Charlie McConalogue
Ceist:95. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Taoiseach the additional jobs added in the 12 months to the third quarter of 2018 in County Donegal as per the latest labour force survey. [50512/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraWritten Answers Nos. 95-117
95. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Taoiseach the additional jobs added in the 12 months to the third quarter of 2018 in County Donegal as per the latest labour force survey. [50512/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe exact information requested by the Deputy is not available.
The Labour Force Survey (LFS) is the official source of estimates of employment in the State. The most recent figures available are for Q3 2018.
Due to methodology and sample size it is not possible to produce reliable Donegal County estimates from the LFS.
Estimates of employment, however are produced by NUTS 3 Regions.
The NUTS 3 Border region includes counties Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Monaghan and Sligo.
The following table shows the number of persons aged 15 years and over in employment classified by NUTS 3 Border region in Q3 2017 and Q3 2018 and the annual change.
As the table shows the overall stock of persons employed at given points in time, the annual change which is calculated using these stock figures depends both on the number of jobs lost and jobs created over the period in question. The LFS does not record whether a job is newly created.
No. of employed persons (ILO) aged 15 years and over classified by NUTS3 Border region, Q3 2017 and Q3 2018 - Annual change
'000 |
Q3 17 |
Q3 18 |
Annual Change |
In employment |
180.4 |
178.3 |
-2.2 |
Source: Labour Force Survey (LFS), Central Statistics Office, Ireland.
Data may be subject to future revision.
Data may be subject to sampling or other survey errors, which are greater in respect of smaller values or estimates of change.
Reference period: Q3 July-Sept.
96. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Taoiseach the additional jobs added in the 12 months to the third quarter of 2018 in County Westmeath from the latest labour force survey. [50511/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe exact information requested by the Deputy is not available.
The Labour Force Survey (LFS) is the official source of estimates of employment in the State. The most recent figures available are for Q3 2018.
Due to methodology and sample size it is not possible to produce reliable Westmeath County estimates from the LFS.
Estimates of employment, however are produced by NUTS 3 Regions.
The NUTS 3 Midland region includes counties Laois, Longford, Offaly and Westmeath.
The following table shows the number of persons aged 15 years and over in employment classified by NUTS 3 Midland region in Q3 2017 and Q3 2018 and the annual change.
As the table shows the overall stock of persons employed at given points in time, the annual change which is calculated using these stock figures depends both on the number of jobs lost and jobs created over the period in question. The LFS does not record whether a job is newly created.
No. of employed persons (ILO) aged 15 years and over classified by NUTS3 Midland region, Q3 2017 and Q3 2018 - Annual change
'000 |
Q3 17 |
Q3 18 |
Annual Change |
In employment |
119.3 |
127.2 |
7.9 |
Source: Labour Force Survey (LFS), Central Statistics Office, Ireland.
Data may be subject to future revision.
Data may be subject to sampling or other survey errors, which are greater in respect of smaller values or estimates of change.
Reference period: Q3 July-Sept.
97. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Taoiseach the amount that was spent monthly on making videos since he became Taoiseach; and the campaigns, names and amounts spent on same. [50057/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn communicating the work of Government, it is important to provide information to citizens in a manner in which they wish to receive it, which includes the medium of video.
The following is the breakdown of costs which have been processed by my Department relating to video production from June 2017 to November 2018. Note that amounts represent payments fully processed through the finance system. There may be some outstanding payments relating to invoices which have yet to be presented.
Campaigns include: Healthy Ireland; Self-Employed Benefits; Project Ireland 2040; Luas Cross-City Launch video; Global Ireland; Legislation video; Ireland.ie; Rugby World Cup bid; Budget 2018; Back to School; and 25th Anniversary of the decriminalisation of homosexuality.
Monthly breakdown
Mar-Nov 17 |
Dec-17 |
Jan-18 |
Feb-18 |
Mar-18 |
Apr-18 |
May-18 |
Jun-18 |
Jul-18 |
Aug-18 |
Sep-18 |
Oct-18 |
Nov-18 |
|
Amt. |
n/a |
29,956.65 |
n/a |
121,191.90 |
109,260.30 |
43,439.91 |
28,413.00 |
1,881.90 |
n/a |
61,940.07 |
24,265.13 |
n/a |
47,056.42 |
Campaign breakdown
Self-Employed Benefits |
Healthy Ireland |
Project Ireland 2040 |
Global Ireland |
Luas Cross-city launch |
Legislation Video |
Ireland.ie |
Rugby World Cup Campaign |
Budget 2018 |
Back to School 2017 |
Global Footprint launch |
25th Anniversary of the decriminalisation of homosexuality |
Budget 2019 |
The Pope visit to Ireland |
13,351.65 |
31,555.65 |
146,680.59 |
136022.01 |
5,584.20 |
24412.73 |
1881.9 |
21,227.07 |
10,947.00 |
9,717.00 |
20,049.00 |
13,314.75 |
19,346.98 |
13314.75 |
98. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Taoiseach the amount of funding or grant aid or both that his Department has made to an association (details supplied) from 1 January 2008 to 2017, and to date in 2018; the purpose for which the funding and-or grant aid was released; and if the way in which the funding and-or grant aid is used is audited. [50073/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has not provided any funding or grant aid to this association from 1 January 2008 to date.
99. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Taoiseach the external consultant reports commissioned by his Department in each of the years from March 2011 to 2017, and to date in 2018; the cost of same; the company involved; and the title and publication date by report, in tabular form. [50103/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe following table details the external consultant reports commissioned by my Department in each of the years from March 2011 to 2017 and to date in 2018.
Name |
Costs |
Date of Commission |
Date of Publication |
Consultant |
Health and Safety Statement 2011 |
€1,270 |
2011 |
2011 |
QTS Ltd |
Health and Safety Statement 2012 |
€1,270 |
2012 |
2012 |
QTS Ltd |
Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan Assessment and Disabled Access Review |
€307 |
2013 |
2013 |
QTS Ltd |
Health and Safety Statement 2013 and Risk Assessment |
€1,783 |
2013 |
2013 |
QTS Ltd |
Local Diaspora Toolkit |
€14,300 |
2015 |
2015 |
Clinton Institute UCD |
Getting smarter about smart cities: Improving data privacy and data security |
€14,058 |
2015 |
2015 |
Maynooth University |
Dublin’s North East Inner City |
€11,800 |
2016 |
2017 |
Kieran Mulvey |
Historical Research Project |
€2,608 |
2017 |
2017 |
University College Dublin |
Health and Safety Statement 2017 and Risk Assessment |
€2,583 |
2017 |
2017 |
Quadra |
101. Deputy Kate O'Connell asked the Taoiseach the number of contracts and-or tenders that have been awarded to a company (details supplied); the value of these contracts, that is, the amount the company has been paid; the services the contracts were for; and the number of public sector and-or publicly funded catering facilities being run by the company. [50370/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has not awarded any contracts or tenders to the company in question.
102. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the amount of funding and-or grant aid his Department has made to an association (details supplied) from 1 January 2008 to 2017, and to date in 2018; the purpose for which the funding and-or grant aid was released to the association; if the way in which the funding or grant aid or both is audited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50063/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has not issued any funding or grant aid to the Association referred to by the Deputy during the period from 1 January 2008 to date.
103. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the external consultant reports commissioned by his Department in each of the years from March 2011 to 2017 and to date in 2018; the cost of same; the company involved; and the report title and publication date, in tabular form. [50093/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe following table provides details of the external consultant reports commissioned by my Department in each of the years March 2011 to 2017 and to date in 2018; the costs of those reports; the companies commissioned to completed the reports; and their titles and publication dates.
Report Title |
Cost |
Year of Commission |
External Company |
Publication Date |
An independent review of United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) fatalities in 1989 |
€51,660 |
2011 |
Mr. Frank Callinan S.C. |
19 September 2011 |
Third Report of Independent Monitoring Group (IMG) |
€22,500 |
2013 |
Dr. Eileen Doyle |
3 September 2014 |
Consultancy report to access the impact of an upgrade of the Department's financial application software |
€24,870.60 |
2014 |
Fujitsu Ltd. |
30 January 2015 |
Research on vessels linked to Roger Casement |
€4,605 |
2015 |
Mr. John Kearon |
Not published |
Independent Review of the investigation of the death of Pte Hugh Doherty and the disappearance of Pte Kevin Joyce (Caomhán Seoighe) on 27 April 1981 while serving with IrishBatt in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) |
€33,665.55 (total cost, including editing fees of €1,500) |
2015 |
Retired High Court Judge Mr. Roderick Murphy. Editing work conducted by Mr. Jim Blighe |
8 June 2018 |
Aviation Regulation, Oversight and Safety Management in the Defence Organisation |
€35,000 |
2017 |
Bureau Veritas |
Not published |
Report on the Review of the Conciliation and Arbitration Scheme for Members of the Permanent Defence Forces |
€6,000 |
2018 |
Mr. Gerard Barry |
2 October 2018 |
104. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the reason he has withdrawn from a promised arrangement to allow persons (details supplied) to purchase their homes; the arrangements he plans to put in place to secure the homes of these persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50214/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe matter of the proposed sale of the former married quarters at Cathal Brugha Barracks has been on going for some time now. During this period, it emerged that there were legal difficulties in selling the properties as originally intended. In December 2016, the Chief State Solicitors Office met with the residents' legal advisers to outline the issues arising and, in order to resolve the matter, invited proposals as to how the sales could be facilitated. I am advised that this approach did not yield any viable proposals.
Having taken into consideration the advice of the Chief State Solicitor's Office, my officials have been left with no alternative but to formally withdraw from proceeding with the proposed sales. On the 1st November 2018 the Chief State Solicitor's Office wrote to the legal representatives of the occupiers advising them accordingly. As part of this communication my Department have indicated that it is intended to regularise the current occupancies of those people who were the subject of the original sales offer.
105. Deputy James Browne asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the position regarding affording retired soldiers a pay rise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50225/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe position is that the Public Service Stability Agreement (PSSA) 2018-2020 provides for a series of increases in basic pay for public servants, including 1% from 1 January 2018 and a further 1% from 1 October 2018. The PSSA also sets out the policy on public service pension increases as adopted by Government for the duration of that agreement to end-2020, whereby some public service pensions qualify to be increased on foot of those pay increases.
Due to the 2010 public service pay cuts and the ‘grace period’ protections associated with those reductions, former public servants who retired before 1 March 2012 have their pensions based on higher ‘pre-cut’ salary levels. This has led to the situation whereby those who retired since 1 March 2012, on a like-for-like basis, generally receive lower pensions than their counterparts who retired before them.
Under Section 6.2 of the PSSA, a guiding principle of current pension increase policy is the need to adopt an equitable approach whereby those who retired since 1 March 2012 first ‘catch up’ with their counterparts who retired before them on higher pension rates. The policy out to end-2020 also provides that the benefit of the PSSA pay increases will be passed on to qualifying pre-March 2012 pensioners, but only where the pensions of those who retired since March 2012 with analogous retiring rank, pensionable service etc. have moved ahead of their pre-March 2012 retirees.
In effect, for pensions payable under ‘pre-2013’ public service pension schemes including the Defence Forces (i.e. pre-Single Pension Scheme), current policy means a limited resumption of the pre-FEMPI non-statutory ‘pay parity’ model, under which pension rates rose in line with pay increases.
As regards military pensioners who retired since 1 March 2012, I am advised that, generally speaking, the benefit of the recent pay increases including the 1% from 1 January 2018 and 1% from 1 October 2018 under the PSSA has now been passed on (with arrears) to those concerned, including any associated dependants. A small residual number of qualifying pensioners will get the benefit with their December 2018 monthly pension.
106. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the public events, by county, that he attended since 1 May to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50280/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe following table contains details of the Defence-related public events that I attended in my capacity as Minister of State with responsibility for Defence in the period 1 May to 29 November 2018.
COUNTY |
EVENT |
DATE |
Carlow |
Graduation ceremony at Institute of Technology Carlow |
1 November 2018 |
Cork |
HRH Prince Charles visit to Haulbowline Naval Base, Cork |
14 June 2018 |
Cork |
Naval Service Commissioning |
22 June 2018 |
Cork |
LÉ James Joyce returning from the Med |
27 October 2018 |
Dublin |
Arbour Hill Ceremony Dublin |
9 May 2018 |
Dublin |
Veterans' Day, Collins Barracks |
13 May 2018 |
Dublin |
Mass in Arbour Hill |
24 June 2018 |
Dublin |
UN60 Commemoration Dublin Castle |
24 June 2018 |
Dublin |
Launch of Fuchsia ONE Appeal |
27 June 2018 |
Dublin |
National Day of Commemoration |
8 July 2018 |
Dublin |
Unveiling of Commemorative stone at Glasnevin Cemetary |
27 July 2018 |
Dublin |
Wreath laying at Glasnevin Cemetary |
19 August 2018 |
Dublin |
Pope's Visit |
25 August 2018 |
Dublin |
Pope's Visit |
26 August 2018 |
Dublin |
DSM Presentation |
4 September 2018 |
Dublin |
UNDOF Review, Cathal Brugha |
19 September 2018 |
Dublin |
Prime Time RTÉ |
2 October 2018 |
Dublin |
Defence Forces Annual Gala Concert, National Concert Hall |
20 October 2018 |
Dublin |
Air Corps Commissioning Baldonnel |
2 November 2018 |
Dublin |
Inauguration of President |
11 November 2018 |
Dublin |
Civil Defence Awarding of Drone Licences |
24 November 2018 |
Dublin |
Irish Red Cross Ball |
24 November 2018 |
Galway |
113 Battalion Review, Galway |
26 October 2018 |
Kildare |
Cadet Class Intake, Curragh |
24 September 2018 |
Louth |
UNIFIL Review, Dundalk |
2 May 2018 |
Mayo |
PDFORRA Conference |
3 October 2018 |
Westmeath |
Opening of ONE Centre in Athlone |
17 October 2018 |
Wexford |
ONE Annual Mass in Wexford |
27 May 2018 |
107. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces has the same power as the Garda Commissioner in terms of the organisation of work and working times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50336/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraCivil and military staff in the Department of Defence have worked closely together on examining issues arising for the Defence Forces related to the Working Time Directive. Military management are fully engaged in this process and a Military Board is currently undertaking further work on this matter.
As I have previously informed the House, a Government Decision dated 18 November 2016 approved the drafting of the Heads of Bill to amend the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997. This will remove the blanket exclusions contained in Section 3 of the Act.
Work is underway in Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection in conjunction with both the Department of Defence and Department of Justice and Equality towards the progression of this decision. In this context, the process for amending the legislation is the same for both the Defence Forces and an Garda Síochána. This is a work in process and it would be premature to comment on the outcome at this point.
There has been engagement on the Working Time Directive between Defence management and the Defence Forces' Representative Associations, within the framework of the Conciliation and Arbitration Scheme. There will be further engagement in this regard.
108. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if a report on the use of Trikelone N in the Air Corps workshop compiled in 2014 by the formation safety office of the Air Corps was made available to the independent person (details supplied) appointed to investigate health and safety matters in the Air Corps; if not, the reason it was not available to them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50343/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe report of the independent person appointed to investigate health and safety matters in the Air Corps is published and available on my Department's website. Appendix C of that report lists documents and materials consulted and reviewed by him.
The document, to which the Deputy refers, is the subject of legal advice and in light of ongoing litigation, I am not in a position to comment further.
109. Deputy Kate O'Connell asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of contracts and-or tenders that have been awarded to a company (details supplied); the amount the company has been paid; the services provided; and the number of public sector and-or publicly funded catering facilities being run by the company. [50360/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has no contracts, nor has awarded any tenders, to that company.
Notwithstanding this, there is an arrangement in place for the payment of the costs for meals provided to military personnel participating in courses in some external training establishments. In a number of these establishments the canteen facilities are provided by Aramark and Aramark claim recoupment from the Department of the costs of the meals provided to military personnel.
110. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of suicides recorded among members of the Defence Forces in the past three years, respectively; if no number is recorded, his plans to compile such information on members' health; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50567/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the military authorities that the Defence Forces are not in a position to provide the information requested in relation to death by suicide. All sudden deaths must be reported to the relevant Coroner's Office. It is a matter for the Coroner to decide whether a post mortem should be conducted and to determine the cause of death.
The health and welfare of the men and women of the Defence Forces is a high priority for me. The Defence Forces Personnel Support Service (PSS) provides a welfare, information, psycho-social support and referral service to serving members of the Defence Forces, their families, civilian employees and in a limited role to veterans. This service sustains and enhances the individual well-being of personnel, and promotes a safe and positive work culture, in order to support the effectiveness of the Defence Forces. The service is delivered through a network of military Barrack Personnel Support Service Officers (BPSSO) and civilian Occupational Social Workers (OSW). The Defence Forces, through the PSS engage in extensive suicide awareness and education programmes for all members of the Defence Forces.
These programmes include:
- Issuing an "Information Guide on Mental Health and Wellbeing in the Defence Forces";
- Issuing and giving presentations on "Defence Forces Guidelines on Suicide";
- Running courses on "Suicide and Self Harm";
- Providing access to "Mental Fitness" programmes through the Defence Forces Intranet;
- Providing WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plan) training;
- Conducting STORM (Skills Training on Risk Management in suicide and self harm mitigation) training with all overseas units;
- Providing ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) training in conjunction with the HSE;
- Conducting Safe Talk training within the Defence Forces;
- Providing CISM (Critical Incident Stress Management) training; and
- Issuing a PSS Booklet entitled "Defence Forces Suicide and Self-Harm Prevention".
In addition, an independent and strictly confidential 24 hour care-line, manned by trained counsellors, is available to all Defence Forces personnel.
111. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the efforts he and the Defence Forces have made to provide mental health supports for Defence Forces personnel. [50568/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe health and welfare of the men and women of the Defence Forces is a high priority of mine and of my Department. Mental health supports are part of a range of medical and non-medical services provided to ensure that Defence Forces personnel are medically fit to undertake the duties assigned to them.
Medical mental health services available to personnel include access to clinical psychology and psychiatry services. The Psychology service assesses, diagnoses, treats and advises on strategies to prevent mental health disorders. Psychiatry services specialise in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of mental illness.
There are currently two Clinical Psychologists employed by the Defence Forces. Psychiatry services were until recently provided in-house by a military psychiatrist. This position is currently vacant with interim services being provided through a combination of external public and private services; however, efforts are continuing to recruit a full-time psychiatrist to provide an in-house service. It must be stressed that there is no delay in referring patients requiring immediate psychiatric care or assessment.
In addition to these clinical supports, non-medical mental health services are provided by the Defence Forces Personnel Support Service (PSS). The Defence Forces Personnel Support Service (PSS) provides a welfare, information, psycho-social support and referral service to serving members of the Defence Forces and their families. The service is also available to civilian employees, and in a limited role to veterans. This service sustains and enhances the individual well-being of personnel, and promotes a safe and positive work culture, in order to support the effectiveness of the Defence Forces.
The service is delivered through a network of military Barrack Personnel Support Service Officers (BPSSO) and civilian Occupational Social Workers (OSW). This network of professionals is prepared to provide immediate help to service personnel and their families in a routine environment or at a time of crisis. This assistance can range from the simple provision of information to counselling or, if required, signposting and referral to specialist help and assistance.
Furthermore, the assistance may include providing psychosocial support, counselling and information & assistance services on a variety of issues, including relationships, general finances, addiction, retirement (including pensions and gratuities), housing, taxation and PRSI and much more.
In addition, my Department funds a confidential counselling, referral and support service for serving members of the Defence Forces, civilian employees and Civil Defence volunteers. The service provides confidential counselling on a wide range of personal and work related issues, including but not limited to health, relationships, addictions, financial, bereavement, stress, conflict, critical incident and trauma. In the case of relationship counselling, the spouse or partner may also attend the counselling sessions.
A Freephone confidential helpline is available on a 24/7 basis 365 days a year. The helpline is staffed by fully-trained and experienced counsellors. The helpline provides for referral to appointment-based telephone or face-to-face counselling. Face-to-face counselling is provided on a national basis, i.e. in locations around the country. Written (e-mail and letter) access to the service is also provided.
112. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if security services here have assessed the threat to State security posed by Chinese firms (details supplied); if he has sought the advice of security services in other EU member states, the United States of America, Australia or Canada on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50966/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will appreciate that policy in respect of telecommunications is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment. I can assure the Deputy that the security of the State and the people is a matter of the highest priority for the Government. It would not be in the public interest to detail the measures that are taken by our authorities in this area. What I can say is that considerable resources are deployed by the Garda Authorities, supported by the skills and expertise of the Defence Forces, in combating threats to our security. The authorities here work very closely on an on-going basis with their international counterparts in identifying and managing any threats arising.
113. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his views on whether Chinese technology companies (details supplied) pose a threat to State security; if so, the work that has been done to mitigate this risk; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50967/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will appreciate that policy in respect of telecommunications is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment. I can assure the Deputy that the security of the State and the people is a matter of the highest priority for the Government. It would not be in the public interest to detail the measures that are taken by our authorities in this area. What I can say is that considerable resources are deployed by the Garda Authorities, supported by the skills and expertise of the Defence Forces, in combating threats to our security. The authorities here work very closely on an on-going basis with their international counterparts in identifying and managing any threats arising.
114. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the degree to which he remains satisfied regarding the adequacy of the various forms of infrastructure to meet the challenges arising from Brexit in the context of maximising trading opportunities and innovation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50849/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is under no illusions about the scale of the challenge posed by Brexit. We have already taken important steps to prepare the economy for the change that Brexit will bring, including the Action Plan for Jobs 2018, our Trade and Investment Strategy and Project Ireland 2040.
The Government has taken a number of key decisions to ensure that the necessary customs controls and Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) checks required as a result of the UK’s withdrawal from the EU, are in place to address the impacts of Brexit on trade on an East-West basis. Most recently, on 27 November, I updated the Government on progress on the necessary facilities and infrastructure for such checks and controls at Dublin Port, Rosslare Port and Dublin Airport.
Dedicated measures to get Ireland Brexit ready were announced in 2017, 2018 and 2019. Budget 2019 measures included the introduction of a new longer-term loan scheme of up to €300 million, the Future Growth Loan Scheme, to support strategic capital investment for a post-Brexit environment by business. This scheme will be jointly funded by the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. This is in addition to announcements in previous budgets where over €450 million was allocated in business supports, including Budget 2018’s €300 million Brexit Loan Scheme for Business.
Budget 2019 also included an allocation of €115 million for Brexit measures across a number of Departments. This includes a €25 million allocation for essential customs requirements. There is also increased funding to the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to enable them to continue to address the challenges posed by Brexit across a range of headings, including supports for our Enterprise Agencies and for our ‘Global Ireland’ – Ireland’s Global Footprint to 2025 strategy. This strategy will support the opening of new markets for our businesses and a higher international profile. Increased funding to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has already provided for the opening of 13 new diplomatic missions as part of Global Ireland 2025, which will contribute to helping our exporters find new markets. As well as addressing the challenge of Brexit, our trade and investment strategy Ireland Connected: Trading and Investing in a Dynamic World has at its core our ongoing commitment to the EU and access to a Single Market of 27 Member States with 450 million people post Brexit, as well as access to a further 53 markets under EU Free Trade Agreements.
The funding provided to Departments in Budget 2019 includes a €78m package for farmers, fishermen, food SMEs and to cover additional costs related to Brexit. This package includes dedicated funds to support infrastructure and innovation, including: €6 million in funding to progress an €8m Food Innovation Hub in Teagasc Moorepark; €13m in supports for food industry competitiveness and innovation; €4m for the commencement of a phased process of recruitment of additional staff to carry out the greatly increased volumes of import controls and export certification arising from Brexit; and an initial provision of just over €3m to address ICT hardware and software requirements.
Good long-term planning supported by investment in Ireland’s public capital infrastructure also has an important to play is ensuring the resilience of Ireland’s economy in the face of Brexit. The National Development Plan (NDP) 2018 – 2027 comprises an investment programme of €116 billion. Investments which will be particularly relevant to Brexit include the integration of transport, energy and communications networks; new resources for tourism development and promotion; and supporting Brexit-exposed firms to diversify to international markets.
The Government and state agencies are also working hard to fully exploit any opportunities from Brexit. This includes promoting Ireland as an English speaking member of the EU with unfettered access to the EU market, and as a preferred destination for inward investment.
115. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the amount of funding or grant aid his Department has made to an association (details supplied) from 1 January 2008 to 2017 and to date in 2018; the purpose for which the funding or grant aid was released to the association; if the way in which the funding or grant aid or both is used is audited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50067/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has funded the Football Association of Ireland during the period 2017 to date through both the Emigrant Support Programme and the Reconciliation Fund.
The UK Welfare Officer programme was established in 2008 and was supported jointly by the Football Association of Ireland and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's
The programme provided assistance, support, advice and counselling services to Irish players aged 16+ that moved to the UK to become involved in the UK professional football game.
To ensure ongoing quality control, and in addition to ongoing monitoring and evaluation of projects based on reporting by organisations and visits by Missions, the Department commissions a number of on-site, external audits each year. As set out in the 2015, Global Irish: Ireland's Diaspora Policy, we are working to commit 1% of the ESP budget to quality assurance, including the annual programme of evaluation and audits.
The following table lists the total amount of funding granted through the ESP to the FAI since 2008.
Transaction Date |
Description |
Transaction Amount |
Name |
16/05/2008 |
ESP grant FAI 2008 |
50,000 |
Emigrant Support Programme, IAU |
25/11/2009 |
ESP grant FAI 2009 |
50,000 |
Emigrant Support Programme, IAU |
09/08/2010 |
ESP grant FAI 2010 |
42,000 |
Emigrant Support Programme, IAU |
05/08/2011 |
ESP grant FAI 2011 |
42,000 |
Emigrant Support Programme, IAU |
17/12/2012 |
ESP grant FAI 2012 |
35,000 |
Emigrant Support Programme, IAU |
26/07/2013 |
ESP grant FAI 2013 |
42,000 |
Emigrant Support Programme, IAU |
11/12/2014 |
ESP grant FAI 2014 |
42,844 |
Emigrant Support Programme, IAU |
07/12/2015 |
ESP grant FAI 2015 |
55,000 |
Emigrant Support Programme, IAU |
05/12/2016 |
ESP grant FAI 2016 |
55,000 |
Emigrant Support Programme, IAU |
TOTAL |
413,844 |
In addition, in 2008 the Reconciliation Fund supported the FAI with a grant of €25,000 towards an all-island coaching conference for over 400 voluntary grassroots football coaches, organised in partnership with the Irish Football Association. The conference aimed to provide an opportunity for coaches to network on a cross-border basis, and to engage with Irish and international coaches in talks and practical sessions to assist in the development of young players, both male and female. It aimed to promote meaningful cross-border links by encouraging both associations to work together to deliver a conference which would also provide coaches from across the island with the opportunity to network and establish relationships.
All grantees awarded funding through the Reconciliation Fund are required under the grant's terms of agreement to submit a post-grant narrative and financial report demonstrating how the grant was spent, as well as the organisation's accounts for the relevant year clearly showing the grant as a separate item of income. The grant's terms of agreement provide for auditing spot-checks to be undertaken by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade on a number of grants made through the Reconciliation Fund in a given year. The Comptroller and Auditor General also carries out a number of spot-checks on Reconciliation Fund grant payments on an annual basis.
Transaction Date |
Description |
Transaction Amount |
Name |
20/06/2008 |
T1 2008 – FAI |
25,000 |
Reconciliation Fund, IUKA |
TOTAL |
25,000 |
116. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the external consultant reports commissioned by his Department in each of the years from March 2011 to 2017 and to date in 2018; the cost of same; the company involved; and the report title and publication date, in tabular form. [50097/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is responsible for two votes - Vote 28 (Foreign Affairs and Trade) and Vote 27 (International Cooperation).
The Department commissions external expertise where highly specialised skills are not available within the Department and in particular where ongoing independent evaluation of programmes and projects is required. During the course of their engagement, these consultants and experts may prepare reports and other documentation for the Department.
In-depth analysis of issues by external experts has informed, and continues to inform, the Department’s policies, allowing for a more targeted use of resources and greater accountability in the allocation of budgets.
These services are procured by open competitive tendering processes in accordance with EU and national rules and comply with the overall value for money objective of the Department.
A small number of consultancies are engaged directly by our Missions abroad from time to time and in some instances they prepare technical reports relating to Ireland's overseas development aid programme.
Year of Commission |
Experts/Consultants |
Report/Subject |
Cost |
Date of publication |
2011 |
Kevin Moore |
Support to the Governments of Zambia and South Africa to develop Special Economic Zones for the promotion of inward investment and employment |
€17,861 |
Not Applicable – see footnote* |
2011 |
Paul Sheane |
Support to the Governments of Zambia and South Africa to develop Special Economic Zones for the promotion of inward investment and employment |
€9,965 |
* |
2011 |
Stefanie Meredith |
Review of Irish Aid Support for Product Development Partnerships in developing countries |
€10,100 |
* |
2011 |
Samia Saad |
Review of Irish Aid Support for Product Development Partnerships in developing countries |
€9,198 |
* |
2011 |
Paud Murphy |
Development Education Reviews - to examine the current funding support and engagement in each of the priority areas identified in the Development Education strategy (primary, post primary, third level, adult, community and youth work) |
€9,064 |
* |
2011 |
80:20 |
Development Education Reviews - to examine the current funding support and engagement in each of the priority areas identified in the Development Education strategy (primary, post primary, third level, adult, community and youth work) |
€9,870 |
* |
2011 |
Eilis Murray |
Development Education Reviews - to examine the current funding support and engagement in each of the priority areas identified in the Development Education strategy (primary, post primary, third level, adult, community and youth work) |
€6,068 |
* |
2011 |
ISOS |
Development Education Reviews - to examine the current funding support and engagement in each of the priority areas identified in the Development Education strategy (primary, post primary, third level, adult, community and youth work) |
€42,247 |
* |
2011 |
Bernard McLoughlin |
Review of the Irish Aid Centre, Dublin |
€6,143 |
* |
2011 |
Cathal Higgins |
Preparation of a report on the programme of education sector budget support towards school infrastructural development in Karamoja region and skills development in the oil sector (Uganda) |
€5,000 |
* |
2011 |
Mike Williams |
Review of Humanitarian Programme Plan for Irish Aid |
€18,742 |
* |
2011 |
Humanitarian Policy Ltd. |
Review of Security Policy & Practice among Irish Aid Humanitarian Partners |
€33,930 |
* |
2012 |
Mike Williams |
Evaluation of the Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation |
€12,247 |
July 2013 |
2012 |
PA Consulting Group |
Evaluating the value of the economic relationship between the United Kingdom and Ireland |
€73,083 |
July 2013 |
2012 |
Cathy Roche |
Review of the Our World Awards 2005-2011 |
€6,300 |
* |
2012 |
Everywhere Consulting |
Feasibility Study on the Establishment of a Humanitarian Hub at Shannon Airport |
€74,982 |
December 2012 |
2012 |
Fintan Farrelly |
Review of the Irish Aid Strategic Environmental Partnership Programme |
€6,000 |
* |
2012 |
Mike Williams |
Review of Misean Cara |
€15,099 |
* |
2012 |
Pham Quang Hoa |
Local consultancy contract 'Review of P135 infrastructure projects funded by Irish Aid' |
€5,453 |
* |
2012 |
IOD Parc |
South Africa Country Strategy Programme 2008-2012 Final Report |
€73,256 |
January 2013 |
2012 |
Itad |
Evaluation of the Irish Aid Ethiopia Country Strategy Programme 2008-2012 |
€143,886 |
May 2013 |
2013 |
Peter McEvoy |
Evaluation of a number of Organisations funded by the Emigrant Support Programme(ESP) |
€13,075 |
July 2013 |
2013 |
Wright Consultancy Ltd. |
Gender Equality Audit |
€14,000 |
December 2014 |
2013 |
Mary Jennings |
Review of HRD (Human Rights and Democratisation) Scheme Irish Aid Palestine |
€15,500 |
* |
2013 |
Bronagh Hinds & Karen McMinn Consultants |
Report on the implementation of Ireland's National Action Plan on UNSCR (United Nations Security Council Resolution) 1325 on Women, Peace and Security |
€20,811 |
June 2013 |
2013 |
Gareth Williams |
Review of Financial and Programme of the Camara Education Programme |
€20,000 |
* |
2013 |
John Geraghty |
Review of University College Cork’s Programme of Technical Support Internships for Food Security |
€7,568 |
* |
2013 |
Natural Research Institute |
Review of Irish Aid Support to Fair and Ethical Trade Initiatives |
€19,292 |
* |
2013 |
Pham Quang Hoa |
Review Programme 135 (for Ethnic Minorities) of Irish Aid funded infrastructure projects |
€5,588 |
* |
2013 |
Gareth Singleton |
Review of Irish Forum for Global Health |
€8,395 |
* |
2013 |
IOD Parc |
Evaluation of Irish Aid's Sierra Leone Strategy Paper, 2011-2013 |
€77,907 |
August 2014 |
2013 |
Mokoro |
Evaluation of Ireland's Support to Timor Leste, 2001-2014 |
€85,203 |
August 2014 |
2014 |
Gareth Singleton |
Review of Royal College of Surgeons |
€25,756 |
* |
2014 |
Tierney & Associates, Risk & Governance Consultants |
Audit of grants awarded under Emigrant Support Programme |
€19,934 |
* |
2014 |
Hogan Lovells, Washington |
Review of tax, social insurance and health obligations and other conditions of service in respect of locally-recruited staff members at our missions in the United States |
€57,756 |
* |
2014 |
Gallup Korea (Korea Gallup Poll Co. Ltd.) |
Working Holiday Agreement Report |
€7,217 |
March 2015 |
2014 |
Andy Pollak |
Review of Irish Aid support for Initial Teacher Education |
€11,564 |
* |
2014 |
ADETEF |
OECD DAC EVALNET Study on Collaborative Partner- Donor Evaluation Work |
€25,000 |
* |
2014 |
Tran Thi Ngoc Diep |
Local input into Review of Irish Aid scholarship programmes |
€1,502 |
* |
2014 |
Tom Collins |
Feasibility Study - Celebrating and Sustaining Ireland’s relationship with Africa |
€5,000 |
* |
2014 |
ITAD Limited |
Mid Term Review of the Civil Society Support Programme |
€68,135 |
* |
2014 |
David Goodman Payne |
Review of Irish Aid Civil Society Facility in Vietnam |
€8,549 |
* |
2014 |
Cathy Gaynor/Niamh O'Grady/Gill Roe |
Evaluability Assessment of the Programme of Strategic Cooperation |
€43,200 |
* |
2014 |
Willis Risk Services (Ireland) Limited |
Consultancy for insurance policy report and tender documentation for the Rapid Response Corps |
€6,150 |
* |
2014 |
Mekong Development Research Institute |
Impact assessment of Irish Aid funded infrastructure projects under P135 in 2011 & 2012 |
€43,912 |
* |
2014 |
Karen McMinn |
Report and final review on the implementation of Ireland's National Action Plan on UNSCR (United Nations Security Council Resolution) 1325 on Women, Peace and Security |
€9,750 |
2015 |
2014 |
Mokoro |
Evaluation of Irish Aid’s Uganda Country Strategy Paper 2010-2014 |
€113,739 |
* |
2014 |
ASM (B) Ltd. |
Payroll System Audit |
€11,636 |
* |
2014 |
Ground Work Consultancy |
Review of Nutrition Options for Irish Aid in Mozambique |
€5,000 |
* |
2014 |
Ground Work Consultancy |
Review of performance and lessons learned for Irish Aid funded OFSP projects |
€3,500 |
* |
2014 |
Ground Work Consultancy |
Review of Irish Aid Nutrition programming in Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos PDR |
€13,829 |
* |
2015 |
ASM |
Audit of grants awarded under Emigrant Support Programme |
€24,500 |
* |
2015 |
Coffey International Development Ltd. |
Review of the Irish Aid Programme Grant Mechanism |
€23,588 |
* |
2015 |
Tran Thi Ngoc Diep |
Local input into scoping study to explore Ireland’s cooperation in the agriculture & agribusiness sector under the IDEAS programme |
€4,442 |
* |
2015 |
Johnny O'Regan |
Organisational Assessment of Mary Robinson Foundation – Climate Justice |
€4,400 |
* |
2015 |
Mazars |
ICT Audit |
€27,552 |
* |
2015 |
Crowleys DFK |
Payment System Audit |
€19,004 |
* |
2015 |
Saferworld |
Conflict Analysis input to the Embassy of Ireland Country Strategy Paper(CSP) development process - Uganda |
€15,450 |
* |
2015 |
Dr. Cornelius Chipoma |
Review of the education Sector programme in the context of Irish Aid Zambia 2013-2017 CSP - Zambia |
€3,738 |
* |
2015 |
Charles Abola |
Review of Irish Aid support to Acholi Education initiative (AEI) - Zambia |
€12,000 |
* |
2015 |
Firetail Ltd. |
Evaluation of the MVIWATA Strategic Plan 2010-2014 - Tanzania |
€21,450 |
* |
2015 |
Centre for Social Research |
Review of Irish Aid’s support of the Forum from Women’s Educationalist – Uganda Chapter(FAWEU) |
€18,942 |
* |
2015 |
Gemma O'Reilly |
UNFCCC Reporting and Climate Finance Mapping 2014-2015 |
€27,041 |
* |
2015 |
Wilberforce Muhwana |
Design of the Quality Education Component for the Development of the Country Strategy Paper 2016 - 2020 |
€14,400 |
* |
2015 |
Transparency international |
Consultancy to assess the current Governance and Management status of institutions in Education Sector to appraise Performance, and propose Recommendations to improve Accountability and Transparency |
€15,362 |
* |
2015 |
Stephens Moore |
Audit and Verification of Grants awarded to the Platform for Social Protection Zambia for 2013 and 2014 |
€31,550 |
* |
2015 |
Ann Nolan |
Review of the Irish Aid – HSE collaboration – 2015 |
€6,300 |
October 2015 |
2015 |
Sebastian Kevany |
Review of Irish Aid-CHAI (Clinton Health Access Initiative) Partnership 2011-2015 |
€21,368 |
* |
2015 |
Ms Mpala Nkonkomalimba |
Mid Term Review Process Irish Aid Zambia Country Strategy 2013-17 |
€6,300 |
* |
2015 |
Kate Bridges |
Review of Partners Logic Models/ theories of change- Zambia |
€6,680 |
November 2015 |
2015 |
Mr. Isaac Ngoma |
Mid Term Review Public Financial Management (PFM) Assessment - Zambia |
€5,000 |
November 2015 |
2015 |
Lahluva Consultores |
Annual Planning Report of G19 and Government of Mozambique and Assessment of Irish Aid Annual Comm to GBS - Mozambique |
€24,000 |
March 2016 |
2015 |
OPTIMOZ |
Facilitation & Capability Strengthening for Niassa Provincial Leadership Team re Design of Niassa Provincial Strategic Framework for the PEN – 2027 - Mozambique |
€25,000 |
November 2015 |
2015 |
OPTIMOZ |
Capability Assessment and Initial Facilitation of Planning Exercise for Niassa Provincial Leadership Team 2017-27 - Mozambique |
€4,900 |
October 2015 |
2015 |
Option Consultancy Services Ltd |
Review of Social Accountability Approaches in Health |
€12,872 |
January 2016 |
2015 |
Anne Nolan |
Review of HSE MOU |
€8,100 |
October 2015 |
2015 |
Michael Shannon |
Asia Pacific Ireland Business Forum Review |
€4951 |
January 2016 |
2015 |
Alasdair Collins DP Evaluation |
Evaluation of IDEAs (Irish Development for Education Association) Capacity Development Programme 2013-2015 |
€5,212 |
* |
2015 |
Cathal Reidy |
A review of Ireland's Humanitarian Emergency Relief Supplies |
€36,290 |
* |
2015 |
Ground Work Consultancy |
Review of Irish Aid Nutrition programmes in Tanzania |
€6,558 |
* |
2016 |
Right to Change |
Planning of Irish Aid Country Strategy Programme Tanzania 2017-2022 |
€13,974 |
* |
2016 |
Bronagh Hinds Debbie Donnelly |
Midterm Review of the 2nd National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security |
€15,506 |
May 2017 |
2016 |
The Institute of International and European Affairs |
Comprehensive study mapping that Ireland Japan relationship to mark the 60th anniversary of Ireland-Japan Diplomatic Relations in 2017 |
€22,000 |
January 2017 |
2016 |
Grant Thornton |
Audit Services |
€100,000 |
* |
2016 |
Emily Mates |
Stocktake of Nutrition Engagement |
€13,612 |
* |
2016 |
Noel Casserly |
UNFCC Reporting and Climate Finance Mapping 2015-2016 |
€25,370 |
* |
2016 |
REEV Consult International |
Evaluation of the CSF and the Partnership Fund |
€25,000 |
* |
2016 |
ASM |
Audit of grants awarded under Emigrant Support Programme |
€26,533 |
|
2016 |
Emmanuel Sulle |
Land Rights Scoping Study/Consultancy |
€7,500 |
* |
2016 |
Isihaka Mwandalima |
Gender-Based Violence scoping study |
€3,750 |
* |
2016 |
McQuillans |
Accounting, Audit and Financial Services |
€6,240 |
* |
2016 |
PwC |
Internal audit of Embassy, and external audit of selected projects/programmes |
€75,000 |
* |
2016 |
Dr. Cornelius Chipoma |
Review of the Irish Aid Zambia Education programme |
€9,000 |
* |
2016 |
Luiz Genedio Mendes Jorge |
Review of the Supreme Audit Institution's report and opinion on the State Accounts 2014 |
€4,800 |
* |
2016 |
Southern Cross Consulting |
Review of Embassy of Ireland’s approach to Fellowship in Tanzania |
€11,430 |
* |
2016 |
Willis Towers Watson |
Study of Compensation Levels - Locally engaged staff in diplomatic missions (USA) |
€3,150 |
* |
2016 |
Mercer International |
Study of Compensation Levels - Locally engaged staff in diplomatic missions (Irish Aid) |
€13,200 |
* |
2016 |
Eamon Brehony, Alais Nakuyukuyo Morindat |
Review of Irish Aid support to Pastoralism in Tanzania |
€10,450 |
* |
2016 |
Centre for Law and Democracy |
Analysis of anti-corruption legislation in Tanzania |
€2,670 |
* |
2016 |
CASE International |
Consultancy to evaluate the Civil Society Fund |
€49,800 |
* |
2016 |
Ingrid Obery |
Review of partner results and internal capacity building on results based Management |
€25,000 |
* |
2016 |
Anne Nolan/Janet Gruber |
Review of Global Health and HIV AIDS Review |
€39,535 |
* |
2016 |
Technopolis |
Review of Product Development partners |
€19,375 |
* |
2016 |
Caoimhe Hughes |
Review of Annual Reports of Programme Grant Partners |
€4,000 |
* |
2016 |
Mr. Sean Mc Gearty |
Review of Co-Operation Ireland |
€14,188 |
* |
2016 |
M Horizon (UK) Ltd. |
Analysis of recent recommendations issued by the UN Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf |
€1,788 |
* |
2017 |
ASM |
Audit of grants awarded under Emigrant Support Programme |
€59,292 (paid between 2017 & 2018) |
* |
2017 |
Tierney & Associates, Risk & Governance Consultants |
Systems review of Emigrant Support Programme |
€15,375 |
* |
2017 |
Indecon Consultants |
Economic Report on Addressing the Challenges Faced by Returning Irish Emigrants |
€73,628 (paid between 2017 & 2018) |
February 2018 |
2017 |
Ernst & Young (EY) |
External Quality Assessment of Internal Audit |
€15,000 |
* |
2017 |
Amárach Research |
Brexit Research: Understanding the likely demand for Irish passports from citizens in U.K |
€21,000 |
* |
2017 |
M Horizon (UK) Ltd. |
Continental Shelf NE Atlantic |
€3,163 |
* |
2017 |
Mary Brady |
Overview of Humanitarian Mine Action |
€4,500 |
* |
2017 |
Noel Casserly |
UNFCCC Reporting and Climate Financing Mapping 2016 – 2017 |
€25,537 |
* |
2017 |
Rachael Twinem |
Internal review of the management structure and roles in the DICE (Development and Intercultural Education) project |
€5,721 |
* |
2017 |
Mercer International |
Study of Compensation Levels - Locally engaged staff in diplomatic missions (Irish Aid) |
€19,188 |
* |
2018 |
FitzPatrick Associates |
Review of VIBE programme |
€11,234 |
* |
2018 |
FitzPatrick Associates |
Review of ROR's approach to Fellowships in Palestine |
€18,761 |
* |
2018 |
MEPS Consulting |
Feasibility Study on Gaza Solar Energy Proposal |
Est. €27,000 + VAT. Final cost on completion of the report in 2019 |
* |
2018 |
Brian Casey |
Review of the Humanitarian Programme Plan in Somalia |
€9,591 |
* |
2018 |
Brian Casey |
Review of the Humanitarian Programme Plan in Burundi |
€4,500 |
* |
2018 |
Brian Casey |
Review of External Quality Assurance HPP 2019-2021 |
€2,250 |
* |
2018 |
Julia Lewis |
Review of the Humanitarian Programme Plan in Cameroon |
€9,383 |
* |
2018 |
Niall Roche |
Review of the Humanitarian Programme Plan in Tanzania |
€8,548 |
* |
2018 |
Sherry McLean |
Review of IRC Strategic Partnership |
€13,925 |
* |
2018 |
Mercer International |
Study of Compensation Levels - Locally engaged staff in diplomatic missions (Foreign Affairs and Trade) |
€38,376 |
* |
2018 |
The Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces/International Security Sector Advisory Team |
Member States' Systems of Secondment to Civilian CSDP and Recommendations for Strengthening and Expanding Ireland’s Participation. |
€50,000 approx. (awaiting final invoice) |
* |
2018 |
Leading Edge |
Giving effect to a commitment in the National Plan on Business and Human Rights, a tender was awarded to Leading Edge for the baseline assessment of the legislative and regulatory framework pertaining to business and human rights as it applies in Ireland. |
Tender awarded for a total cost of €25,000, inclusive of VAT. To date, two instalments totalling €14,575.50 have been paid to Leading Edge for this project and the balance will be paid following satisfactory completion of the contract. |
Not yet Published |
*Certain reports commissioned by the Department are for internal management usage and not for publication. However, many Irish Aid related reports are published on www.irishaid.ie.
117. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the estimated cost in a full year if the passport application fee was reduced to €60 for persons over 75 years of age based on 2017 figures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50178/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Passport Service does not provide a reduced fee to any category of adult applicant for a passport, whether for the renewal of a passport or for a first time application. A reduced fee is applied on applications for passports for minors in recognition of the fact that a minor’s passport is valid for only five years. Most adult passports will be issued for a period of ten years.
I have asked my staff to review the cost of the standard ten year adult Irish passport and to compare it to the cost of a similar passport in many other jurisdictions. I am satisfied that, at a cost of €80, which breaks down to €8 per year, the Irish passport fee compares favourably with the services offered elsewhere. For example, an adult would have to pay €8.20 per year for a British passport, €8.60 per year for a French passport, €9.75 per year for an American passport and €18.10 per year for an Australian passport.
Based on 2017 application volumes, the Passport Service has calculated the potential annual cost of reducing the passport application fee to €60 for applicants over 75 years of age to be just under half a million euros. Given that any shortfall in revenue would have to be met by the taxpayer, a decision to waive or reduce the application fee for any category of applicant would require careful consideration. It is important to ensure that the major upgrades to the passport service technology platforms and business processes as well as significant customer service improvements which have taken place in recent years can be maintained and further developed.
In the context of the services provided by the Passport Service, I would like to draw attention to the well-advanced Passport Reform Programme, one element of which is the Online Passport Renewal Service which was launched on 30 March 2017. To date over 298,000 adults have renewed their passport using this online facility.
The Online Passport Renewal Service has recently expanded to include the online renewal of children’s passports, to introduce a passport card for children and to expand the cohort of adults eligible to renew online. The service brings significant benefits for citizens with faster turnaround times of 10 working days for all online applications, excluding postage. In addition, the cost of renewing a passport online is significantly cheaper than alternative methods, with fees for all online applications being reduced by €5 across all application types. The expanded service is now available to all adults and children who wish to renew their passport.
Whilst the online service does not distinguish between applicants based on age, applicants can be assured that the online system will be the cheapest as well as the most efficient, secure and convenient way to apply to renew their passport.