Written Answers Nos. 101-124
101. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his Department was notified in advance by the US Embassy of an aircraft (details supplied) which landed at Shannon Airport on 11 and 12 July 2018 on contract to the US military being refuelled at the airport. [33079/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAccording to information made available to my Department by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, the landing referred to in the Deputy’s question concerned a civilian aircraft. Arrangements for such aircraft are a matter for that Department and as such the issue of advance notification by an Embassy to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade does not arise.
102. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade further to Parliamentary Question No. 61 of 21 June 2018, if the aircraft was or was not in Irish-controlled airspace. [33089/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraManagement of Irish controlled airspace is a matter for the Irish Aviation Authority, a statutory state body operating under the aegis of the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport and questions relating to such should be directed to that Department.
103. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the percentage weight allocated to languages in the competition for election observers; the reason the languages sought are now more restrictive than in the past with, for example, Russian not being sought despite this being a language of communications in many countries in which elections are observed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33172/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra104. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade when and the locations in which interviews for places on the new election roster will take place; if video interviews will be offered to those living abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33173/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra105. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the reason the current election roster competition excludes permanent residents here that are not Irish citizens; if this will be altered to bring it in line with the more open approach of his Department's rapid response roster; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33174/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra106. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade when activity to undertake a new competition for election observers was first undertaken by his Department; the bodies and organisation that were consulted in relation to the matter; if Irish election observers were consulted; if so, the way in which this was done; the reason for the delay in moving forward the new competition to ensure that it would be in place before the old roster expired in May 2018; when the new roster will be in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33175/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 103 to 106, inclusive, together.
I refer the Deputy to the responses to previous parliamentary questions on these matters, Question 167 of 4 July 2018, Questions 57 and 58 of 3 July 2018, Question 107 of 24 April 2018, and Question 171 of 25 October 2017.
International election monitoring missions play an important role in the promotion of democracy and human rights. We aim to ensure that, when requested, Ireland is represented at an appropriate level on international observation missions for elections and constitutional referendums. Irish observers participate primarily in missions organised by the European Union or the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). The call for applications to establish a new Election Observation roster issued on 2 July last and will run until 20 August 2018. Late applications will not be accepted. The call is published on two Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade websites: www.dfa.ie and www.irishaid.ie. It was also publicised on social media.
The preparations for establishing a new roster commenced in 2017. Ireland actively participates in the European Observation network, which is organised and led by the European Commission and the European External Action Service (EEAS). This network brings together relevant Focal Points from all EU Member States, together with those from Norway, Switzerland and Canada.
Though the network, a detailed survey was undertaken by the Department to learn from the operation of similar rosters in other States, to identify essential and desirable criteria for mobilisation, and to review the process for our own competition.
Relevant comments and issues submitted in post-mission debriefs by members of the current roster were also taken account in the preparation of the competition. At the same time as that preparation was underway, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade was a Notice Party to a High Court action taken by a former member of the roster against the Office of the Information Commissioner. The case is an appeal by the former member against a ruling by the Office of the Information Commissioner which upheld a decision by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in 2016, that an FOI request submitted by the former member was vexatious and frivolous. The case was centered around an FOI request to the Department seeking records in relation to the pre-departure grant paid to roster members.
The Judgment handed down in the case in March 2018 dismissed the appeal by the former roster member, stating “… I am not satisfied that in accordance with S.24 of the 2014 Act, the appellant has demonstrated an error at law sufficient to vitiate the decision of the 4 November, 2016 and in the circumstances, the relief claimed in the notice of motion of the 19 November, 2016 is refused.” Costs were also awarded to the OIC and the Department. The appellant has submitted an appeal which is expected to be heard by the Court of Appeal later this year or in 2019.
In these circumstances, the current roster has been extended to the end of 2018 to allow sufficient time to finalise planning for the competition for the new roster, to run the selection process and to complete the subsequent necessary vetting The new roster will come into operation in January 2019.
The candidate information booklet setting out all of the necessary details including information about the operation of the roster, the eligibility requirements, criteria and the process leading to the establishment of the roster can be viewed on the websites mentioned above.
The assessment process will be a desk based exercise and no interviews will be held. All applicants will be appraised on the basis of the information contained and set out on the official application form. Selection boards consisting of two officers from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and one external person will appraise all of the applications that meet the essential criteria. Verification of data contained in the application, including language proficiency, will also form part of the process.
For each election observation mission, the EU or OSCE set the specific skills and requirements for that mission, including relevant language skills. Based on the requests to nominate election observers received in recent years, primarily from the European Union, the primary languages sought in respect of election observation missions apart from English, have been French, Spanish and Portuguese.
Applicants’ proficiency in languages will be checked and scores will be awarded on the basis of the proficiency. The maximum percentage of scores that can be awarded for language proficiency will be less than 10% of the total marks awarded.
In its calls for specific missions, the EU requires Member States to nominate their own citizens. Hence the Irish roster is confined to Irish citizens.
107. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of election observers on the May 2013 roster that have not been on one election observation mission since the roster came into being; the number of such observers that have not applied for one mission in the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33176/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer the Deputy to the replies to previous parliamentary questions on this matter, Questions 167 and 172 of 25 October 2017 and to Questions 393, 394 and 396 of 26 July 2017. The current roster complement stands at 193, with the reserve panel has been fully utilised to replace those who left the roster over its life to date.
138 of the current roster members have been on one or more missions: 55 have not taken part in an election observation mission since the roster was established. A significant factor in this is that the number of applicants for election missions is nearly always higher that the number of available places. I understand that some 25 members have yet to apply to participate in a mission.
One of the conditions which will apply to the new roster which will come into operation in 2019 is a requirement that volunteers must apply for at least two missions between the date of the commencement of the roster and 31 December 2021. If a roster member does not apply, and in the absence of a reason of sufficient weight, they will be deemed to have forfeited their place on the roster and will be removed.
108. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to a number of members of the Syrian media being trapped at the Jordanian border; the efforts being made by the EU and the international community to ensure their safe passage out of Syria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33181/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am deeply concerned by the recent escalation of violence in the south west of Syria, including air strikes by the regime and its allies, which has forced tens of thousands of civilians from their homes in recent weeks and destroyed critical infrastructure including several health facilities. According to the most recent UN estimates, up to 203,500 people remain displaced across south-west Syria. The majority of these, around 140,000 people, are currently located in Quneitra province, some in close proximity to the Golan Heights area, with limited access to humanitarian assistance. I am aware of the reports that these figures include a number of journalists. The United Nations and humanitarian partners have mobilised a response to the situation in southwest Syria, both cross-border and from within Syria, reaching tens of thousands of people with critical life-saving assistance. Ireland supports the UN and its partners in this vital work through its contributions to the humanitarian response to the Syria crisis. Since 2012, Ireland has provided over €110 million in humanitarian assistance, making this Ireland’s largest contribution to a single crisis in recent years. In 2017 alone, Ireland provided almost €25.5 million to the humanitarian response. At the 2018 Brussels Donor conference, Ireland pledged to contribute a further €25 million in 2018 and almost €22 million of this has been disbursed so far. Through its annual contributions to the EU Institutions, Ireland also supports the EU’s humanitarian response in Syria. The protection of civilians is an obligation on all parties to conflict, and I call on all parties to the fighting in southwest Syria to take the necessary steps to ensure that civilians are not harmed. I also take this opportunity to reiterate my call for an immediate cessation of hostilities, the respect of the de-escalation agreement and full humanitarian access to all Syrians in need.
Ultimately however, the human suffering caused by the Syrian conflict can only be brought to an end by reaching a sustainable political solution. Ireland and the EU fully support UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura in his efforts to lead political negotiations to end the conflict based on the 2012 Geneva Communique and UN Security Council resolution 2254. The EU provides direct assistance to the UN-led Geneva peace talks and has launched, in coordination with the UN, an initiative to develop political dialogue with key actors from the region to identify common ground. Ireland and the EU firmly believe that there can be no military solution to the Syria crisis and will continue to support the UN-led efforts to bring about a comprehensive, sustainable and inclusive resolution of the crisis.
109. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the election roster members and non-roster members, respectively sent abroad from the establishment of the roster in May 2013 to date for monitoring elections and referenda in tabular form; the dates of the missions; the name of each observer sent; the cost to his Department of each member; the number of members that did not depart for their missions; if grants were refunded or written-off for them; the reason this roster has been extended to the end of 2018; when and the level at which this decision was made; if legal advice was obtained in advance of that decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33193/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer the Deputy to the responses to previous parliamentary questions on these matters, Question 357 of 13 December 2017, Question 166 of 25 October 2017, and Questions 395 and 397 of 26 July 2017. A call for applications to establish a new Election Observation roster issued on 2 July last, with a closing date of 20 August 2018. No late applications will be accepted. The new roster will come into operation in January 2019, following the running of the competition for the volunteers and the completion of the appraisal of applications. This means that the current roster, established in 2013, will remain in effect until 31 December 2018, one year longer than had originally been envisaged. As this was an administrative decision no legal advice was sought.
A full list of the observers who have served on election missions from the establishment of the current roster in 2013 to date in 2018, together with the date of the election and costs arising, is set out in the tables below. Long Term observers normally deploy for between 4-6 weeks and their costs are considerably higher than Short Term observers who deploy for between 7-10 days. Names marked with an asterix are officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade who work on relevant geographic desks or as election Focal Points, and who on occasion also participate in such missions.
The European Union covers the costs associated with EU Election Observation Missions.
For OSCE missions, the Department covers all costs incurred by the individual Irish election observers. This includes a daily allowance based on OSCE guidance, to cover the cost of food, accommodation and local transport costs in country. A return air fare is also provided.
In addition, all Irish election observation roster members undertaking a mission, receive a once-off grant annually of €600 from the Department to cover pre-departure mission expenses. Insurance cover is also provided by the Department for all observers. The costs incurred by officials are paid on the same basis as other election roster members, but no pre-departure grant is provided.
I am advised that 21 individuals have withdrawn from missions since 2015, when records to capture this data were put in place. In all but one case, funds advanced by the Department were fully repaid. In the case where repayment was not sought, the pre-departure grant of €600 had been paid to a nominated observer who had commenced preparations for an EU upcoming mission. At a late stage, this observer was appointed by the EU to the Core Team overseeing the Mission. Given the extreme lateness of the appointment – within a day or two of their leaving for the Mission – pre-departure expenditure (such as vaccinations) had already been incurred. Under the circumstances the Department did not seek the repayment of the grant. In any case, the observer was selected by the EU for a separate Mission within twelve months, and on that occasion was not paid the pre-departure grant.
110. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on calls for the full publication of all details of the memorandum of understanding between the UN and Myanmar. [33227/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince the latest escalation of violence in Rakhine State, Myanmar, in August 2017, approximately 700,000 members of the Rohingya community have fled across the border to Bangladesh. The people and government of Bangladesh have demonstrated extraordinary generosity in receiving such a large influx of refugees. I remain extremely concerned at the ongoing situation in Myanmar and the plight of these refugees who are living in extremely precarious conditions in overcrowded refugee camps. Ireland remains unwavering in its wish to see conditions that will enable the voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable return of these Rohingya refugees to Myanmar in compliance with international human rights norms and the principle of non-refoulement. An intensive political effort by the international community to pursue this aim continues, and on 6 June a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was agreed between the Government of Myanmar, the UN High Commission for Refugees and the UN Development Programme, to establish a framework for cooperation between the parties aimed at creating conducive conditions for the voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable repatriation of these refugees from Bangladesh to their places of origin. The MoU also aims to help create improved and resilient livelihoods for all communities living in Rakhine State.
I welcome this MoU as an important first step and hope that it will form a basis to allow constructive dialogue between international partners and the government of Myanmar, while also allowing the voices of the refugee community to play a key role in determining their future.
While the text of the MoU has yet to be fully published, a number of details have been released. In relation to calls for the full publication of the MoU, I would welcome the release of additional information as the parties take the necessary steps required to build on the aims of the MoU. Nevertheless, I believe that the primary focus at this important inflection point must be on making much-needed progress towards creating a safe pathway back to Myanmar for those who have been displaced. This MoU can provide a vehicle for constructive engagement and dialogue with Myanmar.
I will continue to monitor the progress of this MoU very carefully, including through our Embassy in Bangkok which is keeping in close touch with agencies and counterparts locally in Myanmar. In addition, Ireland will continue to actively engage with the EU and other international partners to press for progress in resolving this crisis as well as contributing to the international humanitarian response, including through the Irish Aid Rapid Response facility and the provision of direct funding in the amount of €1 million in 2017 with an additional €1 million allocated for 2018.
111. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide an update on EU-Iran relations; if his attention has been drawn to reports of a person (detailed supplied) being arrested in Germany in relation to a terror plot; his views on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33532/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe situation in Iran, and our relations with that country, remain high on the EU agenda. At the Foreign Affairs Council in May, there was a discussion on Iran which focused on the continued implementation of the Iran nuclear agreement (the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, or JCPOA), following the US announcement of its withdrawal from this agreement. The EU believes in the importance of preserving the JCPOA, which is vital for the security of the region and the wider world. The Council expressed continued support for the JCPOA as long as Iran continues to abide by its commitments, which according to 11 consecutive reports from the International Atomic Energy Agency, it is doing. The EU High Representative, Federica Mogherini, chaired the first ministerial meeting of the Joint Commission on the JCPOA on 6 July, in a sign of the importance the participants ascribe to the deal and their full commitment to its continued implementation. All parties agreed to continue working on concrete measures to mitigate the impact of the decision by the US to withdraw. Discussions were also held around finding practical solutions that aim to protect the trade and economic relations with Iran that were agreed as part of the JCPOA. Beyond the nuclear issue, the EU is critical of a number of other aspects of Iranian policy. We have serious concerns in particular about Iran’s ballistic missile programme, and its regional activity, including in Syria, Lebanon and Yemen, where its role is exacerbating and prolonging conflicts. The EU is also deeply troubled by the human rights situation in Iran, including the widespread use of the death penalty, especially against minors. However, we continue to support the JCPOA, since we strongly believe that it will not help to address these concerns, if we move away from the one area where significant progress has been made.
In relation to the case raised by the Deputy, I am aware of reports about it. I condemn in the strongest terms any attempts to commit violence or acts of terrorism. However, as the situation is subject to an ongoing criminal investigation in another jurisdiction, it would be inappropriate for me to comment any further on the matter.
112. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the procedure and requirements for obtaining a visa for a person married to an Irish citizen in circumstances in which the non-citizen has never resided here and the marriage has taken place outside the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33611/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe visa process is not within the remit of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, but the Department of Justice and Equality.
113. Deputy James Browne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the specific steps he is taking with the EU, the UK Government, the National Assembly for Wales and the French Government to minimise the economic impact of Brexit on County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33613/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMinimising the impact on trade and the economy is a key priority for the Government in the Article 50 negotiations. Ireland wants the closest possible relationship between the UK and Ireland, including on trade. Every county in Ireland will be impacted by the UK’s withdrawal from the EU, including Co. Wexford which has significant trade and passenger traffic to the island of Great Britain and to Continental Europe. There is already a very strong awareness and understanding at EU level of the significant and unique impacts of Brexit on Ireland and an openness to exploring ways in which the EU can play a helpful and supportive role. This has already been reflected in a number of concrete measures and commitments to date, such as the European Investment Bank’s support for the Government’s Brexit Loan Scheme for SMEs. My colleague, the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, is also working actively, with the support of other relevant Departments, with the European Commission to scope and design schemes to support enterprises impacted by Brexit in line with State Aid rules. The EU Commission has approved a ‘rescue and restructuring’ scheme, which provides support to SMEs, including those in Wexford, experiencing acute liquidity needs as a result of Brexit.
Maintaining frequent contact with EU partners has been a priority for Ireland throughout the Article 50 negotiations process, with a view to ensuring Ireland’s priorities and concerns are fully understood. I discuss Brexit collectively with my EU27 counterparts on a monthly basis at the General Affairs Council (Article 50). The most recent meeting took place on Friday 20 July.
I have met with French Foreign Minister Le Drian twice this year, in February and May, and Minister of State for European Affairs Helen McEntee also met with her French counterpart in February. My Government colleagues and I engage frequently with our UK counterparts on a wide range of issues of mutual interest. In addition to further strengthening our bilateral ties, such engagement also provides an opportunity to build the UK’s understanding of Irish-specific issues. In order to strengthen our bilateral relations with Wales, we will be opening a new consulate in Cardiff as part of the next phase of expanding Ireland’s global footprint.
While the Government is focused on achieving the best possible outcome through the Article 50 negotiations, we are under no illusion about the complexity of Brexit. The UK is leaving the EU on 29 March 2019 and this means some things will change. Detailed work is continuing at home to prepare for the UK’s exit, in parallel to work in Brussels. The Government agreed last week to intensify this work, which includes contingency planning for all possible scenarios, including the unlikely case of a ‘no deal’ Brexit, as well as preparing our ports, including Rosslare in Co. Wexford, for changed trading arrangements.
115. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number and name of the groups he met each month to date in 2018 that fall under the Regulation of Lobbying Act 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33711/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Regulation of Lobbying Act 2015, persons who meet the lobbyist criteria and who communicate with Designated Public Officials have obligations to submit returns of lobbying activity. Designated Public Officials have no obligations in this regard and are not subject to rules regarding the reporting of lobbying. The Deputy may wish to consult the publicly available Lobbying Register for details of all relevant lobbying activity registered from 1 January to 30 April 2018. By 21 September the online register should be updated to include returns for the period 1 May - 31 August 2018.
116. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of passport application processing times through online and by post; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33811/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe turnaround timeframe for a passport application will depend, in the first instance, on the channel through which the application was submitted. Most passport applications are still submitted through the Passport Express postal channel. The average turnaround time for renewal applications submitted through Passport Express is currently on target at 15 working days. Other categories of application submitted through Passport Express, such as first time applications or applications to replace lost, stolen or damaged passports take longer due to additional security checks. The average turnaround time for first time applications or applications to replace lost, stolen or damaged passports is currently 23 working days. The target turnaround time for applications made via the online passport application service is 10 working days plus postage. Over 50% of the 130,000 applicants who have used this channel this year have had their application processed within a week. The online service currently accommodates only adult renewals and passport card applications, but it is planned to further extend this service to child renewals by the end of 2018.
117. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of the ongoing outstanding requests with the British Government regarding inquiries into the Dublin and Monaghan bombings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33990/18]
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 perspective and update them on the Government’s continuing engagement on legacy issues, including with the British Government on the Dáil motions. Officials from my Department and the Department of Justice and Equality also held a consultation meeting with Justice for the Forgotten on 4 July last to hear their further views on the implementation of the legacy framework provided for under the Stormont House Agreement.
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.
I will be reiterating the Government’s views on the need for progress with the request made in the three All-Party Dáil motions, as part of the discussion on legacy issues at the meeting of the British Irish Intergovernmental Conference in London, tomorrow, 25 July. 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.
123. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his Department's spend on travel and subsistence expenses in 2017 and to date in 2018. [34215/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe work of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade obviously necessitates extensive travel. My Department’s budget comes from two separate votes, Vote 28 - Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Vote 27 - International Co-operation. The table below sets out the travel and subsistence expenses paid to officers across both Votes in the year ending 31 December 2017 and in the period from 01 January 2018 to 30 June 2018. This does not include spending on travel by the Department’s overseas Mission network.
|
Year |
Total € |
|
2017 |
1,850,746 |
|
2018 (to 30 June 2018) |
924,902 |
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.
124. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his Department's expenditure on photography and other promotional services, including the creation of social media content in 2017 and to date in 2018. [34232/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn regard to Photography 2017 - to date, my Department only avails of the services of external photographic agencies where it is warranted, in particular for major events and State occasions. This is a service which my Department provides so that the media can easily and freely avail of photography where their own staff photographers cannot be fully accommodated. Events where these services have been used included the visits of Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall in May 2017 and June of 2018 and those by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada in July 2017 and UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson in November 2017. Through the Office of Government Procurement an updated Multi-Supplier Framework Agreement for the provision of Professional Photography and Videography is now in operation. My Department procures the services of external photographic agencies via this Framework where necessary.
In addition, my Department continues to avail of in-house resources for photography whenever possible.
The cost of photography to my Department for events which took place in 2017 and 2018 to date are listed in the following Tables 1 and 2.
Table 1 - 2017
|
2017 |
Expenditure |
|
Headquarters Total 2017 |
€40,119.29 |
|
Mission Total 2017 |
€14,216.21 |
|
Department Total 2017 |
€54,335.50 |
Table 2 - 2018 to date
|
2018 |
Expenditure |
|
Headquarters 2018 to date |
€14,493.00 |
|
Mission 2018 to date |
€3,582.16 |
|
Department 2018 to date |
€18,075.16 |
Promotional Services in 2017 and 2018 to date:
Public notices and commercial advertising is undertaken by the Department in relation to important information with a significant public interest dimension which requires communication to national, regional or local audiences. Since January 2017 there have been two such campaigns: one for the launch of the online passport renewal service and one for the Government Brexit Update email service.
Advertising in relation to online passport renewals took place in order to ensure a good uptake by citizens of this innovative service. It took the form of a multi-format outdoor transport campaign combined with digital units in Dublin and Belfast Airports to promote the online passport service. The outdoor transport campaign ran over two two-week cycles in May and June 2017. The digital units in Dublin and Belfast Airports ran from May to August 2017.
In addition to the outdoor campaign, a further online and social media campaign was also run with ads being placed around digital articles and social media activity on travel-related themes. This part of the campaign ran from April until August of last year. The advertising was successful in helping to raise public awareness of this award-winning new service and has seen over 220,000 people use this service to date.
The Government Brexit Update email service forms part of my Department’s overall strategy to keep the Irish public fully informed and up-to date on the direct implications and challenges of Brexit. Previously operated by the Department of An Taoiseach, it was re-launched in February 2018 along with a new dedicated Brexit website – www.dfa.ie/Brexit.
The Update is issuing on a regular basis via a commercial provider (MailChimp) and provides information on latest developments in the ongoing Brexit negotiations, on the latest available research publications and on engagement at Government level. It also highlights the range of business supports that are available through the various Government Enterprise agencies.
Details of expenditure on each of the above campaigns is set out in Table 3.
|
Project |
Amount |
Supplier |
|
Public Information Campaign to raise awareness of the Online Passport Service (2017) |
€210,324.15 |
MEC |
|
Government Brexit Update (February – July 2018) |
€942.35 |
Twitter and MailChimp |
Creation of Social Media content in 2017 and 2018 to date:
My Department has a contract in place with a provider of graphic design services for the design and production of graphics for publications and other printed materials where necessary. While it is seldom the case that materials are designed solely for use on social media platforms, supplementary design work is sometimes required to adapt graphics and designs for digital publication and use on social media channels. The amount spent on designing or adapting materials for use on social media platforms in 2017 and 2018 to date is set out in Table 4.
Table 4 – Creation of Social Media Content
|
Year |
Amount Spent |
|
2017 |
€7,600.52 |
|
2018 to date |
€2,101.85 |
|
Total |
€9,702.37 |
