Written Answers Nos. 214-236
214. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding a probate application (details supplied); the number ahead of it on the queue; and when he expects this case to be concluded. [11369/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Probate Office is an office of the High Court and management of the courts is the responsibility of the Courts Service, which is independent in exercising its functions under the Courts Service Act 1998. Probate functions are also carried out by County Registrars at District Probate Registries in 14 provincial court offices.
However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made and the Courts Service has advised that the Grant of Administration issued in this case in February 2018 and that the Probate Office has no further role in this matter. The Courts Service has further advised that the estate can now be administered and that the applicant may wish to consult further with their solicitor in the matter.
215. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the composition of the delegation from his Department on a working group further to a commitment in a Rebuilding Ireland strategy document (details supplied); the number of meetings of this working group that he has attended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11382/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe position is that the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government has established a Working Group to examine the scope for amending legislation to provide for greater protection of tenants’ rights during the receivership process under Action 5 of the Strategy for the Rental Sector. The appointment of a receiver to a buy-to-let dwelling can be a source of confusion and concern for tenants of the property, and it is important that their interests and rights be protected during the receivership process.
My Department, together with the Department of Finance, the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation and the Office of the Attorney General, has participated in the Working Group and has been represented at Assistant Principal Officer level. The Group has met on three occasions to date and I understand that a further meeting of the Group will take place shortly
The objective of this initiative is to improve protection of the rights of tenants during the receivership process, in particular in relation to the fulfilment of landlord obligations by the receiver. To inform its work, the Working Group has sought legal opinion on the feasibility of amending legislation to provide for greater protection of tenants’ rights during the receivership process. I understand that the Group expects to be in a position to finalise its Report in the near future.
216. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when the consolidation of rent allowance for prison officers will be finalised; and the timeframe for paying the arrears in each case. [11399/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe arrears of salary due from the increase of €500 pa in the rent allowance and its integration into salary were paid to the vast majority of prison officers on 1 March 2018.
Arrears of Annualised Hours and other consolidated allowances which arise from this change also fall to be paid. The calculation of these arrears is however a complex, manual and labour-intensive process and is currently being processed by the National Shared Services Office.
217. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when the review of the 139 closed Garda stations will be completed; the reason for the delay in bringing this matter to a conclusion; his plans to use closed stations and their sites for social housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11406/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will appreciate that the Garda Commissioner is primarily responsible for the effective and efficient use of the resources available to An Garda Síochána, including responsibility for the formulation of proposals in relation to the opening and closing of Garda stations. As Minister, I have no direct role in the matter.
The Deputy will be aware that the Garda Station Rationalisation Programme of 2012 and 2013 resulted in the closure of some 139 Garda stations, which has allowed front line Gardaí to be managed and deployed with greater mobility, greater flexibility and in a more focused fashion, particularly with regard to various targeted police operations.
Upon closure, almost all of these stations were returned to the Office of Public Works (OPW). It is understood that the OPW sold a number of properties, assigned a number of properties to community groups and retained a number of properties for State use. The future use of such properties is a matter for the OPW as owner.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Programme for a Partnership Government commits to a pilot scheme to reopen 6 Garda stations, both urban and rural, to determine possible positive impacts that such openings will have on criminal activity, with special emphasis on burglaries, theft and public order.
The Garda Commissioner's final report, which was noted by Government on 19 December 2017, is available on my Department's website at www.justice.ie. It recommends that the following six stations be included in the pilot: Ballinspittle, Co. Cork, Bawnboy, Co. Cavan, Leighlinbridge, Co. Carlow, Donard, Co. Wicklow, and Rush and Stepaside, Co. Dublin.
I understand that the Commissioner has written to the OPW with regard to the pilot and that arrangements are being made for technical inspections and other necessary steps to progress the matter. As the Deputy will appreciate, a procurement process will be required for any necessary works.
Finally, the Deputy may also be aware that the dispersal and use of resources available to An Garda Síochána in the delivery of policing services to local communities and the appropriate structures and management arrangements for delivery of these services is under consideration by the Garda Síochána Inspectorate and the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland respectively. Both bodies are expected to report later this year.
218. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the funds available to assist a business (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11455/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI want to assure the Deputy that I am very much aware of the impact of crime on rural communities, including the serious damage done by organised gangs who target rural areas to engage in burglary and other property-related crime. Such incidents cannot be tolerated in our society and this Government will continue to support An Garda Síochána in tackling the gangs, including mobile criminal gangs, who target rural areas.
The Programme for Government underlines the need for close engagement between An Garda Síochána and local communities. This is an essential feature of the strong community policing ethos which has long been central to policing in this jurisdiction. The Deputy will be aware that, as part of the overall strategy to oppose criminality, the Garda authorities pursue a range of partnerships with community stakeholders, including the farming organisations. These include the well established Community Alert Programme, which receives annual funding from my Department, as well as the work of the Metal Theft Forum, the Crimestoppers campaign highlighting the Theft of Livestock, the Theftstop initiative in relation to farm equipment, and the highly successful Garda Text Alert Scheme.
On 02 January 2018, I was pleased to announce that my Department will be providing an additional €50,000 in financial support to Community Text Alert Groups as a further measure in this Government's support to crime prevention. This is in addition to the €100,000 which I announced at the National Ploughing Championships in September 2017. The Rebate Scheme, which also ran in 2016, will allow Text Alert Groups registered with An Garda Síochána to apply for funding to contribute towards their yearly running costs. The Text Alert Rebate Scheme will be administered by Muintir na Tíre and I would like to urge groups wishing to participate in the Scheme to contact Muintir na Tíre for more information. The website is www.muintir.ie.
Other policing initiatives include Theft Stop which was launched by the Gardaí and the Irish Farmers Association. Theft Stop is designed to deter criminals from taking and selling farm equipment by ensuring it is clearly marked with a unique ID (such as an EirCode) and then registered on a nationwide database.
An Garda Síochána is responsible for tackling crime, including rural crime. While it is open to private security firms to operate a business where such a demand exists, it is important to stress that it should not interfere with the work of An Garda Síochána in any way. There are no funding schemes at present operated by my Department which are specifically aimed at private security businesses. However, in general terms, the Local Enterprise Office (LEO) in Galway may be able to offer further guidance in respect of establishing a new business. Details of the services provided by LEOs and the contact details for same are available at: www.localenterprise.ie.
The Deputy will be aware that An Garda Síochána's Modernisation and Renewal Programme 2016-2021 places a strong emphasis on developing and supporting the community policing ethos of the organisation and enhancing the current delivery model so that Gardaí spend more time in the community, gaining public confidence and trust and providing a greater sense of security. It will result in the introduction of multi-skilled Community Policing Teams in every District. Community Policing Teams will be made-up of Gardaí from a number of different units who will work with the local community to prevent and detect crime. Undoubtedly, the ongoing recruitment process will support all Garda activities and will enhance the provision of effective Community Policing throughout the country.
The 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 to deter crime. Budget 2018 will support the continuation of this high level of investment in the Garda workforce and ensure that the vision of an overall workforce of 21,000 by 2021 remains on track.
219. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 189 of 15 May 2014, if this report has now been received; the actions that have been taken following its receipt; if the publication will now be made available to the victims should they request same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11471/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand that my predecessor, in response to the Deputy's Parliamentary Question in 2014, outlined that following an investigation in this matter, the Garda authorities forwarded a report to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) where it was directed that there be no prosecution.
Given the passage of time, and the possibility of further developments in this matter since 2014, I have sought an up-to-date report from the Garda authorities and I will contact him directly when this report is to hand.
220. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of proceedings in the court system involving mortgage arrears on private dwelling home, PDH, and buy to let, BTL, properties; the number of possession orders granted by the Circuit Court in each of years 2013 to 2017 and to date in 2018 on PDH and BTL houses; the number of possession orders granted by the High Court in each of the years 2013 to 2017 and to date in 2018 on PDH and BTL houses in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11542/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, under the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, management of the courts is the responsibility of the Courts Service, which is independent in exercising its functions, which include the provision of information on the courts system.
However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made and the Courts Service has advised that it is not possible to provide the information requested by the Deputy in the time available. The information will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as it is to hand.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A.
221. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the compensation payments made by An Garda Síochána to officers of the force, persons being detained by An Garda Síochána and members of the public in 2016 and 2017, by amount paid and the general nature of claim made for the payment, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11587/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Compensation Acts 1941 and 1945 provides for compensation for malicious injury or death inflicted upon members of An Garda Síochána, while they are on duty or related to their service as members. The following table shows the total amount of compensation paid in 2016 and 2017 under the Acts:
|
Year |
Number of payments |
Total |
|
2016 |
66 |
€4,762,270.20 |
|
2017 |
111 |
€5,877,164.27 |
I am advised by the Commissioner that a breakdown of compensation paid in relation to detention or more generally to the public is not readily available. However, the following table sets out the total amounts paid in 2016 and 2017 in relation to legal actions against An Garda Síochána:
|
Year |
Court Awards |
Settlements |
Legal Costs |
Overall Total |
|
2016 |
€33,500 |
€3,911,485 |
€2,345,067 |
€6,290,052 |
|
2017 |
€120,500 |
€1,392,070 |
€2,372,781 |
€3,885,351 |
222. Deputy Declan Breathnach asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of the EU's Electronic System for Travel Authorisation, ESTA, proposal; if he has discussed it with his UK counterpart; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11633/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraA proposal to establish a European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) and amend several impacted EU Regulations was put forward by the European Commission on 16 November 2016. The relevant EU working party has completed its examinations of the proposal and the matter is currently in trilogue negotiations with the Commission, Council and European Parliament.
An exchange of views on this proposal has taken place among Ministers of the EU member States at JHA Council level. It should be noted that the proposal builds upon the measures in the Schengen acquis that concern the crossing of borders and in which Ireland (and the UK) do not participate. Therefore, Ireland (along with the UK) is not taking part in the adoption of this Regulation and is not bound by it or subject to its application.
223. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the meeting of all interested parties to find effective solutions to the problem of young persons with scramblers and quad bikes has convened and if so, the effective solutions and responsibilities that have been assigned to each party and their timeframes for implementation to tackle this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11642/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI share the Deputy's concern in relation to the serious public safety issues associated with the misuse of scramblers and quad bikes, and my concerns are on the public record of this House.
As the Deputy will be aware, a multi-agency approach is required to tackle this anti-social issue effectively. To facilitate this, I have written to the relevant Government Departments and State agencies in order to ascertain whether there are additional legislative or other solutions which can assist in dealing with this serious issue more comprehensively.
Following the receipt of responses from all agencies concerned, my Department wrote to all bodies again on 14 February 2018 to confirm the scheduling of a meeting on 28 February 2018 to discuss the misuse of scramblers and quad bikes with a view to identifying more effective possible solutions and determining responsibility and timeframes for implementation.
The Deputy will appreciate that this meeting had to be cancelled at the last minute due to the severe weather conditions that beset the country last week. My officials are currently engaging with all of the officials concerned in order to secure an alternative date for this important meeting.
I can assure the Deputy that I will continue to promote cross-agency engagement in relation to this important public safety issue.
224. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of a written complaint by a person (details supplied) relating to allegations of bullying and breach of legal and Garda procedures in the work place; if the same complaint dated 11 October 2016 was investigated; if the complaint made to his Department was investigated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11649/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFirstly, I want to emphasise that the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the direction and control of the Garda Síochána. Workplace matters, including the investigation of complaints of bullying and harassment, are matters for the Garda Commissioner and, as Minister, I have no role.
Nevertheless, I can advise the Deputy that the person he is referring to submitted correspondence to my predecessor which cited the Protected Disclosures Act 2014. The Deputy will appreciate that in those circumstances I have certain obligations to the person arising from the provisions of the 2014 Act.
My Department applies certain procedures when dealing with correspondence which does or may contain a protected disclosure.
Firstly, the correspondence is assessed to determine whether it constitutes a Protected Disclosure under the Act. Second, consideration is given to what action is required by the Minister. The individual is then informed of what action is to be taken. All reasonable efforts are taken to keep the identity of the individual concerned confidential.
Actions taken can include: seeking a Garda report from the Garda Commissioner (having first confirmed that the individual is agreeable to that course of action); referring matters to GSOC under powers available to me as Minister under the Garda Síochána Act 2005; or referring matters to an external body or person for review.
In this particular case officials from my Department have written to this person on three occasions requesting their consent to refer the correspondence to the Garda Commissioner and to request a report on the allegations made in the correspondence. To date the person concerned has not responded.
While the 2014 Act contains provisions protecting the identity of a person making a protected disclosure it also permits the disclosure of the information, in this case by me as Minister, where it is necessary for the effective investigation of any alleged wrongdoing. On that basis my Department will bring the concerns raised by the person to the attention of the Acting Garda Commissioner asking for a report on the matters. When that report is received a decision can be made on what further action may be necessary.
225. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the report by a person (details supplied) regarding an inquiry pursuant to section 109 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 will be published; if so, when it will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11655/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn June 2015 my predecessor initiated an inquiry in accordance with Section 109 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005. The decision arose following public concern after the tragic death of Sergeant Michael Galvin. Sergeant Galvin had been the subject of a GSOC investigation into Garda interaction with a member of the public who died after a road traffic incident on 1 January 2015. The inquiry was conducted by Mr Justice Frank Clarke of the Supreme Court.
Mr Justice Clarke's report was received in my Department on 4 May 2016. A number of legal issues arose in relation to publication of the full report, including possible prejudice to pending criminal proceedings. However, my predecessor thought it prudent in the public interest to publish Part 1 of the report at that time, with the intention to publish the full report once these impediments to full publication had been removed.
I am now satisfied that the full report can be published, subject to some minor redactions, and I have arranged for the legal representatives of Sergeant Galvin's family, GSOC and An Garda Síochána, to be informed accordingly.
The Report will be published on my Department's website shortly and copies of the Report will be provided in advance of publication to Sergeant Galvin's family.
226. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of times officials from his Department met with officials from the Department of Children and Youth Affairs since the publication of the 2012 Garda Inspectorate Report Responding to Child Sexual Abuse in relation to that report; the dates of those meetings; the persons that attended those meetings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11657/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 2012 Garda Inspectorate Report on Responding to Child Sexual Abuse made a total of 29 recommendations for improving the handling of child sexual abuse from a policing perspective. In particular, the report proposed new or enhanced arrangements in areas such as training and specialisation, inter-agency working, services to victims, investigative strategies and procedures, and crime counting and recording. The great majority of these recommendations were of an operational nature and addressed specifically to An Garda Síochána, with some requiring the inputs of other agencies and in particular the HSE (subsequently Tusla). None of these recommendations were addressed to my Department and there is no record of a meeting having been convened between my Department and the Department of Children and Youth Affairs specifically in relation to the report; there would, however, be regular contacts between the two Departments on a range of issues of mutual interest.
As the Deputy will be aware, my predecessor, requested the Garda Inspectorate to carry out a follow-up review of the 2012 Report with a view to ensuring that progress in this crucial area continued to be monitored and further developments or requirements identified. The outcome of that review, as published by me on 27 February, provides a valuable policy resource for developing better services and protections to children who are victims of, or at risk of, sexual crime.
As I announced upon publishing the Inspectorate's new report, the Government has agreed to my proposal to establish an independently chaired, cross-sectoral Implementation Group to ensure that the report's recommendations are addressed in a timely, thorough and effective manner and on a whole-of-Government basis. The Group shall report on a quarterly basis to the Cabinet Committee on Social Policy and shall be chaired by Ms. Caroline Biggs SC, who is an acknowledged expert in criminal law with a particular interest in the investigation and prosecution of child sexual abuse.
Separately, I am also referring the new Inspectorate report to the Policing Authority under section 117A(2) of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), with regard to the Authority’s statutory role in monitoring, assessing and reporting to the Minister on the measures taken by the Garda Síochána in relation to recommendations made in a report of the Inspectorate.
227. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the cost of providing technology (details supplied) to An Garda Síochána; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11659/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra228. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí trained in the use of technology (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11660/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra229. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the cost of training gardaí in the use of technology (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11661/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 227 to 229, inclusive, together.
The Deputy will be aware that the allocation and management of Garda resources, including the allocation of funding for specialist units and specialist equipment, is the responsibility of the Garda Commissioner having due regard to his operational needs. As Minister, I have no role in the matter. For the Deputy's information, the budget allocated to An Garda Síochána in 2018 is €1.65 billion.
I have asked the Garda Commissioner for the specific information requested and will revert to the Deputy when a response has been received.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A.
230. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the level of consultation undertaken to satisfy himself regarding the effectiveness of SI 646 regarding the storage of firearms; if his attention has been drawn to concerns expressed by responsible dealers in relation to unintended consequences from this measure and if he is willing to postpone implementation pending meeting the groups concerned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11680/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that Statutory Instrument 646 of 2017, entitled Firearms (Storage of Firearms and Ammunition by Firearms Dealers) Regulations 2017, was recently signed into law by me and has recently been circulated to firearms dealers.
These Regulations give effect to minimum standards for the safe and secure storage of firearms and ammunition in the premises of firearms dealers. They recognise that firearms dealers are entitled to be in possession of large quantities of firearms but require them to conduct business from a premises that has been constructed to a high standard. The Regulations also recognise the different categories of firearms dealers and scales the requirements depending on the quantities of ammunition and firearms being stored. For example, a time lock requirement does not apply to those dealers who deal only in small quantities of ammunition.
The Regulations were developed following consultation with a sub-group of the Firearms Consultative Panel (FCP) consisting of registered firearms dealers as well as An Garda Síochána.
Concerns have been raised by some firearms dealers, particularly in relation to the time lock requirement. The inclusion of the requirement for time locks was originally suggested by the above mentioned sub-group to act as a significant deterrent and discouragement to criminal attack. The Commissioner of An Garda Síochána has endorsed the security measures contained in this Regulation and has advised that the inclusion of a requirement for a time-lock on the strong room door will deter criminal activity and require the use of greater resources by any person attempting to access firearms or ammunition illegally. Similar security measures have been applied successfully elsewhere, e.g. in banks, pharmacies and the jewellery sector.
In order to minimise the financial impact, a lead-in time of twelve months for compliance has been included in the Regulation in order to permit dealers sufficient time to comply with the legislation.
I have no plans to amend or postpone these regulations which have been introduced as a public safety measure.
231. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason Lisdoonvarna was chosen for a new direct provision centre; and the steps he has taken to ensure that the medical and educational needs of asylum seekers can be met in the area. [11683/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 8th January 2018, the Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) of my Department published a call for expressions of interest in the national press and EC Journal.
This call sought expressions of interest from parties who would be interested in providing accommodation and related services on a urgent and emergency basis. This was issued in response to the urgent and unforeseen demand for accommodation and related services from those persons arriving in the state seeking international protection. The closing date for receipt of expressions of interest was the 28th January 2018.
In total, just under 20 premises were offered to the Department of which 11 were made available for inspection. The criteria against which the Department assessed the offers of accommodation were availability, standard of property, ability to provide communal social spaces for residents, ability to cater at mealtimes and proximity to required services such as schools, shops, post office etc.
It should be noted that these premises were offered to the Department by individual contractors across the country. The Department did not randomly choose any one location over another location.
Following on-site assessments carried out by staff in the Department, the offer of the King Thomond Hotel in Lisdoonvarna was deemed to the most suitable premises offered to the Department. The premises is available, decorated to a high standard, capable of providing meals to residents, has scope to provide the required communal social areas required by residents and is located close to a town with both primary and secondary schools, shops and a post office.
As with every other accommodation centre in the country, my Department works closely with the HSE and Departments of Education & Skills and Employment Affairs and Social Protection and all other relevant Government Departments and Agencies to coordinate the delivery of State services to residents.
Specifically in relation to the medical needs of residents of the centre in Lisdoonvarna, the HSE has confirmed that it will provide a mobile health screening unit that will provide a full medical history for review by a local General Practitioner who will ultimately provide on-going services.
Additional medical services will be provided through the existing mainstream services (all services to those in the protection process are mainstreamed by the relevant State agency or Department).
Any children who are residents of the Centre will access schools locally. English language supports are provided to school children through the established EAL (English as an Additional Language) support services in schools. English language training is provided on-site to adults by the local Educational Training Board.
I wish to clearly state that, as is the case in all other accommodation centres, supports from Government offices and agencies will be provided to residents of the Centre. My Department will work closely with Centre management, the local community, volunteers and NGOs to ensure that the supports available to people resident in accommodation centres throughout the country are available to the residents of the King Thomond Centre in Lisdoonvarna.
232. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of staff assigned in his Department to the press office, public relations or communications roles in each year since 2015; the positions by staffing grade and designated role; when each new position came into existence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11707/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe following table sets out the information requested by the Deputy. The Press Officer reports to a Principal Officer who has overall responsibility for Communications and for the Department's Corporate Secretariat as a whole. The resources assigned to the press and communications area were strengthened arising from the recommendations of the Toland Report and the implementation of the Change Programme in response to the Toland Report. The bulk of the work undertaken by my Department’s press office involves responding to the high volume of media queries relating to the wide and varied responsibilities of the Department.
|
05/03/2018 |
|
|
Role |
Grade |
|
Press Officer |
AP |
|
Press Office |
EO |
|
Press Office |
EO |
|
Press Office |
EO |
|
Communications |
HEO |
|
Communications |
AO |
|
31/12/2017 |
|
|
Role |
Grade |
|
Press Officer |
AP |
|
Press Office |
EO |
|
Press Office |
EO |
|
Communications |
HEO |
|
Communications |
AO |
|
31/12/2016 |
|
|
Role |
Grade |
|
Press Officer |
AP |
|
Press Office |
EO |
|
Press Office |
EO |
|
Communications |
EO |
|
Communications |
HEO |
|
31/12/2015 |
|
|
Role |
Grade |
|
Press Officer |
AP |
|
Press Office |
EO |
|
Press Office |
EO |
|
Press Office |
EO |
|
Communications |
HEO |
233. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if a panel has been established in his Department for communications officers; if a Civil Service position of head of communications or similar role or description has been appointed in his Department; if so, when the appointment occurred; the grade at which it occurred; the reason for same; the policy basis for same; the person that approved the appointment; his plans to make such an appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11723/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraNo panel has been established in my Department for the position of communications officer. I can confirm that arising from recommendations of the Toland Report and the implementation of the Change Programme in response to the Toland Report an officer at the grade of Principal Officer was assigned as Head of Communications in January 2015. The current occupant of this position has overall responsibility for communications as well as for the Department's Corporate Secretariat as a whole. The decision to assign a Principal Officer to this post was approved by my Department's Human Resources Division in the normal way.
234. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the extent to which Irish embassies or trade missions abroad are actively engaged in establishing new contacts and markets with particular reference to the need to cater for the aftermath of Brexit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11574/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra235. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the extent to which her Department has redoubled its efforts to establish new markets inside and outside the European Union for Irish products in order to compensate for the consequences of Brexit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11580/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 234 and 235 together.
Promoting diversified export markets in light of the potential impacts of Brexit is a key priority for my Department. With a small domestic market, further expansion in other markets is essential to our continued economic growth. Overall, export growth in Ireland in recent years has been exceptionally strong and exports continue to contribute positively to growth.
The Government’s Trade Strategy, ‘Ireland Connected: Trading and Investing in a Dynamic World’, supports an extensive programme of Ministerial-led trade missions, as part of a major drive towards market diversification. This includes markets that are growing and have scale as well as markets where we are already well established but with potential for further growth. We aim by 2020 to increase indigenous exports by Enterprise Ireland supported companies, including food, to reach €26 billion, achieve 80% of indigenous export growth outside of the UK market and secure 900 new foreign direct investments.
Enterprise Ireland delivered an impressive programme of international trade events in 2017, giving Irish companies the opportunity to meet with potential buyers and network with key influencers in countries around the world. In total, 57 internationally focused trade events were organised by Enterprise Ireland in 2017 including ministerial-led trade missions to Canada, Singapore, Japan, the United Arab Emirates, Oman and a major trade programme as part of the State visit to Australia and New Zealand.
In relation to 2018, the programme of ministerial-led trade missions and events has been finalised and will shortly be published by Enterprise Ireland. Several events have already taken place, including ministerial-led missions to the USA in January, and Mexico and Russia in February. Missions to EU markets will be a priority focus for the 2018 programme, together with missions to key markets where the EU has or is negotiating free trade agreements. As part of the St. Patrick’s Day “Promote Ireland” Programmes, Ministerial visits around world are organised to ensure that we use this exposure to maximise the promotion of Ireland's trade, tourism and investment interests. The Taoiseach and I will take part in a wide range of meetings and activities to promote Ireland and Irish business in the United States.
As well as the global efforts supported by Enterprise Ireland, key to our success has been our commitment to trade liberalisation in order to open new markets for our indigenous sectors. The EU has successfully concluded a number of important trade agreements with trading partners and is in the process of negotiating or upgrading its agreements with many more. These existing EU Agreements and new trade deals will continue to be very important for Ireland. With a small domestic market, further expansion in other markets is essential to our continued economic growth. In this regard Ireland will continue to support the EU’s ambitious programme of negotiating new Free Trade Agreements opening new markets Irish Firm’s goods and services and increasing export and investment opportunities.
Most recently, the EU–Canada Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA) entered into force provisionally from the 21st September 2017. Irish companies may now take advantage of the all important provisions of CETA including the elimination of tariffs on almost all key exports, access to the Canadian procurement market, the easing of regulatory barriers and more transparent rules for market access. CETA presents new opportunities for Irish business and professionals to work and provide services in Canada.
The EU and Mexico hope to reach political agreement early this year on the modernisation of the EU-Mexico Global Agreement to include regulatory cooperation, more trade in agriculture and food, common sanitary and phytosanitary standards and sustainable development. Ireland supports comparable trade conditions for investors and businesses across the Americas, making it easier for Irish businesses to trade in and enter these markets. The main benefits for Ireland in a modernised agreement with Mexico would include the opening up of public procurement markets to Irish businesses and the removal of technical barriers to trade to reduce the costs of entry to the Mexican market. It will further remove industrial tariffs and important agricultural tariffs. This will be important for Ireland’s important Agri-food sector especially for dairy products where Ireland is a significant exporter to Mexico of powdered milk and milk derivatives but there are currently significant barriers both to increasing powdered milk exports and to commencing exports of fresh dairy produce.
The EU is continuing its negotiations with Mercosur and recently announced the successful conclusion of negotiations of the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement. The agri-food sector, in particular will see benefits from access to Japan’s highly valuable export market, with improved access for beef, pork, cheese and processed agricultural products.
During his September 2017 State of the Union address, the President of the European Parliament, Jean-Claude Juncker, proposed opening trade negotiations with Australia and New Zealand. The draft negotiating mandates for Australia and New Zealand are currently being discussed by the Commission and Member States.
Ireland will continue to support the EU’s ambitious programme of negotiating new FTA’s giving Irish firms expanded market access and a predictable trading environment in third countries.
236. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the progress in respect of other transatlantic trade agreements with the EU; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11582/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe EU has successfully concluded a number of important trade agreements with trading partners and is in the process of negotiating or upgrading its agreements with many more. Free Trade Agreements are designed to create opportunities by opening new markets for goods and services thereby increasing export and investment opportunities.
In relation to the progress of transatlantic trade agreements, the EU–Canada Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA) entered into force provisionally from the 21st September 2017. Irish companies may now take advantage of the all important provisions of CETA including the elimination of tariffs on almost all key exports, access to the Canadian procurement market, the easing of regulatory barriers and more transparent rules for market access. CETA presents new opportunities for Irish business and professionals to work and provide services in Canada.
Moreover, the EU has a comprehensive Trade Agreement with Colombia and Peru which has been provisionally applied since the 1st March 2013 with Peru and 1st August 2013 with Colombia. The Protocol of Accession of Ecuador to the Trade Agreement was signed by the EU together with Ecuador, Colombia and Peru on the 11th November 2016 and has been provisionally applied since the 1st January 2017.
The EU and Mexico hope to reach political agreement early this year on the modernisation of the EU-Mexico Global Agreement to include regulatory cooperation, more trade in agriculture and food, common sanitary and phytosanitary standards and sustainable development. Ireland supports comparable trade conditions for investors and businesses across the Americas, making it easier for Irish businesses to trade in and enter these markets.
Currently, the EU negotiating a trade agreement with the four founding members of Mercosur (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay) as part of a broader Association Agreement between the two regions.
On the 16th November 2017, the EU and Chile officially launched negotiations to modernise the existing EU-Chile Association Agreement including the trade pillar to address all areas of the trade and investment relationship between the EU and Chile.
The EU’s Free Trade Agreements have provided a key foundation on which to further build our strong economic and trading links in export markets and Ireland will continue to support the EU’s ambitious programme of negotiating new FTA’s with third countries. These Agreements, the Government’s Trade Strategy, ‘Ireland Connected: Trading and Investing in a Dynamic World’ and our extensive trade mission programme all support both the transatlantic and global market penetration and diversification objectives of our trade policy.
