Written Answers Nos. 123-138
123. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of part-time and full-time media advisers employed in his Department; the Civil Service grade of each media adviser; and the cost over a full year of employing all such advisers. [31244/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have appointed one full time media advisor in my Office at the Civil Service grade of Principal in an unestablished capacity. The current salary scale for a Principal in the Civil Service appointed on or after 6 April 1995 is €84,973 to €104,507.
124. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the specific projects which will receive the €29 million in extra capital expenditure in 2019 as outlined in Annex 1 of the National Development Plan 2018-2027; the amount each project will receive of this €29 million in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31272/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra125. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the specific projects which will receive the €106 million in capital funding allocated in 2019; the amount each project will receive of the €106 million in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31287/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 124 and 125 together.
The National Development Plan 2018 to 2027 provides €541 million in capital funding for Defence for the period 2018 – 2022. The capital amount allocated under the plan for 2019 is €106m, which represents an increase of €29m on the 2018 allocation. This level of funding will allow the Defence Organisation to undertake a programme of sustained equipment replacement and infrastructural development as identified and prioritised in the Defence White Paper.
Among the projects that have been prioritised in the Defence White Paper that will be advanced in 2019 are the following:-
- Maintenance and upgrade programme on the Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) fleet;
- Procurement of Fixed Wing Utility aircraft (Pilatus) as replacement for Cessna aircraft;
- Procurement of replacements of the two CASA 235 Maritime Patrol aircraft;
- Ongoing investment in Naval Service equipment platforms, including mid-life refit of Naval Vessels;
- Ongoing investment in the Defence Forces IT infrastructure;
- Ongoing investment in the Defence Forces built infrastructure, including the following specific projects;
- Secure storage compound in Defence Forces Training Centre;
- Accommodation facilities in Cathal Brugha Barracks, Dublin;
- Catering facilities in Custume Barracks, Athlone;
- Upgrade of Apprentice Hostel in Air Corps, Baldonnel.
These projects are multi annual projects and expenditure timeframes are yet to be finalised. Accordingly, the Department is not in a position to provide a more detailed breakdown of the 2019 allocation. However, I am satisfied that the capital allocation for Defence for 2019 and for the period to 2022 will allow the Defence Organisation to undertake a programme of sustained equipment replacement and infrastructural development as identified and prioritised in the Defence White Paper.
126. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the specific reason for the underspend in gross voted expenditure of €7 million as outlined in Appendix V of the June 2018 fiscal monitor; the specific projects that have an underspend; the value of the underspend on each project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31304/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe total gross budget allocation for the Defence and Army Pension Votes for 2018 is €946.5m, of which some €77m is allocated for capital expenditure purposes.
The variance of €7m as outline in Appendix V of the June 2018 Fiscal Monitor refers to capital expenditure against profile and is largely due to certain projects not progressing to the planned timeframe. These projects include the procurement of defensive equipment and investment in the Defence Forces built infrastructure and ICT environment. It is expected that capital expenditure will come into line with the profile over the coming months and that the Estimate Provision for 2018 will be fully expended by year-end.
My Department will continue to keep expenditure trends under review and provide monthly expenditure reports to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.
127. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if there was a wage increase approved for the Army Ranger wing of the Defence Forces in 2005; and if those serving soldiers were given the increase. [31381/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra128. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if the case of a person (details supplied) will be examined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31382/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 127 and 128 together.
The Conciliation and Arbitration scheme for members of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) provides a formal mechanism for the PDF representative associations, i.e. RACO and PDFORRA, to engage with the Official side. Having regard to commitments under national public service pay agreements, the representative associations can make representations in relation to the pay and conditions of their members. Where agreement is not reached, it is open to both official and representative sides to refer the matter to an Adjudicator or an Arbitration Board.
There are a number of outstanding adjudication findings across the public service which cannot be implemented at this time having regard to the provisions of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act, 2009-2015. This includes an adjudication which took place in 2010, in respect of an increase in the Army Ranger Wing (ARW) allowance. The adjudication recommends an increase in the ARW allowance backdated to 1 June 2006.
Paragraph 5.21 of the Public Service Stability Agreement 2018-2020, provides that the parties will commit to entering into a process to conclude by end-September 2018, which will involve engagement in relation to an appropriate, time-bound process for addressing any outstanding adjudications, having due regard to the question of their continued validity and cost implications. The review mechanism is the subject of ongoing consideration in the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.
129. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the changes he has made to allow access by persons to their own data held by his Department and bodies under its aegis following the introduction of GDPR; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31468/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra130. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the staffing complement and resources of his Department's data protection officer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31492/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra131. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the data protection impact assessments his Department has commenced since 15 May 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31509/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 129 to 131, inclusive, together.
My Department has published information on its website advising as to the process of making a 'Subject Access Request' under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). My Department has also published a privacy notice on its website which includes information about data subject rights and access to personal data.
My Department has assigned a Data Protection Officer as required under Article 37 of GDPR with one additional staff member assigned. Information Co-ordinators have also been appointed in each branch to assist with data protection compliance across the Department. GDPR training was made available to all staff during April and May of this year.
No Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs) have commenced since 15 May 2018 in my Department.
132. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the measures he has taken in his Department further to the Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform's statement (details supplied) that the Data Sharing and Governance Bill 2018 is needed to provide a legal basis for certain data transfers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31620/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Data Sharing and Governance Bill, which is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, was published on 8 June 2018 and is currently at Report Stage in the Seanad.
The purpose of the Bill is to promote and encourage data sharing between public bodies by providing a statutory framework for data sharing for legitimate and clearly specified purposes that are compliant with data protection law; and to improve the protection of individual privacy rights by setting new governance standards for data sharing by public bodies.
National and EU data protection law requires that data sharing needs an explicit legal basis. Data sharing is currently carried out by the public service under existing sectorial legislation. I understand that it is expected that the Data Sharing and Governance Bill will provide a flexible legislative gateway for data sharing by public bodies that will simplify the complex legal landscape that currently exists.
The Bill also provides a framework for public bodies to share data in a manner that is compatible with data protection law, including the new General Data Protection Regulation that came into effect on 25 May. My Department will continue to monitor our data sharing requirements and will engage with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform as necessary in relation to matters within the remit of my Department.
133. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of the inquiry into the Dublin and Monaghan bombings. [30931/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe implementation of the All-Party Dáil motions relating to the Dublin and Monaghan bombings is a priority for the Government, as highlighted in the Programme for a Partnership Government. The All-Party motion on the 1974 Dublin Monaghan bombings that was adopted by the Dáil on 25 May 2016 has, like those adopted in 2008 and 2011, been conveyed to the British Government. These motions call on the British Government to allow access by an independent, international judicial figure to all original documents relating to the Dublin and Monaghan bombings, as well as the Dublin bombings of 1972 and 1973, the bombing of Kay’s Tavern in Dundalk and the murder of Seamus Ludlow. I met with Justice for the Forgotten in April to hear their views and update them on the Government’s continuing engagement on legacy issues, including with the British Government on the Dáil motions.
The Government is committed to actively pursuing the implementation of the all-Party Dáil motions, and has consistently raised the issue with the British Government.
I am actively engaged with the British Government on an ongoing basis on this issue, as are officials from my Department. I have consistently underlined to the British Government that the Dáil motions represent the consensus political view in Ireland that an independent, international judicial review of all the relevant documents is required to establish the full facts of the Dublin and Monaghan atrocities. I have also underlined that the absence of a response from the British Government is of deep concern to the Government and indeed this House, and I have emphasised the urgent need for such a response.
The Government will continue to engage with the British Government on the request in relation to the bombings, and pursue all possible avenues to achieve progress on this issue, consistent with the request made by this House.
134. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of part-time and full-time media advisers employed in his Department; the Civil Service grade of each media adviser; and the cost over a full year of employing all such advisers. [31248/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has a dedicated Communications Unit that employs 19 Civil Servants covering, inter alia, press relations and public outreach. In addition there are currently two Special Advisors employed by my Department who, along with other duties, advise on media matters. Mr. Chris Donoghue is my Special Advisor and Communications Director. Mr. Donoghue is employed at Principal Officer grade and is on the Principal Officer salary scale.
Mr. Paul Fox is Special advisor to the Minister of State for European Affairs. His role includes providing advice on media matters. Mr. Fox is employed at Assistant Principal Officer grade and is on the Assistant Principal Officer salary scale.
These appointments were made in line with “Instructions to Personnel Officers – Ministerial Appointments for the 32nd Dáil" which included “Guidelines on staffing of Ministerial offices” issued by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.
135. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the specific projects which will receive the €4 million in extra capital expenditure in 2019 as outlined in Annex 1 of the National Development Plan 2018-2027; the amount each project will receive of this €4 million in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31275/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra136. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the specific projects which will receive the €17 million in capital funding allocated in 2019; the amount each project will receive of the €17 million in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31292/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 135 and 136 together.
Under the National Development Plan 2018 - 2027, it is proposed that my Department will have a capital allocation of €17 million in 2019, across its two Votes: Vote 27 - International Co-operation and Vote 28 - Foreign Affairs and Trade. This would represent an increase of €4m on the 2018 capital allocation.
I can confirm to the Deputy that in line with the priorities as set out in the National Development Plan 2018-2027, the Department’s Strategic Capital Investment Priorities for the period 2019 will be as follows:
Further announcements as part of the Doubling Our Global Footprint Initiative;
The Passport Reform Programme;
Investment in ICT infrastructure, and
Investment in the State’s Global Property Portfolio, including the development of Ireland Houses with the State Agencies and the relevant Embassy in strategic locations.
The main projects under way in 2019 include the development of an Embassy/Ireland House in Tokyo, the continuation of the Passport Reform Programme and the ongoing development of the Department’s global ICT network.
Decisions on final allocations by area will be consistent with value for money principles and will provide clear benefits for the State.
137. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the specific reason for the underspend in gross voted expenditure of €2 million as outlined in Appendix V of the June 2018 fiscal monitor; the specific projects that have an underspend; the value of the underspend on each project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31307/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has a capital allocation in the 2018 Revised Estimates of €13 million across its two Votes (Vote 27 - International Co-operation and Vote 28 - Foreign Affairs and Trade).
The June 2018 Fiscal Monitor, to which the Deputy refers, compares expenditure to end-June 2018 with the profiles of expenditure provided by the Department to the Department of Expenditure at the start of the year. These profiles are, as the Deputy is aware, estimates of the projected expenditure in each month of the year. While expenditure at the mid-year point in each of the main areas of capital expenditure is behind profile, I am confident, at this stage, that the Department’s full capital allocation of €13 million will be spent by the end of 2018.
The Department’s priorities for 2018 include the ongoing implementation of the passport reform programme, as its online services are further expanded beyond the online adult passport renewal service launched last year; continued investment in the State’s global property network including the commencement of the development of a new Embassy/Ireland House facility in Tokyo; other Embassy projects, ongoing maintenance, security improvements, health and safety improvements, etc.; and the maintenance and enhancement of the Department’s ICT global communications network and new ICT system enhancements.
Decisions on allocations by project are consistent with value for money principles and provide clear benefits for the State.
138. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his Department has a contingency plan drawn up and ready to be put into operation in the event of a hard Brexit or no-deal Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31323/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraCo-ordination of the whole-of-Government response to Brexit is being taken forward through the cross-Departmental coordination structures chaired by my Department. Contingency planning for a no-deal or worst-case outcome, bringing together the detailed work being undertaken by individual Ministers and their Departments on issues within their policy remit, is now well advanced. Its focus is on the immediate economic, regulatory and operational challenges which would result from such an outcome. It assumes a trading relationship based on the default WTO rules, but also examines the possible effects on many other areas of concern. This work is therefore providing baseline scenarios for the impact of Brexit across all sectors, which can then be adapted as appropriate in light of developments in the EU-UK negotiations, including in regard to transition arrangements and the future relationship. This approach is also enabling the modelling of potential responses under different scenarios, such as one where a withdrawal agreement is concluded and where a Free Trade Agreement is the basis for the future relationship between the EU and the UK.
It also takes account of the planning being undertaken at EU level by the Commission Preparedness Unit, which is issuing information notes aimed at different business sectors and examining legislative actions which may be needed at EU level.
However, the Government is already acting in order to get Ireland Brexit ready. Dedicated measures were announced in Budget 2018, including a new €300m Brexit Loan Scheme for Business and a €25m Brexit Response Loan Scheme for the agri-food sector. Capital expenditure of €116bn over the coming decade under Project Ireland 2040 will also allow the State and its agencies to properly plan major infrastructure projects while ensuring that communities and businesses can plan ahead. There was also increased funding provided to my Department in Budget 2018 for the opening of six new diplomatic missions. A further seven new Missions will be opened as part of the next phase of expanding Ireland’s global footprint. These thirteen new Missions will be located in Europe, Asia, Africa, South America, North America, and Oceania and will contribute to helping our exporters find new markets.
Our Government’s enterprise agencies continue to work with companies, helping them to deal with Brexit – making them more competitive, diversifying market exposure, and up-skilling teams. In total 34 reports analysing the effects of Brexit across a broad range of sectors and in some cases setting out responses have been published to date by Government Departments. All these reports are available on a dedicated Brexit webpage on my Department’s website at this link.
Longer-term economic strategies will also be critically important in addressing the challenges of Brexit, including Ireland 2040 –the National Development Plan. The Enterprise Strategy 2025 Renewed was recently launched and we are in active discussions with the European Investment Bank on a potential increase in investment in the country.
