Tuesday, 13 Feb 2024

Written Answers Nos. 131-150

Central Statistics Office

Questions (131)

Richard Bruton

Question:

131. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Taoiseach the data held by the CSO on the average weekly spending on out-of-pocket medical expenses per week, and as a percentage of total weekly spending. [5784/24]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach

The Household Budget Survey (HBS) is a large national household survey conducted by the Central Statistics Office on a five yearly basis. It collects information on household’s expenditure on goods and services.

HBS 2015/2016 indicated that the average weekly household expenditure on Medical expenses/services and therapeutic equipment for that period was €18.48, equivalent to 2.2% of total household expenditure.

More up-to-date information is not available at this stage as the HBS is a quinquennial survey which was also deferred on two occasions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Central Statistics Office

Questions (132)

Richard Bruton

Question:

132. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Taoiseach the data held by the CSO on the number of persons aged 70 or over who are a head of a household. [5785/24]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach

In Census 2022, the reference person in each private household is the first person in the household identified as a parent, spouse, cohabiting partner or head of a non-family household containing related persons. Where no person in the household satisfied these criteria, the first usually resident person was used as the reference person. In this context, the reference person is referred to as the ‘head of household’.

A private household comprises either one person living alone or a group of people (not necessarily related) living at the same address with common housekeeping arrangements - that is, sharing at least one meal a day or sharing a living room or sitting room. In order to be included in the household, a person had to be a usual resident at the time of the census.

A private dwelling is the room or set of rooms occupied by a private household in a permanent housing unit.

The table below shows persons aged 70 years or over who are head of a permanent private household at the time of the census.

Persons in Private Households (number), 2022
All persons aged 70 years and over	340,342

Media Sector

Questions (133)

Imelda Munster

Question:

133. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Taoiseach for details on the setting up of the Future of Media Commission, including a breakdown of the costs and the total cost of the commission from start to finish. [5804/24]

Written answers

The Taoiseach

The Future of Media Commission was established by Government in September 2020 as an independent body.

Members of the Commission were appointed on the basis of their expertise in broadcast, print and online media, representing a balanced mix of experts in public service media, independent journalism, social media, new technology platforms, media economics, culture, language, creative content, governance and best international practice.

The Future of Media Commission was established as an independent body to undertake a comprehensive and far-reaching examination of Ireland’s broadcast, print and online media, and to consider how media can remain sustainable and resilient in delivering public service aims over the next decade and beyond. The Commission was asked to make recommendations on sustainable public funding mechanisms and other supports to ensure the media sector remains viable, independent and capable of delivering public service aims.

The Future of Media Commission report, published by Government on 12 July 2022, contained a total of 50 recommendations, which in effect constitute a strategic agenda for transforming Ireland’s media sector.

Non-pay costs associated with the work of the Commission totalled €454,758.08. The main cost items include:

-Advertising of consultation process in national and social media: €162,469.41

-Stipend to Commission Members: €145,350.00

-External Service contractors: (including survey research, audio-visual and event management support): €67,015.66

-Irish translation of report: €13,898.42

-Graphic design of report: €12,226.20

-Graphic design Irish version of report: €2,794.56

-Printing of report: €1,354.42

-Report launch: €2,439.25

The report of the Future of Media Commission is available online at www.gov.ie/futureofmediacommission, as is additional information about the members of the Commission, video recordings of the Commission’s Thematic Dialogue Series and the submissions made to the public consultation process.

Commissions of Investigation

Questions (134)

Holly Cairns

Question:

134. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Taoiseach to provide details on the investigation into the leak of the report of the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes, including the time period in which it was conducted, the amount and grade of staff members assigned to the investigation and the budget allocated for the investigation. [6573/24]

Written answers

The Taoiseach

In advance of the Government considering the Final Report of the Commission of Investigation on Mother and Baby Homes in January 2021 certain information relating to matters in the Report was disclosed in a newspaper article. In that context, the then Taoiseach requested that an investigation be carried out. The investigation was conducted by a senior official in my Department and received full co-operation from those concerned. The investigation was concluded and reported to the then Taoiseach in December 2022. The investigation was conducted from within the personnel and budget resources of my Department and as part of the overall work of the Government Secretariat, and it is not possible, therefore, to disaggregate the specific information sought by the Deputy.

Middle East

Questions (135)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

135. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is aware of reports a Palestinian-Canadian journalist (details supplied) has been abducted by Israeli authorities in Gaza; if he is aware of reports that journalists are being targeted by Israeli authorities in Gaza; if he has raised the issue with the Government of Israel; if he has raised the issue with the Government of Canada; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6071/24]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs

I am acutely aware of the dire situation faced by civilians in Gaza. For this reason, calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and access for humanitarian supplies is the central focus of my engagement.

Ireland has repeatedly called on the Israeli authorities to end the practice of administrative detention completely. We have also repeatedly highlighted the applicability of international human rights standards and international humanitarian law in respect of detainees, in particular obligations under the Fourth Geneva Convention.

I am conscious also that journalists in situations of armed conflict and adjacent areas often face extreme danger. Journalists are afforded protection under international humanitarian law because they are civilians. Deliberate attacks against journalists are forbidden.

In this regard, Ireland, along with partners, urgently draws attention to the rules and responsibilities related to the protection of journalists and media workers in conflict, in compliance and consistent with international humanitarian law which includes prohibitions against directly targeting civilians and taking all feasible precautions to protect civilians.

I understand that the individual to whom the Deputy refers has resumed reporting and was not arrested by Israeli authorities.

Military Aircraft

Questions (136)

Mairéad Farrell

Question:

136. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the reason a US Navy Hercules KC130T aircraft was allowed to land and refuel at Shannon Airport on two occasions recently (details supplied); the reason this aircraft was allowed to land and refuel at Shannon Airport in breach of international laws on neutrality; and if steps were taken to ensure that this aircraft was not transporting military materials to Israel in breach of the Government's duties under the Genocide Convention. [6105/24]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs

Under the terms of the Air Navigation (Foreign Military Aircraft) Order, 1952, all foreign military aircraft wishing to overfly, or land in, the State require diplomatic clearance from the Minister for Foreign Affairs. Diplomatic clearance is subject to strict conditions, including that the aircraft is unarmed; that it carries no arms, ammunition or explosives; that it does not engage in intelligence gathering; and that the flight in question does not form part of a military exercise or operation.

This policy is well known and is fully understood by the United States and other international partners, and is done in compliance with Ireland’s traditional policy of military neutrality.

With respect to these two landings, I am satisfied that the correct diplomatic clearance procedures for foreign military landings were followed in full and that all the above conditions were fully met.

Diplomatic Representation

Questions (137)

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

137. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if there are plans to open a new Consulate General Office in Cape Town, South Africa. [6156/24]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs

Ireland and South Africa have had a warm and enduring friendship over thirty years of diplomatic relations.  We have had important shared moments in our histories. South Africa is a major partner for  Ireland and Europe in Africa, with a key leadership role in regional peace, security and economic initiatives.

South Africa is a key market for Ireland on the continent and our Embassy in Pretoria engages extensively in trade promotion, in addition to providing consular services to Irish citizens. Embassy staff regularly conduct political, community and cultural outreach in the Cape Town area. This includes regular visits and meetings by Embassy staff, reflecting the importance in economic terms of both the city and its wider region.

The Government is continuing with the planned expansion of Ireland’s mission network, in line with the Global Ireland Strategy. While a range of possible locations remains under review, there are currently no plans to open a new Consulate General Cape Town.

Diplomatic Representation

Questions (138)

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

138. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the dates in 2023 and to-date in 2024 on which he or his officials spoke with the Irish Consul General in Sydney, in tabular form. [6157/24]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs

The Consulate General in Sydney works closely with the Embassy of Ireland in Canberra to promote and protect Ireland's interests in Australia, to strengthen political and economic relationships, to support the work of the State Agencies, to provide citizen services to the Irish community, and to promote cultural ties and people-to-people connections between Ireland and Australia. 

In October 2023, I was pleased to host an in-person gathering of our Heads of Mission. During this conference, I engaged with Ireland's Ambassadors and Consuls General from around the world. Ireland's Consul General in Sydney participated in the Conference.

I am kept fully informed of the Consulate General’s activities by officials in the Department of Foreign Affairs, who are in almost daily communication with our Missions in Australia on a wide range of issues related to Ireland's engagement in and with Australia, including the work of the Consulate General in Sydney. These contacts are so frequent, it would not be logistically feasible to provide a comprehensive list of dates for these.

Official Engagements

Questions (140)

Sorca Clarke

Question:

140. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he plans to invite his Swedish counterpart to Dublin in 2024. [6225/24]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs

I formally invited Minister Billström to Dublin when I wrote to him on 13 July 2023 congratulating him on the successful Swedish Presidency of the Council of the European Union. 

Ireland and Sweden share excellent relations, featuring a long history of aligned values, and close and likeminded work at United Nations (UN) and European Union (EU) level.

At the UN, our cooperation in the field of peacekeeping has been a focus for many years. As EU partners, we cooperate in a number of areas including support for Ukraine, EU Enlargement, Human Rights, the rule of law, and the European Green Deal.

Indeed, as Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billström noted just last week, the increased Nordic-Baltic plus Ireland coordination at Prime Minister and Foreign Minister level in Brussels whereby the Taoiseach, and I, meet our Nordic counterparts before the full meeting, has been a new and valuable aspect to European Council meetings.  In addition to these regular meetings, most recently I held a bilateral meeting with Minister Billström during the October Foreign Affairs Council. 

Ireland launched an ambitious Strategy for the Nordic Region in 2021, which has served to provide a framework for deepening linkages to the region.

Also in 2021, the Swedish Government took the decision to re-open the Swedish Embassy in Dublin, which I warmly welcome. Sweden’s new Ambassador to Ireland, HE Ms Lina Holmström-van der Weyden presented her credentials three weeks ago, on 23 January at Áras an Uachtaráin.

The new Embassy will further strengthen our bilateral links, and links with the wider Nordic region as we seek to deliver the ambitious goals set out in our Nordic Strategy.

Relations with Sweden continue to grow. In November 2023, Minister of State for European Affairs, Peter Burke, T.D., welcomed his Swedish equivalent, Ms Jessika Roswall, to Dublin for bilateral discussions. Minister for Climate and Enterprise, Ms Romina Pourmokhtari and Eamon Ryan TD, Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications met in Dublin last week to discuss cooperation on renewable energy.

I understand that the Swedish Embassy is currently exploring options with regard to opening new premises in Dublin. Officials in my Department will continue to liaise with the Embassy and explore opportunities that may arise to invite Minister Billström to Dublin in the coming time.

Foreign Birth Registration

Questions (141)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

141. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a foreign birth registration application (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6317/24]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs

With regard to the specific FBR application about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service requested further supporting documents from the applicant on 29 May 2023. Further documents were subsequently received on 26 July 2023 and were processed in November 2023. However, the application remains incomplete. A member of the FBR team has contacted the applicant in this regard. The application cannot proceed until all required supporting documents have been received by the Passport Service.

Middle East

Questions (142)

Jim O'Callaghan

Question:

142. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if a person (details supplied) can be facilitated in being evacuated from Gaza; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6326/24]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs

Since the start of this crisis, my Department has worked with the relevant authorities to facilitate the exit from Gaza of those Irish citizens, and accompanying dependents, who have expressed a wish to leave. We continue to advocate with the authorities in relation to those Irish citizens and dependents who have not yet been permitted to leave.

The authorities have made clear that the focus for facilitated departures from Gaza is for foreign and dual nationals, and immediate dependents accompanying them. 

In line with the Department’s Consular Assistance Charter, the remit of my Department is to provide consular assistance to Irish citizens abroad. This has been our focus since the crisis began. 

The population of Gaza is 2.3 million people. The humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire and many of those living in Gaza are seeking to leave. In recent weeks, my Department has received many enquiries regarding the situation of individuals, including people with ties to Ireland or already holding a visa for Ireland. 

Any decision on clearance for these individuals to leave Gaza will be made by the relevant local authorities. Holders of valid Irish visas or residence permits who receive clearance to exit Gaza from the local authorities may make arrangements to travel to Ireland.

My Department has made contact with the family in Ireland of the person who's details you have supplied. Let me assure you, Deputy, that we are giving very close consideration to these matters, given the gravity of the humanitarian situation in Gaza. 

Middle East

Questions (143)

Duncan Smith

Question:

143. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of the case of a person (details supplied) who is in possession of an Irish residence permit and is trapped in Gaza; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6409/24]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs

Since the start of this crisis, my Department has worked with the relevant authorities to facilitate the exit from Gaza of those Irish citizens, and accompanying dependents, who have expressed a wish to leave. We continue to advocate with the authorities in relation to those Irish citizens and dependents who have not yet been permitted to leave.

The authorities have made clear that the focus for facilitated departures from Gaza is for foreign and dual nationals, and immediate dependents accompanying them. 

In line with the Department’s Consular Assistance Charter, the remit of my Department is to provide consular assistance to Irish citizens abroad. This has been our focus since the crisis began. 

The population of Gaza is 2.3 million people. The humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire and many of those living in Gaza are seeking to leave. In recent weeks, my Department has received many enquiries regarding the situation of individuals, including people with ties to Ireland or already holding a visa for Ireland. 

Any decision on clearance for these individuals to leave Gaza will be made by the relevant local authorities. Holders of valid Irish visas or residence permits who receive clearance to exit Gaza from the local authorities may make arrangements to travel to Ireland.

My Department has made contact with the family in Ireland of the person who's details you have supplied. Let me assure you, Deputy, that we are giving very close consideration to these matters, given the gravity of the humanitarian situation in Gaza. 

Passport Services

Questions (144, 145)

Niamh Smyth

Question:

144. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to review a passport application (detail supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6421/24]

Niamh Smyth

Question:

145. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to review passport applications (details supplied), taking note of travel time; and provide an update on the matter. [6424/24]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs

I propose to take Questions Nos. 144 and 145 together.

With regard to the specific applications about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service has reviewed the applications and progressed as appropriate.

Question No. 145 answered with Question No. 144.

Passport Services

Questions (146)

Thomas Gould

Question:

146. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will expedite the issuing of a passport (details supplied). [6441/24]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs

With regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, supporting documents for this application were received on 11/01/2024. This application is within the standard turnaround time and has not yet reached its issue by date.

Passport Services

Questions (147, 148)

John Brady

Question:

147. Deputy John Brady asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if a passport application (details supplied) can be escalated as the applicant’s travel date is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6514/24]

John Brady

Question:

148. Deputy John Brady asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if a passport application (details supplied) can be escalated as the applicant’s travel date is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6515/24]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs

I propose to take Questions Nos. 147 and 148 together.

With regard to the specific applications about which the Deputies have enquired, the Passport Service has issued passports to the applicants.

Question No. 148 answered with Question No. 147.

Northern Ireland

Questions (149)

Seán Sherlock

Question:

149. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 150 of 30 November 2023, if he has made contact with the Northern Ireland Executive to utilise the resources of the Shared Island Initiative to alleviate this situation. [6517/24]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs

I welcome the restoration of the Northern Ireland Assembly and Executive and look forward to the North South Ministerial Council resuming its full operations. There have been contacts over the past week between the Government and the newly appointed Ministers in the Executive.  In these contacts, Minister indicated our readiness to engage constructively with the Executive on areas where North South cooperation can make a positive difference.

The new Northern Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Andrew Muir, has signaled his intention to address the environmental issues in Lough Neagh, and that he intends shortly to publish a plan, a necessary first step.  Minister Muir has also said that these issues are multi-factorial and will take time to resolve. 

The Government is willing and ready to cooperate with Minister Muir on this issue on a cross-border basis, including through the North South Ministerial Council. The question of resourcing, whether through the Shared Island initiative or otherwise, as part of any cooperation would need to be considered by the relevant Ministers and environmental authorities, North and South.

Passport Services

Questions (150)

Michael Ring

Question:

150. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if his Department can access a previously provided original document in respect of another application within his Department for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo, given the same document is required for their passport application and they cannot obtain another original copy of this document; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6547/24]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs

With regard to the issue outlined by the Deputy, it appears that the applicant submitted a document to the Department of Justice in the course of her naturalisation application. The Passport Service does not have access to documents submitted to the Department of Justice. 

It would be advisable for the applicant to contact the Department of Justice with regard to the document in question.