Written Answers Nos. 142-161
142. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding processing times for passports, both renewals and new applications, in view of the fact that it is now coming into the busy holiday period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30252/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Passport Service is working very hard to manage the high volume of applications being received in recent months to meet the target delivery dates.
There are 61,000 applications currently being processed. The target turnaround time for Passport Express renewal applications is 15 working days and this is being met, as it has over the past six weeks. The target turnaround time for first-time applications and applications for renewal of lost, stolen or damaged passports through Passport Express is 20 working days. These categories of application take longer due to the extra security checks involved. This target turnaround time is also currently being met (down from 24 working days as of 19 June).
The Deputy will be aware a new online passport application service was launched at the end of March this year. As take-up of the Online Passport Application Service increases, it will considerably enhance overall passport processing efficiency and contribute to reducing turnaround times for all channels. Since the launch over 38,000 passport applications were received through this channel which is well ahead of target. The target turnaround for this service is ten working days plus postage and in the majority of cases this target is exceeded comfortably. I therefore urge all Deputies to encourage adults who are renewing their passports to do so online.
In addition to the 300 full time permanent staff already allocated to the Passport Service, since January 2017 almost 230 Temporary Clerical Officers have been assigned to the Passport Offices in Balbriggan, Mount Street and Cork.
Targeted overtime for the Passport Service has also been sanctioned to increase processing capacity.
It is very important that applicants choose the most appropriate application channel, depending on their individual circumstances. Passport Express should only be used by those who are travelling in three weeks or more. Anyone renewing a passport who needs to travel in under three weeks should either apply online or by appointment at the Passport Office in either Dublin or Cork.
Further, I urge all Deputies to encourage citizens to register for the free passport renewal reminder email service provided by my Department at the following web address: https://www.eforms.gov.ie/en/reminder/passport/.
143. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if all agencies under his aegis have an up to date tax clearance certificate; the agencies which do not have an up to date tax clearance certificate; the reason they do not have a tax clearance certificate in each case, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30287/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are no agencies under the aegis of my Department so the issue raised by the Deputy does not arise.
144. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade further to Parliamentary Question No. 142 of 4 May 2017, the measures taken to assist the person in expediting their appeal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30339/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is continuing to provide ongoing assistance to the individual at the centre of this long-running and difficult consular case.
Because the matter relates to a process that is ongoing before the judiciary in another country, there are limits to what the Irish Government can do. However, our interests in and concerns about this case have been raised with the Philippines authorities at every available opportunity.
In November 2016 the Embassy of Ireland in Singapore, which is accredited to The Philippines, made a direct approach to the Supreme Court Administrator in Manila, requesting on behalf of the Irish Government that the appeal hearing in our citizen’s case be expedited on humanitarian grounds.
On 11th January 2017 an official from our Embassy travelled to Manila and followed up on that representation by raising the case directly and at a senior level with the Philippines Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Embassy official underlined our concerns for the citizen’s health and welfare in view of the length of time it has taken for the appeal to be heard.
In April we received a notification from the Supreme Court Administrator informing us that the Court was ordering the elevation of the records to the Supreme Court from the Court of Appeal. The Supreme Court’s letter noted that the Embassy of Ireland had submitted a request that the appeal hearing be expedited on humanitarian grounds.
It is important to remember that this is an ongoing legal case and that it is for the citizen’s legal representatives to advise him and to act on his behalf in matters before the courts.
Let me assure the Deputy and the House that my Department will continue to provide all appropriate consular assistance to the citizen concerned and his family.
145. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the way in which a naturalised person (details supplied) who was given a passport with an incorrect previous nationality can correct the official document upon renewal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30396/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn all cases, whether it is an applicant’s first passport or renewal, the Passport Service issues a passport with the country of birth as recorded on the naturalisation certificate. Any amendment required to the naturalisation certificate is a matter for the Department of Justice and Equality.
146. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to recognise the state of Palestine further to the motion passed unanimously by Dáil Éireann on 10 December 2014 calling on the Government to recognise same; and the timeline for Ireland's recognition of the state of Palestine. [30508/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to recognising the State of Palestine as part of a lasting settlement of the conflict. Ireland has long looked forward to being able to recognize a sovereign Palestinian state existing in fact and not just in theory.
In the light of the motions passed by the Dáil and Seanad in 2014, I am also considering whether early recognition by Ireland of a state of Palestine, in advance of its actual achievement on the ground, could play a helpful part in advancing a resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
There are many varied factors bearing on this question. They include the likely impact of such a move on the peace process, the possible value of recognition as a symbolic gesture, the likely impact on other initiatives and perception by other actors, and the likely effect on Ireland’s ongoing influence on the issue. In addition, should I decide to recommend early recognition to the Government, then as an essentially symbolic action the timing of such a move would also be a matter of careful judgement.
I will be carefully considering all these factors in the coming period. I hope to be able to begin with a visit to the region in the near future, enabling me to hear the views of the parties themselves.
147. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on his meeting with Michel Barnier, the EU's chief Brexit negotiator on 20 June 2017; and if he is requesting special status for Northern Ireland within the EU in his meetings with his EU counterparts and EU Brexit negotiators. [30509/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI attended the General Affairs Council (Art. 50) on Tuesday 20 June. At this meeting, Michel Barnier, the EU’s Chief Negotiator, informed Ministers of the outcome of the first round of the negotiations with the UK on its withdrawal from the EU.
I also met with Mr Barnier for a bilateral exchange on Brexit and on the EU’s position on the issues specific Ireland as set out in the European Council Guidelines of 29 April and the negotiating Directives of 22 May. I thanked Mr Barnier for his recent visit to Ireland, which included travelling to the border region, and for his continuing support and understanding.
We had a very positive and constructive discussion which clearly confirmed that addressing issues unique to Ireland will be a key EU priority in the negotiations.
I reiterated the Government’s position in relation to protecting the gains of the peace process and ensuring that all provisions of the Good Friday Agreement are fully respected and upheld. In particular, I emphasised the importance of the European Council’s recognition that “in view of the unique circumstances on the island of Ireland, flexible and imaginative solutions will be required, including with the aim of avoiding a hard border, while respecting the integrity of the Union legal order.”
During our discussion, I expressed my support for the handling of Irish issues as set out in the Terms of Reference agreed between the EU and the UK on 19 June whereby the issues unique to Ireland will be the subject of a dialogue at the level of the two most senior members of the respective negotiating teams. This again underlines the urgency and importance with which Irish issues are being addressed.
I underlined my willingness and that of my officials to continue constructive and regular engagement with Mr. Barnier and his team as these complex negotiations progress.
I also had bilateral meetings with my counterparts from Luxembourg and Estonia. I used this opportunity, as well as my participation in the GAC (Art. 50), to acknowledge the support of our partners in agreeing to the inclusion in the EU’s negotiating position of elements addressing the particular challenges faced by Ireland.
148. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Israeli Government Ministers have called for an increase in the number of illegal Israeli settlers in the occupied Syrian Golan by 100,000 over a five year period; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that in 2016 the Israeli Government approved the construction of 1,600 new illegal colonial settlement units in the Golan; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that due to discriminatory housing policies, Syrians are forced to build without permits risking fines and the full or partial demolition of the building in order to meet their housing needs (details supplied); if he will raise this issue with the Israeli Government; and the steps he is taking to ensure that the EU is raising these and related issues with the Israeli Government through its current political dialogue and will do so during the EU Israel Association Council meeting if it takes place later in 2017. [30510/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn the occupied Syrian Golan, as in the West Bank, the introduction and settlement of communities of the occupying power, to alter the demography of the area, is clearly illegal under international law. It also inherently involves violations of the rights of the occupied population, in terms of seizure of land, discriminatory treatment and other restrictions. The same wide range of tactics are also used by the Israeli authorities to advance this process under a cloak of legality, including planning laws, zoning, military use, national parks etc. None of these measures can alter the fact that the whole process is illegal.
The Government has consistently and repeatedly conveyed these concerns to the Israeli authorities, and highlighted them in our interventions at EU, UN and international level. I will continue to avail of every appropriate opportunity to pursue these issues. It is beyond the means of my Department, however, to attempt to track and take action on every report of specific decisions involved in this process.
Our concerns over these policies are most acute in relation to the West Bank, where they are making impossible the achievement of a peace agreement and the establishment of a Palestinian state. By contrast, it is generally acknowledged that any comprehensive peace between Israel and the Arab states will involve the return of the Golan area to Syria.
My primary focus in relation to Syria at present is of course on the appalling violence, destruction and slaughter afflicting the Syrian people across much of the rest of the country.
149. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to address the anomaly in the Valuation (Amendment) Act 2015 whereby an exemption is provided for community sports clubs but other community organisations such as theatres are not eligible for a similar exemption; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30364/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can inform the Deputy that while the Valuation Office comes within my remit, the Commissioner of Valuation is independent in the carrying out of his functions under the Valuation Acts 2001 to 2015 and the making of valuations and decisions in relation to exemptions is his sole prerogative and the Act does not accord me as Minister any function in this regard.
The Valuation (Amendment) Act 2015 which was commenced on 8 June 2015 provides for an amendment to Schedule 4 of the Valuation Act 2001 which allows for the exemption from rates of buildings used exclusively for community sport and for partial exemption from rates of buildings used by sports clubs which are registered under the Registration of Clubs (Ireland) Act 1904. The amendment means that community sports clubs are now only liable for rates on buildings or part of buildings that are used for the generation of income. The position now is that buildings that are used for the sale of alcohol or food, retail outlets etc. will be rated but buildings that are used purely for community sport will be exempt such as team dressing rooms, referees room, administrative offices and machine and equipment stores. This change in the legislation was widely welcomed as it has brought greater equity and clarity to the sporting sector.
Regarding the treatment of other community organisations under the valuation legislation, the position is that Schedule 4 of the Valuation Act, 2001 also provides for the exemption from rates of community halls which are used by community-based and not for profit organisations such as theatre and drama groups. To be classified as a Community Hall, the premises needs to be used for purposes which are not for profit or gain and involve participation by inhabitants of the locality generally and are used for purposes which are of a recreational or otherwise of a social nature.
As the existing exemption provisions cover all qualifying community organisations, it is considered that a change in the legislation to provide for further exemptions is not warranted at this time.
150. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the procedure to be followed to amend a certificate of naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied) who had their previous nationality incorrectly recorded on their certificate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30210/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that if a person believes that an error has occurred in the details recorded on a certificate of naturalisation, it is open to the person concerned to contact Citizenship Division (details available at www.inis.gov.ie) who will examine the case and advise on any procedure to be followed.
151. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if all agencies under his aegis have an up to date tax clearance certificate; the agencies which do not have an up to date tax clearance certificate; the reason they do not have a tax clearance certificate in each case, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30290/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that the Department and its agencies comprising the eight votes in the Justice Vote Group all have up to date tax clearance certificates.
Separately, I am advised by the Garda Authorities that, as the Deputy may be aware, the taxation status of certain entities attached to the Garda College in Templemore is the subject of further review which is ongoing at present.
152. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the three vacancies in the Garda internal audit unit have been filled to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30326/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of resources, including personnel, among the various Garda Divisions and I as Minister, have no direct role in the matter.
The question of additional resources for the Garda Internal Audit Section is a matter in the first instance for the Commissioner and then the Policing Authority which has a role under section 19 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 in determining the number of civilian staff in An Garda Síochána and also in appointing senior civilian staff, subject to the consent of the Minister for Justice and Equality and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.
I understand that the Commissioner has developed proposals to fill existing vacancies and to increase the number of civilians assigned to the Garda Internal Audit Section to enhance the capacity of the unit to perform its role in providing assurance to the Commissioner, as Accounting Officer. These proposals are currently being considered by the Policing Authority. I can assure you that my Department will be positively disposed towards any such proposals.
Budget 2017 provided funding for the recruitment of up to 500 civilians to An Garda Síochána in line with the Five-year Reform and High Level Work-force Plan agreed by the Government in July 2016 to fill the critical capacity and skills gaps in the organisation and any additional personnel resources for the Garda Internal Audit Section can be encompassed within this.
153. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the particular sections the two retired gardaí who have been contracted to work with the titles of temporary senior administrative assistant have been assigned to work in; the specific roles they have been tasked to carry out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30335/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda Commissioner and I will write to the Deputy on receipt of same.
154. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of persons per garda in 2015 and 2016 and to date in 2017, by division, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30371/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will appreciate, it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for the distribution of resources, including personnel, among the various Garda Divisions and Units and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter. I am assured by the Commissioner that the allocation of Gardaí is continually monitored and reviewed taking into account all relevant factors including crime trends, demographics, and security assessments relating to the area in question so as to ensure optimal use is made of Garda resources.
The information requested by the Deputy is not readily available in my Department as the recording of the population by area is a matter for the Central Statistics Office. I am, in any case, advised that ratios such as the number of Garda per head of population are not an appropriate tool to use when considering the allocation of Garda resources as they fail to take account of, among other things, the fact that crime levels and types can vary significantly among communities of similar population size.
155. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of children referred to the Garda youth diversion program by county in each of the years 2015 and 2016 and to date in 2017; the number of juvenile liaison officers by county for the same years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30379/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware the Monitoring Committee established under section 44 of the Children Act 2001 reports annually to the Garda Commissioner on the effectiveness of the Diversion Programme. This Annual Report provides comprehensive data in relation to the Diversion Programme, including the number of incidents referred to it and the number of individuals involved. The latest available Annual Report of the Monitoring Committee is in respect of 2015. According to this report, which is available on the websites of An Garda Síochána and the Irish Youth Justice Service, the number of children referred to the Diversion Programme in 2015 was 9,807.
The information requested by the Deputy in relation to the number of Juvenile Liaison Officers by county for the years 2015, 2016 and 2017 (end April) is set out in the following table. As the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of resources, including personnel, among the various Garda Divisions and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter. Garda management keeps this distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the optimum use is made of these resources.
Juvenile Liaison Officer Strength 2015-2017*
|
Division |
2015 |
2016 |
2017* |
|
D.M.R.S.C. |
5 |
5 |
4 |
|
D.M.R.N.C. |
4 |
3 |
3 |
|
D.M.R.N. |
13 |
13 |
13 |
|
D.M.R.E. |
6 |
5 |
6 |
|
D.M.R.S. |
10 |
10 |
10 |
|
D.M.R.W. |
9 |
11 |
11 |
|
Waterford |
4 |
3 |
4 |
|
Wexford |
3 |
3 |
3 |
|
Kilkenny/Carlow |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
Tipperary |
3 |
3 |
3 |
|
Cork City |
7 |
7 |
5 |
|
Cork North |
3 |
3 |
6 |
|
Cork West |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
Kerry |
4 |
4 |
8 |
|
Limerick |
6 |
4 |
4 |
|
Donegal |
3 |
3 |
3 |
|
Cavan/Monaghan |
2 |
1 |
2 |
|
Sligo/Leitrim |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Louth |
3 |
3 |
3 |
|
Clare |
2 |
2 |
0 |
|
Mayo |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
Galway |
4 |
4 |
4 |
|
Roscommon/Longford |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
Westmeath |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
Meath |
3 |
3 |
3 |
|
Kildare |
3 |
3 |
3 |
|
Laois/Offaly |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
Wicklow |
4 |
4 |
4 |
|
Total |
114 |
107 |
112 |
*As of 30 April 2017
156. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda youth diversion projects by county and-or divisional basis in each of the years 2015 and 2016 and to date in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30380/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, statutory provision in relation to young offenders is set out in the Children Act 2001 (as amended). Part 4 of the Act makes provision for the operation of the Garda Diversion Programme under the general superintendence and control of the Garda Commissioner. The aim of the Diversion Programme is to divert any child who accepts responsibility for his or her criminal or anti-social behaviour from committing further offences, or engaging in further anti-social behaviour, primarily by administering a caution to such a child and, where appropriate, by placing him or her under the supervision of a juvenile liaison officer.
To support the operation of the Diversion Programme, my Department, through the Irish Youth Justice Service, funds some 105 Garda Youth Diversion Projects around the country. These projects are community based multi-agency crime prevention initiatives which primarily seek to divert young people who have become involved in criminal or anti-social behaviour. In 2016, some €12m was allocated by the Irish Youth Justice Service to Garda Youth Diversion Projects and a number of other youth justice community based projects around the country. Similar monies will be expended in 2017. In addition, monies secured from the Dormant Accounts Fund supported the establishment of ten new projects in the period 2015/2016.
A table setting out the number of Garda Youth Diversion Projects by county in each of the years 2015 and 2016 and to date in 2017 follows.
|
County |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
|
Carlow |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Cavan |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Clare |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
Cork |
12 |
12 |
12 |
|
Donegal |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
Dublin |
33 |
36 |
35 |
|
Galway |
5 |
5 |
5 |
|
Kerry |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Kildare |
2 |
4 |
4 |
|
Kilkenny |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Laois |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
Leitrim |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Limerick |
6 |
7 |
7 |
|
Longford |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Louth |
4 |
4 |
4 |
|
Mayo |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
Meath |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
Monaghan |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Offaly |
3 |
3 |
3 |
|
Roscommon |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Sligo |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Tipperary |
4 |
5 |
5 |
|
Waterford |
5 |
5 |
5 |
|
Westmeath |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
Wexford |
3 |
3 |
3 |
|
Wicklow |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
Total |
99 |
106 |
105 |
157. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the process a person must undertake to correct the nationality on a certificate of naturalisation that they were issued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30395/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that if a person believes that an error has occurred in the details recorded on a certificate of naturalisation, it is open to the person concerned to contact Citizenship Division (details available at www.inis.gov.ie) who will examine the case and advise on any procedure to be followed.
158. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of vacancies for revenue sheriffs and the locations of same, in tabular form; the date on which the positions became vacant; if the positions have been advertised; if so, the closing dates for applications; if recommendations have been made with regard to appointments; and if so, the dates on which such recommendations were made. [30473/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that there is currently only one Revenue Sheriff post vacant, that of the Revenue Sheriff for County Mayo. The post became vacant on 20 April 2017. The post was advertised by the Public Appointments Service on 13 January 2017, along with a second such post in respect of which it is anticipated that a vacancy will arise later this year. This post is that of the Revenue Sheriff for Counties Meath/Louth/Westmeath, the current holder of which will retire on 5 September 2017. The closing date for applications for both posts was 2 February 2017.
Following the selection process, the shortlists of recommended candidates for both posts were received by my Department on 2 May 2017. I propose to bring the matter to Government for decision at the earliest opportunity.
159. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of new recruits allocated to each Garda division since recruitment recommenced, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30483/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of resources, and I as Minister, have no direct role in the matter. I am assured by the Commissioner that Garda personnel assigned throughout the country, together with the overall policing arrangements and operational strategies are continually monitored and reviewed. Such monitoring ensures that optimum use is made of resources and the best possible policing service is provided to the general public.
This Government is committed to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country in order to maintain and strengthen community engagement, provide reassurance to citizens and deter crime. To make this a reality for all, the Government has in place a plan to achieve an overall Garda workforce of 21,000 personnel by 2021 comprising 15,000 Garda members, 2,000 Reserve members and 4,000 civilians. In 2017, funding has been provided for the recruitment of 800 Garda recruits and up to 500 civilians to support the wide ranging reform plan in train in An Garda Síochána. Funding has also been provided for the recruitment of 300 Garda Reserves.
This plan is progressing apace. I am informed by the Commissioner, since the reopening of the Garda College in September 2014, that just under 1,000 recruits have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and have been assigned to mainstream duties nationwide. I am also informed that another 600 trainee Garda are scheduled to attest this year which will see Garda numbers, taking account of projected retirements, increase to around the 13,500 mark by year end - an increase of 500 since the end of 2016.
In so far as the allocation of newly attested Gardaí is concerned, this is a matter for the Commissioner. I am assured by the Commissioner that the needs of all Garda Divisions are fully considered when determining the allocation of resources. However, it is important to keep in mind that newly attested Gardaí have a further 16 months of practical and class-room based training to complete in order to receive their BA in Applied Policing. To ensure that they are properly supported and supervised and have opportunities to gain the breadth of policing experience required, the Commissioner's policy is to allocate them to specially designated training stations which have the required training and development structures and resources in place, including trained Garda tutors and access to a permanently appointed supervisory Sergeant who is thoroughly familiar with their responsibilities under the training programme.
This focus on investment in personnel is critical. The moratorium on recruitment introduced in 2010 resulted in a significant reduction in the strength of An Garda Síochána. We are now rebuilding the organisation and providing the Commissioner with the resources she needs to allow her to deploy increasing numbers of Gardaí across every Garda Division.
For the Deputy's information I have set out in the following table, as provided by the Commissioner, the number of new Garda recruits assigned to each Garda Division from 2015 to date in 2017.
Number of newly attested Garda allocated
|
DIVISION |
DIVISIONAL HQ |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 (to date) |
|
D.M.R. EAST |
DUN LAOGHAIRE |
9 |
19 |
14 |
|
D.M.R. NORTH |
BALLYMUN |
19 |
33 |
23 |
|
D.M.R. NORTH CENTRAL |
STORE STREET |
22 |
43 |
28 |
|
D.M.R. SOUTH |
CRUMLIN |
18 |
35 |
28 |
|
D.M.R. SOUTH CENTRAL |
PEARSE STREET |
19 |
44 |
29 |
|
D.M.R. WEST |
BLANCHARDSTOWN |
30 |
35 |
23 |
|
KILDARE |
NAAS |
15 |
20 |
15 |
|
LAOIS / OFFALY |
PORTLAOISE |
9 |
20 |
17 |
|
MEATH |
NAVAN |
5 |
19 |
7 |
|
WESTMEATH |
MULLINGAR |
5 |
5 |
12 |
|
WICKLOW |
BRAY |
9 |
0 |
4 |
|
CAVAN / MONAGHAN |
MONAGHAN |
10 |
7 |
4 |
|
DONEGAL |
LETTERKENNY |
8 |
5 |
4 |
|
LOUTH |
DROGHEDA |
25 |
17 |
7 |
|
SLIGO / LEITRIM |
SLIGO |
5 |
5 |
3 |
|
KILKENNY/CARLOW |
KILKENNY |
10 |
10 |
10 |
|
TIPPERARY |
THURLES |
5 |
15 |
11 |
|
WATERFORD |
WATERFORD |
14 |
10 |
6 |
|
WEXFORD |
WEXFORD |
15 |
10 |
7 |
|
CORK CITY |
ANGLESEA STREET |
5 |
5 |
10 |
|
CORK NORTH |
FERMOY |
0 |
5 |
5 |
|
CORK WEST |
BANDON |
5 |
0 |
5 |
|
KERRY |
TRALEE |
9 |
0 |
6 |
|
LIMERICK |
HENRY STREET |
8 |
16 |
9 |
|
CLARE |
ENNIS |
10 |
5 |
0 |
|
GALWAY |
GALWAY |
4 |
5 |
0 |
|
MAYO |
CASTLEBAR |
3 |
0 |
5 |
|
ROSCOMMON/LONGFORD |
ROSCOMMON |
0 |
5 |
0 |
|
TOTAL |
296 |
393 |
292 |
160. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the names and positions of those that attended a meeting between the national monuments service and the officials of Tipperary County Council on 13 June 2017; the location where the meeting was held; the duration of the meeting; the items which were on the agenda; the correspondence and documents which were provided to attendees; if she will provide a copy of the minutes of the meeting; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30468/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra161. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the names and positions of those that attended a meeting between the national monuments service and officials of Tipperary County Council on 13 June 2017; the location where the meeting was held; the duration of the meeting; the items which were on the agenda; the correspondence and documents which were provided to attendees; if she will provide a copy of the minutes of the meeting; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30477/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 160 and 161 together.
A Senior Archaeologist and an Architectural Heritage Officer from my Department attended a meeting with Tipperary County Council officials on the date in question. The meeting related to traffic management issues on Ardfinnan Bridge which is a recorded monument. The meeting was in the nature of a pre-planning consultation and was at the Council’s request. The only document furnished was one drawn up by the Council’s consulting engineer regarding potential options.
As all the arrangements for the meeting were made locally, and as the meeting was in the nature of a pre-planning consultation, further information should be sought in the first instance from the Council itself.
