Fiona O'Loughlin
Ceist:817. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will review the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26267/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraSocial Welfare Appeals
Ceisteanna (817)
Freagraí scríofa
The Social Welfare Appeals Office received an appeal against the decision on 15/09/2016. The person concerned will be notified of the decision in due course.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Farm Assist Scheme Administration
Ceisteanna (818)
Brendan Smith
Ceist:818. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection his proposals to reverse the changes to farm assist that were introduced in budgets 2012 and 2013; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that these changes have had a very negative effect on many low income farmers; if he will give consideration to the immediate reversal of those measures (details supplied); if he will ensure that any review is progressed at an early date in view of the serious difficulties across all farm sectors at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26312/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The farm assist scheme provides support for farmers on low incomes and is similar to jobseeker’s allowance. Farm assist recipients retain the advantages of the jobseeker’s allowance scheme such as the retention of secondary benefits and access to activation programmes. The 2016 Revised Estimates for my Department provide for expenditure of €85 million on the farm assist scheme.
Changes introduced in Budgets 2012 and 2013 brought farm assist into closer alignment with the jobseeker’s allowance scheme’s treatment of self-employed people. Farm families with the lowest income were least impacted by these changes as the headline rates of farm assist were maintained.
The Programme for Government contains the commitment to undertake a "Review of the Farm Assist Scheme, recognising the challenges facing farmers on low incomes". This review has now been completed and will inform any changes to the farm assist scheme. Any changes will be considered in the context of Budget 2017 subject to the overall budgetary context.
State Pension (Contributory) Eligibility
Ceisteanna (819)
Willie O'Dea
Ceist:819. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated full year cost of amending the home-maker scheme by disregarding up to 200 pre-1994 A1 PRSI payments for the purpose of calculating a person's entry to the workforce; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26320/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
State pension (contributory) is based on the PRSI contributions paid or credited by the person over their working life, and the level of entitlement depends on their yearly average number of contributions.
The homemaker’s scheme was introduced in 1994 to make qualification for State pension contributory (SPC) easier for those who take time out of the workforce for caring duties. The scheme allows up to 20 years spent caring for children under 12 years of age, or incapacitated people, to be disregarded when a person’s social insurance record is being calculated for pension purposes. The effect of this is to reduce the number of years by which the person’s contributions are divided, thereby increasing their yearly average, making it easier for them to qualify for a maximum rate SPC. However, it is important to note that the homemaker’s scheme will not, of itself, qualify a person for a SPC. The standard qualifying conditions for the SPC must also be satisfied. These require a person to enter insurable employment at least ten years before pension age, pay a minimum of 520 contributions at the correct rate (credited contributions do not satisfy this condition) and achieve a yearly average of at least 10 contributions paid or credited on their record.
The IT systems used to administer the State pension (contributory) do not hold the data that would be necessary to calculate or estimate the information requested by the Deputy, and so I must advise, regrettably, that the information requested is not available.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Questions Nos. 820 and 821 answered with Question No. 667.
Social Welfare Benefits Eligibility
Ceisteanna (822)
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:822. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social Protection the cost to the Exchequer if eligibility criteria were altered to allow lone parents in employment whose children are between seven and 14 years of age to receive both the jobseeker's transition payment and family income supplement if they meet the qualifying criteria. [26341/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The jobseeker’s transitional payment (JST) is available to lone parents (both former one-parent family payment recipients and new lone parents), who have a youngest child aged 7 to 13 years inclusive. JST provides a more generous means test than Jobseeker’s Allowance, allows recipients to work any pattern thereby reducing their requirement for childcare, provides one to one access to an Intreo case office for up to 7 years with associated activation supports and allows recipients to participate in any form of education, while retaining income support.
While it is a condition of the JST scheme that recipients must continue to parent alone, this is not a qualifying condition of FIS and so this information is not maintained for FIS recipients. From the data available on household composition within the FIS scheme, it is not possible to determine which FIS recipients, who are also lone parents, would be eligible for JST, given the specific conditionality, which applies to the JST scheme.
It is worth noting that where a lone parent is currently on JST, increases their hours to at least 19 per week or 38 per fortnight they can transfer from JST to FIS. FIS provides very significant income support especially to lone parents. For instance a lone parent with one child who works 19 hours at the National Minimum Wage will receive a weekly FIS payment of €202. When combined with their earnings this lone parent has a weekly income of approximately €375, which is in excess of the threshold for at risk of poverty. This means that FIS is very successful at lifting lone parents out of poverty.
Personal Micro Credit Scheme
Ceisteanna (823)
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:823. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social Protection the current scope of the personal micro-credit initiative. [26342/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
A Personal Micro Credit Scheme providing for small scale loans by Credit Unions to borrowers who have difficulty accessing low cost credit has been piloted in 30 credit unions. The loans under the scheme range from €100 to a maximum of €2,000, and have a maximum interest rate of 12% per annum. Over 1,200 loans have been drawn down under the Scheme to date with an overall value of over €720,000. The average individual loan value drawn down is €500. The focus of the pilot scheme was social welfare recipients who availed of the loans from their Credit Union and were facilitated, with their consent, in the repayment of such loans through the Household Budgeting facility, operated by An Post. The deductions from their weekly social welfare payments are then transmitted on to the relevant Credit Union.
The Programme for a Partnership Government provides for the rollout and extension of the Personal Microcredit Scheme. Following an evaluation of the pilot, the Implementation Group, which is chaired by my Department and comprises all relevant stakeholders, is working towards this aim. Incremental progress is being made towards extending the geographical coverage of the loan scheme through efforts to recruit Credit Unions to participate in the scheme. Engagement is continuing with the Credit Union representative bodies and individual credit unions to encourage wider participation.
While the pilot scheme was targeted towards social welfare customers with access to the Household Budgeting facility, the scheme has recently been extended to social welfare recipients who receive their payment electronically into accounts in financial institutions, provided the loan repayments are made by direct debit or standing order to the credit union.
Efforts are also underway to examine ways in which the Personal Micro Credit scheme can be made available to non-social welfare low-income individuals and families. The Implementation Group is working with the relevant stakeholders to find solutions, within prudential lending guidelines.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Passport Applications
Ceisteanna (824)
Jonathan O'Brien
Ceist:824. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if a person must produce their birth certificate when having a passport application form stamped in a Garda station when they have lost a passport. [24386/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The purpose of stamping an application form in a Garda station in cases of loss, theft or damage of a passport is to witness the statement. The applicant completes Section 6, outlining the circumstances of loss, theft or damage and attests this statement and signs it in the presence of the Garda. The Garda then signs and stamps Section 6 confirming that they have witnessed the statement. As with all witnessing of passport-related forms by An Garda Síochána, it is standard practice for the Garda who is witnessing to ensure that the identity of the person presenting themselves is firmly established.
Passport Applications Fees
Ceisteanna (825)
Jim Daly
Ceist:825. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the amount of revenue collected in respect of Irish passport applications for each of the past 12 months. [26179/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The revenue collected in respect of passport applications for the past 12 months is as follows:
|
2015 |
2016 |
|
August €3,087,000 |
January €3,438,000 |
|
September €2,824,000 |
February €3,363,000 |
|
October €2,254,000 |
March €5,616,000 |
|
November €2,443,000 |
April €5,462,000 |
|
December €1,624,000 |
May €5,594,000 |
|
June €4,420,000 |
|
|
July €4,293,000 |
The figures for August 2016 are not yet finalised and therefore not included.
The revenue streams are appropriations in aid and are remitted directly to the exchequer.
The passport is a key travel and identity document. The processing of applications by the Passport Service involves the deployment of significant resources including to develop new business processes to modernise enrolment, checking and production systems and improve customer service. Software solutions and data analytics, including facial recognition, are also deployed to combat identity theft and maintain the integrity and high international reputation of the Irish passport.
Human Rights
Ceisteanna (826)
Mattie McGrath
Ceist:826. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the detail of representations he has made on behalf of practitioners (details supplied) to the Government of the People's Republic of China; if he is aware of claims that the Chinese Government is orchestrating live organ harvesting on members; the Government's position in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24327/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government follows closely reports of human rights violations against Falun Gong practitioners, including reported cases of organ harvesting. Human rights issues are discussed on a regular basis with the Chinese authorities during both bilateral and multilateral meetings, including during the visit of Premier Li Keqiang to Ireland in May 2015. Through the formal framework of the EU-China Human Rights Dialogue, which was established in 1995, the EU continues to share with China its experience in the field of human rights protection and promotion, and to urge China to take clear steps to improve the human rights situation. The latest session of this dialogue took place on 30 November and 1 December 2015, and provided the EU with the opportunity to express its concerns about a wide range of human rights issues in China, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities, freedom of religion or belief, freedom of assembly and association, arbitrary detention, torture and the death penalty. The individual case of Gao Zhisheng, a human rights defender detained for denouncing the persecution of practitioners of Falun Gong, was also raised at the dialogue. Most recently, human rights issues were discussed at the 18th EU-China Summit which was held in Beijing on 12-13 July 2016.In 2013, officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade held a series of meetings with representatives of the Irish Falun Dafa Association and human rights lawyers. During these meetings the Irish Falun Dafa Association discussed the issue of organ harvesting and ways in which human rights issues are raised with Chinese authorities by both Ireland and the EU. However, it should be noted that the Chinese Government denies accusations of human rights abuses against those who practice Falun Gong. New laws on organ donation came into force in China at the beginning of 2015 with a view to ending the practice of forced organ transplants, including from prisoners. The Embassy of Ireland in Beijing, in co-operation with our EU partners, is monitoring the implementation of this new legislation.
Ireland, together with our EU partners, will continue to address human rights issues with China, in frequent and regular dialogue, through our contacts in both Dublin and Beijing and through the relevant multilateral channels.
Pension Provisions
Ceisteanna (827)
Clare Daly
Ceist:827. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding the pension entitlements of a person (details supplied). [24394/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Question relates to an individual who undertook an overseas volunteering assignment for the Agency for Personal Service Overseas (APSO) between 1981 and 1983, and who is requesting that pension credits for this period be paid. In 2004, APSO was integrated with the Department of Foreign Affairs.
The pension contributions involved would therefore fall to be paid by this Department, if applicable. The Public Service Pension Scheme for Volunteer Development Workers was introduced in 1995 by the Department of Finance. It provided for pension contributions to be paid for qualifying public servants. This scheme allows public servants, in defined circumstances, to have their pension contributions paid while volunteering overseas for a minimum of six consecutive months and up to a maximum of two years on an authorised leave of absence or career break from the public service. There is a requirement that these assignments must be co-funded by Irish Aid, in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Where the Department is satisfied from evidence provided that a qualifying assignment was undertaken since 1995, it retrospectively covers the superannuation costs involved. Such costs are calculated by the parent Department of the volunteering public servant and are forwarded through Comhlámh, the Association for Returned Volunteers, to my Department. I am informed that cases have arisen where volunteers have come forward years after their assignment and in such cases, where satisfactory evidence is available, the Department has retrospectively paid the superannuation contributions involved.
For overseas volunteering assignments undertaken prior to 1995, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade requires documentary evidence of an agreement with APSO to pay superannuation costs in respect of public servants who were on a career break or leave of absence at the time of their assignments. I am informed that such an agreement is not on file in relation to this individual. I have asked my officials to make contact with the agency he volunteered with to seek clarification and to ascertain if it has any documentation confirming that an agreement to pay these contributions existed. I have also written to the Deputy directly in response to a recent representation on this question.
Good Friday Agreement
Ceisteanna (828)
Seán Haughey
Ceist:828. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will support the re-establishment of the civic forum as provided for in the Good Friday Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24475/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
A number of elements of the Good Friday Agreement have not yet been fully implemented, including the establishment of a consultative Civic Forum in Northern Ireland. The Government’s firm position is that the Good Friday Agreement, the St. Andrew’s Agreement and subsequent agreements, must be implemented in full. The Agreements, as well as the principles and values underpinning them, are at the core of the Government’s approach to peace, reconciliation and prosperity on this island.Responsibility for establishing the Civic Forum lies with the Northern Ireland Executive as outlined in the Good Friday Agreement. In addressing this commitment, the Stormont House Agreement provided for the establishment of a civic advisory panel. The purpose of this panel will be to ensure that civic voices are heard, and civic views are considered, in relation to key social, cultural and economic issues. Work on this was advanced through the regular NI Executive Party Leaders’ meetings on implementation of the Stormont House and Fresh Start Agreements. At the last quarterly implementation and review meeting of the Stormont House and Fresh Start Agreements held in Belfast on 29 June 2016, the Executive advised that membership of the panel is currently under consideration and that a decision is expected shortly.
The Government will continue to support the early establishment by the Executive of the civic advisory panel, which will allow for stronger representation of civil society voices in policy formation in Northern Ireland.
Human Rights
Ceisteanna (829, 856, 857)
Seán Crowe
Ceist:829. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to political developments in Turkey; his views on the Turkish Government's crackdown on civil society since the failed coup attempt; his further views on the fact that the Turkish Government has reportedly suspended 15,200 state education employees and demanded the resignation of almost 1,600 deans from private and state universities and that 2,700 judges have also reportedly been detained; and if he is concerned that President Erdogan is increasing his authoritarian hold on power in Turkey. [24491/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraSeán Crowe
Ceist:856. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the increased crackdown on civil, political and human rights in Turkey and that the Turkish Government is using the failed military coup to repress civil society and political opposition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26297/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraSeán Crowe
Ceist:857. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Turkish Government has suspended 11,285 teachers for alleged links to the Kurdistan Workers Party, PKK, and that the Government have also removed 24 democratically elected mayors in Kurdish run municipalities; and if he will raise his concerns over these developments with his Turkish counterpart. [26298/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 829, 856 and 857 together.
I condemned the attempted coup of 15 July in Turkey as a criminal act and an attack on democratic principles and institutions. In the aftermath of the coup, the people of Turkey publicly expressed their strong desire to protect and preserve democracy, in many cases coming out onto the streets to make their voices heard.
I have expressed my concern that some of the actions taken since the coup are contrary to democratic norms. The large number of people detained or suspended from their jobs in the public service, judiciary and academia, the arrests of journalists and the closure of media outlets are cause for concern.
Together with our European partners, I have been deeply engaged in dialogue with Turkey to offer support during this time of crisis and to make clear that in addressing the aftermath of the coup, democracy, human rights, rule of law and freedom of the media have to be respected. I made these points directly to the Turkish Minister of European Affairs, Mr Ömer Çelik at the meeting of EU Foreign Ministers in Bratislava on 2-3 September, and again at a specially convened meeting of Council of Europe Foreign Ministers with the Turkish Foreign Minister, Mr Mevlüt Çavuþoðlu on 7 September.
On each occasion, I expressed Ireland’s support for a democratic and stable Turkey, and also our concerns about developments on human rights, rule of law, freedom of expression and media freedom. I made it clear that the Turkish authorities, in their reaction to the attempted coup, must uphold democratic principles and the rule of law, and that the response must be proportionate and measured.
I also took the opportunity to again condemn the spate of terrorist attacks in Turkey, including those carried out by so-called Islamic State/ Da’esh, the PKK and their affiliates.
Turkey is an important partner for the EU and we will continue to engage with Turkey, and to encourage a reaction to the post-coup situation that strengthens democracy and the rule of law.
Human Rights Cases
Ceisteanna (830)
Seán Crowe
Ceist:830. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to a case (details supplied); and if he will condemn the Israeli military's continued fatal attacks on Palestinian children. [24492/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department has consulted with our missions in the region on this case.
I repeat the call that I have made previously, for security forces to be restrained and proportionate in their actions, and for all sides to avoid any provocative actions which could further inflame the situation. I condemn all attacks on innocent people, and any use of force that results in avoidable deaths.
The overall human rights situation in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including the treatment of children, remains a matter of concern, and will continue to be raised by my Department, through our missions in the region, at EU level, and in the relevant international fora.
Military Aircraft Landings
Ceisteanna (831)
Clare Daly
Ceist:831. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade further to Parliamentary Question Number 488 of 19 July 2016, the locations from where the US military aircraft in question were coming and going; the operations they had been engaged in in the country that the flights originated from; and the operations they were to engage in in the country they were destined for. [24501/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Air Navigation (Foreign Military Aircraft) Order 1952 gives the Minister for Foreign Affairs primary responsibility for the regulation of activity by foreign military aircraft in Ireland. Arrangements under which permission is granted for military aircraft, including US military aircraft, to land at Irish airports are governed by strict conditions. These include stipulations that the aircraft must be unarmed, carry no arms, ammunition or explosives and must not engage in intelligence gathering, and that the flights in question must not form part of military exercises or operations. The countries of origin noted on requests for US military aircraft to land in Shannon Airport during the month of June were as follows: Canada, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Norway, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Sweden, Turkey, Ukraine and USA.
The countries of destination noted on requests for US military aircraft to land in Shannon Airport during the month of June were as follows: Canada, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Greenland, Italy, Jordan, Lithuania, Norway, Romania, Spain, Turkey, United Kingdom and USA.
In deciding upon requests for permission for foreign military aircraft to land at Irish airports, each request is examined to ensure that it conforms to the criteria I have outlined above. I am satisfied that the US authorities are fully aware of the need to comply with the strict conditions attaching to permission for military aircraft to land at Irish airports, including that the flights in question must not form part of military exercises or operations.
Military Aircraft Landings
Ceisteanna (832)
Clare Daly
Ceist:832. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade further to Parliamentary Question Number 488 of 19 July 2016, the reason it is necessary for the US military to engage in airport familiarisation in a small airport in the west of Ireland, given the United States has thousands of airports of its own adequate to such a task. [24502/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
It is normal procedure for military pilots, including those of our own Air Corps, to conduct landings at airfields outside of their home country. Aviation, whether civil or military, is an international activity and aviation procedures, rules and practices can vary from country to country. Familiarisation with different local procedures, geography and meteorological conditions contributes to greater safety.
Middle East Issues
Ceisteanna (833)
Jackie Cahill
Ceist:833. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will heed the call for action in Palestine's Call, the open letter recently sent to all Oireachtas Members from Palestine civil and political society; the action he will take; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24572/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Like other Deputies, I myself received a copy of the letter referred to, which appears to have been drawn up by the Irish NGO concerned, and then Palestinian signatories gathered. The Government remains active and engaged on the objective of trying to achieve a two state solution in the Middle East, including a fully sovereign and free Palestinian state. There are few western countries as consistently engaged on this issue as Ireland. I have worked continuously to try and maintain the problems of Palestine on the EU and international agenda, despite a wave of concurrent crises in the immediate neighbourhood, and have urged stronger international actions. We will continue to do so. I have myself recently conducted my second extensive visit to the area in just over a year, meeting the parties and trying to urge them to move forward.
Ireland is also engaged on the ground in trying to combat the effects of the occupation, both through our own humanitarian work and through our support of local NGOs engaged on justice and human rights work, a number of whom are among the signatories of this letter.
I fully share the frustration of the signatories, of Deputies in the House, and of others, that the process has been completely stalled in recent years, and that there is not a stronger international will to drive it forward. I have therefore given the Government’s full support to the current efforts by France to do just that.
The letter, and the Questions posed by Deputies, make particular reference to the call for trade sanctions upon Israel. We have discussed this question on many occasions here in the House, and also with this NGO and elsewhere. The essential point remains unchanged: I am opposed to sanctions and, in any event, there is no possibility of obtaining any support for such sanctions at EU level, which is where they would have to be implemented. I have, however, been an advocate of measures which differentiate clearly between Israel and the illegally occupied settlements. These include the guidelines adopted on research co-operation which exclude entities based in the settlements from benefitting from funding under the EU-Israel research agreement, and on origin of products to ensure that consumers are not misled as to the provenance of any products emanating from the settlements.
Diplomatic Representation
Ceisteanna (834)
Seán Crowe
Ceist:834. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the reason he has created new commercial attaché posts in Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Indonesia and Romania; the cities in which these posts will be based; and the role in this regard [24578/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In January this year, I launched an Economic Diplomacy Strategy that seeks to build on the consolidation of the Department’s trade role in recent years by establishing a network of locally hired Commercial Attachés to extend the range and impact of our Embassies’ activities in support of trade. Our Embassies in Mexico, Brasilia, Buenos Aires, Bucharest, and Jakarta have all provided a firm and immediate basis for the appointment of a locally hired, term-limited, Commercial Attaché and it is proposed to appoint such officers to these locations in the coming months.
One of the key considerations in selecting the initial list of locations is the absence of State agency presence on the ground, or a relatively light one; and that economic opportunities exist that are open to be explored. The focus is on markets where there is clear potential and where the target areas are in large measure pre-identified and clear. For example in Brasilia a strong focus on developing the English language sector is envisaged, with the market worth c. €100m per annum to Ireland.
Middle East Issues
Ceisteanna (835)
Seán Crowe
Ceist:835. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the amendment to legislation passed recently by the Israeli Parliament (details supplied); and his views in this agreed. [24579/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am aware of the legislation in question. The EU, the US and others have already expressed concerns with this Bill, and I share these concerns. I am also aware of the Israeli NGO legislation, which was made law in July, and about which I also have concerns.Israel is, traditionally, a society that allows dissenting voices to be heard. It has a history of open discussion on hard issues. This is not always easy in a society as diverse as Israel, and in the geopolitical context that it is situated, and for this I have much admiration. I would hope for this to continue. These pieces of legislation are a deviation from this tradition, and for that reason are a source of concern. They underline the belief I have expressed previously, that the necessity of defending the extended occupation is damaging not just to the Palestinian people, but also to the democratic fabric of Israel itself. This still compares favourably, however, with most states in the region.
My Department will continue to monitor this situation, in tandem with our missions in the region.
Departmental Expenditure
Ceisteanna (836, 837, 838)
Dara Calleary
Ceist:836. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of credit cards issued to Ministers and officials working in his Department; the amount spent on credit cards by his Department in 2014 and in 2015; the amount of bank interest paid on credit cards in 2014 and 2015; the controls in place to monitor the issuing of and the expenditure on these cards; the controls in place in each agency to monitor expenditure on personally held credit card bills that are subsequently used to recoup work related expenses; if these controls are being reviewed in view of recent events in agencies funded by the HSE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24743/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraDara Calleary
Ceist:837. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of credit cards issued to staff working in each State agency funded by his Department, in tabular form; the number of cards per funded agency; the amount spent by credit card in 2014 and 2015 by each agency; the amount of bank interest paid on credit cards in 2014 and 2015; the controls in place to monitor the issuing of and the expenditure on these cards; the controls in place in each agency to monitor expenditure on personally held credit card bills that are subsequently used to recoup work related expenses; if these controls are being reviewed in view of recent events in agencies funded by the HSE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24758/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraDara Calleary
Ceist:838. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of credit cards issued to staff working in any third party agency funded by his Department, in tabular form; the number of cards per funded agency; the amount spent by credit card in 2014 and 2015 by each agency; the controls in place to monitor the issuing of and the expenditure on these cards; the controls in place in each agency to monitor expenditure on credit card bills that are subsequently used to recoup work related expense; if these controls are being reviewed in view of recent events in agencies funded by the HSE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24773/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 836 to 838, inclusive, together.
My Department’s policy on the use of official credit cards is restrictive and credit cards are only authorised for officers who, due to the nature of their work or for particular circumstances, have a compelling business need for an official credit card. Official credit cards may only be used for necessary transactions arising in the course of official business and the credit limit is €5,000. Official credit cards are authorised by the Department’s Chief Financial Officer.
Official credit card bills are analysed and each transaction certified as in order before payment is made. These procedures also apply where officials recoup work related expenses charged to their personal credit cards. All relevant supporting documentation is retained for audit purposes. Existing procedures on the use of official credit cards are currently under review to confirm that the current controls are sufficiently strong.
There are four official credit cards operational at my Department’s headquarters.
The total amount spent on these credit cards was: 2014 - €10,596.15; 2015 - €17,373.24.
The amount of bank interest paid was: 2014 - €29.77; 2015 - €21.26.
In addition, seven Embassies abroad have credit card facilities for use for the official business of the Embassy. These credit cards may only be used for transactions arising in the course of official business e.g. to pay for air and train travel, hotel bookings, etc on behalf of diplomatic officers based at the Embassy.
The Department’s Financial Management System does not record official credit card transactions separately from general payments. Therefore a separate breakdown of costs charged in respect of each official credit card is not readily available. Each individual transaction is charged to the relevant expense code in the Appropriations Account such as travel, accommodation, etc.
The same strict controls that apply to official credit cards held at Headquarters apply to official credit cards held at Embassies abroad. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade does not have any State agencies operating under its auspices.
My Department provides funding to a wide range of organisations through a number of schemes and grants in order to implement our programmes and deliver on our objectives.
These organisations include, inter alia: UN Agencies, Multilateral and International Organisations, large International Non-Governmental Organisations, the Red Cross, Irish Non-Governmental and Missionary Organisations and smaller local Non-Governmental and community based organisations.
It is neither practicable nor feasible for my Department to maintain a register of all credit cards held by those organisations or a listing of credit cards assigned to employees of all organisations funded.
I can assure the Deputy that my Department operates rigorous grant management systems which ensures there is robust procedures and controls in place for the planning, monitoring, evaluating and auditing of all funding provided to third party organisations. These procedures and controls include:
- Procedures for appraising applications and approving grants;
- Carrying out detailed assessments on the organisational capacity of newly funded entities;
- Ensuring detailed grant agreements with clearly agreed results frameworks and budgets are in place prior to disbursement,
- Ensuring regular reporting and on-going monitoring frameworks are in place for all grants funded.
- Carrying out independent evaluation of grant schemes
Expenditure by the Department is subject to audit annually by the Comptroller and Auditor General. In addition expenditure is subject to audit by the Department’s Evaluation and Audit Unit which reports directly to the Secretary General and whose work is overseen by the Department’s independent Audit Committee.
Passport Applications Fees
Ceisteanna (839)
Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:839. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will introduce a reduced rate for passport applications in relation to old age pensioners who are on low incomes, as the current rate is very high for low income pensioners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24817/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
A decision was taken in the 2005 budget to exempt applicants aged 65 and over from the passport fee. In 2011 the Government decided in light of the budgetary situation to discontinue the exemption and to apply the same ten-year passport fee to all applicants aged eighteen years or over. The annualised fee for a standard ten year Irish passport compares favourably with many other jurisdictions. At €8 per year, the Irish passport fee compares with approximately €9.60 for a French passport, €9.40 per year for a British passport, €9.90 per year for an American passport and €16.70 per year for an Australian passport. Given that the shortfall in revenue would have to be met by the taxpayer I do not have any plans at this time to reduce the fee charged to older applicants.
Passport Applications Data
Ceisteanna (840)
Gerry Adams
Ceist:840. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of Irish passports that were applied for by persons separately living in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland in June and July 2016, compared to the same periods in each of the years 2013 to 2015, in tabular form. [24870/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
While data on passport applications is not collated on the basis of country of residence, it is possible to set out application numbers by the channel through which they were submitted.
Applications submitted via Northern Ireland Passport Express
|
June |
July |
|
|
2013 |
5699 |
4100 |
|
2014 |
6679 |
4507 |
|
2015 |
7042 |
4353 |
|
2016 |
7102 |
6325 |
Applications from Great Britain submitted via the Embassy London
|
June |
July |
|
|
2013 |
4147 |
4106 |
|
2014 |
4710 |
4527 |
|
2015 |
4764 |
4076 |
|
2016 |
5286 |
6854 |
Sustainable Development Goals
Ceisteanna (841)
Catherine Martin
Ceist:841. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the person responsible for tracking the implementation of the sustainable development goals; his plans to support the implementation of the sustainable development goals relevant to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24905/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The 2030 Agenda, which encompasses seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), was adopted by world leaders at the UN Summit in New York last September. It provides the framework for sustainable development globally, with universal application. Given its universal nature, Ireland’s implementation will not be confined to the work of our overseas development assistance programme, but will also require action to ensure domestic implementation of the SDGs. Like many of our EU partners, we are considering the most appropriate institutional framework to support implementation of the new agenda. My Department is engaging with the Department of the Taoiseach and the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment to establish the most appropriate institutional arrangements for implementation, monitoring and review of the SDGs at national, regional and global levels. Given that effective implementation of the 2030 Agenda at national level will require a broad and integrated domestic policy response across the economic, social and environmental pillars of sustainable development, the national implementation framework will need to provide for coordinated engagement across Government as well as outreach to a broad group of stakeholders. This work includes consideration of the adequacy of existing governance mechanisms across Departments, based on the objective of achieving efficiency and effectiveness, coherence and inclusion. We are also working with the Central Statistics Office which will perform a key role as part of the implementation framework and will support the development of measurable national objectives and indicators that best align with the SDGs.
My Department is also working to ensure that Irish Aid, in its programming and policy, supports the achievement of the Goals in developing countries. I am determined that our aid programme, which is central to our foreign policy will continue to focus in particular on action to end extreme poverty, hunger and under nutrition by 2030.
Passport Applications Fees
Ceisteanna (842)
Paul Kehoe
Ceist:842. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his Department allowed the elderly to be issued a three year passport for a lower fee; if he will consider reintroducing this for those over 80 years of age (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24921/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
A decision was taken in the 2005 budget to exempt applicants aged 65 and over from the passport fee. In 2011 the Government decided in light of the budgetary situation to discontinue the exemption and to apply the same ten-year passport fee to all applicants aged 18 years or over. The annualised fee for a standard ten year Irish passport compares favourably with many other jurisdictions. At €8 per year, the Irish passport fee compares with approximately €9.60 for a French passport, €9.40 per year for a British passport, €9.90 per year for an American passport and €16.70 per year for an Australian passport.
The administration and production costs incurred by the Passport Service in supplying passports with a limited validity would be the same as those of a standard ten year passport.
Given that any shortfall in revenue or additional costs would have to be met by the taxpayer I do not have any plans at this time to reduce the fee charged to older applicants or to change validity periods.
Human Rights Cases
Ceisteanna (843, 844)
Paul Murphy
Ceist:843. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the hunger strike of a person (details supplied) in detention in Israel; if he will report on any representations on the matter he or his Department has made with the Israeli state; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25076/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Ruth Coppinger
Ceist:844. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he is aware of the case of a person (details supplied) who has been administratively detained by the Israeli authorities; if he or his officials have had any contact with the Israeli authorities on this case or the case of other Palestinian prisoners in Israel and the occupied territories; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25116/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 843 and 844 together.
I am aware of the case of Bilal Kayed, and welcome the news that he has ended his hunger strike, as well as reports that he is due to be released in December. I understand that there are still concerns about Mr. Kayed’s health, and I hope that he makes a full recovery.
Ireland’s diplomatic missions in the area have been monitoring the case. Our Embassy in Tel Aviv has raised the case with officials from Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Ireland has also discussed the case with the European Union Delegation in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, which in turn has itself also raised the case with the Israeli authorities.
I have consistently made clear my view that administrative detention (which, if it must exist at all, should only be an exceptional emergency measure) is being used far more widely against Palestinian activists than any other group. If there are genuine security concerns about individuals, they should be charged and tried under the law.
Ireland has conveyed these views to the Israeli authorities both directly and through our interventions at UN level and, at the urging of Ireland and others, in EU Council Conclusions. We will continue to do so.
However I would also urge prisoners not to resort to hunger strikes. There has been a series of hunger strikes in recent years in relation to administrative detention, although in all cases the prison authorities have achieved a successful resolution. I am deeply concerned that, however much one might appreciate the frustration of persons detained without trial, such strikes, if repeated, may eventually end in a tragic outcome, and I have called on all sides to ensure this does not occur.