Written Replies Nos. 456 to 472
456. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Social Protection the cost in 2017 of disregarding family income supplement, FIS, when means testing for all social protection payments. [27520/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraSocial welfare legislation provides that Family Income Supplement (FIS) payments are not assessable when means testing assets and income for weekly social assistance schemes such as jobseeker’s allowance, disability allowance, one-parent family payment, carer’s allowance, State pension non-contributory and farm assist.
The supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) scheme is the safety net scheme within the overall welfare system and provides assistance to eligible people in the State whose means are insufficient to meet their needs and those of their dependants. In order to determine eligibility for SWA, the means test for this scheme takes into account the value of weekly social welfare payments generally, including FIS payments. This is consistent with the overall objective of the scheme.
It is not possible, within the time available for this reply, to estimate the cost of disregarding FIS payments for SWA purposes. There are currently no plans to change the existing SWA rules in relation to FIS payments.
457. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Social Protection the cost in 2017 of increasing the back to school allowance by €50 per child. [27521/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe back to school clothing and footwear allowance (BSCFA) scheme provides a once-off payment to eligible families to assist with the extra costs when children start school each autumn. The Government has provided €38.8 million for this scheme in 2016.
End of year records show that under the 2015 BSCFA scheme, payments were made to over 153,000 families in respect of some 281,000 children. The rate of payment was €100 in respect of children aged 4 to 11 and €200 for children over 12 years in second level education.
Using the number of children covered by the scheme in 2015 as a basis, the additional cost to increase the BSCFA payment by €50 in 2017 for each eligible child would be approximately €14 million. Changes to increase the rate of payment to any scheme administered by my Department would have to be considered in a budgetary context.
460. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Social Protection the projected cost in 2017 of paying a full PRSI stamp for those in receipt of the carer's allowance. [27524/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraOne of the main principles of social insurance is that paid PRSI contributions are awarded to employed and self-employed workers based purely on the payment of PRSI on their income from employment. The payment these contributions allow workers to build up entitlements to benefits if and when certain contingencies arise in the future. This underpins the funding of the social insurance system as contributions paid in in a particular year are used to fund benefits paid out.
People in receipt of carer’s allowance are not in insurable employment or self-employment (unless they are working outside the home). PRSI contributions are not and never have been charged on social welfare payments. Therefore, it is not possible to provide a cost as sought by the Deputy.
Recipients of carer’s allowance may however maintain their social insurance record through the award of credited contributions.
Credited contributions, normally known as credits, are awarded to recipients of carer’s benefit and of carer’s allowance where they have an underlying entitlement to credits. Recipients of these payments qualify for credits where they have at least one paid contribution in the previous two years or have had credited contributions in that period. Credits are also awarded to workers who take unpaid carer’s leave from work.
Credits protect social insurance entitlements by bridging gaps in an employee’s social insurance record, where they are not in a position to pay PRSI, such as during periods spent caring. In combination with paid PRSI contributions, credits assist employees in qualifying for short-term schemes and enhance the level of benefit for long-term schemes.
In addition, all carers, including those who do not qualify for a payment or for credits, may qualify for the homemaker scheme. The homemaker’s scheme is designed to help homemakers and carers qualify for state pension (contributory). Years spent caring on a full-time basis (subject to a maximum of 20 years) are disregarded when calculating the state pension (contributory) rate of payment.
My priority is to make progress on the commitment in our Programme regarding the level of support for carers, subject to the resources available.
461. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Social Protection the cost to introduce a minimum weekly gross wage of €480, €500, €520, €560 or €600 for all full-time employees under the aegis of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27792/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has undertaken no costing of the initiative outlined by the Deputy as the introduction of any minimum wage rate per hour would necessarily have to take place on a cross Governmental basis and costs determined centrally as part of the estimates budgetary process. Pre-determined salary scales negotiated at central level are applied to all staff in the department.
On a purely indicative basis it is not anticipated that the introduction of such minimum wage rates per hour in my own Department would incur significant cost as the majority of staff are on salary points above that mentioned by the Deputy.
462. 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. [24896/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
463. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on his meeting with Britain's Secretary of State for Exiting the EU, Mr. David Davies. [27033/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAlong with the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality, Frances Fitzgerald T.D. and the Minister of State for European Affairs Dara Murphy T.D., I met the UK Secretary of State for Exiting the EU, David Davis MP, and the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Exiting the EU, Robin Walker MP, at Iveagh House on 8 September. We discussed the challenges posed by the UK electorate’s decision to leave the EU. During our discussions, the Tánaiste, Minister Murphy and I emphasised key Irish concerns in relation to Northern Ireland, border and citizenship issues; the Common Travel area; and the importance of economic trade and people-to-people relations, while the UK Ministers set out the current state of play with regard to their preparations for an EU exit process.
Secretary of State Davis, together with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland James Brokenshire, had recently made some important initial contacts with the Northern Ireland Executive and other stakeholders in Belfast. We discussed the outcomes of those contacts and I urged prioritisation of the vitally important Northern Ireland dimension in the overall Brexit process, with particular focus on the border but also more widely on sustaining the peace and prosperity so painstakingly built up over recent decades.
We had a useful discussion on the implications of and management arrangements for Brexit. This process will be difficult and complex and require thorough planning and regular dialogue. Secretary of State Davis expressed his determination that the excellent relations between Ireland and the UK would continue.
464. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the projected cost of increasing Ireland's overseas development aid, ODA, budget to 0.4 %, 0.5%, 0.6% and 0.7% of GNP for 2017 and for a full year, in tabular form. [27207/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is strongly committed to Ireland’s overseas aid programme, and to its place at the heart of our foreign policy.
“One World, One Future”, our policy for international development, clearly articulates our commitment to the UN target of providing 0.7% of Gross National Product (GNP) as Official Development Assistance (ODA), while the Programme for Government sets out our ambition to make progress towards the UN target as resources permit. It is important that such progress is made in a sustainable and manageable way which strengthens Ireland's recognized role as a reliable and effective partner.
The estimates of total allocation for Official Development Assistance (ODA) required to reach 0.4%, 0.5%, 0.6% and 0.7% of Gross National Product (GNP) in 2017 are set out in the table. These estimates are based on the Department of Finance projections for 2017 GNP published in April this year.
|
ODA/GNP % |
€ Million |
|
0.40% |
815 |
|
0.50% |
1,010 |
|
0.60% |
1,220 |
|
0.70% |
1,425 |
465. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the diplomatic efforts in place to secure the release of a person (details supplied). [26467/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of the case to which the Deputy refers and which has been raised in the House on previous occasions. The individual concerned is a citizen of the United States and this case is a matter for the US authorities and their judicial system.
As the Government has no locus standi on this case, I do not propose to make representations to the U.S. Federal Government in relation to this matter.
466. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he supports the position of the European Commission President, Mr. Jean Claude Juncker, as outlined in his recent state of the union speech supporting the creation of the position of an EU Foreign Minister; the consultations that have been had with this State on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26584/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs referred to by President Juncker in his state of the Union address, Federica Mogherini is the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, a post created by the Lisbon Treaty. She is doing an excellent job, including in chairing the Foreign Affairs Council.
I read President Juncker’s reference to a European Foreign Minister less as an institutional proposal than as a plea for all Member States to contribute to a coherent and effective Common Foreign and Security Policy. No specific proposal has been communicated to the Member States. Any change in the functions or role of the High Representative would require the agreement of all Member States to Treaty change. I agree, however, that there is a continuing need for the Member States and EU Institutions to work better together in accordance with the Treaties to ensure that Europe’s interests and values are protected and promoted in the wider world.
467. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he supports the statement by the European Commission President, Mr. Jean Claude Juncker, in his recent state of the union speech that Europe can no longer afford to rely on the military might of others or let France alone defend its honour in Mali; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26585/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe European Global Strategy which was presented by HRVP Mogherini to Heads of State and Government at the European Council in June recognises that instability in European neighbourhoods is a source of threats to the safety of our citizens. Ireland recognises the need to invest more in conflict resolution using all the instruments available to the EU in an integrated way. This includes strengthening the Union’s ability to engage in peacekeeping and crisis management operations as well as building state and societal capacity on governance, rule of law and human rights.
The Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) of the European Union, of which Ireland is a committed supporter, can play a positive role in contributing to international peace and security in European neighbourhoods. In that context the EU has been engaged in training and support to the security forces in Mali since early 2013 when the European Training Mission in Mali - EUTM Mali – was established at the request of the Malian Government and in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2085 (2012). The Mission’s mandate includes provision of training and advice on International Humanitarian Law, Human Rights and protection of civilians. EUTM Mali complements French efforts initially through Operation Serval and subsequently through Operation Barkhane to counter Islamist fighters in Mali and the wider Sahel region. These efforts are further bolstered by UN stabilisation force, MINUSMA, which has also been deployed in Mali since 2013 with an authorised troop ceiling of more than 11,000 military personnel.
Ireland has deployed members of the Permanent Defence Forces to EUTM Mali since the Mission was established. Among EU Members States, the largest current contributors are Belgium with 186 troops and Spain with 116. France contributes 11 Members of its Defence Forces to the Mission. Ireland’s initial contribution to EUTM Mali was 10 members of the Defence Forces. We agreed to increase the number of members of the Permanent Defence Forces deployed to EUTM Mali as a result of the invocation by France of article 42.7 of the Treaty of the European Union following the terrorist attacks in Paris in November 2015. From November 2016 when the Mission reaches full operational capability in terms of its latest mandate Ireland will have 18 personnel in EUTM Mali. The purpose of deploying the additional Defence Forces personnel is to ensure the continued effectiveness of UN mandated missions.
468. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the detail of internships in his Department that might be suitable for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26649/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department offers a limited number of 11-month internships for graduates in the areas of human rights, conflict resolution and legal affairs. These internships are advertised on our website www.dfa.ie and also through the careers offices of Irish third-level institutions. Recruitment to these internship opportunities is carried out by means of a competitive selection process, involving shortlisting and interviews. The recruitment process for 2016 has been completed and candidates selected for Internships this year. The Human Rights Internships and Conflict Resolution Internships for 2017 will be advertised in January and June respectively.
Internships also arise in the Department’s Development Cooperation Division, which administers Irish Aid. Expressions of interest in such positions can be submitted to the following email address – jpi@dfa.ie . Again, recruitment is conducted via a competitive process.
On occasion, additional internships can arise in our diplomatic and consular missions abroad which are advertised and filled locally.
469. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the reason those resident in the Six Counties who wish to obtain passport application forms from post office branches here are now being advised that they may only obtain the necessary forms applicable to such applicants from post office outlets located in Northern Ireland; his views on whether such a policy unfairly discriminates against Irish citizens living in Northern Ireland, particularly those residing in Border regions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26680/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraCitizens who are ordinarily resident in Northern Ireland can avail of the Northern Ireland Passport Express service to send their passport applications. For a majority of residents this is the most convenient channel.
Applications are accepted by the Passport Service via other channels, including Passport Express operated in partnership with An Post. The APS2E and APS2G (Irish language) forms should be used due to different witnessing arrangements for residents in Northern Ireland. Stocks of APS2 forms are supplied regularly to post offices across Ireland, including in border regions, on demand.
470. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the discussions he has had with his EU counterparts with regard to plans for increased funding for the Europe for Citizens programme; the timeframe for the drawdown of funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26853/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Europe for Citizens Programme 2014 – 2020 is a European Commission programme which funds actions that promote understanding between the EU and its citizens, deepening awareness of what it means to be European and encouraging citizens to develop a sense of European identity. The programme is implemented by the Executive Agency for Education, Audiovisual and Culture and has an overall multi-annual budget of €185.5m. Public bodies and non-profit organisations in all 28 member States, accession countries, candidate countries as well as EFTA countries which are party to the EEA agreement can apply for funding. Proposals have not been brought forward by the European Commission for increased funding for the programme, which, like all other EU programmes, has to operate within the tight constraints of the agreed Multi-Annual Financial Framework 2014-20.
The Government strongly supports the ideals of the programme. To promote the programme here and to maximise the potential for success of Irish applicants, following a tendering process last year the NGO, The Wheel, was appointed as National Contact Point. The Wheel provides information, training and advice on draft proposals. Since July 2015 it has organised 16 information sessions at various locations throughout the country, most recently at last week’s National Ploughing Championships. A dedicated website has also been set up - www.europeforcitizens.ie.
As a result of these efforts, fourteen organisations which had been assisted by The Wheel applied for funding under the March and November 2016 Funding Rounds. I am happy to advise that, so far this year, two of these organisations have been successful, each receiving grants of €100,000 : Smashing Times Theatre Company (Civil Society project) and Holocaust Education Trust (European Remembrance project). Decisions arising from the November Round are awaited. The next Funding Round closes in March 2017.
I am confident that with ongoing mentoring and support provided by The Wheel that there will be an even larger number of applications made by Irish organisations in the coming years.
471. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the total travel expenses and reimbursement costs incurred by his Department per annum from 2011 to 2016 to date, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26861/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department comprises two separate votes, Vote 28 Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Vote 27 International Co-operation.
The tables following set out the total travel expenses and reimbursement costs incurred by my Department per annum from 2011- 2016 to date.
Vote 28 Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade.
|
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 - YTD |
|
4,313,327 |
4,876,780 |
5,713,559 |
5,145,585 |
6,136,435 |
3,349,076 |
Vote 27 International Co-operation.
|
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 - YTD |
|
2,084,470 |
2,038,017 |
2,170,687 |
1,945,774 |
1,767,121 |
882,288 |
My Department is fully compliant with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform guidelines on official travel and also operates its own detailed internal travel guidelines. The central aim of the Departmental travel policy is to minimise official travel costs and to achieve value for money for expenditure necessarily incurred, consistent with the effective discharge of official duties.
All expenditure is paid on a vouched basis apart from subsistence and mileage expenses relating to official travel which are paid at Department of Public Expenditure and Reform rates and in accordance with normal regulations.
472. Deputy Frank O'Rourke asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his Department has a specific data protection officer in place; if that position is exclusive or if the position holder has other duties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26878/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has within its Corporate Services Division a nominated person who is the Data Protection Officer. This officer liaises as appropriate with the data holders and data processors in the Department to ensure that best practice is followed and that requests for personal information are met within the prescribed timeframes. The person has been assigned some other duties.
