Tuesday, 22 May 2018

Written Answers Nos. 99-117

Employment Data

Ceisteanna (99)

Billy Kelleher

Ceist:

99. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Taoiseach the participation rates of men and women in the labour force by age ranges (details supplied); and the corresponding EU 15 and EU 28 participation rates for the same age ranges by gender, in tabular form. [22480/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach

The Labour Force Survey (LFS) is the official source of estimates of labour force (ILO) in the State. This survey replaced the Quarterly National Household Survey (QNHS) from Q3 2017.

The most recent LFS figures available are for the Q4 2017.

The table shows the latest participation rates for persons aged 15 years and over by sex and age group for Q4 2017 for Ireland and the corresponding EU 28 participation rate for Q4 2017.

Data for the age groups 25-34, 35-44 and 45-54 at EU15 and EU28 level was not readily available from EUROSTAT at the time of issue. This data has been requested from EUROSTAT and will be provided to the Deputy as soon as it is available.

Participation rates of persons aged 15 years and over by sex and age group, Q4 2017 - %

Ireland	Q4 17	EU15	Q4 17	EU28	Q4 17
Males		Males		Males
15-19 years	25.8	15-19 years	24.8	15-19 years	21.9
20-24 years	71.2	20-24 years	65.7	20-24 years	65.1
25-34 years	90.4	25-34 years	N/A	25-34 years	N/A
35-44 years	91.9	35-44 years	N/A	35-44 years	N/A
45-54 years	88.6	45-54 years	N/A	45-54 years	N/A
55-59 years	78.0	55-59 years	83.2	55-59 years	82.0
60-64 years	61.7	60-64 years	54.6	60-64 years	53.5
65+ years	18.5	65+ years	8.6	65+ years	8.5
15-64 years	78.7	15-64 years	79.4	15-64 years	79.0
15-74 years	72.9	15-74 years	70.7	15-74 years	70.5
15 years and over	68.8	15 years and over	64.3	15 years and over	64.5
Females		Females		Females
15-19 years	23.1	15-19 years	22.1	15-19 years	19.2
20-24 years	66.0	20-24 years	61.0	20-24 years	58.3
25-34 years	80.8	25-34 years	N/A	25-34 years	N/A
35-44 years	78.1	35-44 years	N/A	35-44 years	N/A
45-54 years	70.8	45-54 years	N/A	45-54 years	N/A
55-59 years	61.1	55-59 years	70.0	55-59 years	68.9
60-64 years	47.3	60-64 years	42.2	60-64 years	38.6
65+ years	5.9	65+ years	4.0	65+ years	4.0
15-64 years	66.9	15-64 years	69.1	15-64 years	68.0
15-74 years	60.7	15-74 years	60.2	15-74 years	59.1
15 years and over	55.9	15 years and over	52.7	15 years and over	51.9
All Persons		All persons		All persons
15-19 years	24.5	15-19 years	23.5	15-19 years	20.6
20-24 years	68.6	20-24 years	63.4	20-24 years	61.7
25-34 years	85.5	25-34 years	N/A	25-34 years	N/A
35-44 years	84.9	35-44 years	N/A	35-44 years	N/A
45-54 years	79.7	45-54 years	N/A	45-54 years	N/A
55-59 years	69.5	55-59 years	76.5	55-59 years	75.3
60-64 years	54.5	60-64 years	48.2	60-64 years	45.7
65+ years	11.8	65+ years	6.0	65+ years	6.0
15-64 years	72.8	15-64 years	74.3	15-64 years	73.5
15-74 years	66.8	15-74 years	65.4	15-74 years	64.7
15 years and over	62.2	15 years and over	58.3	15 years and over	58.0

Source: Labour Force Survey (LFS), Central Statistics Office, Ireland and EUROSTAT.

N/A - Corresponding age ranges not available on EU site.

Data may be subject to future revision.

Data may be subject to sampling or other survey errors, which are greater in respect of smaller values or estimates of change.

Reference period: q4=Oct-Dec.

Note: A new Labour Force Survey (LFS) replaced the Quarterly National Household Survey (QNHS) in Q3 2017 and, as a result, care should be taken when comparing data from before and after this period. Please see background notes of the LFS release for additional information.

Employment Data

Ceisteanna (100)

Billy Kelleher

Ceist:

100. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Taoiseach the employment rates of men and women in the labour force by age ranges (details supplied); and the corresponding EU 15 and EU 28 employment rates for the same age ranges by gender, in tabular form. [22481/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach

The Labour Force Survey (LFS) is the official source of estimates of labour force (ILO) in the State. This survey replaced the Quarterly National Household Survey (QNHS) from Q3 2017.

The most recent LFS figures available are for the Q4 2017.

The table shows the latest employment rates for persons aged 15 years and over by sex and age group for Q4 2017 for Ireland and the corresponding EU 15 and EU 28 employment rates for Q4 2017.

Data for the age groups 25-34, 35-44 and 45-54 at EU15 and EU28 level was not readily available from EUROSTAT at the time of issue. This data has been requested from EUROSTAT and will be provided to the Deputy as soon as it is available.

Employment rates of persons aged 15 years and over by sex and age group, Q4 2017 - %

Ireland	Q4 17	EU15	Q4 17	EU28	Q4 17
Males		Males		Males
15-19 years	20.0	15-19 years	20.1	15-19 years	17.5
20-24 years	63.7	20-24 years	55.0	20-24 years	54.9
25-34 years	84.2	25-34 years	N/A	25-34 years	N/A
35-44 years	86.4	35-44 years	N/A	35-44 years	N/A
45-54 years	84.8	45-54 years	N/A	45-54 years	N/A
55-59 years	73.7	55-59 years	78.1	55-59 years	77.3
60-64 years	58.0	60-64 years	51.1	60-64 years	50.4
65+ years	18.2	65+ years	8.4	65+ years	8.4
15-64 years	73.5	15-64 years	73.3	15-64 years	73.3
15-74 years	68.2	15-74 years	65.3	15-74 years	65.5
15 years and over	64.3	15 years and over	59.4	15 years and over	59.9
Females		Females		Females
15-19 years	19.0	15-19 years	17.9	15-19 years	15.4
20-24 years	61.2	20-24 years	52.1	20-24 years	49.8
25-34 years	76.2	25-34 years	N/A	25-34 years	N/A
35-44 years	74.2	35-44 years	N/A	35-44 years	N/A
45-54 years	67.9	45-54 years	N/A	45-54 years	N/A
55-59 years	57.3	55-59 years	66.0	55-59 years	65.2
60-64 years	45.2	60-64 years	39.9	60-64 years	36.7
65+ years	5.8	65+ years	3.9	65+ years	4.0
15-64 years	63.1	15-64 years	63.4	15-64 years	62.8
15-74 years	57.3	15-74 years	55.2	15-74 years	54.6
15 years and over	52.7	15 years and over	48.4	15 years and over	48.0
All Persons		All persons		All persons
15-19 years	19.5	15-19 years	19.0	15-19 years	16.5
20-24 years	62.4	20-24 years	53.6	20-24 years	52.4
25-34 years	80.1	25-34 years	N/A	25-34 years	N/A
35-44 years	80.2	35-44 years	N/A	35-44 years	N/A
45-54 years	76.3	45-54 years	N/A	45-54 years	N/A
55-59 years	65.4	55-59 years	71.9	55-59 years	71.1
60-64 years	51.6	60-64 years	45.3	60-64 years	43.2
65+ years	11.6	65+ years	5.9	65+ years	5.9
15-64 years	68.3	15-64 years	68.3	15-64 years	68.1
15-74 years	62.7	15-74 years	60.2	15-74 years	60.0
15 years and over	58.4	15 years and over	53.8	15 years and over	53.8

Source: Labour Force Survey (LFS), Central Statistics Office, Ireland and EUROSTAT.

N/A - Corresponding age ranges not available on EU site.

Data may be subject to future revision.

Data may be subject to sampling or other survey errors, which are greater in respect of smaller values or estimates of change.

Reference period: q4=Oct-Dec.

Note: A new Labour Force Survey (LFS) replaced the Quarterly National Household Survey (QNHS) in Q3 2017 and, as a result, care should be taken when comparing data from before and after this period. Please see background notes of the LFS release for additional information.

Employment Data

Ceisteanna (101)

Billy Kelleher

Ceist:

101. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Taoiseach the participation rates of men and women in the labour force by age ranges (details supplied) by those who have attained a third level qualification and those who have not; and the corresponding EU 15 and EU 28 participation rates for the age ranges by gender and third level qualification attainment, in tabular form. [22482/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach

The Labour Force Survey (LFS) is the official source of estimates of labour force (ILO) in the State. This survey replaced the Quarterly National Household Survey (QNHS) from Q3 2017.

The most recent LFS figures available are for the Q4 2017.

Data for the age groups marked as ‘N/A’ at EU15 and EU28 level was not readily available from EUROSTAT at the time of issue. This data has been requested from EUROSTAT and will be provided to the Deputy as soon as it is available.

The tables show the latest participation rates for persons aged 15 years and over by sex, age group and the highest level of education attained for Q4 2017 for Ireland and the corresponding EU 15 and EU 28 participation rates for Q4 2017.

Participation rates of persons aged 15 years and over by sex, age group and highest level of education attained, Q4 2017 - %

Ireland	15-19	20-24	25-34	35-44	45-54	55-59	60-64	65+	15-64	15-74	15 years and over
Males
Less than primary, primary and lower secondary education	12.3	46.8	73.9	78.3	78.5	66.7	56.2	15.3	53.8	50.4	44.8
Upper secondary and post-secondary non-tertiary education	*	86.0	94.2	95.4	95.0	90.2	67.7	23.5	92.3	90.2	88.3
Tertiary education	51.5	69.1	90.4	92.3	88.7	82.0	62.9	19.9	81.5	79.3	77.3
No response	*	50.9	84.3	92.3	85.3	65.4	*	19.5	78.6	43.5	38.6
All ISCED 2011 levels	25.8	71.2	90.5	91.9	88.6	78.0	61.7	18.4	78.8	72.9	68.8
Females
Less than primary, primary and lower secondary education	9.9	33.9	41.2	38.7	37.2	42.0	35.2	3.0	28.0	25.1	19.9
Upper secondary and post-secondary non-tertiary education	*	82.4	90.7	85.9	85.7	76.6	55.9	11.8	84.5	82.6	80.3
Tertiary education	49.3	61.1	71.5	73.1	67.6	63.3	50.5	8.2	65.5	63.4	60.6
No response	43.1	58.4	76.7	82.6	67.0	42.0	*	6.0	66.4	30.3	27.0
All ISCED 2011 levels	23.1	65.9	80.8	78.1	70.8	61.1	47.3	5.9	66.9	60.7	55.9
All Persons
Less than primary, primary and lower secondary education	11.0	41.7	61.1	63.5	62.2	56.1	47.1	8.6	42.6	39.3	33.2
Upper secondary and post-secondary non-tertiary education	*	83.9	92.2	90.1	90.0	82.8	61.3	17.1	88.0	86.1	84.0
Tertiary education	50.5	65.3	81.5	83.2	77.4	72.0	56.2	13.4	73.5	71.4	68.9
No response	39.6	54.5	80.4	87.4	77.0	53.9	52.6	12.7	72.0	36.6	32.6
All ISCED 2011 levels	24.5	68.7	85.5	84.9	79.7	69.5	54.4	11.8	72.8	66.8	62.2

%

EU15	15-19	20-24	25-34	35-44	45-54	55-59	60-64	65+	15-64	15-74	15 years and over
Males
Less than primary, primary and lower secondary education	20.5	70.2	N/A	N/A	N/A	74.6	43.1	N/A	65.6	56.5	N/A
Upper secondary and post-secondary non-tertiary education	40.9	63.1	N/A	N/A	N/A	84.6	55.2	N/A	81.9	74.7	N/A
Tertiary education	61.7	70.1	N/A	N/A	N/A	90.6	68.2	N/A	91.2	83.5	N/A
No response	*	57.9	N/A	N/A	N/A	71.4	*	N/A	30.4	14.2	N/A
All ISCED 2011 levels	24.8	65.7	N/A	N/A	N/A	83.2	54.6	N/A	79.4	70.7	N/A
Females
Less than primary, primary and lower secondary education	17.2	58.5	N/A	N/A	N/A	53.5	30.5	N/A	47.2	37.6	N/A
Upper secondary and post-secondary non-tertiary education	36.7	57.6	N/A	N/A	N/A	75.1	46.1	N/A	72.0	65.1	N/A
Tertiary education	64.5	71.7	N/A	N/A	N/A	82.9	56.1	N/A	85.2	79.6	N/A
No response	*	57.7	N/A	N/A	N/A	60.1	*	N/A	25.0	9.9	N/A
All ISCED 2011 levels	22.1	61.0	N/A	N/A	N/A	70.0	42.2	N/A	69.1	60.2	N/A
All Persons
Less than primary, primary and lower secondary education	18.9	65.5	N/A	N/A	N/A	63.5	36.0	N/A	56.7	46.9	N/A
Upper secondary and post-secondary non-tertiary education	38.7	60.4	N/A	N/A	N/A	79.8	50.7	N/A	77.0	70.0	N/A
Tertiary education	63.3	71.0	N/A	N/A	N/A	86.8	62.3	N/A	88.0	81.5	N/A
No response	1.8	57.8	N/A	N/A	N/A	65.6	43.1	N/A	27.8	12.0	N/A
All ISCED 2011 levels	23.5	63.4	N/A	N/A	N/A	76.5	48.2	N/A	74.3	65.4	N/A

%

EU28	15-19	20-24	25-34	35-44	45-54	55-59	60-64	65+	15-64	15-74	15 years and over
Males
Less than primary, primary and lower secondary education	17.0	69.5	N/A	N/A	N/A	73.6	42.2	N/A	62.7	54.2	N/A
Upper secondary and post-secondary non-tertiary education	40.2	62.9	N/A	N/A	N/A	82.5	52.9	N/A	81.9	74.3	N/A
Tertiary education	60.9	69.1	N/A	N/A	N/A	90.4	68.7	N/A	91.5	83.9	N/A
No response	*	57.9	N/A	N/A	N/A	71.6	*	N/A	30.5	14.2	N/A
All ISCED 2011 levels	21.9	65.1	N/A	N/A	N/A	82.0	53.5	N/A	79.0	70.5	N/A
Females
Less than primary, primary and lower secondary education	13.8	54.6	N/A	N/A	N/A	52.2	28.5	N/A	44.4	35.3	N/A
Upper secondary and post-secondary non-tertiary education	35.5	54.9	N/A	N/A	N/A	72.0	39.0	N/A	70.2	62.7	N/A
Tertiary education	64.0	70.4	N/A	N/A	N/A	83.4	54.8	N/A	85.3	79.6	N/A
No response	*	57.8	N/A	N/A	N/A	60.5	*	N/A	25.1	10.0	N/A
All ISCED 2011 levels	19.2	58.3	N/A	N/A	N/A	68.9	38.6	N/A	68.0	59.1	N/A
All Persons
Less than primary, primary and lower secondary education	15.5	63.4	N/A	N/A	N/A	62.2	34.4	N/A	53.7	44.5	N/A
Upper secondary and post-secondary non-tertiary education	37.8	59.0	N/A	N/A	N/A	77.3	46.0	N/A	76.2	68.7	N/A
Tertiary education	62.7	69.9	N/A	N/A	N/A	86.8	61.8	N/A	88.1	81.6	N/A
No response	1.8	57.8	N/A	N/A	N/A	65.9	42.9	N/A	27.8	12.0	N/A
All ISCED 2011 levels	20.6	61.7	N/A	N/A	N/A	75.3	45.7	N/A	73.5	64.7	N/A

Source: Labour Force Survey (LFS), Central Statistics Office, Ireland and EUROSTAT.

N/A - Corresponding age ranges not available on the EUROSTAT site.

* Estimates for numbers of persons or averages where there are less than 30 persons in a cell are not produced as estimates are too small to be considered reliable.

Data may be subject to future revision.

Data may be subject to sampling or other survey errors, which are greater in respect of smaller values or estimates of change.

Reference period: q4=Oct-Dec.

Note: A new Labour Force Survey (LFS) replaced the Quarterly National Household Survey (QNHS) in Q3 2017 and, as a result, care should be taken when comparing data from before and after this period. Please see background notes of the LFS release for additional information.

Strategic Communications Unit

Ceisteanna (102)

Niall Collins

Ceist:

102. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Taoiseach if his Department has finished examining the report on the strategic communications unit of 27 March 2018, which stated that information from a company was still outstanding; and if he is satisfied with same. [21657/18]

Freagraí scríofa

The Taoiseach

The report from this review was accepted by Government on 27 March last and published on the same date. This is now being implemented. In accordance with the report, there will be a managed reversion to the more traditional GIS model, with a transition period until July 2018.

At the time of the review and its accompanying reports, some information from a specific company was still outstanding. This was raised at the Select Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform and Taoiseach, on 29 March last. I subsequently wrote to the Chairman of the Select Committee, clarifying that additional information had been received following the publication of the review reports and providing this information. This information has now been published on the merrionstreet.ie website. This information does not lead to any material change either to the review of the operation of the SCU or the recommendations contained there in.

Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements

Ceisteanna (103)

Mattie McGrath

Ceist:

103. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Taoiseach the meetings he has held with companies (details supplied) since 2017; and the areas of Government or public policy he has discussed at these meetings. [22096/18]

Freagraí scríofa

The Taoiseach

Since I was appointed Taoiseach on 14 June 2017, I met with Google and Facebook on the following occasions.

On 12 September 2017 I met with the Vice President of Google where our discussions included Google’s plans for their operations in Ireland, and ongoing technological trends and the resultant regulatory challenges.

I had a three day visit to Seattle, Silicon Valley and San Francisco from 1 to 3 November 2017. The primary focus of the visit was on growing trade, investment and tourism opportunities between Ireland and the US, and on highlighting Ireland’s priorities in the context of Brexit and other international developments.

As part of the visit I visited the Headquarters of a number of companies with significant investments and operations in Ireland, including Facebook and Google. At each of these meetings, senior executives outlined their very positive experiences in Ireland, including the strong capabilities of their Irish-based workforces, and the positive outlook for their operations here. During the visit, I met Mr. Mark Zuckerburg, CEO of Facebook, however, I did not have any substantive discussion on regulatory matters with him.

On 8 February 2018 I attended the official opening of the new Google building in Grand Canal Dock.

National Digital Strategy Implementation

Ceisteanna (104)

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

104. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Taoiseach the status of the national digital strategy; if he plans to include a digital safety commissioner as part of this strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22387/18]

Freagraí scríofa

The Taoiseach

The Action Plan for Jobs 2018 commits to the development of a framework for a high level National Digital Strategy. The purpose of the Strategy is to provide a coherent vision across sectoral policies, which relate to digital matters. The Strategy will enable Ireland to maximise the economic and societal benefits that arise from ongoing digitalisation.

A Digital Strategy Interdepartmental Group has recently been established to support the development of a framework for the National Digital Strategy. The Strategy is a cross-Government effort, led jointly by a number of Departments, including my own.

As the Digital Strategy Interdepartmental Group is in the preliminary stages of its work, it is not possible at this point to pre-empt any conclusions regarding what may or may not be included as part of a new National Digital Strategy. Over the coming weeks, the Group will engage with relevant stakeholders, to inform the development of a framework for a new National Digital Strategy.

Departmental Expenditure

Ceisteanna (105)

Mattie McGrath

Ceist:

105. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the breakdown of the training and development and incidental expenses incurred by his Department in the year ending 31 December 2017. [22137/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

The total expenditure on training and development of civil servants and civilian employees of my Department in the year ending 31 December 2017 was €238,539.16.

Incidental expenditure, such as individual travel and subsistence, is not collated centrally and is not met from the training and development budget.

Departmental Expenditure

Ceisteanna (106)

Mattie McGrath

Ceist:

106. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the breakdown of the travel and subsistence expenses incurred by his Department in the year ending 31 December 2017. [22153/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

Total expenditure by my Department on travel and subsistence in 2017 was €656,815.66. Of this amount, €401,231.88 was expended on travel and €255,583.78 on subsistence.

Departmental Expenditure

Ceisteanna (107)

Mattie McGrath

Ceist:

107. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the consultancy services, value for money and policy review expenses incurred by his Department in the year ending 31 December 2017. [22169/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

My Department expended €114,474.16 on consultancy services in the year ending 31 December 2017. No expenditure on external services was incurred in respect of value for money or policy reviews in 2017.

Commemorative Medals

Ceisteanna (108)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

108. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 676 of 9 May 2017, the progress on plans for a commemorative plaque or framed medal with an accompanying citation (details supplied); and when a formal presentation ceremony regarding same will take place. [22533/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

At my request, discussions took place between the Department and the Veterans’ Associations; the Irish United Nations Veterans Association (IUNVA), the Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel (ONE), and the Association of Retired Commissioned Officers (ARCO), to explore means of recognition of the contribution of veterans to the centenary commemorative events in 2016.

Following these discussions, it was agreed that a single presentation would be made to each of the Veterans Associations of a framed medal with an accompanying citation in recognition of the significant contribution of members of the three organisations to the 1916 centenary commemorative events and their service to the State. The medal has a bar with the term Veteran inscribed on it. I agreed that a plaque would be given to each of IUNVA’s 21 Posts and to each of O.N.E.’s 41 Branches.

I presented one plaque to each of the three Veterans’ Associations at last year's Defence Forces’ Veterans’ Day which took place in the Defence Forces Training Centre, the Curragh, on Sunday 8 October 2017. The other plaques were presented separately.

Defence Forces Medical Services

Ceisteanna (109)

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

109. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence when he plans to acknowledge the role of paramedics and advanced paramedics in the Permanent Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22546/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

Pre-hospital practitioners such as Paramedics and Advanced Paramedics are an integral and essential part of the service delivery component of the Medical Corps and serve at home and abroad in medical appointments. By definition they are Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council ( PHECC)-registered and must comply with specific requirements (currency in Clinical Practice Guidelines and adequate clinical exposure to maintain their skills) before being granted Practice Privileges by Director Medical Branch to act on behalf of the Defence Forces.

There is a claim from PDFORRA in relation to the addition of DF Paramedics and Advanced Paramedics to the National Ambulance Service (NAS) rota. As matters under the CandA Scheme are confidential, it would not be appropriate to comment further on the matter.

Defence Forces Reserve Strength

Ceisteanna (110)

Jack Chambers

Ceist:

110. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the permitted strength by rank and unit for the Reserve Defence Forces; the effective strength of the force at the most recent date available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22593/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

The numerical establishment of the Army Reserve and Naval Service Reserve is set out in the following table.

Rank	Army Reserve Establishment	Naval Service Reserve Establishment	Total
Lieutenant Colonel	5	0	5
Commandant	60	4	64
Captain	107	20	127
Lieutenant	110	0	110
Sergeant Major	1	0	1
Battalion Quartermaster Sergeant	0	4	4
Company Sergeant	38	8	46
Company Quartermaster Sergeant	38	0	38
Sergeant	301	16	317
Corporal	708	32	740
Private	2,501	116	2,617
Total	3,869	200	4,069

The current effective strength (as of 31 March 2018) of the Reserve Defence Force is 1,777 personnel (1,653 Army Reserve and 124 Naval Service Reserve).

I am aware that there is a shortfall between these figures and those of the establishment.  A recruitment campaign for both the Army Reserve and Naval Service Reserve is currently taking place and will close on 4 June 2018. The 2017 recruitment campaign for the Army Reserve and Naval Service Reserve began in July 2017 and attracted 1,221 applications. A total of 139 new recruits were inducted into the RDF in 2017 and in 2018, as of 14 May, a further 55 personnel were inducted.

I would like to assure the Deputy that I remain committed to the ongoing development of the RDF within the framework set out in the White Paper on Defence.

Foreign Conflicts

Ceisteanna (111, 112, 116, 118, 120, 123, 124)

Ruth Coppinger

Ceist:

111. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the killing of Palestinians at the Gaza border on 14 May 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22037/18]

Ruth Coppinger

Ceist:

112. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the action he will take to demonstrate opposition to the killing of Palestinians at the Gaza border on 14 May 2018; and if he will report on his contact with the Israeli authorities on this matter. [22038/18]

Clare Daly

Ceist:

116. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will request an independent and effective investigation into reports that Israeli soldiers in recent days have been unlawfully killing Palestinian civilians using live fire, other firearms and a variety of excessive force means against unarmed protesters; and if the unequivocally excessive, disproportionate and lethal use of force by Israel against Palestinians peacefully protesting in Gaza will be condemned. [22185/18]

Niall Collins

Ceist:

118. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on his meeting with the Israeli ambassador to Ireland in the aftermath of the killing of dozens of Palestinians at the Gaza border; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22226/18]

Niall Collins

Ceist:

120. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the specific steps he will take following the deaths of dozens of Palestinians at the Gaza border; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22228/18]

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

123. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the reported 60 Palestinians who have been killed and the 2,200 injured during the US embassy opening in Jerusalem on 14 May 2018; if he will raise this matter with his EU colleagues and with the United Nations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22321/18]

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

124. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the actions being taken to condemn Israeli forces which are reported to have killed 60 Palestinians and injured 2,200 during the US embassy opening in Jerusalem on 14 May 2018; his plans to call in the Israeli ambassador and impose diplomatic sanctions in response to this outrage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22322/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I propose to take Questions Nos. 111, 112, 116, 118, 120, 123 and 124 together.

I refer the Deputies to my reply to Question No 31 on 15 May on this topic, and also to my address to a Topical Issues debate on 9 May and my more detailed statement during Statements on Palestine on 15 May, all dealing specifically with this issue.

A central element of my response in those contributions was to call for an independent and transparent investigation of the events in Gaza. Further to those remarks, at my instruction Ireland co-sponsored a motion at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, calling for a Special Session of the Council to discuss these events. At that Special Session on 18 May Ireland supported a resolution which inter-alia provided for the establishment of an independent Commission of Inquiry into what happened and why. Ireland does not currently sit on the Council and so did not have a vote. The resolution was adopted and the Commission will now be established.

Departmental Expenditure

Ceisteanna (113)

Mattie McGrath

Ceist:

113. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the breakdown of the training and development and incidental expenses incurred by his Department in the year ending 31 December 2017. [22141/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

My Department supports the continuous learning and development of its officers through the implementation of a broad range of training and professional development programmes. Learning and Development related expenditure in my Department under Vote 28 (Foreign Affairs and Trade) during 2017 amounted to €608,173 and covered:

The provision of training & development courses for staff of all grades including those based at HQ and at missions abroad.

Language training accounts for approximately one third of my Department’s training and development expenditure and in 2017 my Department invested €227,833 on language training for:

officers based both at HQ and at Missions abroad.

Non-language training expenditure included payment of fees for a range of third level courses, through the Department of Finance Refund of Fees Scheme, undertaken by 27 officers in the Department in their own time for a total amount of €144,985

Attendance at seminars and conferences relevant to the work of my Department: Trainer Fees, materials, equipment and miscellaneous expenditure was €132,836.

Expenditure on incidental expenses such as airfares and other official travel costs, accommodation costs and room hire.

Learning and Development related expenditure in my Department under Vote 27 (International Cooperation) during 2017 amounted to €175,996 and covered:

- The provision of training & development courses for staff of all grades including those based at HQ and at missions abroad.

For Vote 27, language training accounts for approximately €28,889 for staff at all grades including HQ, posted and local staff.

Non-language training expenditure included payment of fees for a range of third level courses amounted to €47,318 in 2017.

Costs for attendance at seminars and conferences relevant to the work of my Department under Vote 27 amounted to €6,555.

Trainer Fees, materials, equipment and miscellaneous expenditure was €93,234.

Departmental Expenditure

Ceisteanna (114)

Mattie McGrath

Ceist:

114. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the breakdown of the travel and subsistence expenses incurred by his Department in the year ending 31 December 2017. [22157/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

My Department comprises two separate votes, Vote 28 - Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Vote 27 - International Co-operation. The table sets out the breakdown of travel and subsistence costs across both Votes incurred in the year ending 31 December 2017. This does not include the spend on travel by the Department’s overseas Mission network.

Expense Type	Total - €
Air Travel	1,829,965
Car Hire	63,543
Hotel and Accommodation Costs	838,595
Mileage Costs	120,410
Other Travel Expenses	109,766
Rail and Bus Fares	101,416
Subsistence Costs	668,738
Taxi Fares	168,268
Total	3,900,701

My Department complies with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform guidelines on official travel. The central aim of the Departmental travel policy is to minimise official travel costs and to achieve value for money for expenditure necessarily incurred, consistent with the effective discharge of official duties.

Departmental Expenditure

Ceisteanna (115)

Mattie McGrath

Ceist:

115. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the consultancy services, value for money and policy review expenses incurred by his Department in the year ending 31 December 2017. [22173/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

My Department is responsible for two Votes – Vote 28 (Foreign Affairs and Trade) and Vote 27 (International Cooperation).

The Department seeks to minimise expenditure on consultants and commissions external expertise only in areas where highly specialised skills are not available internally. In-depth analysis of issues by external experts has informed, and continues to inform the Department’s policies, allowing for a more targeted use of resources and greater accountability in the allocation of budgets. These services are procured by open competitive tendering processes in accordance with EU and national rules and comply with the overall value for money objective of the Department.

Internal reports and reviews are undertaken on an ongoing basis and cover a wide range of topics and issues as required by the work of the Department.

The consultancy services, value for money and policy review expenses incurred by my Department in the year ending 31 December 2017 were €307,773.

Question No. 116 answered with Question No. 111.

Diplomatic Representation

Ceisteanna (117, 119)

Niall Collins

Ceist:

117. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the Irish ambassador to Israel was invited to the opening of the American embassy in Jerusalem; if so, if she attended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22225/18]

Niall Collins

Ceist:

119. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he relayed the Government's disapproval to the US Administration of its decision to formally open an embassy in Jerusalem in view of the fact that the status of the city is contested; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22227/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I propose to take Questions Nos. 117 and 119 together.

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question 46 on 17 May on this topic. The Government’s view of the move of the United States Embassy to Jerusalem has been expressed in my statement of 6 December when the decision was announced, in statements at EU level, and in direct contacts with US officials. The US Government is well aware of our view.

Ambassadors of other countries were not invited to the opening of the new Embassy on 14 May, which was purely a US-Israeli event. The Irish Ambassador was among other foreign diplomats invited to an earlier reception at the Israeli Foreign Ministry to mark the occasion. She did not attend.