Bernard Durkan
Question:239. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the extent to which a person (details supplied) can qualify for carer's allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9901/24]
View answerSocial Welfare Benefits
Questions (239)
Written answers
Carer's allowance (CA) is a means-tested social assistance payment made to a person who is habitually resident in the State and who is providing full-time care and attention to a child or an adult who has such a disability that as a result they require that level of care.
I confirm that an application for CA was received from the person concerned on 27 November 2023.
A person can be considered to be providing full-time care and attention where they are engaged in employment, self-employment or on training courses for a maximum of 18.5 hours, provided that they can show to the satisfaction of a deciding officer that adequate care has been provided for the care recipient in their absence.
It is a condition for receipt of CA that the applicant’s means are less than the statutory limit.
Means are any income belonging to the carer and their spouse, civil partner, or cohabitant, property, (except their own home) or an asset that could bring in money or provide them with an income, for example occupational pensions, or pensions or benefits from another country.
The application for CA was disallowed on the grounds that person concerned was engaged in employment for more than 18.5 hours per week and their means were determined to exceed the statutory limit.
The person concerned was notified on 19 January 2024 of this decision, the reason for it and of their right of review and appeal.
On foot of this parliamentary question, the file has been sent for review. If the person concerned has further evidence to support their request for a review, it should be submitted as soon as possible.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
Domestic Violence
Questions (240)
Brendan Smith
Question:240. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice the up-to-date position regarding the provision of a refuge centre in counties Cavan and Monaghan for victims of domestic abuse; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9745/24]
View answerWritten answers
One of the overarching goals of the Zero Tolerance Strategy to address domestic, sexual and gender based violence (DSGBV), is ensuring that everyone who needs a refuge space will get one, and Government has committed to working with the sector to double the number of refuge spaces over the lifetime of the strategy, bringing it to 280 by the end of 2026.
As the Deputy is aware, Cuan, the statutory Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence Agency has now been established and will bring a dedicated focus to this important area of work
I have referred the Deputy's question to Cuan for direct response.
Visa Applications
Questions (241)
Eoin Ó Broin
Question:241. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Justice the current processing times for a specific visa type (details supplied). [9754/24]
View answerWritten answers
Long Stay Join Family visa and permission applications are processed in accordance with the guidelines set out in the Policy Document on Non-EEA Family Reunification which may be accessed at the following link:
www.irishimmigration.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Policy-document-on-Non-EEA-family-reunification.pdf
While every effort is made to process applications as soon as possible, processing times will vary having regard to the volume and complexity of applications, the possible need for the Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) function of the Department to seek further information, and the resources available.
I can advise the Deputy that Join Family entry visas are processed in seven overseas Visa Offices in addition to the Visa Office in Dublin. The overseas offices are located in Abuja, Beijing, London, Moscow, Ankara, Abu Dhabi and New Delhi.
Applications where the sponsor is an Irish citizen are classified as the same category as applications where the sponsor holds a Critical Skills Employment Permit. The Dublin Visa Office are currently processing Join family applications, where the sponsor is an Irish citizen or holds a Critical Skills Employment Permit, received in Dublin on 13 April 2023.
Processing times and decisions at the Dublin Visa Office can be checked at the following link which is updated each Tuesday:
www.irishimmigration.ie/visa-decisions/
Processing times and decisions at the Overseas Visa Offices can be checked at the following link:
www.irishimmigration.ie/visa-decisions/#decisions
The staffing levels and the resources available in the Visa Division and the Domestic Residence and Permissions Division of my Department are kept under review in line with the business needs of the relevant Divisions and across immigration processing.
Citizenship Applications
Questions (242)
Bernard Durkan
Question:242. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice when persons (details supplied) will be permitted to submit applications for citizenship in respect of their two children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9798/24]
View answerWritten answers
The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is governed by the provisions of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended. All applications for a Certificate of naturalisation are processed and assessed individually in accordance with the provisions of the Act.
There is no automatic right to Irish citizenship for the children of Non-EEA national parents resident in the State. Minors cannot apply for naturalisation in their own right, any application must be made by their parent, legal guardian or person acting on the child's behalf "in loco parentis".
From the information provided, the following types of applications for Irish citizenship may be relevant for the persons referred to by the Deputy:
• One of the child’s parents has already been naturalised;
• One of the child’s parents held 3 years reckonable residence in the State prior to the birth of that child;
• The child was born in the State and was not entitled to Irish citizenship at the time of birth, but has since accumulated 3 years’ reckonable residence.
This is not a exhaustive list of the grounds on which an application for Irish citizenship may be submitted on behalf of a child. Detailed information on how to apply for naturalisation is available on my Department's Irish Immigration website at: www.irishimmigration.ie/how-to-become-a-citizen/
EU Funding
Questions (243)
Holly Cairns
Question:243. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Justice to provide a breakdown of all EU funding made available to her Department which has not yet been allocated; and the purpose for which this funding has been made available by the EU. [9810/24]
View answerWritten answers
My Department is in receipt of two streams of European Union funding, the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) and the Digital Europe Programme (DIGITAL). All funds available have been allocated.
The ESF+ is the EU's primary instrument for investing in people and supporting the European Pillar of Social Rights.
The Employment, Inclusion, Skills and Training Programme, (EIST), is Ireland’s ESF+ programme for the 2021 to 2027 period. The Programme involves a total investment of over €1.08 billion; €508 million from the EU and €573 million from the Government of Ireland.
As part of the EIST Programme my Department funds a number of Youth Diversion Projects (YDPs). As the Deputy will be aware, YDPs are community based, multi-agency crime prevention initiatives which seek to divert young people who have become involved in, or are risk of becoming involved in, criminal or anti-social behaviour, and support wider preventative work within the community and with families at risk.
Under the EIST Programme for 2021-2027, YDPs have been allocated €52,086,600. The Deputy may wish to note that EU funding works on the basis that the money spent from the exchequer is later recouped from the relevant fund. It is expected that my Department will spend in excess of this figure and will recoup up to that amount from the EU.
The Irish Safer Internet Centre (SIC) is a consortium of four leading organisations with a mission to make the Internet a better place for children and young people, under the coordination of the Department of Justice. As part of the EU Safer Internet Initiative, Ireland provides awareness raising, helplines and hotlines via its project partners; Webwise.ie, Hotline.ie, ISPCC Childline, and National Parents Council Primary.
The project partners are co-funded by the European Union under the Digital Europe Programme, an EU funding programme focused on bringing digital technology to businesses, citizens and public administrations.
Under this Programme, the four project partners have been allocated a maximum grant amount totalling €1,127,210 for the Safer Internet Ireland 9 Project covering the period between 1 July 2022 and 30 June 2024.
It is expected that the project partners will be allocated a maximum grant amount totalling €1,151,751 for the Safer Internet Ireland 10 Project covering the period between 1 July 2024 and 31 December 2025 under the new Digital Europe Programme.
My Department, in its role as coordinator of this programme, liaises with the EU for the drawdown of funding, which is received into my Department and disbursed to the project partners.
A breakdown of the funding outlined is provided in tabular form below.
|
EU Co-Funding |
Project |
Amount |
Period |
|
ESF+ EIST |
Youth Diversion Projects |
€ 52,086,600 |
2021-2027 |
|
DIGITAL |
Safer Internet Ireland 9 |
€ 1,127,210 |
July 2022-June 2024 |
|
DIGITAL |
Safer Internet Ireland 10* |
€ 1,151,751 |
July 2024-December 2025 |
*Grant Agreement expected to be signed in April 2024
Citizenship Ceremonies
Questions (244)
Holly Cairns
Question:244. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Justice if alternative arrangements are possible for those who cannot attend citizenship ceremonies in person due to ill health; if alternative arrangements can be made for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9817/24]
View answerWritten answers
I understand the person cited by the Deputy will be facilitated through an Affidavit process. Officials from my Department's Citizenship Division will contact the person concerned in the coming days.
Attendance at a Citizenship Ceremony remains the primary avenue for the granting of Irish citizenship. An oath of fidelity to the nation and a declaration are taken before a Presiding Officer appointed by the Minister for Justice.
In rare and specific circumstances, such as poor health, an affidavit declaring loyalty to the State may be accepted as an alterative to attendance at a ceremony.
Law Reform Commission
Questions (245)
Violet-Anne Wynne
Question:245. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Justice about the publication of a report (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9873/24]
View answerWritten answers
I am advised that the Law Reform Commission is preparing a report on A Regulatory Framework for Adult Safeguarding. The report is awaited and once published its recommendations will be considered.
It is important to note that adult safeguarding is an important matter for all sectors, society as a whole, and across Government Departments and agencies. This is especially so for our most vulnerable adult citizens.
In this regard the Deputy may be aware that adult safeguarding is primarily the responsibility of the HSE National Safeguarding Office, which oversees the implementation, monitoring, review and ongoing evaluation of the Safeguarding Policy as well as coordinating the development and roll-out of safeguarding training.
The Deputy will also be aware that the Assisted Decision-Making Acts have brought into effect a new legislative framework to support decision making by adults with capacity difficulties. This provides for a three tier framework of decision making assistance arrangements, co-decision making agreements, and decision making representation orders. Responsibility for this legislation now rests with my colleague, the Minister for Children, Disability, Equality, Integration and Youth.
Work Permits
Questions (246)
Bernard Durkan
Question:246. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the procedure to be followed to regularise by way of stamp 4 or work permit the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9902/24]
View answerWritten answers
The person referred to by the Deputy has no valid immigration permission to remain in the State.
Where a person remains resident in the State without an immigration permission, I encourage them to contact the Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) or their local immigration office and to take all appropriate steps to regularise their status.
Any application submitted should explain their current circumstances and future intentions in the State and provide any documentation they feel will support their application.
In all cases, people must engage with the authorities if they wish to be permitted to remain here legally.
The Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) examines each application to remain in the State on a case-by-case basis and has consistently urged anyone in this position to come forward if they wish to apply to regularise their immigration position in the State.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by email using the Oireachtas Mail facility at IMoireachtasmail@justice.ie, which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Question process. The Deputy may consider using the email service except in cases where the response is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
Naturalisation Applications
Questions (247)
Bernard Durkan
Question:247. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice if all required documentation has been supplied as requested in sufficient volume to facilitate consideration of an application for naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9903/24]
View answerWritten answers
A request for further documentation was made to the person concerned on 19 February 2024. Once the Citizenship division of my Department has received and assessed these documents processing of the application can resume.
I understand the extended wait times can be frustrating for applicants and my Department has been working hard to clear backlogs.
It is recognised that all applicants for citizenship would wish to have a decision on their application without delay. However, the nature of the naturalisation process is such that, for a broad range of reasons, some cases will take longer than others to process. In some instances, completing the necessary checks can take a considerable period of time.
My Department is taking a number of steps to speed up the processing of applications and a number of digitisation measures have been introduced to increase efficiency in the process, including eVetting and online payments.
My Department has recently moved from paper to online based citizenship applications. This is one of a number of measures introduced in an effort to optimise the application process and enhance the overall customer service experience. As part of the new online process, customers are issued with an acknowledgment on submission of the online application. The forms provide a seamless application process and help guide applicants through what is required for an application.
Finally, I can advise the Deputy that the Citizenship Division of my Department continues to communicate regularly with all applicants to keep them informed as to updates on processing times and arrangements.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility at: IMoireachtasmail@justice.ie , which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Question process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in the cases where the response is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
Asylum Seekers
Questions (248)
Bernard Durkan
Question:248. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice if a danger exists that the confidentiality clause amounts to secrecy which could be contrary to the interest of such asylum seekers as in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9907/24]
View answerWritten answers
I can advise the Deputy that it has been the long standing practice not to comment on individual applications for international protection.
This approach is determined by section 26 (1) of the International Protection Act 2015 which requires the Minister and the Tribunal and their respective officers shall take all practicable steps to ensure that the identity of applicants is kept confidential. The rationale behind Section 26 relates to importance of confidentiality requirements for asylum-seekers, who by definition fear persecution by the authorities of their home country and whose situation, or that of their family or friends still living in the country from which they have sought protection, can be jeopardised if the protection of their personal information is not ensured.
The applicant or their designated legal advisor can contact the International Protection Office (IPO) or the International Protection Appeals Tribunal (IPAT) directly, as appropriate, for an update on the status of their application. In this way, a comprehensive update will be provided to the applicant or their legal advisor by the IPO or the IPAT as relevant and the interests of the applicant will be fully upheld. Both organisations have in place arrangements to take account of any accessibility considerations which need to be taken into account in engaging with applicants.
The International Protection Office may be contacted: by email to info@ipo.gov.ie; by telephone to the IPO Customer Service Centre at 01 6028000 or in writing to Customer Service Centre, International Protection Office, 79-83 Lower Mount Street, Dublin 2.
The International Protection Appeals Tribunal may be contacted either: by email to info@protectionappeals.ie; by telephone at 01-4748400 (or Lo-Call 1890 201 458), or in writing to Corporate Services Division, The International Protection Appeals Tribunal, 6-7 Hanover Street East, Dublin D02 W320.
Agriculture Schemes
Questions (249)
Brendan Griffin
Question:249. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when an ACRES payment will issue to a person in County Kerry (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9744/24]
View answerWritten answers
I can confirm that the person named was approved into Tranche 1 of the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) Co-operation Project Stream, with a contract commencement date of 1 January 2023.
As the deputy is aware, I made a decision to issue an interim, nationally funded payment, to farmers affected by ACRES payment delays across ACRES General and Co-operation, at a rate of €4,000 for those in ACRES general and €5,000 for those in ACRES Co-operation Projects.
I am pleased to confirm that this interim payment, in the amount of €5,000, has issued this week to the person named as part of the wider issuing of interim payments to 23,709 ACRES participants, to a total value of €113.617 million.
EU Funding
Questions (250)
Holly Cairns
Question:250. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide a breakdown of all EU funding made available to his Department which has not yet been allocated; and the purpose for which this funding has been made available by the EU. [9799/24]
View answerWritten answers
My Department acts as a Paying Agency for a number of EU funds; the vast majority of these funds are programmed in multi annual cycles such as the CAP Strategic Plan and the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) Programme.
The CAP Strategic Plan 2023-2027 has a budget of €9.8 billion, with €5.97 billion in Pillar 1 for Direct Payments coming from the European Agricultural Guarantee Fund (EAGF). The remaining €3.86 billion in Pillar 2 is co-financed by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and the National Exchequer. All of the funding available from the EAGF and EAFRD is allocated and programmed in the CAP Strategic Plan 2023-2027.
The European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) Programme 2021-27 provides €258 million to our seafood sector and our coastal communities. These communities have faced extraordinary challenges in recent times, particularly due to Brexit and the Trade and Cooperation Agreement. The EMFAF supports the EU Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), the EU Maritime Policy and the EU agenda for international ocean governance. Building on the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) 2014-2020, it provides supports to achieve food security through the supply of seafood products, growth of a sustainable blue economy and healthy, safe and sustainably managed seas and oceans.
My Department will continue to explore and avail of EU funding opportunities to support the relevant sectors.
Agriculture Industry
Questions (251)
Niall Collins
Question:251. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for an update on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9836/24]
View answerWritten answers
I have long supported the cohort of farmers known as the forgotten farmers and have committed to supporting them.
My Department developed a preliminary outline of a proposal to provide support to the forgotten farmer group. Work continues on addressing a number of issues, such as the funding required, consistency with public expenditure and state aid considerations before the details of the eligibility requirements and benefits to successful applicants under the scheme can be finalised. Details of the scheme will be made available as soon as this process has been completed.
I am committed to delivering for these farmers, many of whom find themselves in this situation through no fault of their own, at the earliest opportunity.
Animal Feedstuffs
Questions (252)
Violet-Anne Wynne
Question:252. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine about the recent meeting of the Agriculture Water Quality Group and his commitment to immediately implement the flexibilities on concentrate feed and the calf N allocation, which was previously committed to; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9878/24]
View answerWritten answers
Last October my Department requested Teagasc to undertake research and provide data regarding bovine nutrient excretion rates. This included consideration of the excretion rate as the young bovine animal grows and consideration of the impact reducing crude protein in concentrates fed to dairy cows will have on the cow's nutrient excretion rate.
Teagasc presented their work to the Agriculture Water Quality Working Group on the 5th of December 2023. At that meeting, Teagasc asked to finalise their work to reflect some clarifications sought by the Group.
To ensure the scientific validation of this work, the Teagasc papers were then submitted to University College Dublin (UCD) for expert peer review. This led to some further queries which Teagasc responded to and UCD provided their response to that within the last week.
At its various meetings since early December, the Agriculture Water Quality Working Group were kept up to date regarding the development of this research with the matter was most recently discussed by the Group today (29th of February).
As outlined to the Group, these changes are part of the Interim Review of the 5th Nitrates Action Programme which must go through the Appropriate Assessment process under the Habitats Directive.
Subject to the Appropriate Assessment process, including the outcome of the associated public consultation, and updating of the Good Agricultural Practice for the Protection of Waters Regulations (SI No. 113 of 2022, as amended), I propose to apply these updated bovine nutrient excretion rates when determining farmer compliance with nitrates limits at year end.
To allow farmers plan for the proposed changes under the Interim Review I intend to shortly write to farmers to signpost the proposals that are being subject to the Appropriate Assessment process.
Forestry Sector
Questions (253)
Violet-Anne Wynne
Question:253. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason forestation licence issuances are still not matching the rate of application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9885/24]
View answerWritten answers
Afforestation applications received by my Department are reviewed for completeness to ensure they are a valid application which can be progressed to licence decision stage. The licensing process involves careful assessment of applications from a silvicultural, environmental and scheme compliance perspective.
Statistics of all licences issued are published weekly on my Departments Forestry Dashboard, which can be found here: gov - 2024 Forestry Weekly Dashboard (www.gov.ie)
To date in 2024 we have received 71 valid afforestation applications with 81 approvals issuing in the same period.
There are 2,398ha in total, currently available for planting under the Afforestation Scheme. This is made up of approvals issued to new applicants since the Programme opened and those who applied or were approved under the old Programme, who have now opted-in to the new Programme.
Since 2020 there has been a significant turnaround in the number of licences issued by my Department. For the new Forestry Programme we are committed to reducing turn around times for all schemes to six months for screened out files and nine months for files that are screened in for appropriate assessment.
Disability Diagnoses
Questions (254)
Bernard Durkan
Question:254. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when a diagnosis might be forthcoming in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9900/24]
View answerWritten answers
As this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible. The Deputy will likely be aware that the industrial action by certain Forsa grades in the HSE has been suspended. The HSE has indicated that they have recommenced issuing replies to questions but there is a significant backlog of PQs and Reps to be responded to and has advised that they are working to get through these as soon as possible while at the same time managing the volume of current PQs and Reps
Disability Services
Questions (255)
Brendan Smith
Question:255. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of persons with disabilities that received home support hours in CHO1 and CHO2 in 2023 respectively; the number of persons with disabilities in 2023 that received personal assistance hours in CHO1 and CHO2 in 2023, respectively; the total number of hours provided in each category in CHO1 and CHO2 in 2023, respectively; the target number of hours for each category in CHO1 and CHO2 in 2024, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9521/24]
View answerWritten answers
As this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible. The Deputy will likely be aware that the industrial action by certain Forsa grades in the HSE has been suspended. The HSE has indicated that they have recommenced issuing replies to questions but there is a significant backlog of PQs and Reps to be responded to and has advised that they are working to get through these as soon as possible while at the same time managing the volume of current PQs and Reps.
Disability Services
Questions (256, 257)
Pauline Tully
Question:256. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the plans to commit adequate funding for the implementation of the Disability Action Plan over its full- term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5753/24]
View answerPauline Tully
Question:257. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will commit to adequate ring-fenced funding for the Disability Action Plan for its full-term;; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5752/24]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 256 and 257 together.
This Government is committed to the expansion of specialist services for people with disabilities. The Action Plan for Disability Services 2024-2026, which I published on 14th December, represents a national strategy for capacity increases and service and policy reform in disability services. It was informed by findings from the Disability Capacity Review, published in 2021, in addition to cross-Governmental input and an extensive public consultation.
The service areas for investment for 2024 under the Action Plan have already been agreed through the budgetary process. Specifically, €74m has been allocated for new development measures which will provide greater investment across a range of disability services and contribute to the progressive realisation of the Action Plan. The measures are:
• €20.5m for circa 100 Residential placements for children and adults
• €15m for provision of further Respite services, including alternative respite
• €18.2m for new Day Services places for approximately 1,250 people
• €8.5m for developments in Children's Services, including 125 new therapy assistant positions
• €11.9m for other developments, including 80,000 extra PA hours and furtherance of Community Neurological supports.
The precise level of delivery of services for people with disabilities, based on the funding provided in the Budget, is set out in the HSE's National Service Plan for 2024.
To enable strategic planning of new current spending and achieve value for money over the full three years of the plan, it will be essential to have an indicative funding envelope, though year to year funding will fall to be decided through the Estimates process. It is intended to address the capacity deficits identified in the Capacity Review in a phased approach, meaning this Action Plan represents an implementation plan for the first phase and will be followed by a successor plan in 2027. The Action Plan is a living document and will be reviewed and updated in the light of priorities, policy considerations and the funding available under this and subsequent Budgets.
Question No. 257 answered with Question No. 256.
Child and Family Agency
Questions (258)
Cormac Devlin
Question:258. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he is aware of a decision by Tusla (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9765/24]
View answerWritten answers
As the subject matter of the Deputy's question relates to an operational matter for Tusla, I have referred the matter to them for a direct reply.