Written Answers Nos. 42-52
42. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if the Office of Emergency Planning has carried out an examination of the potential for a rapid response unit to be deployed when necessary to co-ordinate offers of help and assistance to those experiencing hardship following a severe weather event as per the Programme for Partnership Government. [13244/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraA review of the response to the flooding of December 2015/January 2016 was completed by the then Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government in September 2016 and was presented to the relevant oversight bodies. The Review Report’s overall conclusion was that existing co-ordination arrangements, at both local and national levels, are appropriate and effective. However, a number of recommendations for enhancing the overall response to flooding were identified and are being implemented by relevant response organisations. This process will continue to be informed by further reports currently being compiled by the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government on severe weather events such as Ex-Hurricane Ophelia in 2017 and the more recent Storm Emma. In this context, the Office of Emergency Planning and the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning will continue to monitor progress.
43. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of persons who have commenced and completed the employment support scheme since the scheme was established in tabular form. [13456/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe number of persons who have commenced and completed the Defence Forces Employment Support Scheme since the scheme was established is broken down as follows:
|
Iteration |
Location |
Dates |
Number of Persons who commenced and completed the Defence Forces Employment Support Scheme |
|
Pilot Programme |
Gormanston Camp, Co. Meath |
20th June to 26th August 2016 |
25 |
|
First Iteration in 2017 |
Sarsfield Barracks, Limerick |
22nd May to 28th July 2017 |
15 |
|
Second Iteration in 2017 |
Gormanston Camp, Co. Meath |
9th October - 15th December 2017 |
16 |
A total of 56 persons have commenced and completed the scheme to date. The next iteration of the programme will begin in Collins Barracks, Cork on 11th June 2018.
44. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the reason a person (details supplied) who is in receipt of a pension had their entitlement cut from 31 years to 21 years upon reaching 66 years of age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13263/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra45. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the reason recipients of pensions from his Department have their pension entitlement cut from 31 to 21 years upon reaching 66 years of age; if similar rules exist across other Departments; the rationale for these rules; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13288/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 44 and 45 together.
Under the pre-April 2004 Defence Forces Pension Schemes, in the case of Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) and Privates, 21 years is the minimum service required for an immediate retirement pension and gratuity, regardless of age. Under those Schemes, maximum retirement benefits accrue after 31 years. The 21-year pension, the rate of which varies according to retiring rank and other factors, is payable for the person’s lifetime.
Where qualifying service is more than 21 years, an ‘additional increment’ is payable at a flat rate (generally €8.94 a week currently) for each year of service in excess of 21 years up to a maximum of 31 years. However, under the pension scheme rules, this additional increment ceases to be payable when the pensioner reaches the qualifying age for the social welfare State Pension Contributory, that is, at age 66 to 68 depending on when the insured person was born. The foregoing pension scheme rules were applied to the person in question when he qualified for the State Pension at age 66 in 2013.
I am advised that these arrangements are in accordance with the long established principle of integrating occupational pensions with Social Insurance benefits of employees who are in full PRSI class. This includes NCOs and Privates, who are fully insured for the range of social insurance benefits under the Social Welfare Acts such as the State Pension.
Integration means that a person’s entitlement to social insurance benefits is taken into account when calculating the rate of occupational pension payable. The State Pension etc. is regarded as part of the overall pension package payable to the individual. The integration principle applies right across the public service and, indeed, in many areas of the private sector as well as in other countries.
I am also advised that the method of integration for these ‘pre-April 2004’ military pensioners is more favourable than in other areas of the public service where standard integration applies. In the public service generally, integration begins from the time the retirement pension starts payment, for example from age 60 where ‘standard pension accrual’ applies. However, these NCOs or Privates who serve 31 years having joined the Defence Forces at age 18/20, can qualify for maximum retirement benefits payable immediately from age 49/51. In their case, the integration process only begins when the State Pension becomes payable to them, for example, at age 66. Furthermore, the maximum personal rate of the State Pension (€238.30 currently) is considerably greater than any reduction that could arise under the pre-April 2004 Defence Forces pension arrangements by virtue of the loss of the additional increment on qualification for the State Pension.
The general issue of integration of retirement pensions in the public service was examined by the Commission on Public Service Pensions. Its Final Report, published in November 2000, was considered and broadly accepted by Government. The Commission accepted that integration is a fundamental component in the public service pension framework and was strongly of the view that it should be continued. It did not make any recommendations that would affect the current integration arrangements applicable to retired NCOs and Privates covered by the pre-April 2004 Defence Forces pensions schemes.
46. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the steps taken by the EU and the international community to protect the Christian presence in the occupied Palestinian territories including Jerusalem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13271/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra47. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to reports that attempts have been made to curb the rights and privileges of a number of churches in the occupied Palestinian territories; his views on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13272/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra49. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the efforts being made by the Government, the EU and the international community to preserve the status quo of the Holy Land sites; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13274/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 46, 47 and 49 together.
There are considerable and well-known sensitivities in relation to the position of the Christian communities in Israel and Palestine, and also to the Holy Places of Christians, Jews and Muslims, especially in and around Jerusalem. Concerns around these issues have led to significant tensions and even violence in recent years, which we have discussed in the Oireachtas.
The issues involved can be very complex and multifaceted. There are many Christian denominations present, and their churches and traditional status and rights predate not only the foundation of Israel but even the former British Mandate, and go back to the Ottoman period or even earlier. Some European partners have historical and treaty links to various Christian denominations, and the Jordanian Government retains a role as guardians of the Muslim holy places. Jerusalem is uniquely sensitive, and Israel’s discriminatory treatment of Palestinians and their land rights under the occupation has meant that any proposed changes to the regime pertaining to religious properties are viewed with deep suspicion.
I do not wish to comment on the specific issues which led to the brief closure as a protest of some of the Christian churches in Jerusalem last month. While the immediate threat was lifted, and the churches reopened, these matters are not resolved and could recur.
However, both Ireland and the European Union have consistently and on a number of occasions in recent years stressed the important principle that there should be no change in the status quo with regard to religious affairs, properties and rights in Jerusalem and the Occupied Territory, pending the final resolution of the position of the city and the holy places in a peace agreement. I have made this point myself directly to the Israeli authorities, and I repeat that principle again now. My Department has also met with religious representatives from the city and the region. We will continue to do so, and to address the Israeli authorities on these issues.
48. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of the Middle East peace process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13273/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland, along with our EU partners, supports the achievement of a two state solution to the Middle East conflict. This support includes political efforts to encourage a resumption of direct negotiations, which are ultimately the only way to achieve peace. It also includes action on the ground on human rights and justice issues affecting Palestinians under occupation, including settlement activity, which are progressively endangering the prospects of such a peace agreement.
During my working visit to Israel and Palestine in January, on which I have reported to the House, I met with both President Abbas and Prime Minister Netanyahu, as well as other representatives of the Government of Israel and the Palestinian Authority, and discussed with them reinvigorating the effort towards peace in the Middle East.
In recent months the new United States administration has been exploring the possibilities for re-launching the process to reach a comprehensive peace agreement. This engagement is very welcome, and I have met myself with the US team to encourage their work, and to underline to them the key parameters for an agreement which the EU has long espoused.
In recent discussions with my EU colleagues, I have stated that the EU must continue to encourage an appropriate US initiative, but that the EU must also continue our own work, including work on the ground, to help preserve and create the political and physical space in which the two state solution can be achieved, and help to combat negative trends, including the deteriorating situation in Gaza. I am actively exploring with EU colleagues how this can best be done.
Immediately after my visit to the region in January, I spoke directly to the US authorities, and pressed strongly for the continuation of US support to UNRWA. Ireland has provided funding of €8 million to UNRWA’s Gaza Emergency Appeals since 2006, of which €500,000 was provided in 2017. In light of the exceptional circumstances UNRWA is facing, Ireland brought forward our 2018 core contribution to the Organisation’s Programme Budget. Earlier this month, Ireland pledged an additional €250,000 to the Agency.
I have given these issues a high priority in my work since assuming office, both at EU level and elsewhere, as I have reported to the House.
50. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the specific actions that have been taken by the Government regarding the advancement of illegal Israeli settlements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13275/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe construction and expansion of illegal Israeli settlements in Palestinian territory has been a central focus of Ireland’s approach to the Middle East conflict for some years. The settlement project is contrary to international law, gravely threatens the prospects for a peace agreement, and inherently involves continuing and cumulative injustices and provocations to Palestinians. I have stressed the issue of settlements in EU discussions on the issue, in my direct meetings with the parties themselves, and in my engagement with the US administration on the peace proposals which they are formulating.
The essential principle followed by the EU for some years has been to clearly distinguish between its relations with Israel and Israeli settlements on Palestinian territory. This principle was subsequently enunciated in Security Council Resolution 2334 in December 2016. Actions taken relating to settlements have included:
- The exclusion of settlement goods from the lower tariffs applied to goods from Israel (and other trading partners)
- The rule that EU research grants may not be spent in institutions located in Israeli settlements
- EU guidelines on accurate labelling of goods from settlements
- Advice to citizens on the risks of doing business or investing in settlements
- EU refusal to accept Israeli veterinary certification for meat products from settlements
- The decision of the Foreign Affairs Council that all future agreements with Israel must clearly state that they apply only to Israel itself
Ireland continues to advocate for strong measures against settlements, although there are differing views on this at EU level. Measures that have been suggested include the exclusion of settlement goods altogether from the EU market, but it is clear that there would be no agreement on this for the moment. This is not the same as a trade ban on Israel itself, which the Government does not support.
51. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of the Government's efforts to seek compensation from Israel for the illegal destruction of EU-funded structures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13276/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn October 2017 Ireland and eight other EU members of the West Bank Protection Consortium delivered a formal demarche to the Israeli authorities protesting the demolition or confiscation of structures in the West Bank provided as humanitarian relief by the EU and member States, and calling for compensation or restitution by Israel.
The Israeli authorities responded that the structures were demolished or confiscated because they were erected without planning permission. This is to ignore the fact that such permission is almost never granted to Palestinians, and that the relief in question was provided because of the failure of Israeli authorities to provide for adequate schools or other facilities for the Palestinian population under occupation, or to shelter families whose own property had been demolished. The purpose of the demarche was to highlight the unacceptability of these practices, and to seek restitution for the loss to European taxpayers. The principle rather than the money was the main focus of the action.
Earlier today the Irish Ambassador participated in a further similar demarche to the Israeli authorities, seeking compensation or restitution for a school building demolished in February in the threatened Palestinian community of Abu Nawar, a case we have discussed here in the Dáil.
52. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of additional staff who were hired or allocated to the passport office in the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13441/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Full Time Equivalent (FTE) Staff permanently employed by my Department and assigned to the Passport Service on January 1 for 2017 was 301.7 and in 2018: 322.5.
This year, since these figures were released, over 20 permanent staff have started with the Passport Service.
In order to respond to seasonal demands and anticipated application increases, the Passport Service received sanction this year for 220 Temporary Clerical Officers (“TCOs”) to be appointed to the Passport Offices in Dublin and Cork. The vast majority of these TCOs are already in place with the remaining TCOs expected to be fully trained and in place by the end of March at latest.
