Written Answers Nos. 213-235
213. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of an application for a payment to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry under the green low-carbon agri-environment scheme, and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5294/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn application for Tranche 2 of the GLAS Scheme (GLAS 2) for the person named was received on the dedicated GLAS online system on the 8th December 2015. The unprecedented level of applications to the Scheme has meant that for GLAS 2, priority is being given to what are called Tier 1 and Tier 2 candidates, i.e. those who either manage key environmental assets such as endangered birds, protected habitats or high-quality water courses, or who have committed to undertake particularly valuable environmental actions such as growing feed-crops for wild birds, adopting low-impact tillage techniques or using low-emission slurry spreading methods.
Farmers had been urged to present the highest standard environmental plans under GLAS 2, and to adopt actions that would promote them from Tier 3 to a higher tier, thereby significantly increasing the chance of selection. I am delighted that over 80% of applicants in this second tranche of GLAS opted to do so, and with the funding available to me I have been able to approve all of these.
In addition all GLAS 2 applications from new entrants to farming in 2015, and from new farm partnerships, have been granted priority access under this round, because of difficulties they had in applying under GLAS 1. This includes applications by new entrants or partnerships from Tier 3.
The application, for the person named, was ranked as a Tier 3 application and as the application did not fit the criteria regarding new entrants to farming in 2015 or new farm partnerships it was not selected to the scheme.
A third tranche of GLAS will open later this year and the person named and any applicant who was unsuccessful this time round has the opportunity now to re-examine their proposed farm-plan in consultation with their advisor and see how it might be improved to increase their chance of selection under GLAS 3.
214. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of vacancies which exist within his Department for candidates who must display competence in the Irish language; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5427/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department currently holds one vacancy with a requirement for competency in the Irish language. The Public Appointments Service has identified a suitable candidate for this post and my Department is awaiting the final assignment papers.
215. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Defence why members of the Reserve Defence Forces are not receiving 1916 Centenary service medals, which honour is being restricted to the members of the permanent Defence Forces. [4737/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe State is undertaking a comprehensive programme of commemorations during 2016 which commenced on New Year’s Day in Dublin Castle. All elements of the Defence Forces will play a very central and important role in many of the historic commemorative events that will take place during 2016. The question of issuing a medal to commemorate the centenary is being considered in the context of further initiatives that may be introduced as part of the 2016 Commemorations. At this time, however, no decision has been made to issue a medal or the terms on which such a medal might issue.
216. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Defence why a member (details supplied), along with ten other members, of the Reserve Defence Forces was excluded from the remainder of training for the 1916 commemorative parade on O'Connell Street in Dublin 1 as part of the Easter Rising ceremonies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4773/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe final dress rehearsal for the 1916 commemorative parade was conducted in the Defence Forces training centre, the Curragh, on Tuesday 15 March. In preparation for this final dress rehearsal, the 1st Battalion Company conducted a number of periods of training in Dún Uí Mhaoilíosa, Renmore and participated in Defence Forces-level training rehearsals in the Defence Forces training centre. The 1st Battalion Company paraded in Dún Uí Mhaoilíosa, Renmore, on Saturday 12 March. This unit rehearsal was the final opportunity for the 1st Battalion Company to select the personnel who had reached the required standard to represent on parade.
A number of personnel were identified by the relevant military authorities as not having reached the required standard of dress, deportment and drill to enable them to be selected as part of the 1st Battalion Company marching body.
All personnel were informed on numerous occasions of the need, irrespective of the number of rehearsals attended, to meet the required standard of dress, drill and deportment. The 15th March was the final Defence Forces dress rehearsal and there is no further training scheduled at Defence Force or Unit level.
217. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Defence the roles and requirements the Defence Forces could conduct under the United Nations umbrella to help combat the rise of global terrorism in the future given the recently published White Paper on Defence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4845/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government recently published a White Paper on Defence which sets out the policy framework for the Defence organisation for the next ten years and beyond. Given the importance that Ireland places on collective security and multilateralism, the Government’s recent White Paper on Defence, published in August 2015, confirms our continued support to the UN and to international peacekeeping generally. The specific role of the permanent Defence Force in the White Paper 2015 is;
To participate in multi-national peace support, crisis management and humanitarian relief operations in accordance with Government direction and legislative provision.
As of 10 March 2016, Ireland is contributing 418 Defence Forces personnel to ten different missions throughout the world. Full details of all personnel currently serving overseas are listed in the following table.
The main overseas missions in which Defence Forces personnel are currently deployed are the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) with 198 personnel and the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in Syria with 138 personnel.
The current contribution of some 418 personnel to overseas missions reflects the Government’s continued commitment to our responsibilities in the area of international peace and security.
The Department of Defence constantly reviews the deployment of Defence Forces personnel overseas. With regard to any future deployments of Defence Forces personnel overseas, Ireland receives requests, from time to time, in relation to participation in various missions and these are considered on a case-by-case basis. Requests from the UN for Irish participation in new missions are dealt with under the United Nations peacekeeping capability readiness system (PCRS) on a case-by-case basis. Among the factors taken into account by Ireland when considering any particular request are the following:
- the degree of risk involved;
- the extent to which the required skills or characteristics relate to Irish capabilities;
- whether the operation is adequately resourced;
- the level of existing commitments to peacekeeping operations and security requirements at home.
Members of the Permanent Defence Force Serving Overseas as of 10 March 2016
1. UN MISSIONS
(i) UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) HQ - 9
UNIFIL 51st Infantry Group - 185
UNIFIL Sector West HQ - 4
(ii) UNTSO (United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation) Israel & Syria - 13
(iii) MINURSO (United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara) - 3
(iv) MONUSCO (United Nations Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
(v) UNOCI (United Nations Mission in Ivory Coast) 2
(vi) UNDOF (United Nations Disengagement Observer Force) HQ, Golan Heights, Syria - 8 UNDOF 50th Infantry Group 30
TOTAL- 358
UN MANDATED MISSIONS
(vii) EUFOR (EU-led Operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina) - 7
(viii) EUTM Mali (EU-Led Training Mission) - 10
(ix) KFOR (International Security Presence in Kosovo ) HQ - 12
TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONNEL SERVING WITH UN MISSIONS - 387
2. ORGANISATION FOR SECURITY AND CO-OPERATION IN EUROPE (OSCE)
(i) OSCE Mission to Bosnia & Herzegovina -1
(ii) Staff Officer, High Level Planning Group, Vienna - 1
TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONNEL SERVING WITH OSCE- 2
3. EU MILITARY STAFF
Brussels -4
4. EU BATTLE GROUP
German-led Battle Group 2016 - HQ, STRASBOURG - 10
UK-led Battle Group 2016, UK - 5
5. MILITARY REPRESENTATIVES/ADVISERS/STAFF
(i) Military Adviser, Permanent Mission to UN, New York - 1
(ii) Military Adviser, Irish Delegation to OSCE, Vienna - 1
(iii) Military Representative to EU (Brussels) - 4
(iv) Liaison Officer of Ireland, NATO/PfP (Brussels) - 2
(v) EU OHQ Operation Althea, Mons, Belgium -1
(vi) Irish Liaison Officer to SHAPE &Military Co-Op Division, Mons, Belgium - 1
TOTAL NUMBER OF DEFENCE FORCES PERSONNEL SERVING OVERSEAS - 418
218. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Defence when the Naval Service will resume its life-saving mission in the Mediterranean following the rescue of more than 8,000 persons in 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4954/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing a Government Decision on 12 May 2015, the Irish Naval vessel, L.É. Eithne, was deployed to the Mediterranean on 16 May, 2015, to assist the Italian authorities with the migrant crisis. Two further vessels were deployed, L.É. Niamh and L.É. Samuel Beckett, and the deployment was completed on 29 November 2015, with L.É. Samuel Beckett arriving back in Ireland on 17 December 2015. The role of the Irish naval vessel was to provide a search and rescue capability and to undertake humanitarian search and rescue operations at sea in the Mediterranean. Assistance to persons in distress at sea was provided in accordance with the applicable provisions of international conventions governing search and rescue situations. Co-ordination of search and rescue efforts and the provision of humanitarian assistance were achieved through close co-operation with the relevant Italian authorities. The success of the operations carried out by L.É. Eithne, L.É. Niamh and L.É. Samuel Beckett involving the rescue of 8,592 migrants demonstrates clearly the value of Ireland’s participation in this important humanitarian response. The question of a further deployment to the operation in the Mediterranean in 2016 is being evaluated and will be considered in the context of the ongoing situation in the Mediterranean and the overall EU response thereto, the demands on the Defence Forces, our overseas commitments and available resources. Subject to Government approval, it is my intention to deploy a further naval vessel to the Mediterranean in the coming months.
219. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Defence to respond to a matter raised in correspondence with him (details supplied). [5121/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn foot of receipt of the correspondence referred to by the Deputy, my Department reviewed the matter further and confirmed, by correspondence dated 1 February 2016, the basis upon which the moneys recouped to the Defence Forces were made. In addition, the military authorities advised that no assurances where given that the form of undertaking did not apply to Cadets or that the requirement to repay pay and allowance in the event of a discharge from the Defence Forces as a cadet would not apply. I am advised that receipt of this communication was acknowledged by the person concerned.
220. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Defence if it is possible to renegotiate a buy-out prior to signing off service where a training buy-out exists; if there are any special circumstances that would be considered with a view to waiving or renegotiating this charge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5238/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraDefence Forces Regulation C.S.3 sets out the criteria in relation to the undertaking and recoupment of moneys due by Defence Forces personnel in respect of training courses provided whereby the individual concerned subsequently seeks to be discharged from the Defence Forces. Regulation 39(2) of this regulation provides that the Minister may at his discretion vary the amount to be recouped.
221. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Defence the personnel numbers in the Permanent Defence Force as of 1 March 2016 broken down by the Army, Air Corps and the Naval Service. [5296/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs of 29 February, 2016 (the latest date for which figures are available), the strength of the Permanent Defence Force stood at 9,146 personnel (whole time equivalent). This comprised of 7,329 Army personnel, 744 Air Corps personnel and 1,073 Naval Service personnel.
The manpower requirement of the Defence Forces is monitored on an ongoing basis in accordance with the operational requirements of each of the three services. Significant turnover of personnel, which is the norm in military services, requires targeted recruitment so as to maintain personnel numbers at or near the agreed strength levels.
The Government is committed to maintaining the stabilised strength of the Permanent Defence Force at or close to the establishment figure 9,500 personnel. With the support of the Chief of Staff and within the resources available, I intend to retain the capacity of the Defence Forces to operate effectively across all roles and to undertake the tasks assigned by Government both at home and overseas.
222. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Defence his views on correspondence concerning pay scales in the Naval Service (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5297/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis matter is being progressed through the conciliation and arbitration scheme for members of the Permanent Defence Force. Discussions have taken place with PDFORRA (the Permanent Defence Force Other Ranks Representative Association) with regard to the claim. The Deputy will appreciate that as discussions under the scheme are confidential to that process, it would be inappropriate for me to make any comment on this claim at this time.
223. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Defence when the Naval Service will restart its search and rescue operation in the Mediterranean in light of the recorded 2,507 % increase in the numbers of persons crossing to Italy in the past week since the closure of the so-called "Balkan route"; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5299/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing a Government decision on 12 May 2015, the Irish naval vessel, L.É. Eithne, was deployed to the Mediterranean on 16 May, 2015, to assist the Italian authorities with the migrant crisis. Two further vessels were deployed, L.É. Niamh and L.É. Samuel Beckett, and the deployment was completed on 29 November 2015, with L.É. Samuel Beckett arriving back in Ireland on 17 December 2015. The role of the Irish naval vessel was to provide a search and rescue capability and to undertake humanitarian search and rescue operations at sea in the Mediterranean. Assistance to persons in distress at sea was provided in accordance with the applicable provisions of international conventions governing search and rescue situations. Co-ordination of search and rescue efforts and the provision of humanitarian assistance were achieved through close co-operation with the relevant Italian authorities. The success of the operations carried out by L.É. Eithne, L.É. Niamh and L.É. Samuel Beckett involving the rescue of 8,592 migrants demonstrates clearly the value of Ireland’s participation in this important humanitarian response.
The question of a further deployment to the operation in the Mediterranean in 2016 is being evaluated and will be considered in the context of the ongoing situation in the Mediterranean and the overall EU response thereto, the demands on the Defence Forces, our overseas commitments and available resources. Subject to Government approval, it is my intention to deploy a further naval vessel to the Mediterranean in the coming months.
224. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Defence the number of vacancies which exist within his Department for candidates who must display competence in the Irish language; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5431/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are no positions within the Department of Defence which require personnel to display competence in the Irish language. The Department has limited interaction with the general public and, consequently, has a low demand for services through the medium of the Irish language. As provided for in its current and previous Irish Language Schemes, the Department draws from a pool of personnel which has been established on a voluntary basis to assist the Branches of the Department in providing services through the medium of Irish and to address customer interaction if required. There are currently six personnel in the pool who have volunteered to assist with the provision of services through Irish and this has proved adequate to meet the needs arising. The pool of volunteers is kept under ongoing review.
225. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the way in which she will require multinationals in receipt of funding from State agencies, to employ at least 3% of persons with disabilities, akin to the requirement under the Disability Act 2005 in the public service. [4736/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the Government published a Comprehensive Employment Strategy for People with Disabilities in October 2015. Amongst the specific actions set out in the Strategy is the establishment of an Employer helpline. The National Disability Authority engaged with the employer umbrella groups to bring this service into being and the new national Employers Disability Information service (EDI) was launched on 2 February last. The ultimate aim is to promote increased employment of people with disabilities and the service is designed to provide employers with an expert peer source of advice and information on employing staff with disabilities.
A consortium of Chambers Ireland, IBEC and ISME co-manages this National Employer Support Service which is housed in ISME. The intention is to build and enhance employer capacity to recruit and retain staff with disabilities by having a pool of authoritative advice and information available. The service is a centrally-based national resource of peer advice and information for employers on employment of people with disabilities. The service comprises:
- A helpline on a dedicated phone line (01- 6762014) providing advice and information to employers on employment of people with disabilities.
- A central web-based information resource (CallEdi.ie) incorporating guidance and best practice.
- The use of the mainstream channels of the participating organisations to disseminate information on the service and on matters relating to employment of people with disabilities.
- The development of networks and fora for employers to share experiences and good practice.
The service provides information and advice on:
- Rights and responsibilities under employment and equality law, health and safety law, etc.
- Support schemes from the Department of Social Protection and other supports and tax breaks for employment of people with disabilities;
- Practical advice on providing reasonable accommodation;
- Inclusive recruitment and workplace practices;
- Managing and supporting staff;
- Managing acquired disability and return to work;
- Trouble-shooting;
- Direction to sources of information and advice on specific disability conditions such as hearing loss, vision impairment, autism, specific physical impairments, mental health conditions.
This initiative will work with and strengthen the disability capacity of mainstream employment support services provided to employer body members. It is based on the premise that harnessing the goodwill of employers and providing advice and supports as set out above is a better approach and will be more successful in a private sector context than imposing statutory quotas, and no proposals have been prepared to amend the Disability Act as suggested in the Deputy's Question.
226. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the Office of Public Works has selected a site in Sligo town for the construction of the proposed new Garda Síochána divisional headquarters; the location of the site; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4830/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe recently announced Garda Building and Refurbishment Programme 2016-2021 includes the provision of a Garda Regional Headquarters in Sligo. This project is included with a number of other Garda projects which are to be financed by way of public private partnership (PPP).
The development of the Garda projects under PPP involves collaboration between my Department, An Garda Síochána, the Office of Public Works and the National Development Finance Agency. I have requested the information sought by the Deputy and will revert as soon as I have the information to hand.
227. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of a campaign (details supplied) by the Disability Federation of Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5065/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraA revised National Disability Inclusion Strategy is currently being prepared on the basis of wide consultation with interested parties in a 3 Phase consultation process. Phases 1 and 2 involving the identification of key themes and building on those through a broad consultation process to produce high-level objectives for the years 2016-2019 have been competed. Phase 3 is due to commence shortly and focus on agreeing specific actions and timeframes in relation to each objective. In summary, the aim is to ensure a rigorous focus on identifying the key themes that impact on the lives of people with disabilities, on identifying agreed objectives within each theme and on developing specific actions to be undertaken to achieve each of the agreed objectives, together with timeframes and key performance indicators so that the new strategy will make a real difference to the lives of people with disabilities.
I welcome the positive engagement of all stakeholders in the process so far, including their participation in the first round of public meetings and in the National Disability Strategy Implementation Group, and look forward to continued engagement by all interested parties, including the Disability Federation of Ireland, in completing and delivering the Strategy.
Furthermore, in autumn 2014, I launched the Comprehensive Employment Strategy for people with Disabilities. The aim of this strategy was to ensure that the barriers faced by those living with a disability in finding employment could be addressed. I appointed Fergus Finlay as the independent chairperson of the strategy's implementation committee to ensure that the Government is provided with regular updates on the Strategy's progression.
228. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when she will ratify the United Nations Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities; the actions she has carried out in anticipation of this; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5108/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 21 October 2015, I published a roadmap to Ireland’s ratification of the CRPD, which outlines the considerable legislative changes to be undertaken to enable Ireland to ratify the Convention, along with the estimated deadline of end-2016 for ratification. Work is also under way on drawing up an Equality-Disability (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill to progress miscellaneous legislative amendments necessary to proceed to ratification. It is intended that the Bill will address issues such as the Convention's requirements in relation to reasonable accommodation and deprivation of liberty, as well as removing archaic references in existing legislation relating to mental health.
The Roadmap to Ratification, which is available on my Department’s website, sets out the substantial legislative agenda required for ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Considerable progress has already been made to overcome barriers to Ireland’s ratification. The Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015 was signed into law on 30 December 2015, and is a comprehensive reform of the law on decision-making capacity. The Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Bill 2015 was passed by the Seanad on 26 January this year. When enacted, the Bill will reform Section 5 of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 1993 to facilitate the full participation in family life of persons with intellectual disabilities and the full expression of their human rights. Achieving the necessary balance between those rights and ensuring appropriate protection is crucial.
229. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she is aware that the cost of citizenship at an approximate minimum cost of €1,000 is prohibitive and acts as a deterrent to many residents who are fully settled in Ireland applying for citizenship and having a say in the democratic process; and if and how she will reduce this amount or implement a system whereby the amount due can be paid in instalments. [4741/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Irish Nationality and Citizenship Regulations 2011 (S.I. 569 of 2011) sets out the fees to be paid by an applicant for a certificate of naturalisation. An application fee of €175 is payable on application for a certificate of naturalisation and a certification fee is payable by applicants on the issue of a certificate of naturalisation. The standard certification fee is set at €950, while a reduced fee of €200 applies in the case of an application made on behalf of a minor or in certain cases where the application is made by a widow, widower or surviving civil partner of an Irish citizen. In the case of recognised refugees and stateless persons the certification fee is nil.
The standard fees payable by an applicant are designed to reflect the effort and cost involved in processing applications for a certificate of naturalisation. The Deputy will be aware that formal citizenship ceremonies have been introduced at no extra cost to applicants. These have been universally well received by participants as the ceremonies provide a sense of dignity and occasion that serves to underscore the importance to both the State and the applicant of the granting of Irish citizenship.
Once granted citizenship new citizens acquire the same rights as all other citizens. A leaflet informing new citizens of their right to register and vote in all elections in the State, and how they can register, is included in the information packs issued to all candidates at citizenship ceremonies. I do not accept that the fees related to naturalisation are a barrier to migrants in the State becoming Irish citizens. Where an applicant for naturalisation notifies the Citizenship division that they require more time to obtain the required fee a deferral of the granting of the certificate can, of course, be facilitated. All of the fees payable under the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956 are kept under ongoing review by my Department. However, there are no plans to reduce or abolish these fees.
230. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the progress in implementing the obligation under the Disability Act 2005 to promote and employ persons with disabilities at a minimum rate of 3 % across the public service, with particular reference to the number of persons employed in each of the years 2011 to 2015. [4742/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn addition to the prohibition on discrimination contained in the Employment Equality Acts (which apply to all employers), Part 5 of the Disability Act 2005 obliges public bodies in so far as is practicable to take all reasonable measures to support and promote the employment of people with disabilities. There is a statutory employment target of 3% in the public service and the Government has agreed in October 2015 that this should be increased progressively to 6% in the context of the comprehensive employment strategy for people with disabilities 2015 - 2024. The number of persons with disabilities employed in the public service is monitored and reported on annually by the National Disability Authority. The authority's 2014 report on compliance with Part 5 of the Disability Act 2005 on Employment of People with Disabilities in the Public Service was laid before the House recently and contains the information sought by the Deputy except for the year 2015 which is not yet available. For ease of reference, the figures for the years 2011-2014 are repeated in the following table.
Table 1: Progress towards 3% Target, 2007-2014
|
Year |
Total staff |
Recorded no. of staff with disabilities |
% of total staff |
|
2011 |
205,067 |
6,171 |
3.1% |
|
2012 |
197,588 |
6,611 |
3.3% |
|
2013 |
192,575 |
6,464 |
3.4% |
|
2014 |
195,278 |
6,771 |
3.5% |
231. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality why non-European Union retired citizens are required to have an annual income of €50,000 and substantial other funds in order to reside here; and if she will change this requirement. [4759/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe reason for the financial requirements is to seek to ensure that the persons concerned have sufficient funds to meet all reasonably foreseeable expenses in Ireland without relying on the Irish Exchequer. This includes their being able to provide their own accommodation and cover any medical costs, either via private insurance or personal funds. I have however asked my officials to conduct a review of the issue. This includes also having a look at the options that might be available to Irish nationals seeking retirement overseas. Any changes to the immigration regime for non-EEA retirees, arising from the review or otherwise would be appropriate to be dealt with by the incoming Minister.
232. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of recorded burglaries in County Tipperary in 2016 to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4771/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware the Central Statistics Office (CSO), as the national statistical agency, is responsible for the publication of recorded crime statistics. To be of assistance, I have requested the CSO to contact the Deputy directly in relation to the information requested.
233. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when she will allocate funding to the Moyross Development Company for urgently required health and safety upgrades to recommence services provided by the Irish Youth Justice Service; the date the funding will be released and the amount that will be made payable; if services will not be denied to the youth of the area as has been the case for some months now; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4805/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Justice and Equality through the Irish Youth Justice Service (IYJS), funds the national network of Garda youth diversion projects (GYDPs) and young persons probation projects (YPPPs). The projects are managed on the ground by community based organisations (CBO). The IYJS is familiar with the details of the works required to be carried out at the Moyross premises where a GYDP and a YPPP are operated by the Moyross Development Company (MDC) from five units owned by the Department of Justice and Equality. The need for the works involved arises from health and safety and fire safety audits completed in the second half of 2014. The audits highlighted the need for urgent internal fire safety upgrades and a roof upgrade and refurbishment to bring the premises into line with health and safety standards and fire safety regulations and to make it safe and fit for purpose for its users. The immediate concern was the roof, for which the IYJS authorised the undertaking of substantial repairs in May 2015 with the works involved completed in August. If these repairs had not been carried out the building would have suffered significant further degradation.
In May 2015, MDC submitted projected costs for the proposed internal refurbishment works following which approval to proceed to the tender stage was granted by IYJS. In November 2015 MDC informed IYJS that the tendering process had been completed and a preferred supplier identified. The difficulty that has arisen, however, is that the preferred supplier’s quote is substantially higher than the costs projected in May 2015 and there are no funds provided for in the Department’s Vote in 2016 to meet the costs involved. In light of this and with a view to exploring all possibilities of funding, the IYJS submitted an application to the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government in December 2015 for Dormant Accounts funding to meet the cost of the refurbishment works. Pending receipt of a decision in relation to that application, it is not possible to bring to a conclusion the Department’s consideration of the request to proceed with the works.
It is anticipated that a decision on the IYJS Dormant Accounts application will be made shortly following which the IYJS will be in a position to respond to MDC's request to proceed with the works involved. In the meantime, the IYJS continues to provide funding of just under €700,000 per annum to the two projects involved on the basis that services continue to be provided to the youth of the area, albeit from different premises in the case of the GYDP.
234. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the provisions of the International Protection Act 2015 will apply to all asylum seekers and refugees seeking asylum here, many of whom have been here for a number of years in direct provision, or will it only apply to new applicants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4821/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe International Protection Act was signed into law by the President on 30 December 2015. The new Act brings into effect major reforms to the system for determining applications for international protection in Ireland, through the introduction of a single application procedure. This new procedure provides that an applicant will have all grounds for seeking international protection (asylum and subsidiary protection) and to be permitted to remain in the State examined and determined in one process. This reform will significantly simplify and streamline existing arrangements and allow us to efficiently grant international protection to those who are entitled to it while identifying, at a much earlier stage, persons who have no entitlement to stay in the State and who can safely return to their country of origin. The Act is intended to achieve the desired balance between treating asylum seekers with humanity and respect and ensuring more efficient immigration procedures and safeguards.
The transitional provisions in the Act set out how asylum applications which are pending in the existing system on the commencement date will be dealt with. If cases have progressed beyond a certain point in the existing system they will be processed to finality as quickly as possible under the old legislation. All other cases pending in the system will be brought within the single procedure with any decisions already taken in respect of them up to that point preserved. Detailed work on planning to commence the single application protection system is under way with a view to commencing it in the coming period.
235. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the changes she has implemented in her Department and in other concerned bodies, such as the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service, to give effect to the changes initiated in the International Protection Act 2015 which aims to speed up the process of seeking asylum here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4822/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe International Protection Act 2015 was signed into law by the President on 30 December 2015. The new Act brings into effect major reforms to the system for determining applications for international protection in Ireland, through the introduction of a single application procedure. This new procedure provides that an applicant will have all grounds for seeking international protection (asylum and subsidiary protection) and to be permitted to remain in the State examined and determined in one process. This reform will significantly simplify and streamline existing arrangements and allow us to efficiently grant international protection to those who are entitled to it while identifying, at a much earlier stage, persons who have no entitlement to stay in the State and who can safely return to their country of origin. The Act is intended to achieve the desired balance between treating asylum seekers with humanity and respect and ensuring more efficient immigration procedures and safeguards.
The Act provides for the abolition of the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner. This Office will be replaced with a new International Protection Office within the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service. The Refugee Appeals Tribunal is also to be replaced by a new independent appeals body to be called the International Protection Appeals Tribunal. Detailed work on planning to commence the single application protection system is under way with a view to commencing it in the coming months.
