Written Answers Nos. 287-300
287. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason for the withdrawal of an Irish passport and citizenship in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32350/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the minor person concerned did not have their passport renewed as neither of their parents met the statutory residency requirements in the period leading up to their child's birth. As the Deputy will be aware, decisions on the issuing and withdrawal of Irish passports is a matter for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. As such, further information on the decision to not renew the passport in question should be sought from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS of my Department by email 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.
288. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the procedure to be followed to achieve regularisation in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32351/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that they do not have a record of the person named by the Deputy currently registered in the State. Without further details, it is not possible to make further checks.
Accordingly the person concerned may be illegally in the State, and it should be noted that a non-national may not be in the State other than within the terms of any permission given to the person concerned by the Minister for Justice and Equality.
In addition to this, it is illegal for them, under the Immigration Act 2004, to remain in the State without the permission of the Minister. A person found guilty of such an offence is liable, under Section 13 of the Immigration Act 2004, to a fine not exceeding €3,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or to both.
It appears that the person concerned has failed to meet the requirements of Section 9 of the Immigration Act 2004, which sets out the obligations of non-nationals in respect of registration.
In order to allow for a full examination of the person's circumstances, the person concerned is advised to write directly to Unit 2, Residence Division, Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service, 13-14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2 supplying the following information and documentation
- Full copy (all pages) of current and previous passport/s;
- Copy of all GNIB card/s;
- Brief outline of their history in the State to include when and where they entered the State as well as a brief outline of their current and family circumstances;
- Their current address;
- Copy of marriage certificate (if applicable);
- Copy of birth cert for any dependent children (if applicable).
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS of my Department by email 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.
289. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the case of a person (details supplied) will be examined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32355/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the person concerned is the subject of a valid Deportation Order made on 20 June 2002. The Deputy might wish to note that persons subject of a Deportation Order are obliged to remove themselves from the State and to remain out of the State.
Representations were received from the person concerned, pursuant to the provisions of section 3(11) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), requesting that the Deportation Order be revoked. Following the detailed consideration of the information submitted in support of the request, including all representations made around family reunification, the Deportation Order was affirmed on 9 November 2017.
As previously advised, if, as is claimed, the relevant party is outside the State, it would be very helpful if this position could be supported by documentary evidence so that the relevant INIS and Garda National Immigration Bureau records can be updated.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS of my Department by email 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.
290. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if permission to remain under section 49 of the International Protection Act 2015 will be approved in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32358/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that if an application for International Protection has been made in the State, for confidentiality reasons it is not the practice to comment on such applications and the applicant or his or her designated legal advisor should contact the International Protection Office directly, either by email to info@ipo.gov.ie, by telephone to the IPO Customer Service Centre at 01 6028008 ,or in writing to Customer Service Centre, International Protection Office, 79-83 Lower Mount Street, Dublin 2.
Similarly, the International Protection Appeals Tribunal operates an email service which can be contacted by individuals with any queries regarding their application - info@protectionappeals.ie.
Under Section 26 of the International Protection Act 2015, it is an offence to identify an international protection applicant. The offence is punishable by summary conviction to a Class A fine or a term of imprisonment of 12 months or both.
An applicant may appeal a recommendation by an international protection officer that the applicant should not be given a refugee declaration and/or a recommendation that the applicant should not be given a subsidiary protection declaration to the International Protection Appeals Tribunal.
Where an international protection officer recommends that an applicant should be given neither a refugee nor a subsidiary protection declaration, the Minister will consider in accordance with Section 49 of the International Protection Act 2015 whether to give the applicant concerned a permission to remain in the State.
Where the Tribunal affirms a recommendation that the applicant should not be given a refugee declaration and a recommendation that the applicant should not be given a subsidiary protection declaration, the Minister will, upon becoming aware of a change in circumstances or receiving new information from an applicant that had it been in the possession of the Minister when making such decision would have been relevant to that decision, review the decision in relation to permission to remain in the State.
The Chief International Protection Officer, following consultation with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), published a statement on the Prioritisation of Applications for International Protection under the International Protection Act 2015 on 27 February 2017, which is available on the website of the International Protection Office www.ipo.gov.ie.
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.
291. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the assistance which can be provided to assist communities that wish to access grant funding for CCTV schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32371/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, my Department has launched a community-based CCTV grant-aid scheme to assist groups in the establishment of community-based CCTV systems in their local areas. It is intended that the scheme will run for 3 years with funding of some €1 million being made available each year.
Full details of the scheme, including guidelines and other relevant documentation are available to download from my Department's website - www.justice.ie
It is modelled closely on the previous grant-aid scheme operated between 2005 and 2013 by Pobal on behalf of my Department, under which some 45 Community-based CCTV systems were established operating in a mix of urban and rural environments.
Under the scheme, eligible community groups can apply for grant-aid of up to 60% of the total capital cost of establishing a proposed CCTV system, up to a maximum grant of €40,000. Further, applicants for grant aid under the scheme are not precluded from applying for funding from any other sources to assist in making up the balance of funding required.
I am keen to ensure that interested groups have the opportunity to take full advantage of the available funding. Guidance is available from my officials to provide any clarifications or assistance required, with a dedicated email address available specifically for that purpose - communitycctv@justice.ie.
293. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if the Carcinogens and Mutagens at Work Directive No. 2017/2398 that entered into force on 16 January 2018 will be transposed into law, thereby meeting the deadline for transposition in members states’ laws by 17 January 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31669/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, the deadline for transposition of Directive 2017/2398 - the Carcinogens and Mutagens at Work Directive is 17 January 2020. Transposition will take place via a Statutory Instrument. At present the transposition of Directive 2017/164/EU is taking priority. I am satisfied that arrangements are in place within my Department to ensure that the Carcinogens and Mutagens at Work Directive will be transposed into Irish law by the required deadline.
294. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the ratio of men and women at each civil service grade within her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31686/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraStaffing resources are an ongoing priority to ensure my Department’s continued ability to facilitate the wide mission and volume of work in a range of challenging policy areas. This will continue with ongoing day-to-day review of the appropriate staffing mix across my Department in response to known and probable priority areas.
My Department liaises directly with the Public Appointments Service (PAS) and Top-Level Appointments Committee (TLAC) in relation to the filling of posts.
The Secretary General of my Department is one of four Secretaries General leading the delivery of Action 8.5 of the Civil Service Renewal Plan – “To improve gender balance at each level by reviewing supports and policies to ensure these measures are impactful and measurable”.
In the Civil Service we want to ensure women are in senior roles so they can shape policy and we have set targets to make this happen; 50/50 gender balance in appointments at senior levels.
My Department operates an equal opportunity policy to ensure women and men are assigned equal share of high visibility positions across the Department and its Offices. The Department operates a best fit for the job policy.
The ratio of Male to Female at each civil service grade within my Department is set out in the following table.
|
Grade |
Male |
Female |
|
Secretary General |
0 |
1 |
|
Deputy Secretary Equivalents |
1 |
1 |
|
Assistant Secretary |
5 |
2 |
|
Assistant Secretary Equivalents |
4 |
2 |
|
Principal (and equivalents) |
26 |
19 |
|
Assistant Principal (and equivalents) |
63 |
56 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
56 |
77 |
|
Administrative Officer |
10 |
14 |
|
Executive Officer |
72 |
148 |
|
Clerical Officer |
92 |
167 |
|
Services Officer |
19 |
4 |
|
Services Attendant |
2 |
3 |
|
Cleaner |
0 |
13 |
|
Professional Accountant Grade I |
9 |
2 |
|
Legal Advisor |
2 |
3 |
|
Solicitor |
1 |
1 |
|
Examiners of Patents |
2 |
2 |
295. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if her attention has been drawn to the ongoing dispute between a company and union (details supplied) over the work contracts for pre-1996 workers; if her attention has been further drawn to reports that the company is continuing to refuse to engage with the union in constructive dialogue regarding the work and pay conditions of pre-1996 workers and that such behaviour from an employer goes against the spirit of industrial relations mechanisms; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31730/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of the ongoing industrial relations issues at the company referred to by the deputy.
At the outset, I must emphasise that Ireland’s system of industrial relations is, essentially, voluntary in nature and responsibility for the resolution of industrial disputes between employers and workers, rests in the first instance with the employer, the workers and their representatives.
For its part, the State provides the industrial relations dispute settlement mechanisms i.e. the Workplace Relations Commission and the Labour Court, to support parties in their efforts to resolve their differences. These bodies are independent in the delivery of their quasi-judicial functions, in which I as Minister have no role. This voluntary approach to industrial relations has served Ireland well over the years and in a large number of high profile disputes.
As I understand it, the industrial relations institutions of the State have been closely involved with the company in question on the matters in dispute and, most recently, the Labour Court issued two recommendations in this instance.
The Court recommended that the parties should engage to review the functioning of their relationship in a forward looking frame. The Court, in support of this recommendation, was prepared to nominate an individual of national standing and of long experience to facilitate a constructive dialogue at senior level between the Employer and the Trade Unions .
In line with the voluntary nature of industrial relations in Ireland, recommendations of the Labour Court made under industrial relations legislation are not binding on the parties although it is expected that the parties involved give serious consideration to the Court’s Recommendation.
The dispute handling mechanisms of the State are of course willing, where possible, to assist the parties in coming to a resolution with a view to ensuring a positive outcome for the employees, the company and the customers of the company.
I would urge both sides to engage constructively with each other as the Labour Court recommended and to remain engaged with the State's industrial relations machinery in order to resolve the issues in dispute.
296. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of IDA visits that have taken place in County Mayo from 1 January 2018 to date; the number scheduled to take place before the end of 2018 by location; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31824/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraData on IDA Ireland site visits is collated on a county-by-county basis. The Agency records visits that have taken place and these are released at the end of every quarter. There were two site visits by IDA client companies to County Mayo in the first quarter of this year. Figures for the second quarter of 2018 will be compiled at the end of July.
I want to emphasise that IDA Ireland continues to highlight the benefits of expanding or locating in all counties of Ireland to its client base. It is important to remember, however, that the final decision as to where to invest always rests with the company concerned. It is also the case that site visit activity does not necessarily reflect investment potential, as at least 70% of all new foreign direct investment comes from existing IDA Ireland client companies.
297. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if she will review funding mechanisms for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31886/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Cavan is the ‘first-stop-shop’ for advice and guidance, financial assistance and other supports for anyone who wishes to start or grow their business locally. The LEOs provide a ‘signposting’ service in relation to all relevant State supports available through agencies such as Revenue, the Department of Social Protection, and Microfinance Ireland.
The LEOs can offer direct grant aid to microenterprises (10 employees or fewer) in the manufacturing and internationally traded services sectors which, over time, have the potential to develop into strong export entities. Subject to certain eligibility criteria, the LEOs can provide financial assistance within three main categories: Feasibility Grants (investigating the potential of a business idea); Priming Grants (to part-fund a start-up); and Business Development Grants for existing businesses that want to expand. In addition, there is a Technical Assistance Grant available for eligible micro-exporter applicants who are seeking to explore alternative markets for their product or service.
For anyone interested in starting or growing a business, the LEOs may be able to offer ‘soft’ support in the form of training (e.g. a Start Your Own Business course); a mentor to work with the business proposer; or targeted programmes such as Lean for Micro (to help boost business productivity and competitiveness).
Micro-enterprises may also avail of the Trading Online Voucher Scheme (TOVS) from the LEOs. The Scheme offers the opportunity for businesses to develop their website or digital marketing strategy by availing of vouchers of up to €2,500 or 50% of eligible expenditure.
I should also draw your attention to the ‘Supporting SMEs’ Online Tool, which is a cross governmental initiative to help start-ups navigate the range of Government business supports for which they could be eligible. The tool is available at www.supportingsmes.ie.
As you will be aware as Minister I have no direct role in the decision-making process in the LEOs. All applications for financial assistance are evaluated by the local Evaluations and Approvals Committee comprising membership of the Head of the LEO, the Chief Executive of the Local Authority and Local Business people.
I understand that the business in question is a client of LEO Cavan for a number of years, and has received a variety of supports from them. As the “first-stop-shop” for advice and guidance on business development, I would suggest that he continues to liaise with LEO Cavan in relation to other sources of funding, such as MicroFinance Ireland, or private investments, etc. For further information on LEO supports see https://www.localenterprise.ie/cavan.
298. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the options for securing a work permit or sponsorship for a New Zealand national who has been here since 15 July 2017 on a one-year working holiday visa and is working in the construction industry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31895/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade administers Working Holiday Authorisations (WHA) on behalf of the Department of Justice and Equality, the purpose of which is to allow young non-Irish citizens seek work while on holiday in Ireland. The WHA with New Zealand promotes travel between both countries for citizens between the ages of 18 to 30, for a period of one year and enables employment of a casual or temporary nature only, which must be incidental to the holiday.
Permission to reside in the State on the basis of a WHA is subject to the terms and conditions of the WHA including the requirement to be resident in New Zealand at the time of application plus the requirement that the WHA holder leave Ireland on expiration of the authorization.
Upon return to New Zealand, the foreign national may then consider submitting an application for an employment permit from outside the State, on foot of an eligible job offer, which will be considered subject to the usual criteria applying under the Employment Permits Acts and Regulations.
299. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the funding that has been provided towards capital projects in counties Meath and Louth in 2016, 2017 and to date in 2018, by project name, location and cost in tabular form. [31983/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am committed to ensuring that the State Agencies under the aegis of my Department, Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland and Science Foundation Ireland, and the Local Enterprise Offices will continue to work with enterprise in County Louth and County Meath to support investment and enterprise development through the provision of appropriate funding.
The amount of funding paid by Enterprise Ireland to enterprises in Louth and Meath is outlined in the tables in the following link.
300. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the applications submitted for funding and projects from Meath and Louth County Councils in 2016, 2017 and to date in 2018 for projects decided upon or in progress, in tabular form. [31999/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department received no applications from Meath County Council and one application for funding from Louth County Council in the period in question.
As requested, details are provided below:
|
Year |
Project |
Value of funding provided |
|
2018 |
Louth Libraries Science Week Library Programme |
€8,000 |
