Written Answers Nos. 145-163
145. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of cases from his Department before the conciliation and arbitration scheme; the number of years these cases have been before the scheme for hearing, by number and by year; the reason these cases have not been heard; the timeframe for these cases to be heard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13881/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Defence (Amendment) Act 1990 and Defence Force Regulations S6 provided for the establishment of representative associations for members of the Permanent Defence Force. The associations that have since been established are RACO (for commissioned officers) and PDFORRA (for enlisted personnel).
The scheme of Conciliation and Arbitration (C&A) for members of the Permanent Defence Force provides a formal mechanism for the determination of claims and proposals from the Permanent Defence Force Representative Associations relating to remuneration and conditions of service.
Having regard to commitments made under pay agreements, members of the Permanent Defence Force can make representations in relation to their pay and conditions of service through their representative bodies, PDFORRA and RACO. Where agreement is not reached it is open to both official and representative sides to refer the matter to an adjudicator or an arbitration Board to settle the matter.
Six meetings of Conciliation Council are held with each Representative Association each year, normally held at intervals no greater than once every two months. There are also a number of sub-committees, established to discuss and progress certain matters such as pay and allowances, induction, etc.
Officials from my Department continue to work with the Representative Associations in a positive and collaborative process within the CandA Scheme to resolve issues. There is also ongoing engagement on a regular basis between the Official side and the Representative side on a range of items which are processed through CandA.
Matters dealt with under the C&A Scheme are confidential in nature and therefore it would not be appropriate for me to comment further.
146. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will amend existing protocols in order that medals of the Defence Forces awarded for service during the period 1916 to 1921 can be worn by family members in cases in which the recipient is deceased; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13610/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe existing protocol recognises that medals are decorations awarded to individuals in recognition of specific acts and service and as such the approach is that they should only be worn by the individuals to whom they were awarded. While I understand the family pride and history attached to medals relating to the period in question, the current guidance, which is not statutory in nature, appears appropriate in the circumstances.
147. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if his Department has made a submission to the Public Service Pay Commission on behalf of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13879/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2017, under my direction, the Department of Defence raised recruitment and retention issues as part of its original submission to the Public Service Pay Commission. In a further acknowledgement of these issues the Government tasked the Public Service Pay Commission with examining these challenges in the Defence Sector in more detail.
The Public Service Pay Commission has commenced this work and has requested detailed information from the Department of Defence. Defence management are preparing their submission which will be sent to the Commission in the coming weeks.
The Public Service Pay Commission is due to complete this exercise in the second half of 2018. The findings and proposals arising will be considered at that time.
148. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the amount that was spent of the overall budget allocated to his Department in each of the years 2014 to 2017 for all aspects of the budget; the amount that was returned to the Exchequer; the amount that was carried forward to future years by year and category of expenditure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13880/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe budget allocated to my Department makes provision for Vote 35 Army Pensions and Vote 36 Defence. The gross budget provision and actual expenditure for the years 2014 to 2017 are shown in the following table.
|
Year |
Gross Budget Provision |
Actual Expenditure Outturn |
Amount Unspent at Year End |
|
2014 |
€898.8m |
€898.6m |
€0.2m |
|
2015 |
€898.3m |
€898.0m |
€0.3m |
|
2016 |
€905.5m |
€905.4m |
€0.1m |
|
2017 |
€921.4m |
€920.5m* |
€0.9m* |
*provisional outturn
Supplementary estimates were required for the Army Pensions Vote to meet the cost of pensions for former members of the Defence Forces, amounting to €4.8m in 2014; €6.5m in 2015; €11m in 2016 and €10.7m in 2017 and these amounts were offset by comparable savings on the Defence Vote.
Surplus Appropriations-in-Aid were received, amounting to €8.7m in 2014; €6.9m in 2015; €15.7m in 2016 and €10.1m in 2017 and these were returned to the Exchequer, as required under Public Financial Procedures.
There was no amount carried forward in respect of the years 2014 to 2017.
149. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has spoken to his EU counterparts regarding the terms of transition recently finalised in Brussels on 19 March 2018. [13844/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra151. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has spoken to Mr. Michel Barnier since 19 March 2018. [14158/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 149 and 151 together.
Maintaining frequent contact with EU partners, including the EU Chief Negotiator, Michel Barnier, has been a priority for Ireland throughout the Article 50 negotiations process.
I have met with Mr Barnier on a number of occasions since taking office, most recently in Brussels on 19 March. Mr Barnier updated me on the progress made with the UK in advancing discussions on the draft Withdrawal Agreement, including an in-depth exchange on the draft Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Mr Barnier also provided an update to the EU27 Member States at the General Affairs Council (Art. 50) on 20 March regarding the progress made with the UK in advancing discussions on the draft Withdrawal Agreement, including in relation to transition. Ireland was represented at this meeting by Minister for European Affairs, Helen McEntee T.D.
I welcome that the terms reflected in the draft Withdrawal Agreement are fully consistent with the EU’s objective of agreeing a transition period based on the status quo. This is an approach that I have strongly advocated for in my bilateral contacts with EU partners. A transition period based on the status quo will provide certainty and limit disruption for our citizens and businesses. Under such an arrangement the UK will be expected to continue to apply the full EU acquis.
As concerns the duration of such a transition, the Government agrees that in the interests of long term certainty, and to accelerate agreement on the future relationship agreement, it must be time bound. This is the overall view of both the EU and of the UK. Therefore a date of 31 December 2020 has been set for the end of the transition period and this has been reflected in the text of the draft Withdrawal Agreement. This also takes account of the EU’s budgetary processes and the fact that the current Multiannual Financial Framework will conclude at the end of 2020. But equally, as the negotiations progress, the overriding objective on both sides must be to avoid any gaps and any cliff edge effects. It is therefore welcome that the General Affairs Council has agreed to keep this under constant review, taking account of developments in the Brexit negotiations. This provides the flexibility required.
150. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on the commemorations for the 20th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement in Dublin, Belfast, London and the United States of America. [14146/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraA programme of events is underway, at home and abroad, to highlight this important anniversary and to mark the achievement of the Agreement, which continues to be the cornerstone of our commitment to peace and reconciliation.
My Department continues to engage with other Government Departments and, both here on the island of Ireland and through our overseas Embassy network, with a range of individuals, groups and institutions, who are considering and planning conferences, seminars, cultural responses, acts of commemoration and other initiatives to mark the 20th anniversary.
The Government’s programme will include a production called A Further Shore, which uses poetry, images and music to reflect on the troubled journey towards peace and reconciliation on the island of Ireland. This production will take place in London on 5th April and Belfast on 9th April. Events to mark the people’s vote for the Agreement on the 22nd May are also under development. An all-island schools competition is also underway, in co-operation with the Department of Education, and a prizegiving ceremony will take place for the winners of this competition in Dublin in May.
In February, I spoke at a Co-operation Ireland ‘20 Years of Peace’ conference in New York on the Good Friday Agreement, which was supported by the Consulate there. Earlier this month the Taoiseach addressed a forum on the anniversary at the Library of Congress in Washington DC.
Further events, organised or supported through our Mission network, are currently planned for Abuja, Boston, New York, San Francisco, Toronto, Brussels, Kosovo, Warsaw, Beijing, Tokyo, Geneva and Tel Aviv.
The events marking this important anniversary will provide an opportunity to reflect on the peace process, past and present; to remember the loss of life during the years of conflict; and to look back at all that has happened on the journey of peace and reconciliation on the island of Ireland.
This journey is of course an ongoing one, and the continued imperative to work to realise the full potential of the Good Friday Agreement will form an essential part of the Government’s approach to the 20th anniversary.
152. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the reason India was not included in the ministerial programme of St. Patrick's Day visits in 2017 or 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13555/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraSaint Patrick’s Day presents a unique platform for promoting Ireland’s political and economic interests around the world. Recommendations for Ministerial travel over the Saint Patrick’s Day period are based on input from our Team Ireland network of diplomatic missions and state agency offices overseas and wide consultation and advice from across Departments and Agencies at home on where Ministerial visits would have most significant added value in promoting Ireland’s interests internationally.
One of the factors taken into consideration in making decisions on priority locations for Ministerial travel is whether there are any significant Ministerial visits planned in the period immediately before or after Saint Patrick’s Day which could lessen the impact of an a Ministerial visit during the Saint Patrick’s Day period itself. In the case of India significant Education promotion trade missions were planned and took place in the run up to Saint Patrick’s Day in 2017 and again this year.
In 2017, the Minister of State for Training, Skills and Innovation, John Halligan T.D. led 16 companies on a major education promotion mission to India from 18-26 February. On 22-27 February 2018, the Minister for State for Education, Mary Mitchell O’Connor led the largest education mission to India to date involving 20 Irish Higher Education institutions. Given the scheduling of these two major Ministerial trade missions in the immediate run up to the Saint Patrick's Day period it was felt that our trade priorities in the region were already being addressed. Given the resources associated with a St Patrick’s Day visit, it was felt that these would be best focussed elsewhere.
153. Deputy John Brassil asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his Department will make special arrangements to provide additional staff, working hours and supports to the Passport Office to address the large backlog in passport applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13565/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Passport Service is currently processing over 70,000 passport applications. These applications are going through the normal checking, processing and security stages.
The target turnaround time for applications made via the online passport application service is 10 working days plus postage. The majority of online applications are currently being processed within 5 working days, well ahead of this target. The award winning online service currently accommodates adult renewals and passport card applications and it is planned to further extend this service to other categories of renewals by the end of 2018. I would urge applicants wishing to renew their passports, whether residing in Ireland or overseas, to avail of the online passport application service where possible.
The average turnaround time for renewal applications submitted through Passport Express is currently 14 working days, one day ahead of the target turnaround time of 15 working days. Other types of application submitted through Passport Express, such as first time applications or applications to replace lost, stolen or damaged passports take longer due to additional security checks.
In recent weeks we had higher than average turnaround times for some categories of application owing to high application volumes and disruption caused by adverse weather conditions and the subsequent closure of the Dublin and Cork passport offices for 2 days. However as outlined the turnaround times have considerably reduce and in many cases are now shorter than the published target times. My Department continues to closely monitor the level of passport demand to ensure that all resources are effectively deployed. Measures taken by the Passport Service include the recruitment of additional staff and the use of targeted overtime.
The number of Full Time Equivalent (FTE) staff permanently employed by my Department and assigned to the Passport Service stood at 322 at the beginning of the year. This compares to 310 FTE staff assigned to the Passport Service at the same point last year. This year, since these figures were released, over 20 additional permanent staff have started with the Passport Service.
In addition to this, in order to respond to seasonal demands and application increases, the Passport Service received sanction for 220 Temporary Clerical Officers (“TCOs”) to be appointed to the Passport Offices in Dublin and Cork this year. 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 the latest. Targeted overtime for the Passport Service was also sanctioned to increase processing capacity.
In managing increasing application volumes, my Department’s approach has not been merely to recruit or assign additional staff but to continue to implement service improvements in order to provide an exceptional service and minimise the impact high application volumes have on turnaround times. The Passport Reform Programme is delivering major upgrades to the passport service technology platforms and business processes as well as significant customer service improvements. The award winning online passport application service will continue to make a major contribution to the effective management of application volumes by allowing existing resources to be more effectively deployed within the Passport Service.
154. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the steps he is taking along with EU and UN partners to bring a total cessation to the seven-year civil war in Syria; the steps he is taking to support humanitarian initiatives to help families and individuals in the worst affected districts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13603/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra168. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the responses to the UN Security Council resolution on a UN-mandated truce, particularly in view of the appalling humanitarian tragedy in Ghouta. [14082/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 154 and 168 together.
The situation in Syria remains of utmost concern. The conflict, which is now in its eighth year, has cost over 400,000 lives. Over 13 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance inside Syria, including close to 3 million people trapped in besieged and hard-to-reach areas. Over 6 million people are displaced internally, and a further 5.5 million have fled to neighbouring countries and the wider region. The recent increase in violence in Syria, in particular the vicious siege of Eastern Ghouta, underscores the extent to which an end to the violence is urgently needed in order to relieve the suffering of the Syrian people.
Ireland fully supports the UN-led political negotiations to end the conflict based on the 2012 Geneva Communique and UN Security Council resolution 2254. The EU provides direct assistance to the UN-led Geneva peace talks and has launched, in coordination with the UN, an initiative to develop political dialogue with key actors from the region to identify common ground.
I was present at the UN Security Council briefing on Eastern Ghouta in New York last month at which UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres appealed for an immediate suspension of violence in Eastern Ghouta to allow for the delivery of humanitarian aid, and for evacuations. Ireland strongly welcomed the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2401 calling for an immediate ceasefire and unhindered humanitarian access on 24 February. Ireland regrets that this has not yet been implemented and calls on the international community to redouble efforts to ensure the immediate and full implementation.
EU Foreign Ministers discussed the situation in Syria at their informal meeting on 15 February and again at the Foreign Affairs Council meetings on 26 February and 19 March. The EU and its Member States have to date mobilised more than €10.4 billion for humanitarian, stabilisation and resilience assistance inside Syria and in neighbouring countries, making the EU the largest single donor to the effort. The EU hosted a donors’ conference for Syria in April 2017 at which pledges totalling €5.6 billion were made, and will host another donors’ conference for Syria in April 2018.
Since 2012, Ireland has contributed over €90 million to the humanitarian effort in response to the conflict in Syria, including €25 million in 2017 alone. Through our annual contributions to EU Institutions, Ireland also supports the EU’s humanitarian response to the Syria crisis. Ireland also supports a broad range of efforts to ensure full legal accountability for all war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Syria.
155. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he and his EU colleagues have contacted their Turkish counterparts to request the immediate cessation of hostilities and withdrawal of Turkish forces from Kurdish cities and towns in north west Syria, in particular Idlib province; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13604/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe conflict in Syria, and the destabilising impact it has had on the wider region, remain a source of deep concern. Clearly, a comprehensive, inclusive political solution to the conflict is urgently needed, both to end the suffering of the Syrian people and to prevent any further turmoil in the Middle East.
Ireland fully supports the UN-led political negotiations to end the conflict based on the 2012 Geneva Communique and UN Security Council resolution 2254. The EU provides direct assistance to the UN-led Geneva peace talks and has launched, in coordination with the UN, an initiative to develop political dialogue with key actors from the region to identify common ground.
Ireland strongly welcomed the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2401 calling for an immediate ceasefire and unhindered humanitarian access on 24 February. Ireland regrets that this has not yet been implemented and calls on the international community to redouble efforts to ensure the immediate and full implementation.
I am particularly concerned by the impact of the recent fighting in the Afrin region, including the displacement of over 100,000 civilians. Officials from my Department met with the Turkish Ambassador to Ireland in early February shortly after the commencement of the Turkish operation. They conveyed Ireland’s overarching concern for the protection of civilians, including in the context of this particular operation, and urged caution to avoid escalating the conflict any further.
Ireland understands Turkey’s concern about the conflict raging on its southern border. Turkey has borne a heavy burden in terms of knock-on effects of the conflict, including in terms of migration and spill-over of violence. However, our primary concern is for the safety and well-being of civilians on both sides of the border, especially displaced and vulnerable communities.
I call on all parties to exercise restraint in order to avoid any further exacerbation of this already fragile situation and to cooperate in the effort to find a political solution under UN auspices which alone can bring lasting peace to Syria.
156. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to allow the new public services card to be used as an alternative to a passport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13679/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraPassports are internationally recognised travel documents which attest to the identity and nationality of the bearer. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is a UN specialised agency which defines in detail the required format for a passport. For example in a type 3 document (a standard passport book) the machine-readable zone must span two lines, and each line must be 44 characters long. The following information must be provided in the zone: name, passport number, nationality, date of birth, sex, and passport expiration date.
The Passport Service launched the Passport Card in October 2015. This credit card sized document complies with ICAO specifications and can be used by adult Irish passport holders for travel to 31 countries in total including the EU/EEA and Switzerland and incorporates the very highest levels of cutting-edge security measures. Since its launch, the Passport Service has issued over 90,000 passport cards to Irish citizens residing in the state and across the world. I would encourage all adult citizens who hold a valid passport to consider applying for a passport card.
157. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to raise the issue of increasing trade ties between the EU and India at the next EU Foreign Affairs Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13696/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe agenda for the next EU Foreign Affairs Council does not include trade ties between the EU and India as a topic for discussion. As such, raising the issue would not be appropriate. The EU-India Strategy will be reviewed in the coming months, so the issue of increasing trade ties between the EU and India will undoubtedly be raised for discussion in due course.
Trade issues were discussed at the 14th annual Summit between India and the EU held in New Delhi on 6th October last at which India was represented by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the EU was represented by Donald Tusk, President of the European Council and by Jean Claude Juncker, President of the European Commission.
The leaders reviewed the wide-ranging cooperation between India and the EU under the India-EU Strategic Partnership and committed themselves to work in a result-oriented and mutually beneficial manner to further strengthen the Partnership, inter alia, by deepening trade co-operation and enhancing investment flows in both directions. They expressed their shared commitment to strengthening the Economic Partnership between India and the EU and noted the ongoing efforts of both sides to re-engage actively towards timely re-launching negotiations for a comprehensive and mutually beneficial India-EU Broad Based Trade and Investment Agreement (BTIA).
In addition to regular talks at expert level on technical trade matters, there will be a meeting of EU and Indian chief negotiators in the coming weeks to review progress and assess the prospects for a substantive agreement on trade and investment.
Ireland is fully supportive of these developments and we look forward to the re-launch of BTIA negotiations.
158. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the assassination of a person (details supplied) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; if this murder will be raised with his Brazilian counterparts; and if he will request the institution of an independent, transparent and internationally verified process of investigation into this crime. [13751/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra165. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on calls for a prompt and transparent investigation into the murder of a person (details supplied); if his attention has been drawn to the concerns of the human rights community and NGOs; and if he will raise the matter with the Brazilian ambassador. [14079/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 158 and 165 together.
I am aware of the case to which the Deputy refers and I would like to avail of this opportunity to convey my condolences to the family of the victim.
Such acts of violence are entirely unacceptable.
I echo the comments of Minister Joe McHugh who, in the course of his recent St. Patrick’s Day visit to Brazil, publicly condemned the killing and urged that the perpetrators of this hateful crime be swiftly brought to justice.
I also echo the European Parliament’s statement of 20 March last which urged the Government of Brazil to carry out an immediate, thorough and transparent investigation into the assassination of Ms. Marielle Franco in order to identify all those responsible, bring them before an independent tribunal, and punish them under the law.
The Government remains committed to the protection of human rights internationally and will continue to advocate, both at EU and UN level, on issues relating to the protection and defence of human rights everywhere.
159. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the arrest of a person (details supplied) in the Czech Republic on foot of an extradition warrant from the Turkish Government; his views on Turkey's use of extradition warrants to silence critics of the Turkish Government abroad; his further views on whether the person may be extradited to Turkey in which it is deemed that person's human rights will be violated; his plans to oppose the person's extradition to Turkey; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13753/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of the case in question and I understand that proceedings in the Czech Republic have been halted since the individual concerned is no longer in that country. The execution of extradition warrants is a matter for the courts and it would not be appropriate for me, therefore, to comment on the merits of individual cases. The European Union is involved in a process of engagement and open dialogue with Turkey in areas of common interest and, as the Deputy will be aware, the EU-Turkey leaders’ meeting which took place in Varna, Bulgaria, yesterday included an assessment of recent developments in Turkey, including the rule of law and fundamental freedoms.
160. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if there are guidelines or legislation in place to ensure school places for children of Irish citizens who are serving the State overseas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13790/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraOfficers serving the state abroad may be accompanied by family members on postings and supports are in place to ensure that children of school-going age are in a position to continue their education with minimal disruption.
As officers prepare to return from posting, they are on request provided with a letter from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade attesting to their service overseas. The letter is provided to schools to ensure that they are informed of the requirement to serve abroad and the reasons why children would have moved school during a given educational cycle.
The issue of school admissions policy guidelines and related legislation is proper to the Department of Education and Skills.
161. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if there is discretion available to a person (details supplied) in a scenario. [13986/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Working Holiday Agreement between Ireland and New Zealand has given thousands of young people the opportunity to live and work overseas since its introduction. It is a programme which offers valuable experiences both personally and professionally.
The terms and conditions for the programme are well-defined and subject to an international agreement between New Zealand and Ireland. One condition of receiving a visa under the programme is that applicants must be aged between 18 and 30 years when applying. Unfortunately, there is no discretion possible with regard to the age of an applicant under the New Zealand Working Holiday Agreement.
New Zealand passport holders do not require a visa to visit Ireland on holiday for three months or less. There are also other pathways to visiting and working in Ireland for such people, depending on their circumstances. Full information on the possibilities can be found on the website of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) – www.inis.gov.ie.
162. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of a passport application by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13989/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAll passport applications are subject to the terms of the Passports Act, 2008 (“the Act”), which provides the legal basis for the policies and practices that are applied by the Passport Service.
Section 10 of the Act broadly provides that a passport will issue in the name of a citizen as it appears on his/her birth certificate. Issuing a passport in a different name is permitted under the Act in situations such as marriage, adoption or gender reassignment, where civil or legal documents are available to verify the change. In all other cases where an individual wishes to apply for a passport in a different name, the Act specifically requires evidence of usage of the new name over a two-year period.
I am informed by officials in the Passport Service that the person in question wishes to have a passport issued in a name other than that on their birth certificate but that they has not supplied acceptable supporting documentation. The Passport Service has advised the applicant of the requirements. Until such a time as the applicant can provide the relevant documents, the Passport Service, in line with the Act, will be unable to issue a passport in the alternative name.
Given that a name change effectively replaces an existing identity with a new one, the Passport Service must ensure that stringent checks are in place to mitigate any associated risks. The Passport Service’s practice is in line with the relevant legislation and is intended to safeguard the high international reputation of the Irish passport and, in turn, protect the wellbeing and security of our citizens travelling abroad.
163. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of the review of strategic relations with Germany; the objectives of the exercise; when it commenced; the policy areas being reviewed; the Departments and Ministers that are involved; the timelines involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13995/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 11 December last year I announced a review of Ireland’s relations with the Federal Republic of Germany and charged our ambassador in Berlin with undertaking the task. My aim in announcing the review was to strengthen this most important of relationships for Ireland both at the bilateral level and in the context of our common EU membership. The review – which began before Christmas - covers the full spectrum of our relations with Germany, including its political, economic, social and cultural aspects. This review is timely, given the enormous challenges that Ireland is facing in a rapidly changing EU and global environment.
Germany is the world’s fourth largest economy and a major player internationally as well as in the EU. It is the second-largest inward investor in Ireland; our fourth-largest merchandise trading partner and one with which we enjoy a trade surplus. Germany is also our third-largest source of tourism with some 650,000 visiting Ireland in 2016.
I am convinced that there is still scope to build further on these numbers.
All relevant government departments whose work touches on the terms of the review have been consulted, and their views are being fed into a draft report which is at an advanced stage of preparation. I intend publishing the review very shortly.
