up to the charter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52414/23]
View answerWritten answers
The issue of academic career precarity is and will remain an important element of the work of my Department. As part of this work, my officials engage with all stakeholders, including trade unions and Higher Education Institutions, on the issues that are raised in the charter and in IFUT’s recent report on precarious employment. It is however noted that the Charter itself would seem to be intended as a guide or set of principles for IFUT members and branches rather than as a document for institutions to sign up to.
In terms of the wider question of precarity, it is important to stress that a number of measures are already being implemented that will help to address precarious employment. These include the provision of around €198 million in additional funding to the Higher Education sector through Budget 2024. This will help to build capacity and to ensure the sector is funded on a sustainable basis and, among other things, will allow more staff to be recruited and provide additional scope to help address the issue of precarious work.
In addition, a considerable amount of work has been undertaken to develop a revised staffing framework to replace the current Employment Control Framework (ECF). Work is continuing on this new approach which will better align with the realities that the higher education sector now faces. Further, an uplift of some 1,500 core-funded posts under the current ECF was announced in the summer which will facilitate Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in recruiting more permanent staff.
Even as all stakeholders work to ensure that there is optimal security and stability for staff, there is a need to recognise the autonomy of universities and other institutions and their legitimate need for an appropriate staffing mix that supports a high-performing sector.
Third Level Education
Questions (673)
Mairéad Farrell
Question:673. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to clarify who are the recognised worker and employer representative bodies for the purposes of sectoral bargaining in the university sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52509/23]
View answerWritten answers
Within the Higher Education Sector, staff representative bodies and the employers have signed up to the terms of the Building Momentum agreement.
Under the agreement, a Higher Education Sector Oversight Group (HESOG) was established to consider relevant matters that could not be resolved via local engagement. The membership of HESOG includes DFHERIS, the Irish University Association, the Technological Higher Education Association, institutional employers and the six trade unions operating in the higher education sector, namely CONNECT, FORSA, IFUT, SIPTU, TUI and UNITE.
It is noted that only one of the unions (the TUI) opted to use the Sectoral Bargaining Fund element of the Building Momentum agreement to address grade or sector based pay claims.
Third Level Staff
Questions (674)
Mairéad Farrell
Question:674. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his views on the potential for a sectoral employment order for researchers in third level institutions as a means of addressing precarious work conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52510/23]
View answerWritten answers
The issue of academic career precarity is and will remain an important element of the work of my department. However, the potential submission of a Sectoral Employment Order (SEO) in respect of research staff is not a matter for my Department.
SEOs were provided for as part of a revised legislative framework under the Industrial Relations (Amendment) Act 2015. Under the Act, a trade union or employers’ organisation can request the Labour Court to undertake an examination of the terms and conditions relating to the remuneration and any sick pay scheme or pension scheme of a particular group of workers in a particular sector of the economy.
Having considered such a request, the Labour Court can make a recommendation, or refuse to make a recommendation, to the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to make a sectoral employment order. Such an order may set out minimum pay rates as well as pension and sick pay schemes for an economic sector.
Nursing Education
Questions (675)
Holly Cairns
Question:675. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science what avenues are available to student nurses who feel they have been unfairly treated on placement; and what appeal mechanisms are in place for student nurses who wish to contest the grading of their placement. [52564/23]
View answerWritten answers
Higher Education Institutions are autonomous bodies within the meaning of the Universities Act 1997, the Institutes of Technology Acts 1992 to 2006, and the Technological Universities Act 2018. As such they are autonomous in relation to their administrative and academic affairs. This includes the processes in place in relation to appeals of grades and other issues which may arise for a student during their time in an institution. Neither I, nor my Department, have a role in these internal processes.
I understand that information in relation to appeal mechanisms is made available online on Higher Education Institutions websites. If a student nurse feels they have been treated unfairly, I would encourage them to make contact with their education provider and management of the healthcare facility.
Departmental Programmes
Questions (676)
Sean Fleming
Question:676. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when a decision will be announced in respect of a programme (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51873/23]
View answerWritten answers
The LEADER Programme is a key intervention of Our Rural Future, the Government’s Policy for rural development which aims to deliver a range of actions to rural communities over the lifetime of the policy. It supports a broad range of activities which aim to respond to the diversity of the local needs of our rural areas.
The process to select the Local Action Groups (LAGs) to deliver the 2023-2027 LEADER Programme is ongoing at present and the Local Development Strategies which were submitted by the applicant LAGs are currently being assessed.
To date LAGs in twelve sub-regional areas have been advised that their application has been approved by the Independent Selection Committee (ISC) established to adjudicate on the strategies submitted by the applicant groups. Strategies in the remaining areas are being considered by the ISC on an ongoing basis with a view to completing the selection of the remaining LAGs at an early date. All applicant LAGs will be notified of the outcome of the selection process in their sub-regional area as they are approved. Once a LAG is approved it can commence the delivery of the programme in their area.
While the process to select the LAGs is ongoing at the moment it should be noted that those bodies engaged in delivering the 2014-2022 programme will continue to do so in 2024 until the completion of that programme.
My Department’s focus now is to complete the selection of the remaining LAGs to ensure a timely and smooth transition from the 2014-2020 programme.
Freedom of Information
Questions (677)
Carol Nolan
Question:677. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the total number of Freedom of Information requests submitted to her Department in 2022 and to date in 2023; the total number of such requests that were rejected in their entirety; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51979/23]
View answerWritten answers
My Department received a total of 46 Freedom of Information requests in 2022, of which 6 were refused. In 2023, to date, my Department has received 48 Freedom of Information requests, of which 10 have been refused.
Requests are refused where records are withheld under the various exemptions under the Freedom of Information Act. In respect of the requests where no records were released the majority were refused under Section 15(1)(a) of the Act, where records did not exist or could not be found. Other reasons for refusal included Section 29 (Deliberations of FOI Bodies), Section 30 (Functions and Negotiations of FOI Bodies), Section 35 (Information obtained in confidence) and Section 36 (Commercially Sensitive Information).
I would note that, for 2022, of the 6 requests refused, 4 were due to no relevant records being held by the Department. For 2023 to date, of the 10 requests refused, 7 were refused due to no relevant records being held by the Department.
In compliance with the Freedom of Information Publication Scheme my Department publishes, on a quarterly basis, a log of all non-personal Freedom of Information requests received. These logs are available on our website at www.gov.ie/en/collection/f68256-disclosure-logs/.
My Department endeavours to deal with all Freedom of Information requests in an open and accessible manner, and is active in assisting requesters to refine their requests where possible to ensure that relevant information can be provided.
Departmental Advertising
Questions (678)
Carol Nolan
Question:678. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the total costs incurred by her Department arising from the placing of advertisements with the national broadcaster, RTÉ, in any format, for each of the years 2016 to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52170/23]
View answerWritten answers
My Department has not placed any advertisements with RTÉ for the period in question.