Róisín Shortall
Ceist:196. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the waiting times for citizenship ceremonies; and the reason for the long delays. [19752/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraCitizenship Ceremonies
Ceisteanna (196)
Freagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will appreciate, the granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is a privilege and an honour which confers certain rights and entitlements, not only within the State but also at European Union as well as international level. It is therefore important that appropriate procedures are in place to ensure that the integrity of the regime for granting Irish citizenship through the naturalisation process is held in high regard both at home and internationally.
It is recognised that all applicants for citizenship would wish to have a decision on their application without delay. While the Citizenship Division endeavours that most straightforward cases are processed to a decision within six months, this has to be seen in the context of the work involved in dealing with volumes of applications, some of which can be very complex in nature, and the need to ensure that each applicant fulfils the statutory conditions for naturalisation. The nature of the naturalisation process is such that, for a broad range of reasons, some cases can take longer than others to process. In some instances, completing the necessary checks may take a considerable period of time.
Processing timescales can often be impacted due to further documentation being required from the applicant, or payment of the required certificate fee is awaited, or the applicant has not been engaging with the office. In some instances delays can arise at the final stage of the naturalisation process, for example, where additional information comes to light which requires to be considered. In other instances the applicant themselves may request that a hold be put on their application, for example, where they may have returned to their country of origin for a prolonged period, to facilitate them in making arrangements to return to reside in the State, or where they have difficulty in obtaining satisfactory evidence of their identity or nationality.
The final stage requires the applicant to attend at a citizenship ceremony. Citizenship ceremony days take place periodically throughout the year, at which up to 3,500 candidates for citizenship make their declaration of fidelity to the Irish nation and loyalty to the State, give an undertaking to uphold the laws of the State and to respect its democratic values and receive their certificate of naturalisation. The organisation of a citizen ceremony day involving over 3,500 applicants, together with their family and friends, is a significant logistical exercise usually taking a number of months to organise. The next citizenship ceremony day will take place on 21 May 2018; persons in respect of whom the Minister has indicated an intention to grant a certificate of naturalisation are in the process of being invited to attend. A very small number of persons whose applications were only approved in the very recent past cannot be accommodated at this ceremony and will be invited to attend the next ceremony.
INIS devotes a considerable amount of its overall resources to the processing of these cases. It also operates a dedicated phone helpline and email helpdesk available for all applicants interested in the progress of their application, details of which are available on the INIS website at www.inis.gov.ie
Residency Permits
Ceisteanna (197)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:197. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of an application for permission to remain in the State on the basis of parentage of an Irish citizen child in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19891/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the person concerned applied for a right of residency, accompanied by a right to work, based on their parentage of an Irish citizen child. The application was received in the relevant section of INIS on 20 February, 2018. The application is under consideration at present and INIS will be in contact with the person concerned in due course.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS of my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
Prison Service Staff
Ceisteanna (198)
Clare Daly
Ceist:198. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if it is envisaged that transfers from the Irish Prison Service to other areas of his Department will cease upon the new reorganisation of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19903/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Plans to establish the Irish Prison Service (IPS) as a scheduled office that will also incorporate administrative staff currently employed in my Department are well advanced. Under these arrangements departmental staff in Longford will transfer to the IPS under a transfer of function while staff undertaking IPS duties in Dublin will have the option of being reassigned to other divisions of my Department based in Dublin.
Thereafter, any officers within my Department or the Irish Prison Service would have to progress transfer requests through established transfer mechanisms. However, as the Deputy may be aware, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform is developing a central mobility portal which will link all Government Departments to one centralised transfer database, where staff can enter and update their transfer request/s.
As the Deputy will be aware an external expert group, known as the Effectiveness and Renewal Group (ERG), is currently examining the operation of my Department and is expected to deliver a first report to the Government by the end of June. In tandem, work is being taken forward in relation to the structure of the Department. Decisions in relation to any reorganisation of my Department will be taken after consideration of the ERG report.
Prison Service Staff
Ceisteanna (199)
Seán Fleming
Ceist:199. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of prison staff who have transferred on a full time transfer from other locations within the Irish Prison Service in the grade of prison officer to a location (details supplied) using a monthly or quarterly transfer report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20017/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I have been advised by the Irish Prison Service that the assignment of all staff across the prison estate is done having due regard to the exigencies of the service as a whole and in a way that ensures the optimum allocation of resources. In the main, the Irish Prison Service endeavours to assign Prison Officers through a voluntary transfer process, which is predicated on seniority of service within the grade.
The Irish Prison Service have further advised me that the total number of prison officers who transferred into Portlaoise Prison between 8th of July 2013 and 15th December 2017 with a pay number greater than 17/6418 is 20.
Family Reunification Applications
Ceisteanna (200)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:200. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of applications for family reunification in the case of the relatives of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20020/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the particular applications referred to were refused on 21 December 2017. Appeals were submitted on the 21 February 2018 and further supporting documentation was received as recently as 17 April 2018. The appeals will be finalised as soon as possible.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS of my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited
In addition, applicants may themselves e-mail queries directly to INIS (visamail@justice.ie).
Departmental Contingency Planning
Ceisteanna (201)
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:201. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the amount of funds set aside on an annual basis for contingent liability for the past ten years to date in 2018; the way in which it is determined the amount that is forecast to be needed for contingent liability; if he carries out an actuary analysis for budgeting current and future contingent liability; if he conducts a risk assessment in the context of contingent liability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20064/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I wish to inform the Deputy that as my Department, along with all other Government Departments, prepares accounts on a cash as opposed to an accruals basis, the issue of contingencies or contingent liabilities does not arise. Where it is envisaged that there may be a future requirement for additional funding to meet an emerging need, representations are made to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform as part of the estimates process.
Deportation Orders
Ceisteanna (202)
Joan Burton
Ceist:202. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason a person (details supplied) is still waiting for a decision on their application for leave to remain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20115/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the person concerned is the subject of a deportation order, made on 10 April 2015, following a comprehensive and thorough examination of their asylum claim and a detailed examination of the representations they submitted for consideration under Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended).
The person concerned, through their legal representative, has made a request to have that deportation order revoked, based on the provisions of Section 3 (11) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended). This request will be considered as soon as it is possible to do so. The Deputy might wish to note that the resulting decision will be to 'affirm' or to 'revoke' the existing Deportation Order.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS of my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
Residency Permits
Ceisteanna (203)
Joan Burton
Ceist:203. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason a person (details supplied) has been granted temporary leave to remain in the State with biennial renewal since 2011; the reason their travel documents were not renewed when they expired in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20116/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the person concerned has a current right of residency in the State, on stamp 4 conditions, up to 13th July, 2019. It will be open to the person concerned to apply to their local Immigration Registration Office to have that permission further renewed two months in advance of their current permission expiring. In that context, the person concerned will be required to make an on-line registration appointment at the relevant time. It will also be open to the person concerned to apply to the Citizenship Division of my Department for a Certificate of Naturalisation when, in their view, they meet the eligibility criteria applicable to such applications. Details of the citizenship application process can be found on the INIS Website – www.inis.gov.ie
Against this background, I am satisfied that there are no issues outstanding as regards the residency position in the State of the person concerned.
I am further advised that the person is not entitled to a Travel Document under the International Protection Act 2015.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS of my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
Court Accommodation Provision
Ceisteanna (204)
Joan Burton
Ceist:204. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 100 of 22 March 2018, when the promised review of the future delivery of court services in the District Court area of Kilcock will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20146/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy is aware, under the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998 management of the courts, including the provision of accommodation for court sittings, is the responsibility of the Courts Service, which is independent in exercising its functions.
However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made and the Courts Service has advised that it is currently concentrating on the development or refurbishment of courthouses at a number of provincial city/county town venues. As part of a major Public Private Partnership initiative, new courthouses have been delivered at Drogheda, Letterkenny, Wexford, Limerick and Waterford since June 2017 with a further 2 projects to be delivered at Cork and Mullingar in the coming weeks and months.
The Courts Service has further advised that on completion of this major programme of work there are 5 provincial city/county town venues still in need of major investment in court facilities, these being Tralee, Galway, Wicklow, Portlaoise and Roscommon. The Courts Service has confirmed that collectively these cities and towns will be the next priority for investment in courthouse facilities outside of the capital under the Courts Service provincial capital building programme. The Courts Service is also considering the development of Courts facilities in other smaller locations.
The Courts Service has informed me that Kilcock Courthouse in north CountyKildarewas closed in July 2016 on health and safety grounds and that District Court sittings were transferred to Naas. The Courts Service has also informed me that it plans to review the future delivery of court services in the District Court area of Kilcock in the near future and that this will include a local consultation process. No date has yet been fixed for the commencement of the review.
Garda Transport Provision
Ceisteanna (205)
Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:205. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to the fact that almost 50% of the fleet in the Garda R District is either aged over ten years or has almost 300,000 kilometres on the vehicles; if extra vehicles will be allocated to this district; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20155/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government's Capital Plan 2016 – 2021 provides €46 million for investment in the Garda fleet, to ensure that An Garda Síochána has a modern, effective and fit for purpose fleet and this is in addition to the investment of almost €30 million in the period 2013 to 2015. In total, in the period 2013 to 2017, almost €44 million has been invested in the fleet with some 2,000 vehicles coming on stream in that period.
As the Deputy will appreciate, decisions in relation to the allocation of Garda vehicles are a matter for the Garda Commissioner in light of his identified operational demands and the availability of resources. As Minister, I have no direct role in the matter.
I understand that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities, to ensure that the optimum use is made of these resources.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that there are currently 24 vehicles attached to the Garda R District. Of these 24 vehicles, a total of 10 vehicles, or just under 42%, are aged 10 years or older. I am further informed by the Garda authorities that there are no vehicles in the district in question with 300,000 kilometres on the clock and that those vehicles close to this figure are included in the number of vehicles that are aged 10 years or older.
I understand that An Garda Síochána operate a comprehensive service repair and maintenance programme to ensure that all vehicles in the fleet are operating to manufacturers specifications. All vehicles are operated up to the manufacturers durability limits (which is generally 300,000km) or uneconomic repair irrespective of age.
Finally, I am informed that a further 28 vehicles are due to be allocated to the Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR) this year on a prioritised basis as determined by the Assistant Commissioner DMR.
Prison Service Staff
Ceisteanna (206)
Thomas Byrne
Ceist:206. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 194 of 1 May 2018, when a person (details supplied) can expect to be called for their appeal hearing with the Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal. [20208/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy may be aware, the Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal administers the Scheme of Compensation for Personal Injuries Criminally Inflicted on Prison Officers. Under the terms of the Scheme, the Tribunal is entirely independent in considering applications made under the Scheme. However, to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made of the Tribunal.
Appeal hearings are planned in chronological order by the date the appeal was lodged and are heard by three Tribunal members. I understand that the Tribunal secretariat is currently scheduling appeal hearings up to the summer period and that the Tribunal will write to applicants and/or their legal representatives when the dates for further appeal hearings are set.
Job Creation Targets
Ceisteanna (207)
Billy Kelleher
Ceist:207. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the annual targets for attaining 70,000 returned emigrants as per the A Programme for A Partnership Government commitment in tabular form; and the progress to date. [19617/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government's goal is to support the creation of an additional 200,000 jobs by 2020, including 135,000 outside of Dublin, and to attract back at least 70,000 emigrants. The whole of Government effort to deliver on these objectives is supported by the annual Action Plan for Jobs.
The CSO estimates that between April 2016 and April 2017, 27,400 Irish emigrants returned to Ireland. As the economy continues to grow and the economy approaches full employment, this trend is likely to continue.
Since the first Action Plan for Jobs was launched in early 2012, there are almost 346,000 more people at work bringing total employment in the State to 2,225,100 (as of Q4 2017). My Department and its agencies have a range of initiatives to connect with Irish emigrants (and others) to outline the careers and entrepreneurial opportunities in Ireland. These include:
- IDA Ireland actively promotes Ireland as a location for new investment and Enterprise Ireland has specific targets to attract entrepreneurs to Ireland with a focused marketing programme underway in international markets.
- Since 2016, my Department has funded TechLife Ireland- a partnership with Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland and the Irish Technology industry - to promote and brand Ireland as a top destination to pursue a career in technology and attract top tech professionals to Ireland. Industry is playing an important role in supporting the initiative and driving its development.
- Science Foundation Ireland encourages leading researchers to move to Ireland raising Ireland's profile as a location for research excellence and career advancement. For instance, SFI awards two Saint Patrick's Day Science Medals to distinguished Irish scientists, engineers or technology leaders living and working in the USA: one academic and one from industry.
Finally, I would emphasise that ensuring a continued focus on attracting foreign direct investment and maintaining and improving competitiveness is critical to attracting talent back to Ireland.
Research and Development Supports
Ceisteanna (208, 213)
Billy Kelleher
Ceist:208. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the way in which research and development expenditure has been afforded a sufficiently high priority in Departments since the launch of Innovation 2020 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19632/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraBilly Kelleher
Ceist:213. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if there is still a commitment to attain the Innovation 2020 research and development intensity target of 2.5% of GNP in view of recently published reports (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19631/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 208 and 213 together.
As part of a coordinated European response to the challenges for growth and jobs, Ireland, along with our EU colleagues, signed up to the Europe 2020 Strategy in 2011. Under Europe 2020, Ireland committed to raise gross (public and private) investment in Research and Development (R&D) to 2.5% of GNP by 2020. We reiterated this commitment in Innovation 2020, Ireland’s strategy for research and development, science and technology.
The overarching vision in Innovation 2020 is for Ireland to become a Global Innovation Leader driving a strong sustainable economy and a better society – within this the focus is on excellence, talent and impact. Innovation 2020 commits all research funding government departments to ensure that R&D expenditure is afforded a sufficiently high priority.
As part of the whole of Government approach to Innovation 2020, an Implementation Group chaired by my Department and comprising representatives from key Government Departments, research funding agencies and the Chief Scientific Adviser to the Government has been established and is tasked with driving delivery of the actions in Innovation 2020.
As committed to in Innovation 2020, the Implementation Group is to report annually to the Cabinet Committee on progress in achieving high-level targets and delivering on actions. Two progress reports have been published and are available on my Department’s website, www.dbei.ie. Innovation 2020 comprises 139 actions (which includes headline actions and their sub-actions). The Second Progress report, reporting on actions taken in the period up to July 2017, was published in December 2017. It stated that 42 actions had been initiated, 67 actions were ongoing and 8 actions were complete. The third progress report is due to be brought to Cabinet in July 2018.
As three quarters of Ireland’s gross expenditure on R&D is funded by enterprise, a very significant part of our policy has been to align public effort in a manner that leverages R&D activity in the enterprise sectors. While private spending on R&D slowed during the financial crisis, it has been increasing steadily since 2011. Direct public expenditure on R&D climbed from €719m in 2016 to an estimated €768m for 2017.
Notwithstanding that we have increased both public and private R&D spending in recent years, Ireland’s R&D intensity rate (R&D budget as a percentage of GNP) was estimated at 1.52% of GNP for 2015 and 1.43% of GNP in 2016. The recent fall has been due, in part, to the increase in GNP, which was particularly strong in 2015 for one-off reasons. While Ireland has not yet reached its 2020 target, it is worth noting only 2 of the EU27 countries have reached their targets as per latest figures.
The CSO introduced a new indicator in July 2017 (modified GNI or GNI*) designed to exclude globalisation effects that disproportionately impact the measurement of the size of the Irish economy. When using GNI* as a complementary indicator, the R&D intensity rate is estimated at 1.72% for 2016.
A mid-term evaluation of Innovation 2020 will be undertaken this year. This will give us the opportunity to review progress on the targets, goals and actions in Innovation 2020 so that we can identify any relevant adjustments in a timely manner to ensure successful delivery on the vision and objectives.
It is recognised that we will need to continue our drive to increase public and private investment in R&D if we are to realise our vision in Innovation 2020. I have emphasised that across Government there is a need to ensure that in discussions regarding financial allocations for future years, the importance of funding for R&D is kept to the fore.
Film Industry Promotion
Ceisteanna (209)
Joan Burton
Ceist:209. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the conditions that surrounded the sale of the State's stake in a studio (details supplied); the way in which this fits into the strategy in respect of securing Ireland as an attractive location for film production into the future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20043/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Ardmore Studios Limited has been sold to Olcott Entertainment Limited. The Ardmore site is currently zoned for Film Industry use only, and this protection is due to run for at least 5 more years under the Bray Municipal District Local Area plan. The site cannot be used for non-Film Industry development without the agreement of Wicklow County Council to alter the current zoning restriction.
Enterprise Ireland negotiated the sale of its shareholding with the benefit of due diligence undertaken by independent consultants and are satisfied that they realised full market value, and on a par with the other parties.
Investment is required in the Ardmore studio’s facilities to secure its long term commercial future and the Olcott Entertainment deal provides the potential to breathe new life into the company at a time when the market for film production in Ireland is again showing good growth potential.
I understand that Olcott plans to develop and expand the Ardmore Studio offering, and other related entertainment projects, and to retain the current experienced Ardmore management and staff.
The promoters of Olcott Entertainment have a strong track record in the film production industry. This acquisition will ensure Ardmore Studios continues to be a world class film studio, can strengthen the potential of Ireland as a location for film production and take advantage of new opportunities in emerging areas including on-demand TV, content and gaming production.
Overall, I am confident that the sale will not only continue to ensure high quality production of current projects, but will also provide continued investment in the studio, and employment opportunities for the skilled workers in the area.
Policy responsibility for the development of the film industry rests with my colleague, Ms Josepha Madigan, TD, Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.
The Irish Film Board is the national development agency for the Irish film, TV Drama and the animation industry. Its statutory remit is to assist and encourage the making of film in the State and the development of the industry in Ireland. In 2018, €18 million was allocated to the IFB, an increase of €1.55 million from the previous year.
The Film Board also supports the Irish screen industries at major international markets and festivals, promotes inward investment, the use of Ireland as a location for international production and provides support for companies filming in Ireland. The Board liaises with IDA Ireland and Tourism Ireland to maximise opportunities for the promotion of Ireland as a location for film productions. Information on its funding scheme is available on the Irish Film Board website at www.irishfilmboard.ie.
The Government also supports the film industry through the film tax relief scheme - Section 481 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997. The twin approach of direct funding and tax expenditure measures maximises the benefits of the Government’s support to the audiovisual industry.
Unfair Dismissals
Ceisteanna (210)
Mick Barry
Ceist:210. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the recourse available in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20045/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I understand that in the specific case referred to by the deputy, an unfair dismissal case was lodged with the Employment Appeals Tribunal (EAT) in 2013. The case was subsequently heard on 24 October 2014 and the EAT determination issued to the parties on 20 November 2014.
I must advise the deputy however that once the determination of the Employment Appeals Tribunal issues, the Tribunal has no further function in the matter.
The mechanism for enforcing determinations of the Employment Appeals Tribunal generally involves an application to the Circuit Court for an order directing compliance, or instituting proceedings in the District Court.
As I understand it, the collection of any monies outstanding in respect of a Circuit Court order is the responsibility of the relevant County Sheriff.
Appointments to State Boards
Ceisteanna (211, 212, 215, 217)
Billy Kelleher
Ceist:211. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the status of plans to appoint two further directors to the Personal Injuries Assessment Board; and the criteria under consideration for their selection. [19628/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraBilly Kelleher
Ceist:212. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if a representative for small policy holders will be included on the Personal Injuries Assessment Board and in the future appointment of directors to the board. [19629/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Michael McGrath
Ceist:215. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the process involved in appointing directors to the Personal Injuries Assessment Board; the person or body that recommends possible appointees; the skill set required for the position of director with the board; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19814/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMichael McGrath
Ceist:217. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if there is scope to appoint directors to the Personal Injuries Assessment Board who have a background in consumer issues and affairs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19816/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 211, 212, 215 and 217 together.
The Board of the Personal Injuries Assessment Board is appointed by me as Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation in accordance with the provisions of the Personal Injuries Assessment Board Act 2003 and in compliance with the procedures outlined in the ‘Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies (2016). The Board consists of a Chairperson, the Chief Executive and nine ordinary members of which six are nominated by external bodies designated under legislation. The six external bodies are as follows:
- 2 persons nominated by ICTU
- 1 person nominated by Ibec
- 1 person nominated by the Irish Insurance Federation (IIF)
- 1 person nominated by the Central Bank
- 1 person nominated by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission.
In addition to the six statutory nominees outlined above, members are generally recruited to the Board through open advertisement on the State Boards portal www.stateboards.ie operated by the Public Appointments Service (PAS) who, since 2014, have been responsible for putting in place an open, accessible, rigorous and transparent system to support Ministers in making appointments to State Boards.
There are currently two vacancies on the Board with a third position becoming vacant in July 2018. One of these vacancies will be filled by seeking a nominee from Insurance Ireland (formerly the Irish Insurance Federation) as one of the nominating bodies under the Personal Injuries Assessment Board Act 2003.
The most recent advertisement on stateboards.ie seeks to recruit persons with medical and legal expertise for the other two Board positions. Candidates are sought on the basis of this expertise, rather than being representatives of either medical or legal bodies. Expertise in these areas is something the Board believes would be useful to its functioning and such skills have been available to the Board in the past. Other desirable criteria for the posts include: prior experience on a Board, Committee or Working Group at a senior level; knowledge of corporate governance and risk management; understanding of the public sector, in particular, accountability structures and reforms; as well as familiarity with claims assessment, the insurance industry and of personal injuries in particular.
Any individual who believes that they meet these criteria may apply and will be assessed in that regard.
As with all such advertisements, PAS advertise and manage the application process. When all applications are received, PAS will assemble an Assessment Panel to consider the applications and present a list of eligible candidates to the Department for onward transmission to me as Minister.
Corporate Governance standards require that Board Members act in good faith and in the best interests of the State body. The duty of Board Members is owed to the Agency and not to any specific stakeholder.