Kevin O'Keeffe
Ceist:167. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a school (details supplied) will be accepted into the DEIS programme. [14470/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraDEIS Eligibility
Ceisteanna (167)
Freagraí scríofa
We have, for the first time, introduced an objective, statistics based model for deciding which schools merit inclusion in the DEIS Programme, so that all stakeholders can have confidence that we are targeting extra resources at those schools with the highest concentrated levels of disadvantage. The methodology adopted to assess levels of disadvantage in schools is based on centrally held data with a uniform application across the entire school system to assess levels of disadvantage in Primary and Post-Primary schools.
A detailed document explaining the methodology used in the Identification process is available on the Department’s website at
https://www.education.ie/en/Schools-Colleges/Services/DEIS-Delivering-Equality-of-Opportunity-in-Schools-/DEIS-Identification-Process.pdf.
An update of the identification model is currently underway. This will take account of updated school data as provided by schools for the current school year combined with the Pobal HP Index of Deprivation, based on CSO Small Area Population statistics derived from the 2016 National Census. It is envisaged that this process will be completed in the coming weeks.
Should this exercise reveal that any school, including the school referred to by the Deputy, which did not qualify for DEIS in 2017 meets the criteria applicable to schools with the highest concentration of disadvantage based on the updated information then additional schools may be included subject to available resources.
Speech and Language Therapy Provision
Ceisteanna (168)
Tony McLoughlin
Ceist:168. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a school (details supplied) will be included in the new pilot scheme between the HSE and his Department for speech and language therapy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14471/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Programme for a Partnership Government states that a new model of In-School Speech and Language Therapy will be established.
In October of this year, Budget 2018 provided an additional €2M to introduce a pilot/demonstration project for in-school Therapy services in 2018.
The demonstration project will develop and test a model for the delivery of in school speech and language and occupational therapy support, in a defined regional area, across a range of schools, in conjunction with the Health Service Executive (HSE) and supplementing existing HSE therapy services.
The pilot will focus on developing greater linkages between educational and therapy supports.
An Interdepartmental Working Group, including representatives from my Department, the National Council for Special Education, the Department of Health, the Health Service Executive, and the Department of Children and Youth Affairs, has been appointed to develop the pilot/demonstration model for In-school Therapy Services.
This Working Group will make recommendations as to which region, or regions, the pilot should take place in. The schools which will be invited to participate in the pilot will therefore depend on this decision.
I will be announcing further details in relation to the project in the near future.
Question No. 169 answered with Question No. 160.
Schools Building Contractors
Ceisteanna (170)
Patrick O'Donovan
Ceist:170. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of an appointment for a main contractor for a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14480/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The project to which the Deputy refers has been devolved for delivery to the local Education and Training Board (ETB).
The project has been tendered and the ETB recently submitted the Tender Report. This Report is currently being evaluated by my Department. Once the Tender Report has been evaluated, and assuming that there are no issues with it, the project will be approved to proceed to tender and construction.
Schools Building Projects Status
Ceisteanna (171)
Brian Stanley
Ceist:171. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason for further delay in progressing with a new school (details supplied); and the efforts being made to move this building project forward. [14484/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The major building project for the school to which the Deputy refers is at an advanced stage of architectural planning, Stage 2b – Detailed Design, which includes the applications for Planning Permission, Fire Cert and Disability Access Cert and the preparation of tender documents. All statutory approvals have been obtained.
A letter recently issued to the school and the Design Team outlining the projected timeframe for progression of this project to tender and construction stage and the steps involved. In that context, my Department anticipates that this school building project will commence construction in Quarter 3 2019.
The current status of this project is that it is expected to shortly complete stage 2(b) of the architectural planning process. This is the final stage of the design process for any school. The Design Team has indicated that it expects to complete and submit the stage 2(b) report for this project by early April 2018. The review by the Department of the stage 2(b) report generally takes between 10 to 12 weeks.
Upon receipt and review of the stage 2(b) report and providing no other issues arise it is projected that this project will be authorised to complete pre-qualification of Contractors in Quarter 3 2018.
Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal Applications
Ceisteanna (172)
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:172. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 133 of 15 November 2017, if the requested documentation (details supplied) relating to an application to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal that was sent in the week of 18 December 2017 has been received; if a receipt will be issued for this documentation; and the timeframe for an award to be made in respect of this case. [14315/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy is aware, the Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal, is independent of my Department in the processing of individual applications under the Scheme. However, to be of assistance to the Deputy I have had enquiries made with the Tribunal.
I have been informed that the correspondence referred to by the Deputy has not been received by the Tribunal. If the applicant contacts the Tribunal directly with details of the supplementary documentation provided, they will provide assistance.
Crime Data
Ceisteanna (173)
Alan Farrell
Ceist:173. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of persons arrested by An Garda Síochána on an annual basis over the past five years in tabular form, with particular reference to those detained under section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984, section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act 1996 and section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14327/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I have requested a report from the Garda authorities in relation to this matter and I will contact the Deputy directly once the information is to hand.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A.
Garda Youth Diversion Projects
Ceisteanna (174)
Seán Haughey
Ceist:174. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans for Garda youth diversion projects; if his attention has been drawn to plans by the Irish Youth Justice Service to examine the funding and service delivery model for these projects; his views on whether proposed new arrangements will result in the closure of youth diversion projects administered by independent youth services; if these projects are funded through the European Social Fund; if legal advice has been provided to put new arrangements in place for the funding of Garda youth diversion projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14342/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy may be aware, my Department is obliged to carry out a Call for proposals process during 2018 in relation to the provision of Garda Youth Diversion Project (GYDP) services, to fully comply with requirements related to the co-funding of projects by the European Social Fund Programme for Employability, Inclusion and Learning 2014-2020.
To ensure State-wide coverage of GYDP services for young people, (which does not exist at present), the intention is that, in general, service provision will be aligned with Garda Divisions or other appropriate local areas with a distinct community identity as may be agreed during a wide ranging consultation process which is currently ongoing. Issues of community identity and numbers of potential participants on GYDPs in the area will be key considerations here.
The provision of GYDP services in all parts of the State has obvious advantages, particularly in terms of providing services for significant numbers of young people who cannot currently access them. I might add that an independent evaluation report of the operation of an integrated approach to delivery of GYDP services within County Kerry, commissioned by my Department is expected shortly. This report will help with the further development of the Call for Proposals documentation.
My Department is very much aware of concerns expressed by youth justice workers and their representatives. I can assure the Deputy that careful consideration is being given to all issues raised by stakeholders involved in GYDPs, including those of independent service providers, as part of the ongoing consultation process. This process includes arrangements for an extensive series of meetings with community based organisations and project workers which will facilitate closer communication and exchange of information in relation to these matters. The consultation process will help to inform further development of the approach in advance of the Call for Proposals being issued.
In addition, the consultations will include arrangements to hear the views of young people, including participants or former participants on GYDPs.
GYDPs deliver valuable services for young people who have committed a crime or may be at risk of offending as well as providing important support for An Garda Síochána at local level. I can assure the Deputy that in the context of the Call for Proposals my Department is committed to ensuring continuity of service for participants on GYDPs and maintain a community driven approach to their operation, as well as minimising any disruption for workers and service providers. In this regard, I am advised that the Call for Proposals process will facilitate existing service providers forming consortiums, which could apply to provide services under the new comprehensive approach being developed.
Furthermore, and in line with the overall objective of providing GYDP services to all children and young persons who require them, I am advised that the Call for Proposals will require applicants to provide for continuity of GYDP services. It is of course a matter for organisations which apply to provide future GYDP services under the Call for Proposals to ensure that they comply with relevant legal responsibilities, including in relation to the European Communities (Protection of Employees on Transfer of Undertakings) Regulations 2003 (S.I. No. 131/2003).
Firearms and Ammunition Security
Ceisteanna (175, 176, 177, 178)
Dara Calleary
Ceist:175. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the person or body his Department consulted with during the preparation of SI No. 646 of 2017 Firearms (Storage of Firearms and Ammunition by Firearms Dealers) Regulations 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14366/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraDara Calleary
Ceist:176. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if his Department considered the risks associated with time lock mechanisms before including such mechanisms as a requirement for strong rooms in the context of SI No. 646 of 2017 Firearms (Storage of Firearms and Ammunition by Firearms Dealers) Regulations 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14367/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraDara Calleary
Ceist:177. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if alternatives to time lock mechanisms for strong rooms were considered, such as distress codes in alarm systems, in the context of SI No. 646 of 2017 Firearms (Storage of Firearms and Ammunition by Firearms Dealers) Regulations 2017; if so, the reason these alternatives were discounted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14368/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraDara Calleary
Ceist:178. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if his Department considered the impact of the requirements contained in SI No. 646 of 2017 Firearms (Storage of Firearms and Ammunition by Firearms Dealers) Regulations 2017 on small businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14369/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 175 to 178, inclusive, together.
I wish to advise the Deputy that Statutory Instrument 646 of 2017, entitled Firearms (Storage of Firearms and Ammunition by Firearms Dealers) Regulations 2017, was signed into law by me and 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.
This Statutory Instrument derives from the powers conferred under Sections 9(10) and (11) of the Firearms Act 1925, which were inserted by Section 38 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006. Section 9(10) provides “The Minister, after consultation with the Commissioner, may by regulations specify minimum standards to be complied with in relation to premises in which a firearms dealer carries on a business or proposes to do so”.
Section 9(11) provides “The minimum standards shall be determined by reference to
(a) the security of the premises
(b) their safety, and
(c) their standard of construction,
and having regard to their use for, as the case may be, the manufacture, repair, testing, proving or sale of firearms or ammunition”.
These provisions were passed by the Oireachtas on 5 July 2006 and signed into law by the President on 16 July 2006 and commenced on 1 January 2008.
The Regulations were developed following consultation with a sub-group of the Firearms Consultative Panel (FCP) consisting of registered firearms dealers. It was agreed by the FCP when this sub group was being established that the firearms dealers on the Panel at the time should sit on the sub-group for the purpose of examining this particular issue. Firearms dealers’ premises were visited in fourteen counties prior to and during the drafting of this legislation. The dealers who sat on the sub-group are knowledgeable of the security that they and their colleagues utilise. Additionally, An Garda Síochána who were represented on the group have extensive experience with regard to security measures available in the industry and particularly in firearms dealers’ premises.
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 sub-group to act as a significant deterrent and discouragement to criminal attack. Some dealers have claimed that their monitored alarm system serves the same purpose as a time-lock. This is not correct. The existing monitored alarm system will alert if the strong room is opened but it will not prevent the door from being opened. The time-lock mechanism will prevent the door from being opened until a time pre-determined by the firearms dealer. This measure is to make a ‘Tiger Kidnapping’ situation less likely to occur whereby a dealer could be forced to open the strong room under duress. The time-lock will lock the door at a time decided by the dealer (e.g. at the end of the business day) and cannot be opened until a pre-determined time (e.g. the commencement of the next business day.) It is also understood that some dealers' view is that time locks would prevent access in the event of a fire and could lead to dealers being held kidnapped for a longer period while waiting for time locks to open. It is likely that criminals would not risk waiting for the deactivation of time locks when there are risks that other security measures included in the premises could be activated e.g. duress panic buttons.
The Commissioner of An Garda Síochána has strongly 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 (to 1 February 2019) for compliance has been included in the Regulation in order to permit dealers sufficient time to comply with the legislation.
I wish to advise the Deputy that I have no plans to amend these regulations which have been introduced as a public safety measure.
Garda Youth Diversion Projects
Ceisteanna (179)
Willie O'Dea
Ceist:179. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason it has been decided without consultation that there will only be one service provider per Garda division; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14411/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy may be aware, my Department is obliged to carry out a Call for Proposals process during 2018 in relation to the provision of Garda Youth Diversion Project (GYDP) services, to fully comply with requirements related to the co-funding of projects by the European Social Fund Programme for Employability, Inclusion and Learning 2014-2020.
To ensure State-wide coverage of GYDP services for young people, (which does not exist at present), the intention is that, in general, service provision will be aligned with Garda Divisions or other appropriate local areas with a distinct community identity as may be agreed during a wide ranging consultation process which is currently in train. Issues of community identify and numbers of potential participants on GYDPs in a given area will be key considerations here. I can assure the Deputy that final decisions in relation to service area boundaries will not be made until the consultation process has been completed.
My Department is very much aware of concerns expressed by youth justice workers and their representatives. I can assure the Deputy that careful consideration is being given to all issues raised by stakeholders involved in GYDPs as part of the on-going consultation process, which includes arrangements for an extensive series of meetings with community based organisations and project workers to facilitate closer communication and exchange of information in relation to these matters. The consultation process will help to inform further development of the overall approach in advance of the Call for Proposals being issued.
I can assure the Deputy that the new approach to GYDP provision which is being developed in preparation for the Call for Proposals will not reduce the level of service that already exists, or the importance of community involvement in its delivery. On the contrary, the intention is to build on, update and improve a very valuable service, so that it is available to every child or young person in the country who requires it. While certain aspects of the new approach have been determined, work is ongoing to complete the full details to be included in the Call for Proposals, which is expected to issue later this year. I firmly believe that community ownership and participation of the projects is an essential dimension that must be preserved and strengthened in the working out of this process.
UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
Ceisteanna (180)
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:180. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the legislation that is now required for Ireland to become fully compliant with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities; and the timeline that is being worked to in each case. [14430/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
It is intended that the final legislative amendments needed to enable Ireland to comply with the Convention will be contained in the Disability (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2016 and in a stand-alone Bill on Deprivation of Liberty which will be sponsored by the Minister for Health and myself and which we aim to have enacted by end 2018.
The Disability (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2016 is currently awaiting Committee Stage in Dáil Éireann.
A process of public consultation, on Draft Heads of Bill on Deprivation of Liberty concluded on March 9th. However, a number of organisations have sought a short extension to this which I have instructed my officials in the Department of Health to grant. The Government has approved both Bills to receive priority drafting within the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel. The aim is to enact both Bills by the end of 2018, and if possible sooner in the case of the Disability (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill.
The Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015 also needs to be commenced and this requires the establishment of a Decision Support Service (DSS) under the Mental Health Commission.
The Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015 provides a modern statutory framework to support decision-making by adults with capacity difficulties. The Act was signed into law on 30 December 2015.
New administrative processes and support measures, including the setting up of the Decision Support Service within the Mental Health Commission (a body under the auspices of the Department of Health), must be put in place before the substantive provisions of the Act can be commenced. A high-level Steering Group comprised of senior officials from the Department of Justice and Equality, the Department of Health, the Mental Health Commission and the Courts Service, together with the Director of the Decision Support Service, is overseeing the establishment and commissioning of the Decision Support Service (DSS) and this work is ongoing.
The Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015 (Commencement of Certain Provisions) Order 2016 (S.I. No. 515 of 2016), brought some provisions of Part 1 (Preliminary and General) and Part 9 (Director of the Decision Support Service) of the Act into operation on 17 October 2016. These provisions were brought into operation in order to progress the setting up of the DSS and to enable the process of recruitment of the Director of the DSS to begin. The recruitment and appointment of the Director of the DSS, and the appointment of DSS staff, is a matter for the Mental Health Commission with the approval of the Minister for Health. Ms Áine Flynn was appointed Director of the Decision Support Service on 2 October 2017.
The key preparations are being put in place under the oversight of the Steering Group to allow for further commencement orders for the provisions of the 2015 Act to be made when the DSS is ready to roll out the new decision-making support options. The Director is also working in a very determined way to get the necessary staff resources, processes, IT system, expert panels, codes of practice and regulations in place in order that the Decision Support Service can be up and running as quickly as possible. However, it is not possible at the moment to provide an exact time line for the full implementation of the 2015 Act, as there are many complex strands to this work, including involvement of multiple organisations, and the prevailing view is that the Decision Support Service will not be ready to become operational until 2019.
The 2018 Budget provides for an allocation of €3 million in the Justice and Equality Vote for the establishment of the Decision Support Service.
The commencement of Part 8 of the Act, which provides for a legislative framework for advance healthcare directives, is a matter for the Minister for Health.
Departmental Staff Data
Ceisteanna (181)
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:181. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the percentage of persons employed in his Department who have a disability expressed in whole-time equivalent terms and in head count terms; and the way in which the number of persons with disabilities employed compares with national targets. [14443/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will be aware, Part 5 of the Disability Act 2005 provides for a statutory report on the employment of people with disabilities in the public sector. This report is compiled by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, from information provided by all public bodies staffed by civil servants, and gives details of the number of people with a disability employed in the Civil Service. This report is submitted to the National Disability Authority (NDA).
Officials in my Department are currently preparing the 2017 return. This return indicates that 129 out of 2371 employees, or 5.4%, reported having a disability. This exceeds the current 3% target of employment of persons with disabilities set in the Disability Act 2005 and we are actively working to meet a 6% target. My Department does not have data regarding the breakdown in whole time equivalent terms as the data gathered on disability is anonymised to facilitate staff declaring a disability.
Garda Youth Diversion Projects
Ceisteanna (182)
Willie O'Dea
Ceist:182. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason the Irish Youth Service has not included a project (details supplied) in the European tender regulations covering protection of employees on transfer of undertakings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14481/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will be aware my Department is obliged to carry out a Call for Proposals process during 2018 in relation to the provision of Garda Youth Diversion Project (GYDP) services, to fully comply with requirements related to the co-funding of projects by the European Social Fund Programme for Employability, Inclusion and Learning 2014-2020.
I can assure the Deputy that my Department is committed to ensuring continuity of service for participants on all GYDPs and to maintaining a community driven approach to their operation, as well as minimising any disruption for workers and service providers. In this regard, I am advised that the Call for Proposals process will facilitate existing service providers forming consortiums which could apply to provide services under the new GYDP model. In addition, and in line with the overall objective of providing GYDP services to all children and young persons who require them, I am advised that the Call for Proposals will require applicants to provide for continuity of GYDP services.
I can assure the Deputy that the new approach to GYDP provision which is being developed in preparation for the Call for Proposals will not reduce the level of service that already exists, or the importance of community involvement in its delivery. On the contrary, the intention is to build on, update and improve a very valuable service so that it is available to every child or young person in the country who requires it. This improvement to the service will have benefits for significant numbers of young people in the State who cannot currently access GYDP services. While certain aspects of the new service model have been determined, work is ongoing to complete the full details to be included in the Call for Proposals, which is expected to issue later this year. I am convinced that community ownership and participation of the projects is an essential dimension that must be preserved and strengthened in the working out of this process.
Careful consideration is being given to all issues raised by stakeholders involved in GYDPs as part of a wide-ranging consultation process, which is currently ongoing. This process includes arrangements for an extensive series of meetings with community based organisations and project workers which will facilitate closer communication and exchange of information in relation to these matters. The consultation process will help to inform further development of the Call for Proposals in advance of it being issued.
As indicated above, the Call for Proposals will require applicants to provide for continuity of GYDP services to current participants. It is of course a matter for organisations which apply to provide future GYDP services under the Call for Proposals to ensure that they comply with relevant legal responsibilities, including in relation to the European Communities (Protection of Employees on Transfer of Undertakings) Regulations 2003 (S.I. No. 131/2003).
In conclusion, I might add that while my Department does provide funding for the operation of over 100 Garda Youth Diversion Projects, it is not the employer of the youth justice workers on these projects and has no human resources or industrial relations function in this regard.
Proposed Legislation
Ceisteanna (183)
Micheál Martin
Ceist:183. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he has met with the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport or his own officials recently regarding the comments made by the European Commission on the Judicial Appointments Bill 2017 not being in line with European standards; and his views on these comments. [14156/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Deputy is referring to the comments of the European Commission in their ‘Country Report Ireland 2018’ published as part of the European Semester on 7 March last, which state the following:
“The envisaged composition of a new body for proposing judicial appointments raises concerns regarding the level of participation of the judiciary in that body. The proposed composition of the Judicial Appointments Commission, which would comprise only 3 judges over 13 (including a lay chairperson accountable to the Oireachtas) would not be in line with European standards (Paragraph 47 of Recommendation CM/Rec(2010)12 adopted by the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe on 17 November 2010), and was opposed by the Association of judges in Ireland.”
Paragraph 47 of Recommendation CM/Rec(2010)12 of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, in turn, sets out that an independent and competent Authority drawn in substantial part from the judiciary should be authorised to make recommendations or express opinions concerning the selection of judges.
Of course the Government has taken note of the European Commission comments. It would point out though that there is no single international binding standard or norm in this area. It is worth noting that the said 2010 Council of Europe Recommendation also states, in its paragraph 48, that the membership of the relevant independent authorities should ensure "the widest possible representation".
Judicial appointments reform is part of the Programme for Partnership Government which commits to the introduction of a new structure comprising two central elements of a lay majority and an independent chairperson. The Bill as published had provided for a substantial judicial presence, through committees of the Judicial Appointments Commission, which ensured direct membership of all of the court presidents in the relevant selection processes, whilst the overarching body had the three most senior judicial offices as members. The Deputy will be aware that a significant number of amendments originating from opposition parties were made to the Bill by the Dáil Select Committee on Justice and Equality, including an amendment which had the effect of greatly reducing the level of participation of court presidents in the process by removing the presidents of the lower courts from any participation in the new body. As I pointed out at the conclusion of Committee Stage, it is important to ensure the appropriate and distinct inputs of all court presidents in the selection process, and much more work needs to be done with a view to advancing the Bill to the next stage in its enactment. My intention now is to bring forward for Report Stage a number of amendments arising from the changes made at Select Committee, including amendments concerning the composition of the new Judicial Appointments Commission and enhanced judicial input, whilst maintaining the Bill’s two key components of a lay majority and independent chairperson.
I have met with the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport recently to discuss the progress of the Bill and related issues. My officials have briefed me in relation to the comments of the European Commission.
Trade Agreements
Ceisteanna (184)
Mattie McGrath
Ceist:184. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the position of her Department regarding the Mercosur beef trade deal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14256/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
An EU-Mercosur Free Trade Agreement (FTA) would be the EU’s largest trade deal to date, four times the size of the trade agreement with Japan. It aims to eliminate trade tariffs between the EU and the Mercosur region. Irish exporters are currently subject to trade tariffs, barriers and restrictions, when exporting to Mercosur. The proposed FTA should make exports from Ireland more attractive and potentially increase demand for Irish products.
Sectorial opportunities for Ireland in further enhancing a trading relationship with this region include software and services in telecommunications, financial services, digital content and travel, engineering products and services, life sciences, agriculture, food and beverages, and education services. Within the region, Brazil is Ireland’s main trading partner and has been identified as possessing “high growth market potential” by Enterprise Ireland.
From a foreign direct investment perspective, the main opportunities are in the areas of financial services, banking, business services and chemicals as multinationals in the region begin their internationalisation. It will be an important region for outward direct investment from Irish companies.
In the context of the Mercosur negotiations, Ireland has many “offensive” and “defensive” interests, including in the agri-food sector and engages on these issues with the Commission, in its role as chief negotiator, through various EU Committees.
While all FTA’s include agricultural market access and TRQs (Tariff Rate Quotas), TRQs provided under such agreements are not always fully utilised by our trading partners. Equally, most Member States tend to have sensitives in relation to certain goods or services to be comprehended under an FTA.
I am keenly aware of the issues faced by the Agriculture sector and the challenges posed by a trade agreement with Mercosur. In this regard, Ireland has continued to highlight the cumulative impact of agricultural market access in relation to all EU trade agreements. My Department has done this through engagement with the Trade Policy Committee in Brussels, as well as joining with other Member States in formally writing to the Commission outlining our concerns. In addition, our concerns have been raised at political level including this Department’s Ministerial team, myself included, raising the issues with counterparts, both at Trade Council deliberations and bilaterally with the EU Commission and by the Taoiseach with Commission President Juncker.
Overall, Ireland remains fully committed to this negotiation, especially in view of the important economic and political gains expected for both sides from a comprehensive, ambitious and balanced EU-Mercosur Association Agreement. However, we believe that any TRQ offered in relation to beef imports must be structured - in terms of its size, staging, composition and the application of in-quota tariff rates - in a way that mitigates the potential impact of a Mercosur deal on the EU beef sector.
It remains unclear what the final outcome of the negotiations will be, although it must be acknowledged that for the Mercosur countries offers on EU agricultural produce are essential to securing any deal. Ireland will only be in a position to take a view on the proposed Agreement when all elements are finalised, including on sensitive agricultural products such as beef and dairy and our view will be informed on the aggregate benefits the Agreement offers our economy as a whole.
Fire Safety Regulations
Ceisteanna (185)
Noel Grealish
Ceist:185. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if a copy of the current standards produced by the National Standards Authority of Ireland for fire detection and fire alarm systems in buildings and for emergency lighting will be provided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14376/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The current Irish Standards for Fire Detection and Fire Alarm systems in buildings and for Emergency Lighting are I.S. 3217:2013 and I.S. 3218:2013. These publications are the main reference documents concerning Fire Alarm systems and Emergency Lighting systems in Ireland. A copy of these standards will be sent to the Deputy.
Standards may be viewed free of charge at NSAI Headquarters, 1 Swift Square, Northwood, Santry, Dublin D09 A0E4 or are available at a fee through the NSAI online webstore https://shop.standards.ie/.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A.
Enterprise Ireland Funding
Ceisteanna (186)
Tom Neville
Ceist:186. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if there grants are available to indigenous companies that wish to exhibit at global events relating to their specific industry. [14383/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Enterprise Ireland is the state agency under my aegis with responsibility for helping Irish companies to internationalise and scale. On an annual basis Enterprise Ireland works with approximately 5,000 companies through a network of market and sector advisers based across 10 national offices and 33 international offices.
Enterprise Ireland provides a range of supports to support companies with global ambition to internationalise. On 12 March, Enterprise Ireland announced that it is set to undertake over 200 international and domestic trade events in 2018 to accelerate the number of Enterprise Ireland clients diversifying into new markets, beyond the UK and into the Eurozone and global markets. The number of trade events being undertaken represents a 50% increase on 2017. This list of Trade Missions and Events is communicated to all client companies and is publicly available.
Under Enterprise Ireland’s recently launched Market Discovery Fund, eligible client companies can avail of funding for Trade Fair participation. For Trade Fair participation, Enterprise Ireland can provide grant support at 50% or €37.5k (whichever is the lesser) for a maximum expenditure of €75K. The Local Enterprise Offices may also be able to offer assistance or advice to eligible companies to participate in trade events designed to grow exports. Contact information is available at localenterprise.ie.