Written Answers Nos. 106-125
107. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the percentage of applications received from females in respect of the rapid response roster recruitment; the percentage of female applicants deemed successful; the percentage of the successful overall applicants at first stage of recruitment; and the number of those who have not been a member of the rapid response roster previously. [40148/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder Ireland’s Rapid Response Initiative, highly skilled and experienced individuals from a Rapid Response Corps, managed by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, can be rostered to provide short notice surge capacity to four UN partner organisations.
A recruitment process for the Rapid Response roster was carried out this year. The requirements and format of the 2018 selection process were set out in the Information Booklet accompanying the call for applications:
197 applications were received by the deadline of 16 May, 2018.
65 applications (33%) were received from female applicants and 132 (67%) from male applicants.
85 applicants were shortlisted and interviewed - 24 female (28%) and 61 male (72%),
The interview process resulted in the appointment of 69 applicants to the Rapid Response roster. 22 (32%) of the successful applicants were female and the remaining 47 (68%) male.
None of the applicants in the 2018 application round indicated in their applications that they had previously served as members of the Rapid Response Corps.
108. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he is satisfied that the humanitarian needs of refugees in the Mediterranean will be met in view of the loss of a ship (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40149/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe number of irregular arrivals to the European Union have fallen by over 90% this year since their peak in 2015. But, while the overall number of deaths at sea in the Mediterranean has dropped significantly, any death at sea is tragic. Ireland supports efforts made by the European Union and its Member States to put a stop to the unnecessary deaths in the Mediterranean.
Ireland has been active in Search and Rescue missions in the Mediterranean since 2015, first through Operation Pontus, a bilateral agreement between Ireland and Italy running in parallel to Operation Sophia. Ireland has been a full member of Operation Sophia since 2017. Since 2015, Irish naval vessels have rescued thousands of migrants in the Mediterranean.
In addition, Ireland has provided humanitarian assistance in solidarity with other Member States on three separate occasions over the summer by making pledges to take migrants who were rescued in the Mediterranean Sea (including migrants from the vessel in question) and to process their applications for international protection.
Ireland also supports measures to address the root causes of irregular migration, through humanitarian and developmental programmes in developing countries. Indeed, Ireland’s pledge of €15 million for the EU’s Trust Fund for Africa is the third highest per capita contribution by an EU Member State.
109. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if compensation will be sought for the demolition of EU-funded aid structures in Palestine by Israel; if compensation will be systematically demanded each time a structure is demolished; and if he will raise this matter at EU level at the earliest opportunity. [40150/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe demolition by Israel of structures belonging to inhabitants of occupied territory, including both Palestinian Territory and the Golan, is in almost all cases illegal under international law. This includes structures provided by the EU or its Member States as humanitarian relief, in the form of emergency shelters for people or animals, schools, and structures for water and power supply, such as water tanks and solar panels.
Ireland is a member of the West Bank Protection Consortium, currently comprising nine EU members plus the ECHO Directorate General of the European Commission, which deals with humanitarian relief. Since late 2017, Consortium donors have sought compensation or restitution for structures funded by the Consortium or its members which have been demolished or confiscated. To date, there have been three such requests for compensation. Israeli authorities have replied that these structures had no planning permission, while ignoring their own systematic refusal to grant such permission to local communities.
The purpose of this action is to highlight the unacceptability of these practices, and to seek restitution for the loss to European taxpayers. The principle rather than the money was the main focus of the action.
I believe that it is right that the EU and its Member States should consistently seek compensation from Israel for the demolition or confiscation of such structures. My officials have pressed for this at EU level. However, there is not yet agreement among EU members to do so.
110. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on the implementation of the recommendations of the Myanmar fact-finding mission; his views on UNSC referring Myanmar to the International Criminal Court; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40226/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Report of the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission (IIFFM) on Myanmar makes for harrowing reading.
Ireland has strongly supported the mandate of the IIFFM since it was established in March 2017 and I offer my thanks to them for their work and for this report.
The findings of the IIFFM corroborate many of the eyewitness accounts which have emerged from Myanmar in recent times. In particular the report provides credible findings that human rights violations amounting to crimes against humanity and war crimes have been committed by members of the Burmese Military (Tatmadaw) and other security forces in Rakhine, Kachin and Shan States.
The IIFFM’s report also finds that there is sufficient evidence of crimes committed in Rakhine State being so grave that they warrant a competent court to determine the liability for the crime of genocide of those in the Tatmadaw chain of command.
The work of the IIFFM in investigating allegations, recording victim testimony and gathering other evidence so that it can be preserved for further criminal proceedings, is crucial to ensuring full accountability.
I have taken note of the recommendations and Ireland is actively engaging with our international partners in responding to its findings.
One of the key issues we have focused on so far is the issue of accountability. At the recent 39th Session of the Human Rights Council, Ireland actively supported the creation of a resolution on Myanmar, proposed jointly by the EU and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, which mandates a new impartial independent mechanism to collect, consolidate, preserve and analyse evidence of the most serious violations of international law committed in Myanmar since 2011. This is an important step in facilitating fair and independent criminal proceedings for these crimes.
The IIFFM report also makes a number of other recommendations. In particular, the report recommends the introduction of targeted sanctions against members of the Tatmadaw and Border Guard Police who have been accused of violations of international law. Ireland has actively engaged in the formation of the EU’s position in the most recent EU Foreign Affairs Council’s Conclusions on Myanmar, which were adopted on 26 February 2018. These Conclusions, which in some ways anticipated the outcome of the IIFFM, provide for the imposition of targeted measures against certain persons from the Myanmar Armed Forces and Border Guard Police responsible for serious human rights violations, and for the expansion of the existing arms embargo. A number of members of the Tatmadaw and Border Guards have been listed under these sanctions since the Conclusions were adopted in February. Ireland is actively engaging in further discussions in this regard in light of the findings of the IIFFM.
Another of the key recommendations of the IIFFM relates to the question of repatriation. Ireland strongly supports the IIFFM’s insistence that provisions be made for a safe, voluntary, dignified and sustainable means of return of the Rohingya to Rakhine State and for the introduction of measures that will enable them to sustain a reasonable livelihood. The question of citizenship is central in this regard and I call on the authorities of Myanmar comprehensively address this issue.
Additionally, it is clear that the long-standing drivers of conflict in Myanmar need to be addressed. The IIFFM recognises that the implementation of the findings of the Advisory Commission on Rakhine State (The Annan Commission) provides a roadmap for sustainable and community-led peacebuilding in Rakhine State, and for the development of extremely impoverished regions there. Ireland has strongly and repeatedly supported the implementation of the report of the Advisory Commission’s findings and will continue to do so.
On the question of the referral of Myanmar to the International Criminal Court, Ireland is not currently a member of the UN Security Council, and is therefore not in a position to formally offer support on the question of referral.
However, having considered the evidence of the IIFFM, Ireland would support the referral by the Security Council of the situation in Myanmar to the ICC. The Security Council is the only competent body that can take this step.
Given the political and legal difficulties that surround such a referral, our focus in ensuring accountability and investigation of the allegations is necessarily elsewhere. As already outlined, we are working closely with international partners in other fora including the UN Human Rights Council and the EU to ensure that measures are put in place to allow the investigation of human rights violations and that those who have perpetrated these crimes are held to account.
Officials in my Department will continue to monitor the situation and to work with our international partners to urge progress within Myanmar on these difficult issues and to pursue a resolution to this crisis that brings peace, reconciliation and prosperity for everybody in Myanmar. In the meantime, Ireland will continue to support the provision of humanitarian aid to those in need.
111. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the outcome of the most recent discussions he had with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and the British foreign Secretary regarding the need for the British Government to respond positively and without further delay to the unanimous requests of Dáil Éireann to provide access to papers and files pertaining to the Dublin and Monaghan bombings of 1974; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40277/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraDealing with long-outstanding issues relating to the legacy of the conflict in Northern Ireland is of the utmost importance to the Government. The 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.
The Government is committed to actively pursuing the implementation of these all-Party Dáil motions, and has consistently raised the issue with the British Government.
I am engaged with the British Government on an ongoing basis on this issue, as are officials from my Department.
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.
Officials from my Department and the Department of Justice and Equality met with Justice for the Forgotten on 4 July to hear their further views on the implementation of the legacy framework provided for under the Stormont House Agreement. My Department also facilitated an engagement on 29 August in Dublin for the Northern Ireland Commissioner for Victims and Survivors, Judith Thompson, to hear the views of victims and survivors in this jurisdiction, including the families affected by the Dublin and Monaghan bombings and other attacks, in the context of the British Government’s ongoing consultation on draft UK legislation to establish the Stormont House Agreement legacy bodies.
In relation to the Dáil motions, I have consistently underlined to the British Government that the 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 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 Dublin-Monaghan bombings, and pursue all possible avenues to achieve progress on this issue, consistent with the request made by this House.
112. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 154 of 25 September 2018, if he will address a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40286/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraParliamentary Question No. 154 of 25 September 2018 asked if unregistered farmers can claim back V.A.T. on sensor lighting for farm security. I advised at the time that The Value Added Tax (Refund of Tax) (No 25) Order, 1993 provides for a refund of VAT incurred by unregistered farmers in the “construction, extension, alteration or reconstruction of any building or structure which is designed for use solely or mainly in his or her farming business”. The installation of security lighting would not of itself qualify for a refund of VAT under this Order but would qualify where it is a constituent element of qualifying construction work undertaken by an unregistered farmer. I further advised that each claim for a refund of VAT under this Order is evaluated on its merits.
A VAT refund could only arise where the supply of sensor lighting is made as part of the construction, extension, alteration or reconstruction of any building or structure which is designed for use solely or mainly in his or her farming business. In other words, if it is a stand-alone supply of lighting or where it is not part of a broader construction, extension, alteration of reconstruction supply, a VAT refund will not be allowed. Each case is examined on its merits and a decision is made on a case by case basis.
There were 21,227 claims made in 2017 under The Value Added Tax (Refund of Tax) (No 25) Order, 1993 by 16,475 unregistered farmers.
113. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Finance if the exemption threshold for children on inheritance tax will be increased in budget 2019. [40131/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn general, consideration of Capital Acquisitions Tax (CAT) thresholds and rates are undertaken within the annual Budgetary and Finance Bill process. As is normal, the Deputy will appreciate that I cannot comment on any possible changes in advance of the 2019 Budget.
114. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Finance if a series of matters relating to tourism initiatives (details supplied) will be considered in budget 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40162/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, it is a longstanding practice of the Minister for Finance not to comment, in advance of the Budget, on any tax matters that might be the subject of Budget decisions.
115. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Finance if a series of matters relating to tax equity and support for micro-businesses (details supplied) will be considered in budget 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40163/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, it is a longstanding practice of the Minister for Finance not to comment, in advance of the Budget, on any tax matters that may or may not be the subject of Budget decisions. However, I should point out that PRSI policy is a matter in the first instance for my colleague the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection.
116. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Finance the measures taken to meet and engage with insurance companies regarding excessive premiums being charged to consumers, particularly in counties Cavan and Monaghan. [40257/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Finance, I am responsible for the development of the legal framework governing financial regulation. Neither I nor the Central Bank can interfere in the pricing of insurance products, as these matters are of a commercial nature, and are determined by insurance companies based on the risks they are willing to accept.
However, it is acknowledged that pricing in the motor insurance sector has been subject to a lot of volatility in recent years, from a point where some premiums appeared to be priced at an unsustainably low level to the more recent experience of large increases.
Indeed, the problem of rising motor insurance premiums was the main impetus for the establishment of the Cost of Insurance Working Group, which is now chaired by the Minister of State for Financial Services and Insurance, Mr. Michael D’Arcy T.D. Its Report on the Cost of Motor Insurance was published in January 2017. The Report makes 33 recommendations with 71 associated actions to be carried out in agreed timeframes, set out within an Action Plan. The Working Group continued its work throughout 2017 and subsequently published the Report on the Cost of Employer and Public Liability Insurance in January 2018.
Stakeholder consultation formed the foundation upon which the Working Group’s two Reports and their recommendations were developed. This consultation process undertaken by the Working Group involved a wide range of stakeholders representing the different voices within this sector, including Insurance Ireland and the major individual motor insurance providers. The impact of excessive premiums being charged to consumers from all over the country was a feature of this engagement process with industry.
In addition, my officials regularly raise specific issues affecting consumers across the country during their ongoing engagement with Insurance Ireland, including within a sub-group formed to implement relevant consumer-focused recommendations from the Motor Report.
Furthermore, Minister of State D’Arcy has separately met with representatives from insurance companies and other relevant stakeholders in relation to a number of issues and the problems resulting from high insurance premiums have been discussed during these engagements.
117. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Finance his plans to change the AMRF or ARF schemes in budget 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40294/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, it is a longstanding practice of the Minister for Finance not to comment, in advance of the Budget, on any tax matters that may or may not be the subject of Budget decisions.
However, the Government is currently reviewing the Pensions system more generally, as set out in A Roadmap for Pensions Reform 2018–2023 published last February.
118. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware that a person (details supplied) who had obtained mortgage approval and was subsequently refused life assurance from four life assurance providers here due to a mental health condition from which they recovered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40326/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Finance, I am responsible for the development of the legal framework governing financial regulation. Neither I nor the Central Bank of Ireland can interfere in the provision or pricing of insurance products, as these matters are of a commercial nature, and are determined by insurance companies based on an assessment of the risks they are willing to accept. This position is reinforced by the EU framework for insurance which expressly prohibits Member States from adopting rules which require insurance companies to obtain prior approval of the pricing or terms and conditions of insurance products. Consequently, I am not in a position to direct insurance companies as to the pricing level that they should apply to particular categories of individuals, nor am I in a position to direct them to provide cover to such individuals.
It is my understanding that insurers use a combination of rating factors in making their individual decisions on whether to offer mortgage protection cover and what terms to apply. These factors can include age, health, family medical history, occupation and lifestyle. In addition, these may be determined or linked to the length of time for which such a policy may last. In the case of mortgage protection policy, such policies tend to be over a much longer term, for example, 25 years or over the lifetime of the mortgage repayment schedule. Furthermore, my understanding is that insurers do not all use the same combination of rating factors, and as a result prices and availability of cover varies across the market, and that they will price in accordance with their own past claims experience.
I am unable to comment on specific cases, like the one provided. However you should note that my officials contacted Insurance Ireland recently with regard to a similar case and they advised that applicants for any type of life assurance will be asked on the application form detailed health questions and that insurers may request one or more of the following in addition: a report from the applicant’s GP; an independent medical examination; or other medical tests. On the basis of the information provided, the application is considered individually and the decision on whether to offer cover and on what terms depends on the facts of that particular case.
Finally, I would note that Insurance Ireland operates a free Insurance Information Service for those who have queries, complaints or difficulties in relation to obtaining insurance. Insurance Ireland can be contacted at feedback@insuranceireland.eu or 01-6761914.
119. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Finance the status of efforts to reduce the cost of car insurance; the number of recommendations and associated actions that have been completed to date (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40330/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy should note that as Minister for Finance, I am responsible for the development of the legal framework governing financial regulation. Neither I nor the Central Bank can interfere in the pricing of insurance products, as these matters are of a commercial nature, and are determined by insurance companies based on the risks they are willing to accept.
However, it is acknowledged that pricing in the motor insurance sector has been subject to a lot of volatility in recent years and, indeed, the problem of rising motor insurance premiums was the main impetus for the establishment of the Cost of Insurance Working Group. Its Report on the Cost of Motor Insurance was published in January 2017. The Report makes 33 recommendations with 71 associated actions to be carried out in agreed timeframes, set out within an Action Plan. There is also a commitment that the Working Group will prepare quarterly updates on its progress.
The sixth quarterly update was published by the Working Group on 30th August 2018. It shows that, in total, of the 56 separate applicable deadlines within the Action Plan set to the end of Q2 2018, 44 relate to actions which have now been completed. Substantial work has also been undertaken in respect of the nine action points categorised as “ongoing”.
It is envisaged that the implementation of all the recommendations cumulatively, with the appropriate levels of commitment and cooperation from all relevant stakeholders, should achieve the objectives of delivering fairer premiums for consumers and a more stable and competitive insurance market.
In this regard, it should be noted that the most recent CSO data (for August 2018) indicates that private motor insurance premiums have decreased by over 20% since peaking in July 2016. While the CSO statistics indicate a greater degree of stability on an overall basis, these figures represent a broad average and therefore I appreciate many people may still be seeing increases. However, I am hopeful that the improved stability in pricing will be maintained and that premiums should continue to fall from the very high levels of mid-2016.
Finally, it may be of interest to the Deputy’s constituents that the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission website has an informative section regarding the purchase of car insurance – https://www.ccpc.ie/consumers/money/insurance/car-insurance/ - and one of the key tips listed to help cut costs is to “shop around” and “always get quotes from several insurance providers when you need to get or renew insurance”.
120. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the timeline for the upgrading of the Garda station in Newcastlewest, County Limerick (details supplied). [40139/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe procurement of an external design team for the development of Newcastle West Garda Station is currently being progressed with tender documentation at an advanced stage of preparation. It is expected that tender competitions will commence via the EU journal shortly and that a full design team will be in place by early next year with the necessary works in terms of design development, planning and tender documentation completed by the end of that year. The constructions works will be tendered via the EU journal and following award of a contract, are expected to take 18 months to complete.
121. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the construction works at the new Bailieborough Garda station; the completion date for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40194/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraA Planning Application for this development commenced on 31 August 2018, under Part 9 of the Planning and Development Regulations. The period of public consultation ended on 11 September 2018. It is expected that this process will be concluded shortly.
At this point in time it is not possible to give a definitive completion date for the construction of the new Station until i) the Planning process, ii) the required Public Procurement process and iii) Contract Award are complete.
122. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will address matters raised by an organisation (details supplied) in relation to budget 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40128/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe ongoing work regarding Equality Budgeting in Ireland follows the Programme for a Partnership Government commitment to ‘develop the process of budget and policy proofing as a means of advancing equality, reducing poverty and strengthening economic and social rights’. The National Strategy for Women and Girls 2017-2020 also contains a related commitment.
A pilot programme of equality budgeting was introduced for the 2018 budgetary cycle, anchored in the existing performance budgeting framework. The intention is to embed an equality perspective throughout the budgetary process with a whole of year budgetary focus; equality budgeting is not to be seen as something separate from the budget process. For this first cycle of equality budgeting, a number of diverse policy areas were selected with associated objectives and indicators published in the Revised Estimates Volume (REV) 2018 in December last. Progress towards achieving these targets was reported on in the Public Service Performance Report 2017, published in April.
Learnings from the pilot approach are being used to expand the initiative to other expenditure programmes and equality dimensions for the 2019 budgetary cycle. To further guide the roll-out of equality budgeting an Equality Budgeting Expert Advisory Group has been established of which the National Women’s Council are a member. This group is comprised of a broad range of relevant stakeholders and policy experts to provide advice on the most effective way to advance equality budgeting policy and progress the initiative. I expect to return to the question of Equality Budgeting in the broad context of Budget 2019 and in the Revised Estimates for 2019, including in light of the matters which the Deputy has highlighted.
123. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when the compulsory retirement age for civil servants will be extended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40189/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer the Deputy to my answer to Parliamentary Question No. 155 on 18 September 2018.
124. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the rationale for the State building its own data centre in Backweston, County Kildare; the estimated cost of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40192/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile most Government departments and Public Sector bodies are using or planning to use the Public Cloud for the delivery of services, it is envisaged that there will always be a requirement for on-site hosting of some of our more sensitive data. In this respect, Ireland is no different to the other countries in the EU.
Where we do need to host systems and data on-site, it is beholden upon us to do so in the most cost and energy efficient and secure way. This is best achieved by replacing the plethora of computer rooms and aging data centres with a highly energy-efficient and secure solution utilising the best of modern data centre technologies to minimise carbon emissions.
Consequently, the Government plans to build a new data centre in Backweston, County Kildare and over time retire the existing suite of computer rooms and data centres that exist.
A business case has been developed for the new data centre. However, due to the commercially sensitive nature of this project, the OPW is not obliged to release this information at the current time.
125. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the cost to the State of the visit of Pope Francis. [40197/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe overall final cost of the Papal Visit is not available as yet.
The Office of Public Works continues to work on the post visit logistical arrangements which includes the de-rig, reinstatement and post-event administration for venues and locations associated with the visit including Áras an Uachtaráin, Dublin Castle, the Papal City Route, the Pro Cathedral, Capuchin Day Centre, Ireland West Airport, Knock Shrine, Phoenix Park, Media Centre Dublin Castle, Media Centre Phoenix Park, Media Centre Ireland West Airport, Media Centre Knock Shrine, Papal Visit Control Room - Dublin Castle.
