Written Answers Nos. 197 - 205
197. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health if he will provide, in tabular form, the performance related awards made to chief executives of semi-State companies in 2013 and 2014 under the aegis of his Department. [2323/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Voluntary Health Insurance Board is the only semi state company under the aegis of my department. The Chief Executive of this company did not receive any performance related awards in 2013 and 2014.
198. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the way an Irish national who is imprisoned in the UK can apply for and acquire a first passport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1887/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Passports Act 2008 provides that only Irish citizens may obtain Irish passports. Each applicant must therefore provide documentary evidence that demonstrates his/her entitlement to Irish citizenship and which verifies his/her identify.
In general, first time applicants should provide the following:
- a completed and suitably witnessed application form and photographs;
- an original long form birth certificate and a civil marriage certificate if appropriate;
- any other evidence of Irish citizenship where applicable;
- additional photo identification;
- documentary evidence to show use of name;
- evidence of residency at the applicant’s postal address.
More details in regard to the documentary requirements are available on the Department’s website www.passports.ie
In terms of Irish citizens in prison in England and Wales or those in Scotland, they may write to the Embassy of Ireland in London or the Consulate in Edinburgh respectively for confidential advice and assistance in regard to their specific situation. However, it should be noted that in situations where passports are issued to persons in prison, these are sent in the care of the Governor’s office for safekeeping, as appropriate, until the person’s release.
The contact details for the Embassy and Consulate are as follows:
Embassy of Ireland
17 Grosvenor Place
London
SW1X 7HR.
Consulate General of Ireland
16 Randolph Crescent
Edinburgh
EH3 7TT.
199. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding a diplomatic matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1963/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of the matter referred to by the Deputy. I have raised my concerns in relation to this matter with the diplomat concerned and his authorities and I hope that it will be possible to achieve a satisfactory resolution in these cases.
While I am not in a position to comment further on the matter in question, I would like to reiterate my strong commitment to the protection of domestic workers in Ireland. My position on the rights of private domestic workers employed by diplomatic staff is clear: diplomatic staff who wish to employ private domestic workers are expected to respect Irish laws, including labour law and apply good employment practice. I have been proactive in the promotion of best employment practices. Last September, I introduced guidelines in relation to the employment of private domestic employees by diplomats in Ireland and I am committed to monitoring their implementation. These guidelines, which set out clearly expectations regarding payment, employment records, health insurance and social security, can be accessed on my Department’s website.
I know that the majority of diplomatic staff already follow good practices in respect of employment practices, but I believe that the guidelines that I have introduced, combined with strong implementation, will help to prevent possible exploitation of domestic workers in diplomatic households and to assist victims. The Department works closely with other Government Departments, State Agencies, An Garda Síochána and Migrant Rights Centre Ireland in relation to the implementation of the guidelines.
The Department also continues to work closely with the authorities of the country of the diplomat concerned in the promotion of strong bilateral relations across a wide range of areas.
200. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has raised at the UN Human Rights Council the plight of those affected by the atrocities of Boko Haram; the actions taken at an EU level to tackle these atrocities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2013/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am appalled by ongoing reports of outrageous acts of violence perpetrated in Nigeria by the terrorist group Boko Haram. These include the very recent killing of a large number of civilians, estimated by Amnesty International to be as high as 2,000, in an attack by militants in the north-eastern state of Borno. I am utterly appalled by reports of the use of innocent young children to carry primed explosives. I have also previously condemned the abduction of more than 200 young girls from a school in the Nigerian town of Chibok last April.
Nigeria was the subject of a Universal Periodic Review at the Human Rights Council in Geneva in October 2013. During that process, Ireland raised a number of issues including the ongoing atrocities being committed by Boko Haram and its total disregard for the human rights of the people affected.
The EU remains committed to providing a comprehensive range of political, development and humanitarian supports to Nigeria and its people in tackling the terrorist threat and in ensuring the sound development of the country. At the fifth Nigeria-EU Ministerial Dialogue held in Abuja on 27th November 2014, both the EU and Nigeria expressed concern that the violence of Boko Haram was becoming deep-rooted and was also affecting the wider region, including through refugee movements across borders. The EU emphasized the importance of a strong and human rights-compliant leadership in the fight against Boko Haram and in maintaining state control over the north-eastern states. The parties noted the enhanced regional cooperation between Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad and Niger.
The Nigerian Government has primary responsibility for addressing the security and human rights situation in their country. The EU, as well as several individual EU Member States, and also the UN and the USA, continue to assist the Nigerian authorities in strengthening their ability to provide security and to combat terrorism. Our Embassy in Abuja is working locally, in co-operation with the EU and other key partners, in support of these efforts.
201. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the conflict in the Ukraine will be discussed at the next EU Foreign Affairs Council; his position regarding the current sanctions imposed on Russia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2014/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe conflict in Ukraine is not formally on the agenda of the next meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council on 19 January. However, Ministers will have a comprehensive discussion on the EU’s relationship with Russia and it is likely that the situation in eastern Ukraine will be raised in the context of this debate.
The crisis in Ukraine and its impact on relations with Russia remains a major foreign policy challenge for the EU. Following Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea in March and clear evidence of its ongoing direct involvement in the destabilisation of eastern Ukraine, the response of the EU has been graduated.
A three-phase approach was agreed by EU leaders at the March European Council, beginning with the suspension of talks on a proposed new EU-Russia agreement and on visa liberalization (Phase 1), moving to asset freezes and visa bans (Phase 2) and culminating at the end of July with a move to targeted sectoral sanctions (Phase 3). The latter measures were further strengthened in early September following a serious deterioration of the situation on the ground in eastern Ukraine.
The sanctions were imposed in response to Russia’s actions in Ukraine and with the clear aim of encouraging a change in its behaviour towards its neighbour. They are designed to be flexible and can be intensified or lessened depending on developments on the ground in Ukraine.
The ceasefire agreements signed in Minsk last September provide the basis for a comprehensive settlement of the conflict. It is crucial, therefore, that all sides, including the Russian Federation, follow through on the commitments that they signed up to under these accords. The lack of progress on key elements of the agreements in the intervening period is deeply disappointing. Serious violations of the ceasefire in certain parts of eastern Ukraine occur on an almost daily basis and the current situation remains very fragile.
I remain of the view that the restrictive measures against Russia, coupled with open dialogue and continued political and economic engagement with the various sides involved in the conflict, offer the best way of creating the conditions for a breakthrough.
202. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the amount paid out in foreign aid over the past five years; the percentage of GDP this applies to; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2020/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is strongly committed to Ireland’s overseas aid programme, which is at the heart of our foreign policy. “One World, One Future” our policy on International Development, sets out our vision for a sustainable and just world, and reaffirms our commitment to achieving the UN target of providing 0.7% of Gross National Product (GNP) for Official Development Assistance (ODA), when economic circumstances permit.
Over the past five years Ireland has provided a total of over €3.0 billion in Official Development Assistance (ODA). Of this, approximately 80% has been managed by my Department under Vote 27 -International Cooperation. The remainder consisted of contributions from other Government Departments and Ireland’s share of the EU Development Co-operation Budget.
A summary of Ireland’s total contribution to ODA and as a percentage of Gross National Product (GNP) in the years 2010 through to 2014 is set out in tabular form below
|
- |
Total ODA |
ODA as a % of GNP |
|
Year |
€m |
- |
|
2014 |
599.16 |
0.43% |
|
2013 |
637.09 |
0.46% |
|
2012 |
628.90 |
0.47% |
|
2011 |
657.04 |
0.50% |
|
2010 |
675.83 |
0.51% |
I should note that the figure provided for 2014 is the budget allocation for that year. Detailed expenditure data for 2014 are currently being collated and verified for ODA eligibility. When finalised, the data will be published in the statistical annexes to the Irish Aid Annual Report, which will be available at www.irishaid.ie.
203. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide a breakdown of all departmental funding provided to a school (details supplied) in County Donegal, both capital and revenue, for each of the past five years including the amount and the purpose of the funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1889/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department provides capitation funding to all recognised primary schools. The amount of grant paid to an individual primary school for capitation and ancillary services is determined by the school's enrolment, subject to a minimum grant for both capitation and ancillary services in respect of schools with enrolments up to 60, and a maximum ancillary services grant in the case of schools with enrolments of 500 or more.
In 2015 the capitation grant is €170 per pupil, and the Ancillary Services Grant is €147 per pupil. The Deputy may wish to note that Circular 40/2009 clarifies issues relating to the allocation of funding for primary schools. The circular states that capitation funding provided for general running costs and funding provided for caretaking and secretarial services may be regarded as a common grant from which the Board of Management can allocate according to its own priorities. The Minor Works Grant has issued to primary schools with permanent recognition since 1997 with the exception of the school year 2012/2013. The Minor Works Grant must be spent on the physical infrastructure of the school or on items of furniture and equipment for educational use including IT equipment. The following table contains a breakdown of the funding issued to the school to which the Deputy refers in the last five years, as requested.
|
School |
Description |
Amount paid |
Payment date |
Section name |
|
St Peter's NS |
SOUNDFIELD SYSTEM FOR A PUPIL |
1,250.00 |
30-Jan-2009 |
PAS2 |
|
St Peter's NS |
CAPITATION GRANT |
18,200.00 |
30-Jan-2009 |
Central Funds Unit |
|
St Peter's NS |
ANCILLARY SERVICES GRANT C49 |
21,235.00 |
30-Mar-2009 |
Central Funds Unit |
|
St Peter's NS |
ASSISTIVE TECH GRANT FOR A PUPIL |
343.00 |
14-Apr-2009 |
PAS2 |
|
St Peter's NS |
SOUNDFIELD AMPLIFICATION FOR A PUPIL |
1,100.00 |
14-May-2009 |
PAS3 |
|
St Peter's NS |
CAPITATION GRANT |
9,200.00 |
30-Jun-2009 |
Central Funds Unit |
|
St Peter's NS |
PBU MINOR WORKS GRANT (ENROLL) |
2,534.50 |
18-Nov-2009 |
Central Funds Unit |
|
St Peter's NS |
PBU MINOR WORKS GRANT |
5,500.00 |
18-Nov-2009 |
Central Funds Unit |
|
St Peter's NS |
ICT INFRASTRUCTURE |
6,438.83 |
27-Nov-2009 |
ICT Policy Unit |
|
St Peter's NS |
STANDARDISED TESTING GRANT |
493.20 |
17-Dec-2009 |
Central Funds Unit |
|
St Peter's NS |
CAPITATION GRANT |
19,180.00 |
27-Jan-2010 |
Central Funds Unit |
|
St Peter's NS |
ANCILLARY SERVICES GRANT C49 |
19,530.00 |
12-Apr-2010 |
Schools Division - Financial |
|
St Peter's NS |
ASSISTIVE TECH GRANT FOR A PUPIL |
249.72 |
17-Jun-2010 |
Schools Division - Financial |
|
St Peter's NS |
SCHOOL BOOKS GRANT |
1,386.00 |
25-Jun-2010 |
Schools Division - Financial |
|
St Peter's NS |
CAPITATION GRANT |
6,020.00 |
25-Jun-2010 |
Central Funds Unit |
|
St Peter's NS |
BUILDING GRANT 100%-PEST CONTROL |
5,309.00 |
11-Oct-2010 |
Building Unit Financial |
|
St Peter's NS |
SWS 2010-100% GRANT - WINDOWS |
19,674.00 |
27-Oct-2010 |
Building Unit Financial |
|
St Peter's NS |
ICT INFRASTRUCTURE |
6,198.20 |
11-Nov-2010 |
ICT Policy Unit |
|
St Peter's NS |
100% OF GRANT ENERGY EFFICIENCY SCHEME |
7,171.04 |
12-Nov-2010 |
Building Unit Financial |
|
St Peter's NS |
PBU MINOR WORKS GRANT (ENROL) & PLAYGROUND/PE EQUIPMENT GRANT |
3,591.00 |
26-Nov-2010 |
Building Unit Financial |
|
St Peter's NS |
PBU MINOR WORKS GRANT AND PLAYGROUND/PE EQUIPMENT GRANT |
6,500.00 |
26-Nov-2010 |
Building Unit Financial |
|
St Peter's NS |
STANDARDISED TESTING GRANT |
453.60 |
08-Dec-2010 |
Central Funds Unit |
|
St Peter's NS |
CAPITATION GRANT |
16,758.00 |
31-Jan-2011 |
Schools Division - Financial |
|
St Peter's NS |
WATER CONSERVATION MEASURES 100% |
1,910.00 |
25-Feb-2011 |
PBU |
|
St Peter's NS |
ASSISTIVE TECH GRANT FOR A PUPIL |
334.00 |
10-Mar-2011 |
Special Needs & Tuition Grants Section |
|
St Peter's NS |
ANCILLARY SERVICES GRANT C49 |
18,228.00 |
31-Mar-2011 |
Schools Division - Financial |
|
St Peter's NS |
SCHOOL BOOKS GRANT |
1,364.00 |
29-Apr-2011 |
Schools Division - Financial |
|
St Peter's NS |
ONCE-OFF GRANT FOR AUTISTIC UNIT |
6,500.00 |
17-May-2011 |
Building Unit Financial |
|
St Peter's NS |
CAPITATION GRANT |
6,802.00 |
24-Jun-2011 |
Schools Division - Financial |
|
St Peter's NS |
THINKING TOYS INVOICE 5171 FURNITURE |
65.98 |
08-Jul-2011 |
Primary Building Unit |
|
St Peter's NS |
70% OF SUMMER WORKS GRANT 2011 - MECHANICAL |
23,398.77 |
12-Aug-2011 |
Building Unit Financial |
|
St Peter's NS |
STANDARDISED TESTING GRANT |
446.40 |
14-Oct-2011 |
QUALIFICATIONS SECTION |
|
St Peter's NS |
ADDITIONAL ACCOMMODATION 2010 70% GRANT |
210,000.00 |
15-Nov-2011 |
Primary Building Unit |
|
St Peter's NS |
MINOR WORKS GRANT 2011- TYPE 39 |
5,500.00 |
28-Nov-2011 |
Building Unit Financial |
|
St Peter's NS |
MINOR WORKS GRANT 2011/2012 |
2,294.00 |
29-Nov-2011 |
Building Unit Financial |
|
St Peter's NS |
ESCORT ADVANCE 11/12 |
2,636.60 |
19-Dec-2011 |
School Transport |
|
St Peter's NS |
SUPERVISION GRANT |
2,047.58 |
20-Dec-2011 |
Payroll Division |
|
St Peter's NS |
CAPITATION GRANT |
15,884.40 |
06-Feb-2012 |
Schools Division - Financial |
|
St Peter's NS |
ANCILLARY SERVICES GRANT C49 |
18,375.00 |
29-Mar-2012 |
Schools Division - Financial |
|
St Peter's NS |
STANDARDISED TESTING GRANT |
637.50 |
25-Apr-2012 |
QUALIFICATIONS SECTION |
|
St Peter's NS |
SCHOOL BOOKS GRANT |
1,375.00 |
26-Jun-2012 |
Schools Division - Financial |
|
St Peter's NS |
CAPITATION GRANT |
9,870.60 |
27-Jun-2012 |
Schools Division - Financial |
|
St Peter's NS |
ONCE-OFF GRANT FOR MULTI-SENSORY ROOM |
7,000.00 |
20-Aug-2012 |
Building Unit Financial |
|
St Peter's NS |
ESCORT REC 2011-12 & ADV 2012-13 |
2,312.06 |
14-Sep-2012 |
School Transport |
|
St Peter's NS |
SUPERVISION GRANT |
4,635.98 |
30-Oct-2012 |
Payroll Division |
|
St Peter's NS |
SWS 2011-MECHANICAL-BAL OF GRANT |
10,028.05 |
27-Nov-2012 |
Building Unit Financial |
|
St Peter's NS |
CAPITATION GRANT |
17,832.50 |
16-Jan-2013 |
Schools Division Financial |
|
St Peter's NS |
ANCILLARY SERVICES GRANT C49 |
15,288.00 |
11-Mar-2013 |
Schools Division Financial |
|
St Peter's NS |
BALANCE (30% & ICT) OF ADDITIONAL ACCOMM. GRANT 2010 |
95,000.00 |
08-Apr-2013 |
Planning Building |
|
St Peter's NS |
STANDARDISED TESTING GRANT |
530.40 |
29-Apr-2013 |
QCAP |
|
St Peter's NS |
SCHOOL BOOKS GRANT |
1,144.00 |
30-May-2013 |
Schools Division Financial |
|
St Peter's NS |
CAPITATION GRANT |
3,946.50 |
27-Jun-2013 |
Schools Division Financial |
|
St Peter's NS |
ESCORT REC 12/13 & ADV 13/14 |
5,072.39 |
26-Sep-2013 |
School Transport |
|
St Peter's NS |
SUPERVISION GRANT |
1,725.01 |
21-Nov-2013 |
Payroll Financial Control |
|
St Peter's NS |
MINOR WORKS GRANT 2013/14 ENROLMENT |
2,201.50 |
28-Nov-2013 |
Planning Building |
|
St Peter's NS |
MINOR WORKS GRANT 2013/14 FLAT RATE |
5,500.00 |
28-Nov-2013 |
Planning Building |
|
St Peter's NS |
CAPITATION GRANT |
14,981.40 |
14-Jan-2014 |
Schools Division Financial |
|
St Peter's NS |
ANCILLARY SERVICES GRANT C49 |
14,406.00 |
21-Mar-2014 |
Schools Division Financial |
|
St Peter's NS |
STANDARDISED TESTING GRANT |
499.80 |
29-Apr-2014 |
Curriculum Assessment |
|
St Peter's NS |
SCHOOL BOOKS GRANT |
1,078.00 |
26-May-2014 |
Schools Division Financial |
|
St Peter's NS |
CAPITATION GRANT |
5,382.60 |
17-Jun-2014 |
Schools Division Financial |
|
St Peter's NS |
ESC REC 13-14 ADV 14-15 |
1,459.38 |
27-Aug-2014 |
School Transport |
|
St Peter's NS |
ESCORT ADV 14-15 |
3,492.16 |
21-Nov-2014 |
School Transport |
|
St Peter's NS |
Minor Works Grant 2014/15 - Enrolment |
2,090.50 |
08-Dec-2014 |
Planning Building |
|
St Peter's NS |
Minor Works Grant 2014/15 - Flat Rate |
5,500.00 |
08-Dec-2014 |
Planning Building |
|
St Peter's NS |
POD IMPLEMENTATION GRANT |
147.00 |
22-Dec-2014 |
Schools Division Financial |
204. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will review a submission by management of a school (details supplied) in County Kerry for an additional room to cater for rapidly expanding pupil numbers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1892/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am pleased to confirm that an all-in devolved grant was recently approved for the school to which the Deputy refers. This funding will allow the school to build two additional classrooms and the school has been advised of this decision.
These additional classrooms will greatly enhance the school's accommodation and will meet the school's long-term accommodation needs.
205. Deputy Anthony Lawlor asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason her Department has not sanctioned funding to maintain the third stream in a school (details supplied) in County Kildare despite the clear demand; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1901/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to clarify for the Deputy that the school in question is recognised as a two-stream school by my Department. I also wish to advise the Deputy that my Department is in contact with the school Patron for the primary schools in the area in question regarding pupil enrolments. My Department understands that the Patron is consulting directly with the schools involved, including the school referred to by the Deputy, in relation to the enrolment matters being raised. My Department will continue to liaise with the Patron, who has ultimate responsibility for the governance and management of the schools concerned.
