Written Answers Nos. 145-169
148. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which adequate provision is being made to meet the full extent of primary and second level school requirements in Celbridge, County Kildare; the provisions already in place and contemplated; if the provisions already made remain adequate to meet the demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45267/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra149. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which adequate provision is being made to meet the full extent of primary and second level school requirements in Naas, County Kildare; the provisions already in place and contemplated; if the provisions already made remain adequate to meet the demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45268/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra150. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which adequate provision is being made to meet the full extent of primary and second level school requirements in Kilcock, County Kildare; the provisions already in place and contemplated; if the provisions already made remain adequate to meet the demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45269/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra151. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which adequate provision is being made to meet the full extent of primary and second level school requirements in Leixlip, County Kildare; the provisions already in place and contemplated; if the provisions already made remain adequate to meet the demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45270/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra152. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which adequate provision is being made to meet the full extent of primary and second level school requirements in Maynooth, County Kildare; the provisions already in place and contemplated; if the provisions already made remain adequate to meet the demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45271/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra153. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which adequate provision is being made to meet the full extent of primary and second level school requirements in Clane, County Kildare; the provisions already in place and contemplated; if the provisions already made remain adequate to meet the demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45272/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra154. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which adequate provision is being made to meet the full extent of primary and second level school requirements in Prosperous, County Kildare; the provisions already in place and contemplated; if the provisions already made remain adequate to meet the demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45273/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 148 to 154, inclusive, together.
In order to plan for school provision and analyse the relevant demographic data, my Department divides the country into 314 school planning areas. My Department uses a Geographical Information System (GIS) to identify where the pressure for school places across these areas will arise. The GIS uses data from a range of sources, including the Central Statistics Office, Ordnance Survey Ireland, the Department of Social Protection and my Department's own databases. With this information, my Department carries out nationwide demographic exercises at primary and post-primary level to determine where additional school accommodation is needed.
Where demographic data indicates that additional provision is required, the delivery of such additional provision is dependent on the particular circumstances of each case and may, depending on the circumstances, be provided through either one, or a combination of, the following:
- Utilising existing unused capacity within a school or schools,
- Extending the capacity of a school or schools,
- Provision of a new school or schools.
My Department’s Capital Programme continues to address the challenge posed by a rapidly increasing school population. The Capital Investment Programme (2016-2021) details the school projects that are being progressed through the architectural planning process towards tender and construction. The Capital Programme also provides for devolved funding for additional classrooms for schools where an immediate enrolment need has been identified or where an additional teacher has been appointed, details of which are published regularly on my Department’s website: www.education.ie.
As with other school planning areas nationwide, the demographic data for these planning areas are being kept under review by my Department to take account of updated child benefit data and updated enrolment data. It is anticipated that decisions based on the demographic exercises will be announced later in 2017.
155. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the degree to which he expects NUI Maynooth and the other universities to develop over the next five years with specific reference to catering for increased demand and the broadening of the syllabus thereby enhancing their competitiveness internationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45274/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe higher education system continues to respond strongly to the challenge of meeting Ireland’s human capital needs and has continued to increase enrolments in recent years to meet the demand for higher education places.
The performance of the system in meeting human capital needs is also strong by comparison with other European countries: Ireland has one of the highest rates of 30–34-year-olds with higher education attainment, and Ireland performs particularly strongly in terms of graduates with STEM qualifications when considered against fellow EU member countries. Further information on the performance of the system against the key objectives set in the System Performance Framework for Higher Education are available in the two System Performance Reports available on my Department's website.
I understand that Maynooth University (MU) has undertaken a rigorous assessment of their undergraduate curriculum and have introduced a new flexible curriculum with reduced entry routes; this is in line with the national ‘transitions’ agenda. Also, the university is embedding greater emphasis on skills of critical thinking, analysis and communication across its curricula.
A number of other universities have also completed university-wide initiatives explicitly addressing graduate outcomes in terms of skills and other attributes. This is part of each university’s ongoing efforts to ensure quality and relevance of all student learning.
MU has also grown its student numbers significantly in recent years with overall enrolments increasing by over 20% since 2011/12 to 11,922 in 2016/17. MU has also increased its international activities and offers all its students the opportunity to study abroad. The university is now enrolling students from 90 countries.
In line with the Transition Reform Agenda which aims to provide a broader experience for undergraduate students with specialisation later, the number of level 8 offerings has been reduced to 964 through the CAO in 2017, down from 1036 in 2014.
An additional €60m is being provided in 2018 for the higher education sector which will allow for targeted initiatives in priority areas. This additional funding will also allow for the provision of 2,100 additional student places in higher education so that the system can continue to respond to the increasing demographics. In the period 2017 – 2018, some €133m in additional funding will be invested in higher education.
In addition to the recently announced PPP projects, which focused on the needs for the IoT sector, €367 million in funding has been allocated by the exchequer for investment in higher education over the period 2018-2021 following the mid-term review of the Capital Plan. This represents a significant increase from the €110 million planned previously.
This increased funding is being provided within the context of a changing funding model and a new System Performance Framework. A funding reform package will incentivise institutions to respond to national strategic priorities as well as strengthening the transparency and consistency of the method by which our higher education institutions are funded. I am creating a new Performance and Innovation fund to further drive reform in the sector which will encourage capacity building in key areas across the sector and reward exceptional performances by our higher education institutions.
156. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to ensure the future of smaller urban and rural schools with particular reference to the need to honour long standing denominational commitments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45275/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is very aware of the importance of small schools to rural communities, particularly the most dispersed and remote communities.
As the Deputy will be aware in order to sustain primary schools in these communities my Department has a more favourable staffing schedule for small schools that are more than 8km distant from the next nearest school of the same type of patronage and language of instruction. This measure is designed to provide rural communities with security about the future of their small schools. With regard to school ethos, the government supports the concept of parental choice in our school system, whether that be a choice for denominational or multi-denominational education.
The Programme for a Partnership Government contains a specific commitment not to close any small school without the consent of parents. I am mindful of the concerns of small schools and will take these into account in considering any planning for future provision.
157. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to replace unfit classroom accommodation at primary and second level throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45277/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that my Department's 6 Year Capital Programme (2016-2021) priorities building projects to meet demographic demand. The 6 Year Programme contains details of the new building projects and major extensions, including special schools, that will be progressed in areas where significant demographic need has been established. In addition, the 6 Year Programme also prioritises projects that in addition to meeting increases in enrolments, have a major deficit of mainstream accommodation capacity for current enrolments, require major refurbishment and replacement of poor accommodation. School projects that were announced under my Department's 5 Year Plan (2012-16) will also be advanced in the Capital Programme.
My Department’s Capital Investment Programme (2016-2021), details the school projects that are being progressed through the architectural planning process towards tender and construction. The Capital Programme also provides for devolved funding for additional classrooms for schools where an immediate enrolment need has been identified or where an additional teacher has been appointed.
I also wish to advise the Deputy that it is my intention, in accordance with the Programme for Government to replace all purchased temporary accommodation with permanent accommodation, where the need is established, over the lifetime of my Department's Capital Programme (2016-2021). To enable this development, my Department will be carrying out an assessment of the number of prefabs being used in schools to deliver the curriculum. This will also determine whether individual prefabs need to be replaced in the context of the long-term accommodation needs of each individual school. When completed, this assessment will quantity the number of prefabs to be replaced. It is intended that this assessment, when finalised, will enable the replacement of such prefabs to commence in 2019.
158. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his Department has examined the danger posed at a school (details supplied) in which a gas tank is located close to a fire hazard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45282/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra159. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the need for building repairs at a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45283/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has been advised by the Design and Build Contractors and their Consultant Engineers on this building project that the tanks are located approximately 13 metres from the building. The acceptable tank separation distance for a tank of this size between other gas tanks and other buildings, boundary walls etc is greater than 3 metres.
The remedial works to the windows have been completed.
160. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education and Skills the new apprenticeship programmes that have been developed by the Apprenticeship Council to date; the new apprenticeships that are operational; the new apprenticeships that will be operational by year's end, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45319/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy in relation to the new apprenticeship programmes that have been developed is set out in the attached table.
In addition, further new apprenticeships are to be submitted for validation to Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) shortly and, subject to successful validation, it is expected that a further four new schemes will get underway later this year in various sectors including Engineering and Haulage.
|
Apprenticeship |
Year commenced |
|
Insurance Practice |
2016 |
|
Industrial Electrical Engineer |
2016 |
|
Polymer Processing Technology |
2017 |
|
Manufacturing Technology |
2017 |
|
Manufacturing Engineering |
2017 |
|
International Financial Services Associate |
2017 |
|
International Financial Services Specialist |
2017 |
|
Accounting Technician |
2017 |
|
Commis Chef |
Currently approving employers and recruitment of apprentices will commence shortly |
|
ICT (Network Engineer) |
Currently approving employers and recruitment of apprentices will commence shortly |
|
ICT (Software Developer) |
Currently approving employers and recruitment of apprentices will commence shortly |
161. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of apprentices in training by each employment sector and sub sector in 2016 and to date in 2017 that were learners with learning difficulties and or disabilities, in tabular form; and the allocation given to such apprenticeships. [45320/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information sought by the Deputy is set out in the following table. It is important to note, however, that SOLAS does not require employers to record whether an apprentice has a disability or a learning difficulty and therefore the attached sets out apprentices who have made a self-declaration in this regard.
Every effort is made to support special need requirements that apprentices have once this is brought to the attention of their Training Adviser of at the time of registration.
|
Year registered |
Trade |
Total |
|
2016 |
Agricultural Mechanics |
3 |
|
2016 |
Brick and Stonelaying |
2 |
|
2017 |
Brick and Stonelaying |
3 |
|
2016 |
Carpentry and Joinery |
17 |
|
2017 |
Carpentry and Joinery |
4 |
|
2016 |
Construction Plant Fitting |
1 |
|
2017 |
Construction Plant Fitting |
1 |
|
2016 |
Electrical |
25 |
|
2017 |
Electrical |
24 |
|
2016 |
Farriery |
1 |
|
2016 |
Heavy Vehicle Mechanics |
6 |
|
2017 |
Heavy Vehicle Mechanics |
11 |
|
2017 |
Industrial Insulation |
1 |
|
2016 |
M.A.M.F. |
5 |
|
2017 |
M.A.M.F. |
6 |
|
2016 |
Metal Fabrication |
6 |
|
2017 |
Metal Fabrication |
1 |
|
2016 |
Motor Mechanics |
14 |
|
2017 |
Motor Mechanics |
5 |
|
2016 |
Plastering |
1 |
|
2016 |
Plumbing |
14 |
|
2017 |
Plumbing |
10 |
|
2016 |
Refrigeration and Air Conditioning |
3 |
|
2017 |
Refrigeration and Air Conditioning |
1 |
|
2016 |
Sheet Metalworking |
2 |
|
2017 |
Sheet Metalworking |
2 |
|
2016 |
Toolmaking |
3 |
|
2017 |
Toolmaking |
2 |
|
2016 |
Vehicle Body Repairs |
4 |
|
2017 |
Vehicle Body Repairs |
1 |
|
2016 |
Wood Manufacturing and Finishing |
3 |
|
2017 |
Wood Manufacturing and Finishing |
2 |
|
Total |
184 |
162. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on whether a deficit of construction skills is holding back construction activity especially on the residential side; and his further views on whether the forecasts for new apprenticeship registrations in the DEIS action plan to expand new apprenticeships will be sufficient to meet labour demand to expand housing supply to 43,000 homes per annum by 2020. [45321/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware apprenticeship is a demand driven alternate educational and training programme and the allocation of provision is determined by the skill demands of employers.
SOLAS, through its Skills and Labour Market and Research Unit (SLMRU) and its Apprenticeship Services Unit, regularly conducts forecasts of apprenticeship requirements. The methodology takes account of output forecasts, in money terms, for various segments of the construction industry, the CSO’s Quarterly National Household Survey (QNHS) and the relationship between apprentice intake and employment trends in the sectors. While labour market trends remain difficult to predict in a rapidly changing labour market, SOLAS is satisfied there is sufficient provision in place, at this juncture, to meet both current and future demands from the construction sector.
In 2016, annual intake in construction apprenticeships accounted for 62% of total intake in craft-based apprenticeships and is projected to account for 70% of total intake of all trades in 2020. I understand from SOLAS that strong growth in new recruitment is expected to materialise in the period reflecting robust construction activity, particularly in new house building. This is particularly the case for ‘wet trades’ such as bricklayers, plasterers, painters and decorators for which the numbers remain in double-digits.
163. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the preliminary statements issued by two election observation research missions that were in attendance at the independence referendum in Catalonia held on 1 October 2017; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that a number of Irish election roster observers took place on these missions; if he will invite them to attend a debriefing session to give first-hand evidence of the events they observed on referendum day including armed masked men entering polling stations to prevent voting happening; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45171/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware that a number of public representatives participated as observers at the independence referendum in Catalonia on 1st October last. Neither of the election observation research missions, to which the Deputy refers, have submitted a report to me or my Department. Should they do so, these will be given appropriate attention.
As regards the events of 1 October, I share the dismay felt by many in Ireland and elsewhere at the violent incidents. Violence has no place in politics.
164. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the arrangements in place whereby his Department provided funding to an organisation (details supplied) to support the deployment of Irish election observers; if it will be extended to a unit of a university (details supplied) that is planning an election observation mission to Somaliland and that would use funding to deploy additional Irish observers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45172/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraInternational election monitoring missions play an important role in the promotion of democracy and human rights. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade maintains a roster of election observers for such missions. Irish observers participate primarily in missions organised by the European Union and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). However, they have also participated in missions organised by the Council of Europe, the United Nations and The Carter Centre. The Department has in the past supported The Carter Center under its Civil Society Fund Programme to facilitate its work on democracy in fragile states. In support of this programme, an election observer was deployed under the auspices of The Carter Center to the 2013 Kenyan elections. This particular programme finished in 2015.
In the absence of a call from either the OSCE or the EU, the Department has no plans to provide funding for Irish Election Observers to the Somaliland elections.
165. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade further to Parliamentary Question No. 394 of 26 July 2017, the number of late applications received to join the current election roster; the reason these three particular late applications were admitted to the process in view of the fact that this was explicitly ruled out in the public call; the level at which this decision was made to admit these persons that resulted in others being displaced; if there were other departures from the published process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45173/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra170. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he is satisfied with the workings of the election observation roster operated by his Department in view of concerns regarding same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45179/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 165 and 170 together.
International election monitoring missions play an important role in the promotion of democracy and human rights. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade maintains and administers a roster of observers for such missions. We aim to ensure that, when requested, Ireland is represented at an appropriate level in international observation missions for both elections and constitutional referendums.
As outlined in my reply to Parliamentary Questions 393, 394 and 396 on 26 July 2017, following a comprehensive review and a public call for applicants, a new roster of 200 members with a reserve panel of 10 was established in May 2013. The roster was determined by an independent appraisal process.
Two applications submitted curricula vitae along with their application form. This had no impact on the final selection of roster members.
Three late applications were permitted, which were subject to the same independent appraisal process. The decision to permit the late applications was taken at official level.
The roster currently stands at 193 members, the reserve panel having been fully utilised. I am confident that the current roster is well equipped to deal with the requirements of the EU and the OSCE missions.
Officials have begun working on the criteria and methodology for the call for applications for the next election observation roster and are consulting with the EU, OSCE and international Focal Points. It is anticipated that this preparatory work will be finalised before the end of the year and a public call for new applicants will issue shortly thereafter. Details will be published on the Irish Aid website (www.irishaid.ie). Existing roster members and those who have expressed an interest in receiving details about the next roster will also be advised.
166. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade further to Parliamentary Question No. 397 of 26 July 2017, if the election consultant observer who had the volunteer grant written off had to provide vouchers to account for the grant; if the details of the grant scheme will be published in order to ensure accountability and transparency in the operation of this grant scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45175/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade maintains a roster of observers for election monitoring missions. We aim to ensure that, when requested, Ireland is represented at an appropriate level on international observation missions for elections and constitutional referendums. Irish observers participate primarily in missions organised by the European Union and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). Further to my reply to Parliamentary Question No 397 of 26 July 2017 members of the election observation roster undertaking a mission, receive a once-off grant annually of €600 from the Department to cover pre-departure mission expenses including vaccinations and transport costs, ahead of travel to the country in question.
In this particular case, the pre-departure grant was paid to a nominated observer who had commenced preparations for an EU upcoming mission. At a late stage, this observer was appointed by the EU to the Core Team overseeing the Mission. Given the extreme lateness of the appointment – within a day or two of departure - pre departure expenditure such as vaccination had been incurred. Under the circumstances the Department did not seek the repayment of the grant.
As part of the roster application process in 2013, the Information Note for Applicants advised all potential applicants of the eligibility requirements for the pre departure grant, prior to submitting their application. It is intended to again provide details on the pre departure grant as part of the application process when the next roster recruitment process gets underway, later this year.
167. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the names of the members of the election observation roster; the date that each was appointed or reappointed; the number of missions completed by each member since 2013; if he has satisfied himself that all members of the roster are suitable for deployment overseas; the mechanism to appoint replacement members to fill vacancies on the roster; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45176/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra172. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to concerns regarding an uneven distribution of opportunities for election observers on the roster with some still waiting for their first mission while others have been awarded two or more missions; his plans to prioritise members that have not been on missions in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45181/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to answer Questions Nos. 167 and 172 together.
International election monitoring missions play an important role in the promotion of democracy and human rights. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade maintains a roster of observers for election monitoring missions. We aim to ensure that, when requested, Ireland is represented at an appropriate level on international observation missions for elections and constitutional referendums. Irish observers participate primarily in missions organised by the European Union and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).
The Election Observation Roster was established in May 2013 for a period of five years following a review of the previous roster and a public call for applications. Upon completion of an independent appraisal and ranking of the 263 eligible applications, the 200 individuals who achieved the highest scores were selected to serve on the new roster and a reserve panel of the next 10 highest scoring individuals was also established, from which replacements would be drawn should any members leave the roster during the five year period.
Taking account of members who have left the roster, and those who have been added from the reserve panel, the current roster complement stands at 193 and the reserve panel has been fully utilised.
Overall Irish nominees have a high success rate and so far in 2017 a total of 42 observers have observed in OSCE and EU missions. I am confident that the current roster is well equipped to deal with the requisite requirements of the EU and OSCE.
For each election observation mission, the EU or OSCE set out their specific requirements and as has been the practice to date all roster members are invited to apply to participate in any mission which Ireland proposes to deploy observers with a view to ensuring the widest possible participation in missions by roster members. In many cases, the EU and OSCE also invite Member States to nominate new observers or observers with limited experience. In selecting nominees to be put forward, the specific criteria set by the EU or OSCE, including relevant local and regional experience, language proficiency, gender and length of time since serving on a mission, provide the main basis for decision-making.
Set out in the Table below is a listing of the current roster, the date they were appointed and the number of missions completed since the establishment of the roster in 2013. Many Roster members apply, but are not always selected due to the high level of demand and individual mission criteria.
Current Election Observation Roster listing & Number of observation missions undertaken.
|
Name |
Date Joined Roster |
Number of Missions |
|
Adrienne Boyle |
May-13 |
2 |
|
Aidan O'Shea |
May-13 |
2 |
|
Alison Moore |
May-13 |
|
|
Almha O'Keeffe |
May-13 |
3 |
|
Amy Rose McGovern |
May-13 |
|
|
Andrea Breslin |
May-13 |
1 |
|
Andrew Richardson |
May-13 |
4 |
|
Anne Ormonde |
May-13 |
2 |
|
Anne Choiseul |
May-13 |
2 |
|
Anne Donnellan |
May-13 |
2 |
|
Anne Harris Hennon |
May-13 |
|
|
Anne Marlborough |
May-13 |
|
|
Annetta Flanigan |
May-13 |
3 |
|
Asa Cusack |
May-13 |
3 |
|
Audrey Ryan |
May-13 |
2 |
|
Barbara O'Shea |
May-13 |
3 |
|
Bernard Daly |
May-13 |
1 |
|
Bernard McCabe |
May-13 |
|
|
Bill Rolston |
May-13 |
|
|
Brendan Gogarty |
May-13 |
2 |
|
Brian Fagan |
May-13 |
2 |
|
Brian MacMahon |
May-13 |
|
|
Camilla Fanning |
May-16 |
|
|
Caroline Brennan |
May-13 |
2 |
|
Cathal Kelly |
May-13 |
2 |
|
Catherine Brophy |
May-13 |
2 |
|
Cecilia Keaveney |
May-13 |
5 |
|
Charlie O'Connor |
May-13 |
|
|
Chris Andrews |
May-13 |
1 |
|
Ciara Conway |
May-13 |
|
|
Ciaran Kinsella |
May-13 |
2 |
|
Colin Smith |
May-13 |
1 |
|
Colm Burke |
May-13 |
|
|
Colm Fahy |
May-13 |
2 |
|
Damien Brennan |
May-13 |
|
|
David Denny |
May-13 |
1 |
|
Deirdre Grogan |
May-13 |
2 |
|
Dennis Kirby |
Mar-14 |
2 |
|
Dermot Ahern |
May-13 |
1 |
|
Dermot Cogan |
May-13 |
|
|
Desmond MacMahon |
May-13 |
|
|
Diarmuid Cunniffe |
May-13 |
2 |
|
Diarmuid Peavoy |
May-13 |
2 |
|
Dominic Hannigan |
May-13 |
1 |
|
Donal Blake |
May-13 |
1 |
|
Donal MacDonald |
May-13 |
1 |
|
Dorcha Lee |
May-13 |
3 |
|
Eamonn Daly |
May-13 |
|
|
Eamonn Thomas Walsh |
May-13 |
1 |
|
Edward Horgan |
May-13 |
1 |
|
Edward Naessens |
May-13 |
1 |
|
Eimear O'Casey |
May-13 |
2 |
|
Eithne MacDermott |
May-13 |
3 |
|
Elaine Byrne |
May-13 |
1 |
|
Elizabeth Mullan |
May-13 |
2 |
|
Ellen McCabe |
May-13 |
1 |
|
Emily King |
May-13 |
|
|
Emma Warwick |
May-13 |
|
|
Eric Byrne |
May-13 |
2 |
|
Evanna Craig |
May-13 |
|
|
Fergal McCusker |
May-13 |
2 |
|
Fergus Gleeson |
May-13 |
3 |
|
Fiachra O' Luain |
May-13 |
1 |
|
Fidelma MacHale |
May-13 |
2 |
|
Finbar O'Sullivan |
May-13 |
3 |
|
Finola McDowell |
May-13 |
|
|
Fionnuala Brennan |
May-13 |
1 |
|
Frances Ball |
May-13 |
2 |
|
Frank Heslin |
May-13 |
|
|
Frank Kennefick |
May-13 |
2 |
|
Frank Scott |
May-13 |
1 |
|
Frederick Gilligan |
May-13 |
|
|
Gabrielle Brocklesby |
May-13 |
2 |
|
Geraldine O'Neill |
Mar-14 |
2 |
|
Geraldine Power |
May-13 |
3 |
|
Gerard Buckley |
May-13 |
2 |
|
Gerard McNamara |
May-13 |
|
|
Grattan Lynch |
May-13 |
1 |
|
Helen Keogh |
May-13 |
1 |
|
Jacinta Walsh |
May-13 |
|
|
James Doody |
May-13 |
2 |
|
James McCarthy |
May-13 |
2 |
|
James Somers |
May-13 |
2 |
|
Jean Celeste Mackenzie |
May-13 |
2 |
|
Jean McGrath |
May-13 |
1 |
|
Jimmy Lenehan |
May-13 |
|
|
John Curran |
May-13 |
|
|
John Burke |
May-13 |
3 |
|
John Durnin |
May-13 |
2 |
|
John Lynch |
May-13 |
3 |
|
John Martin Moore |
May-13 |
1 |
|
John Minihan |
May-13 |
|
|
John Mulvihill |
May-13 |
4 |
|
John Paul Coakley |
May-13 |
2 |
|
John Paul Phelan |
May-13 |
1 |
|
John Purcell |
May-13 |
1 |
|
Joseph Mangan |
May-13 |
2 |
|
Joseph Scanlon |
May-13 |
2 |
|
Joy Kanter |
Mar-16 |
|
Karen Murphy |
May-13 |
|
|
Kevin Cronin |
May-13 |
3 |
|
Kevin Grogan |
May-13 |
3 |
|
Kieran Dalton |
May-13 |
2 |
|
Larry O'Loughlin |
Mar-16 |
|
|
Leila Blacking |
May-13 |
1 |
|
Les Allamby |
May-13 |
|
|
Maca Hourihane |
May-13 |
|
|
Maria Kiernan |
May-13 |
3 |
|
Marie Cross |
May-13 |
2 |
|
Marion Roche |
May-13 |
2 |
|
Marja Foley |
May-13 |
2 |
|
Mary Boland |
May-13 |
3 |
|
Mary Cummins |
May-13 |
|
|
Mary Dowling |
May-13 |
2 |
|
Mary Dunne |
May-13 |
|
|
Mary O'Shea |
May-13 |
1 |
|
Mary Russell |
May-13 |
|
|
Michael Boyle |
May-13 |
3 |
|
Michael Cleary |
May-13 |
|
|
Michael Coyne |
May-13 |
1 |
|
Michael Gannon |
May-13 |
|
|
Michael Good |
May-13 |
1 |
|
Michael Kavanagh |
May-13 |
2 |
|
Michael McCarthy |
May-13 |
|
|
Michael McNamara |
May-13 |
|
|
Michael Verling |
May-13 |
3 |
|
Munyikwa Hamadziripi |
May-13 |
|
|
Niall Gormley |
May-13 |
|
|
Niall O'Cinnseala |
Mar-16 |
1 |
|
Nicholas Murphy |
May-13 |
1 |
|
Noel Brennan |
May-13 |
2 |
|
Nora Owen |
May-13 |
|
|
Nuala Haughey |
May-13 |
|
|
Olivia Mitchell |
May-13 |
1 |
|
Paddy Donnelly |
Mar-14 |
2 |
|
Padraic McDunphy |
May-13 |
2 |
|
Pat Carroll |
May-13 |
1 |
|
Pat Quinlan |
May-13 |
2 |
|
Patricia Barker |
May-13 |
1 |
|
Patricia Donnelly |
May-13 |
1 |
|
Patricia Kearns |
May-13 |
|
|
Patricia Kelly |
May-13 |
|
|
Patrick Durcan |
May-13 |
|
|
Patrick Grant |
May-13 |
|
|
Patrick Maher |
May-13 |
2 |
|
Paul Brennan |
May-13 |
2 |
|
Paul O'Shea |
May-13 |
2 |
|
Paul Rowe |
May-13 |
|
|
Paul Tighe |
May-13 |
2 |
|
Pauline Conway |
May-13 |
1 |
|
Peter Ballagh |
May-13 |
1 |
|
Peter Cotter |
May-13 |
2 |
|
Peter McMahon |
May-13 |
4 |
|
Peter Donovan |
May-13 |
2 |
|
Peter Emerson |
May-13 |
2 |
|
Peter Miles |
May-13 |
|
|
Philippe Carr |
May-13 |
2 |
|
Ray Murphy |
May-13 |
2 |
|
Raymond Maxwell |
May-13 |
1 |
|
Rebecca Moynihan |
May-13 |
1 |
|
Richard Barrett |
May-13 |
|
|
Richard Humphreys |
May-13 |
|
|
Richard McEvoy |
May-13 |
|
|
Robert McDaid |
May-13 |
1 |
|
Robert Norris |
May-13 |
|
|
Robert Sampson |
May-13 |
1 |
|
Ronan McDermott |
May-13 |
|
|
Ronán O'Brien |
May-13 |
1 |
|
Ruadhán MacAodháin |
May-13 |
1 |
|
Sandra Conway |
May-13 |
|
|
Sarah-Jane Hillery |
May-13 |
|
|
Seamus Martin |
May-13 |
3 |
|
Sean O'Callaghan |
May-13 |
2 |
|
Seosamh O’Murchu |
May-13 |
|
|
Shane O'Connor |
May-13 |
|
|
Sheena Walsh McMahon |
May-13 |
1 |
|
Siobhan Mullally |
May-13 |
|
|
Steve Wrenn |
May-13 |
|
|
Suhail Ahmad |
May-13 |
3 |
|
Tania Banotti |
May-13 |
|
|
Terence Duffy |
May-13 |
3 |
|
Terence Fleming |
May-13 |
2 |
|
Theresa Reidy |
May-13 |
2 |
|
Thomas Daly |
May-13 |
|
|
Thomas Faolán Earlie |
May-13 |
2 |
|
Thomas John Kelly |
May-13 |
2 |
|
Tom Kitt |
May-13 |
1 |
|
Traolach Sweeney |
May-13 |
2 |
|
Una McGurk |
May-13 |
1 |
|
Victoria Somers |
May-13 |
1 |
|
Vincent McCorley |
May-13 |
3 |
|
William Bulman |
May-13 |
1 |
|
William Nolan |
May-13 |
1 |
168. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the nature of training provided to election observers by his Department in 2013; the reason it was felt necessary to train the observers at that time; the cost of the training; the persons that were eligible to attend this training; the names of the persons; the expenses or allowances they were paid to attend the course; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45177/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade maintains a roster of observers for election monitoring mission. Irish observers participate primarily in missions organised by the European Union and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). A new roster of 200 members plus a reserve panel of 10 was established in May 2013, following a public call for applications. Following the establishment of this Roster in 2013, the Department organised training which was open to those members who had been selected and appointed to the roster in May 2013. This one day training course provided an overview of all aspects of the Election Roster, including introductory training in electoral observation, role of a short term observer and international electoral and observational standards.
This course was delivered on four separate dates in November 2013 in Dublin and the total cost of the training including fees for the course providers and expenses for the Roster members was €21,526.04.
From the available information, the following Election Roster members attended the training course and were paid the following expenses:
|
Name |
Amount |
Name |
Amount |
|
Almha O'Keeffe |
John Minihan |
€146.28 |
|
|
Anne Donnellan |
€74.10 |
John Moore |
|
|
Brendan Gogarty |
John Mulvihill |
||
|
Brendan Walsh |
Joseph Mangan |
||
|
Cathal Kelly |
Karen Murphy |
||
|
Cecilia Keaveney |
€119.45 |
Kevin Grogan |
€25.50 |
|
Colm Smith |
Les Allamby |
€131.28 |
|
|
Denis Kirby |
€113.28 |
Mark Long |
€95.28 |
|
Dermot Cogan |
€159.28 |
Michael McCarthy |
€146.28 |
|
Diarmuid Cunniffe |
Noel Brennan |
€68.56 |
|
|
Diarmuid Peavoy |
Paddy Donnelly |
||
|
Edward Naessens |
Padraic McDunphy |
€116.18 |
|
|
Emma Warwick |
€147.28 |
Pat Carroll |
|
|
Evanna Craig |
Patrick Quinlan |
€115.28 |
|
|
Fergal McCusker |
€132.78 |
Paul Brennan |
€58.60 |
|
Fiachra O’ Luain |
€125.28 |
Paul Tighe |
|
|
Fidelma McHale |
Pauline Conway |
||
|
Finola McDowell |
Pearse McCorley |
||
|
Frances Ball |
Peter Cotter |
€86.30 |
|
|
Gerard Buckley |
€116.18 |
Peter Donovan |
|
|
Gerry McNamara |
€139.26 |
Raymond Maxwell |
€205.28 |
|
Gisela Schmidt-Martin |
€117.28 |
Rebecca Moynihan |
|
|
James Doody |
€25.15 |
Richard Humphreys |
|
|
James McCarthy |
€95.28 |
Robert McDaid |
€142.26 |
|
Jimmy Lenehan |
Ronán O'Brien |
||
|
Joe Scanlon |
€122.28 |
Ruadhan MacAodhain |
|
|
John Burke |
€139.26 |
Sarah-Jane Hillery |
|
|
John Curran |
Shane O'Connor |
||
|
John Durnin |
€133.28 |
Terry Duffy |
|
|
John Lynch |
€33.90 |
Theresa Reidy |
€46.89 |
Where no figures are entered in the above table, no expenses were paid.
169. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if civil servants who partake in election observations are entitled to the higher remuneration; the arrangement for expenses paid to such civil servants; if they are higher or lower than those given to other Irish election observers deployed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45178/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade maintains a roster of observers for election monitoring missions. We aim to ensure that, when requested, Ireland is represented at an appropriate level on international observation missions for elections and constitutional referendums. Irish observers participate primarily in missions organised by the European Union and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). Election monitors who are nominated as long or short term election observers by the Department do not receive remuneration. They are paid a daily in country expense allowance, determined by the EU and the OSCE, based on local cost of living to cover the cost of food, accommodation, local transport costs and expenses in country. A once off annual pre departure grant of €600 and a return air fare is also provided.
Officials from the Department, who work on relevant geographic desks, or election Focal Points occasionally participate in such election observation missions. The in country expense allowances paid to officials are the same as those paid to members of the Roster, but no pre-departure grant of €600 is provided.
