Written Answers Nos. 65-84
65. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the Israeli Government will be requested to reinstate the mandate of the Temporary International Presence in Hebron following its expulsion from the region (details supplied). [8781/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra66. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the fact that observers from the ecumenical accompaniment programme in Palestine and Israel, EAPPI, have been withdrawn recently following a rise in harassment by settlers following the withdrawal of the Temporary International Presence in Hebron, TIPH; and the steps he will take to request the Israeli Government for the reinstatement of both the TIPH and the EAPPI. [8782/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 65 and 66 together.
I was deeply disappointed by Israel’s announcement that the mandate for the Temporary International Presence in Hebron (TIPH) would not be renewed. The TIPH, a civilian observer mission which was established in 1997 as part of United Nations Security Council Resolution 904 and the Oslo II accords, has played an important role in mitigating tension and conflict in Hebron. This conflict prevention mechanism has continued to meet a vital need, and no adequate reason has been given for the decision to end its mandate, which would seem to be a unilateral breach by Israel of the Oslo Accords.
The withdrawal of the international presence is likely to accentuate tensions on the ground in an already fragile situation in Hebron. Ireland regrets this decision and I call on Israel to reverse it. Ireland stands with the EU in stressing that Israel must fulfil its obligations under international law, as an occupying power, to protect the Palestinian people in the occupied Palestinian territory. This decision will instead reduce those protections, leaving Palestinians more vulnerable to persistent attacks by settlers.
As the Deputy has noted, the observers from the ecumenical accompaniment programme in Palestine and Israel (EAPPI) have also suffered from increasing settler attacks, and the withdrawal of the TIPH has now led the EAPPI to conclude that it too must withdraw its volunteers from Hebron. Many Irish volunteers have participated in the EAPPI programme over the years, and my Department has met with them from time to time, and values their work. Both the TIPH and the EAPPI in Hebron have been engaged in protecting children going to school from attacks by settlers, something which will have immediate resonance with Irish people. These children too are now under increased risk.
Ireland will continue to take a firm stance on matters relating to the Palestinian people and the Middle East Peace Process. At Israel’s Universal Periodic Review at the UN Human Rights Council last year, Ireland raised the continued expansion of settlements, and urged that Israel abide by its international legal obligations, including under the Fourth Geneva Convention, on the treatment of a civilian population under military occupation. I reiterated our concerns about these policies in my speech to the UN General Assembly in September. The Israeli authorities are well aware of our views, and we will certainly convey our specific concerns about the case of Hebron.
67. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade when applications by persons (details supplied) will be processed. [8867/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraForeign Birth Registration, by its nature, can be a detailed and complex process often involving official documentation related to three generations and issued by several jurisdictions.
Applications generally take 6 months to process from the time all of the required documentation has been submitted to the Foreign Births Registration team. Applications requiring clarification or further documents take longer to process.
With regard to the specific applications the Deputy has enquired about, I can confirm that the Foreign Birth Registration team in my Department has been in direct contact with the applicants to request further documentation.
68. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the issues discussed at the recent Foreign Affairs Council; the outcome of such discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8894/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI attended the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels on 18 February.
Foreign Ministers had an exchange of views on the situation in the Horn of Africa. Acknowledging the positive dynamics, Ministers called for increased EU engagement in the region.
On the occasion of the fifth anniversary of Maidan, Ministers stressed EU solidary with Ukraine and support for the reform process there. We also discussed the situation in the Azov Sea. Looking ahead to the upcoming elections, Ministers emphasised the importance of these taking place in a free, fair and transparent manner, in compliance with international standards.
Ministers also had an exchange of views on developments in Syria, looking ahead to the Brussels III Conference in March, which will take stock of the humanitarian and political situation. High Representative Mogherini outlined the conference will provide a space in which to engage with Syrian civil society, with a special focus on women. Ireland continues to support UN Special Envoy Pedersen and his efforts to bring about a Syrian-owned and Syrian-led political solution to the conflict, and welcomes the upcoming conference.
High Representative Mogherini welcomed the entry into force of the Prespa Agreement, marking the official name change from the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to the Republic of North Macedonia. She debriefed Ministers on her meeting with President Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo. She informed Ministers of the consensus reached on restrictive measures on Belarus and referred to possible EU engagement with Belarus within the framework of Eastern Partnership.
There was also an informal lunch discussion on Venezuela. Ministers welcomed the establishment of the International Contact Group and the High Representative debriefed on its first meeting. There was also an exchange of views on the deteriorating humanitarian situation.
The Council adopted Conclusions on Yemen, EU Climate Diplomacy and EU Priorities on Human Rights in Multilateral Fora.
69. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the action he has taken in relation to the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport approving the transit of munitions through Shannon Airport on a plane (details supplied) on 4 February 2019. [8940/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs detailed in my response to this question on 14 February, under the Air Navigation (Carriage of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Order 1973, as amended, civil aircraft are prohibited from carrying weapons or munitions in Irish sovereign airspace or into Irish airports unless they receive an exemption from the Minister for Transport.
In considering such applications, the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport seeks the advice of relevant Government Departments, including the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The final decision with respect to the granting of such an exemption rests with the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport.
Consistent with our stated policy my Department recommends against the carriage of munitions, with exceptions made for unloaded personal weapons or those intended for international crisis management and peace support operations.
Regarding the civil aircraft detailed in this instance, my Department was asked for and duly provided its observations in accordance with that policy.
70. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the number of requests for oral hearings received by each independent appeals panel in relation to the tracker mortgage scandal; the number granted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8788/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra76. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance if the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman is now investigating all tracker complaints received by him; the number he has received; the number under investigation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8872/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 70 and 76 together.
The Central Bank of Ireland Tracker Mortgage Examination requires mortgage lenders to conduct an examination of all tracker mortgage related issues and to provide appropriate redress and compensation to customers which were impacted by contractual or consumer protection failings by their lender. A key objective of the Examination is to ensure the fair treatment of all tracker mortgage customers and as part of this, under the Examination Framework, lenders were required to provide for an appeals process and to set up appeals panels to adjudicate on complaints made by impacted customers regarding all elements of the redress and compensation offers made to them by the lenders.
The Central Bank guidelines for the establishment and operation of the tracker examination appeals process in relation to oral hearings provides that:-
- oral hearings will be held where warranted in the circumstances of an appeal and that an oral hearing can be requested by any party to an appeal;-
appeals panels have the sole discretion to decide whether to hold an oral hearing and may decide to hold an oral hearing on their own motion where warranted;
- where a request for an oral hearing is refused, the Independent Secretariat to the appeals panel must communicate the reasons for the refusal to the customers making an appeal;
- oral hearings should be limited to hearing evidence from relevant witnesses and that requests to admit evidence from other witnesses will be considered on a case by case basis;
- oral hearings will be held in private and conducted in an informal manner and the appeals panels shall have regard to the legal principles which a Court would apply when conducting oral hearings.
The composition and other requirements for the appeals panels are also set out in the Central Bank examination framework requirements and the appeals panels operate independently of the Central Bank. The Central Bank advises that it does not have data regarding requests for oral hearings submitted to the appeals panels as part of the tracker examination appeals process. However, in its most recent update on the progress of the tracker examination which was published on 4 February, the Bank noted that that the independent appeals panels are operational in all relevant lenders and that it is monitoring the progress and outcomes from the appeals. The Central Bank also indicated that it would provide further details on appeals progress and outcomes when it publishes the final report as the appeals process will then be further advanced in all lenders.
Regarding the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman (FSPO), the FSPO considered that the most effective and efficient way to provide redress and compensation to borrowers who have been wrongly denied tracker mortgages or the correct interest rate was for the lenders to co-operate fully with the Central Bank Tracker Examination. Therefore, whilst the Central Bank Examination was underway individual tracker mortgage-related complaints were placed "on hold" by the FSPO pending confirmation that the Examination had concluded in respect of those complainants.
In July 2018, a decision was taken by the FSPO to begin to take and advance complaints that could be progressed. Tracker complaints which have completed the financial provider’s internal dispute resolution process and where they have availed of the tracker framework independent appeals process if open to them are now being progressed, as are complaints which have been confirmed by the provider as not being impacted by the tracker examination. However, those tracker related complaints which have not yet reached these stages remain "on hold" by the FSPO.
As at 20 February 2019, the FSPO advised that there are 1,250 complaints on hand that are linked to the tracker mortgage issue, of which 645 are under active investigation.
71. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Finance the reason a person (details supplied) was charged €500 for PRSI for the year ending 31 December 2017 in view of the fact they have not been charged for PRSI in previous years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8811/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by Revenue that the person in question submitted their self-employed tax return for 2017 with a reported income in excess of €5,000.
Self-employed taxpayers (aged between 16 and 66) who have an annual income greater than €5,000 are liable to pay ‘Class S’ Pay Related Social Insurance (PRSI) at a rate of 4%, subject to a minimum payment of €500. The person was not charged PRSI for the years 2014, 2015, and 2016 because their income for those years was less than €5,000.
72. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding the problems in the new information technology system of the Revenue Commissioners (details supplied). [8835/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by Revenue that the new administrative arrangements for PAYE (PAYE Modernisation) started on 1 January this year. These new arrangements do not affect the way income tax and other statutory deductions are calculated under the PAYE system, but do change the way employers report payroll information to Revenue. In most cases, there has been a seamless integration of the new real-time reporting arrangements into employers’ payroll systems without any impact on employees. Since its launch over 146,000 employers have successfully sent in real-time payroll submissions in respect of almost 2.6m employees.
Revenue is aware that when Department of Education and Skills (DES) reported their pay and statutory deductions details during January, it inadvertently included a ‘cessation of employment’ date in the payroll submissions in respect of some substitute teachers and other staff. This had the impact of stopping or reallocating those employees’ tax credits and rate-band entitlements, which in turn resulted in some over-deductions of tax from their DES salaries.
Revenue understands that the issue has now been resolved by DES for all newly engaged substitute teachers and other staff and the Department is continuing to address the problem for those who were impacted on in the earlier pay run/s. Revenue has also confirmed to me that it has ‘restarted’ the employments of all those concerned and placed them on the most appropriate tax basis, based on the information available. This has facilitated DES in refunding some over-deductions and Revenue understands that others will issue over the next pay run/s. Revenue is also continuing to offer every assistance, including technical expertise, to DES so that the problem can be resolved as quickly as possible.
Revenue has further advised that any substitute teacher or other staff engaged by DES who have concerns that they are not receiving their full tax credit and rate-band entitlements can contact Revenue’s National PAYE Helpline at 01-7383636 to confirm the position.
73. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Finance the action he plans to take with a bank (details supplied) that has stated its intention to ignore the Central Bank Code of Conduct in relation to mortgages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8837/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Code of Conduct on Mortgage Arrears (CCMA) forms part of the Central Bank’s Consumer Protection Framework. It is a statutory Code first introduced by the Central Bank in February 2009, with the current CCMA becoming effective from 1 July 2013. The CCMA provides a strong consumer protection framework, requiring relevant firms to ensure borrowers in arrears or pre-arrears in respect of a mortgage loan secured on a primary residence are treated in a timely, transparent and fair manner and that due regard is had to the fact that each case of mortgage arrears is unique and needs to be considered on its own merits. The CCMA recognises that it is in the interests of borrowers and regulated firms to address financial difficulties as speedily, effectively and sympathetically as circumstances allow.
As the CCMA is a statutory code issued under Section 117 of the Central Bank Act 1989, it must be complied with by all regulated entities as a matter of law. The Central Bank can take action against a regulated entity which does not comply with the CCMA (for example by imposing a direction on such entity or taking enforcement action under the Central Bank’s Administrative Sanctions Procedure).
The voluntary Code of Practice on the Transfer of Mortgages (the Code of Practice) was issued by the Central Bank of Ireland in 1991 to institutions involved in mortgage credit. It may be applied on a voluntary basis by any institution involved in mortgage credit. The Code of Practice applies to a loan secured by the mortgage of a residential property. For the purposes of this Code of Practice, a residential property is not limited to a principal private residence.
I have been advised by the Central Bank of Ireland that although this Code of Practice remains in place, it is a voluntary code which does not have a legislative basis and is therefore not subject to the Central Bank of Ireland’s administrative sanctions process.
74. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Finance the reason a pension payment for a person (details supplied) has been reduced; if the matter will be reviewed; if the original payment will be reinstated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8866/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by Revenue that it has reviewed the person’s tax situation and is satisfied that there is no error and the position is correct.
The ‘deduction’ from the person’s Occupational Pension is a consequence of a reduction in their tax credits to facilitate collection of the tax due on their State Contributory Pension. The person was not previously liable to tax because their combined Occupational and Invalidity Pensions were below the exemption limit (€18,000). However, the change from being an Invalidity Pension recipient to a State Contributory Pension recipient brought their combined earnings above the exemption limit.
75. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide the terms of reference and details of the scope of the investigation being conducted by the Central Bank further to media reports (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8871/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware this matter is the subject of ongoing legal action. As such it would not be appropriate for the Minister or my department to comment.
My officials recieved the following response from the Central Bank of Ireland in regard to your query: "Any information received has been thoroughly considered in the context of our overall supervision of EBS DAC. Due to confidentiality requirements we are not in a position to make any further comment."
77. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Finance the status of a tax refund in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8887/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by Revenue that it cannot review the person’s tax situation for 2018 until they submit their Form P60, which should be provided to them by their employer.
Revenue has also confirmed that it has already made direct contact with the person to assist them in claiming their entitlements. The person is now registered for Revenue’s ‘myAccount’ service, which will allow them to electronically submit their P60 details once available to them. Revenue has assured me that the person’s 2018 tax situation will be reviewed and any refunds processed as soon as they submit the required documentation.
78. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he is listed as the owner of a property (details supplied) in County Tipperary; the way in which he became the owner; if he has given consideration to handing it over to a local community group that wishes to refurbish it as a historic building; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8891/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder Section 28 of the State property Act 1954 (the Act) property held by a body corporate at the time of its dissolution becomes vested in the State in the name of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (the Minister). This excludes property held by the body corporate, in trust, for another. The Minister holds what is often termed a defeasible interest as the property will revert to the dissolved body corporate if the body corporate is restored.
The property referred to is registered to Holycross Development Society Limited. It has not been established if the property is one to which Section 28 of the Act applies. If the property has vested in the Minister then the Minister does have the power, under Section 31 of the Act, to waive his interest to a person if he thinks this would be proper in all the circumstances of the case.
No application for such a waiver has been received from any local group. If it is established that the property has vested in the Minister then he will consider an application for a waiver.
79. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will direct the OPW to expedite an application by Tipperary County Council for funding for flood relief works at Drish, Thurles, County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8904/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised that local flooding issues are a matter, in the first instance, for each Local Authority to investigate and address, and local authorities may carry out flood mitigation works using their own resources. The OPW operates the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme to provide funding to local Authorities to undertake minor flood mitigation works or studies to address localised flooding and coastal protection problems within their administrative areas. The scheme generally applies to relatively straightforward cases where a solution can be readily identified and achieved in a short time frame and which meets the criteria of the scheme.
On Tuesday, 19th February, Tipperary County Council submitted an application to the OPW under the Minor Works scheme for flood mitigation measures at the location mentioned in the deputy’s question. The OPW will assess this application to determine whether it meets the scheme criteria. The Local Authority will be advised as soon as a decision is reached in this regard.
80. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of protected burial mounds which are listed and accessible for tourism and educational purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8960/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, there are a large number of recorded monuments in the country and a significant number may fall within the description of the term "burial mounds". For the purpose of responding to the question therefore, the word "protected" is firstly taken to mean those monuments in the care of the Office of Public Works and protected under National Monuments legislation. The reference to "burial mounds" is interpreted as referring to those National Monuments which are categorised as either Passage Tombs, Wedge Tombs, Portal Tombs, Court Tombs or Megalithic Tombs. Graveyards are not included in the definition.
A total of 63 individual Monuments, some co-located on the same site, are included in the Monuments in State Care list under these various descriptors and this list is in the table.
Visitor facilities are provided at 4 sites in Co. Meath (Newgrange, Dowth, Knowth & Loughcrew) through the Brú na Boinne Visitor Centre and 1 in Co. Sligo (Carrowmore).
The Office of Public Works endeavours, in as far as possible, to facilitate public access to all the National Monuments in its care. However, this may not be possible in all instances at all times for a variety of reasons outside its control including works, Health & Safety concerns, the fact that Monuments or the entry points to them may be located on private lands or because access is either temporarily or permanently curtailed for farming reasons such as animal movements or harvesting.
If the Deputy has a specific site in mind, I would invite him to make contact with my office directly and we will assist him.
The full list of National Monument tomb sites in the care of the OPW is as follows:
|
NAME |
DESCRIPTION |
TOWNLAND |
COUNTY |
|
Browneshill |
Portal Tomb |
Kernanstown |
Carlow |
|
Gartnanoul |
Court Tomb |
Gartnanoul |
Cavan |
|
Cohaw |
Court Tomb |
Cohaw |
Cavan |
|
Poulnabrone |
Portal Tomb |
Poulnabrone |
Clare |
|
Slievenaglasha |
Wedge Tomb |
Slievenaglasha |
Clare |
|
Tullycommon |
Wedge Tomb |
Tullycommon |
Clare |
|
Caheraphuca |
Wedge Tomb |
Caheraphuca |
Clare |
|
Ballyhickey |
Wedge Tomb |
Ballyhickey |
Clare |
|
Labbacallee |
Wedge Tomb |
Labbacallee |
Cork |
|
Island |
Wedge Tomb |
Island |
Cork |
|
Altar |
Wedge Tomb |
Altar |
Cork |
|
Malin More (Glencolumbkille) |
Megalithic Tombs |
Malin More |
Donegal |
|
Kiltiernan |
Portal Tomb |
Kiltiernan Domain |
Dublin |
|
Ballyedmonduff |
Wedge Tomb |
Ballyedmonduff |
Dublin |
|
Laughanstown |
Crosses and wedge tomb (Two Celtic crosses, two cairns, the bases of two crosses) |
Laughanstown |
Dublin |
|
Kilmashogue |
Wedge Tomb |
Kilmashogue |
Dublin |
|
Brenanstown |
Portal Tomb |
Brenanstown |
Dublin |
|
Killeany |
Wedge Tomb A dolmen near Cowragh |
Oghill |
Galway |
|
Carrownlisheen |
Wedge Tomb |
Carrownlisheen |
Galway |
|
Doorus |
Wedge Tomb |
Doorus Demesne |
Galway |
|
Knockroe |
Passage Tomb |
Knockroe |
Kilkenny |
|
Kilmogue (Leac an Scáil) |
Portal Tomb |
Kilmogue, Harristown |
Kilkenny |
|
Corracloona |
Megalithic Tomb |
Corracloona |
Leitrim |
|
Aghaderrard West |
Court Tomb |
Aghaderrard West |
Leitrim |
|
Lough Gur |
Wedge Tomb |
Lough Gur |
Limerick |
|
Lough Gur |
Megalithic Tomb unclassified |
Ballynagallagh |
Limerick |
|
Duntryleague (Deerpark) |
Passage Tomb |
Deerpark |
Limerick |
|
Proleek |
Portal Tomb & wedge Tomb |
Proleek |
Louth |
|
Rockmarshall |
Court Tomb |
Rockmarshall |
Louth |
|
Townleyhall |
Passage Tomb |
Townleyhall |
Louth |
|
Carrowcrom |
Wedge Tomb |
Carrowcrom |
Mayo |
|
Carrowcrom |
Megalithic Tomb |
Carrowcrom |
Mayo |
|
Carrowcastle |
Wedge Tomb |
Carrowcastle |
Mayo |
|
Ballina |
Portal Tomb |
Ballina |
Mayo |
|
Rathfranpark |
Wedge Tomb |
Rathfranpark |
Mayo |
|
Ardmulchan |
Passage Tomb |
Ardmulchan |
Meath |
|
Dowth |
Passage Tomb |
Dowth |
Meath |
|
Knowth |
Passage Tomb Cemetery |
Knowth |
Meath |
|
Loughcrew |
Passage Tomb Cemetery |
Newtown |
Meath |
|
Loughbracken |
Mound |
Loughbrackan |
Meath |
|
Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth |
Passage Tomb |
Newgrange |
Meath |
|
Fourknocks |
Passage Tomb |
Fourknocks |
Meath |
|
Loughcrew |
Passage Tomb Cemetery & Other Monuments, Cairn & Standing Stone |
Corstown, Newtown, Patrickstown |
Meath |
|
Cairnbane |
Court Tomb |
Tiredigan |
Monaghan |
|
Altore |
Wedge Tomb |
Altore |
Roscommon |
|
Knocknarea |
Passage tombs & Cairns |
Knocknarea South |
Sligo |
|
Magheraghanrush or Deerpark |
Court Tomb |
Magheraghanrush or Deerpark |
Sligo |
|
Carrowreagh |
Court Tomb |
Carrowreagh |
Sligo |
|
Carrowmore Passage Tomb Cemetery |
Stone circle, Ring barrow, Passage tomb, Ringfort, Megalithic structure, Cashel |
Carrowmore, Graigue, Tobernaveen |
Sligo |
|
Carrowkeel Passage Tomb Cemetery |
Passage Tomb Cemetery |
Carricknahorna East, Carrowkeel, Doonaveeragh, Treanscrabbagh, Tully |
Sligo |
|
Carricknagat |
Megalithic Tombs |
Carricknagat |
Sligo |
|
Moytirra East |
Court Tomb |
Moytirra East |
Sligo |
|
Cabragh |
Wedge Tomb |
Cabragh |
Sligo |
|
Creevykeel |
Court Tomb |
Creevykeel |
Sligo |
|
Gortnaleck |
Court Tomb |
Gortnaleck |
Sligo |
|
Shrough |
Passage Tomb |
Shrough |
Tipperary South |
|
Matthewstown |
Passage Tomb |
Matthewstown |
Waterford |
|
Ballynageeragh |
Portal Tomb |
Ballynageeragh |
Waterford |
|
Gaulstown |
Portal Tomb |
Gaulstown |
Waterford |
|
Knockeen |
Portal Tomb |
Knockeen |
Waterford |
|
Seefin |
Passage Tomb |
Scurlocksleap |
Wicklow |
|
Baltinglass Hill |
Passage Tomb & Hillfort |
Pinnacle, Coolinarrig Upper & Tuckmill Hill |
Wicklow |
|
Moylisha |
Wedge Tomb |
Moylisha |
Wicklow |
81. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the alternatives to deer culling at the Phoenix Park, Dublin, that have been considered by his Department to control the population of deer and to avoid the slaughter of same. [8630/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn general terms, I wish firstly to advise the Deputy of the general context of the management of the Fallow deer herd in the Phoenix Park. The Office of Public Works has long experience managing the herd gained over many years. This is supported by scientific advice from the School of Biology & Environmental Science at University College Dublin and the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine (Deer Management in Ireland a Framework for Action – 2015). OPW also liaises with the Royal Parks London, whose deer management practices are endorsed by The British Deer Society and the Deer Initiative of England. OPW is also a member of the Irish Deer Society and it might interest the Deputy to know that it received the John Nicholson Perpetual Trophy in 2016. This trophy is the Society’s highest honour, awarded for meritorious service in the welfare, conservation, management and protection of deer in Ireland.
Deer culling is of course an activity that OPW would prefer not to have to carry out. However, the cull, as undertaken, is considered to be the most appropriate and humane way to sustainably manage the population of deer in the Park. While there are a number of potential strategies for population control, as outlined below, there are specific reasons why each such strategy is unfeasible.
1. 1. Live Capture
A live capture was carried out in 1991 with over 100 persons involved from Ireland and the UK. However, with current health & safety requirements, skills shortage and the size of the current herd, it is not practicable or safe to undertake this exercise today. Professional advice from the School of Biology & Environmental Science at University College Dublin suggests that this practice has the following consequences:
(i) live capture takes hours to be completed. Stress levels (i.e. corticosteroids) can reach abnormal levels in the animals leading to immune-depression and abortion in females
(ii) live capture requires the gathering of many deer in limited spaces (e.g. temporary corrals) and this can lead to severe or sometimes lethal injuries (especially among fawns and younger deer injured by bucks)
(iii) these risks are accentuated during the transport of deer to a different location. Deer are wild animals and, unlike livestock, they become particularly stressed when transported on trucks.
1. 2. Tranquillising deer for administration of contraceptives and/or removal
Use of drugs to tranquillise deer is usually limited to a small number of individual deer selected for research purposes (e.g., body condition check, parasite screening, and deployment of radio tracking devices for individual monitoring). Darting of deer for capture to administer contraceptives would be an extremely dangerous procedure to undertake in a public park. Darts are often lost during such operations resulting in a dangerous hazard to the public and other wildlife. The quantities of tranquiliser required to sedate a deer could be fatal for humans which is obviously of particular concern in a park frequented by large volumes of visitors. In order to carry out a safe procedure, darting should be carried out from short distances (less than 25 meters), which means that only a small number of animals could be darted over several days of work in the field. The exercise would be costly, time-consuming and ineffective. Ultimately, this would be an extremely dangerous procedure for the deer (if carried out from long-distances with the intention of capturing more animals) and for the public.
1. 3. Transportation to other locations
The Phoenix Park deer are part of a wild herd and transportation would be very stressful for such wild animals. They would be also prone to injury during transport, as already highlighted above. Furthermore, it is illegal to release deer into the wild. Most importantly, the deer would suffer significant stress through live capture and transport before being released into a completely new environment, which could soon be over-populated with deer after just a few release events leading ultimately to the same over-population problem and requiring a deer management plan and population control plan for the new location.
1. 4. Contraception
There are no contraceptives licensed for use on wild deer in Ireland.
Although not licensed yet, there are different contraception strategies available for deer, but in most cases, they refer to heavily managed herds (not wild herds), ie. animals kept within enclosures like livestock. The most common strategy would be steroids, which are given to each female on a yearly basis (from Sept to Jan). These steroids can regulate the ovarian cycle so as to produce anoestrus female deer. The main challenge in administering these steroids is that each female must get the correct dose. The only way to do this is to get close enough to each female deer to make sure that it receives the correct dose. This is entirely impractical in a large, wild herd as this form of artificial feeding would disrupt normal herd behaviour and, based on a study by UCD, a success rate of only 10-15% is achievable. Most importantly, females who are not individually identifiable in a wild herd (e.g. without colour-coded ear-tags) could not be administered with steroids as, potentially, individual deer could receive multiple doses over time resulting in an overdose of the medication.
The alternative is to administer steroids via supplementary feeding (e.g. pills mixed with attractive food). This is considered to be high risk due to potential overdosing among females and the ingestion of the food by male deer which would have a detrimental effect on them. As far as injecting contraception, this would require the capture and immobilisation of each female for injection which is clearly not feasible. Most contraceptive strategies would require multiple captures per year of each female with clear negative consequences for the animals. It would also be virtually impossible to capture all the females of the deer population. Wild deer simply cannot be rounded up in any realistic way without causing severe stress and injury to both animals and operatives involved.
Perhaps most importantly, steroidal contraceptives are a significant risk in respect of pollution to both the environment and the food chain (e.g. crows and foxes eat deer that have perished from natural causes). Oral contraceptives, similar to those used by humans, cannot be given to wild animals because other animals would potentially pick on leftovers of deer feed and would be adversely affected. Droppings and urine from the deer would also contaminate the habitat. Hormonal contraceptives would interfere with antler growth and shedding. It would be impossible to feed such contraceptives to females only and to prevent male deer consuming them.
Sterilization of males has been deemed inefficient, as just one fertile male remaining in the herd is sufficient to sire a very large number of deer. When considering the use of contraceptives among the female deer population, there are other negative aspects to consider in respect of the welfare of the male deer. The adoption of female contraception strategies, assuming that these were possible, would have the effect that most of the females would not be in oestrus during the rutting season. This would have a significant effect on male stress and behaviour. The males would inevitably fight for the limited number of oestrus females available (as indicated above it would be impossible to give the proper contraception dose to all females, so some of them will be in oestrus during the rut). Male stress levels would be higher due to increased male competition for access to the fewer oestrus females. Many males would likely roam the Park in the continuous search of oestrus females, increasing the likelihood of being involved in traffic accidents and, as recorded in other study sites, they may attempt to leave the Park to look for females in the wider urban setting.
The wild deer herd is an integral part of the biodiversity of the Phoenix Park and has been such for over 350 years. Adopting measures that would significantly reduce numbers instead of maintaining them at sustainable levels would have a major impact on the biodiversity of the Park and result in significant change to other wildlife habitats.
I can assure the Deputy that OPW will continue to monitor options available to it in managing the wild herd and will continue to engage with the School of Biology & Environmental Science in University College Dublin, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, the National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Irish Deer Society in this regard.
82. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 185 of 10 July 2018, the date on which works will commence on the changeover; the details of the recommendations of the report; the progress made on implementing same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8870/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraGiven the comprehensive nature of this report and the significant engineering options presented, the Office of Public Works is considering the recommendations regarding the cycle and pedestrian paths along Chesterfield Avenue in the context of the Phoenix Park’s historic structure and natural amenities. It is important that regard is had to the wishes and requirements of all users of the Phoenix Park and that decisions taken are consistent with the Phoenix Park Conservation Management Plan. It is hoped that this analysis will not take too long.
The report recommended six concept options, a brief outline of which are as follows:
Option 1:
The existing carriageway would be narrowed to two 3m wide lanes, to slow vehicles down. A 2m wide raised cycle lane would be introduced on either side of the carriageway. 1.8m (minimum) - 4m wide (max) footpaths would be constructed for maximum pedestrian comfort. Existing gas lamps locations would be retained and incorporated into the proposed footpath. Existing parking would be removed (approximately 1245 spaces). Estimated cost, €5.4M.
Option 2:
The existing carriageway would be narrowed to two 3m wide lanes, to slow vehicles down. A 2m cycle track would be introduced either side of the carriageway protected by a 0.25m concrete buffer. 1.8m (minimum) - 4m wide (max) footpaths would be constructed for maximum pedestrian comfort; the footpath could be shared to accommodate leisure and inexperienced cyclists. Existing gas lamps locations would be retained and incorporated into the proposed footpath. Existing parking would be removed. Estimated cost, €5.4M.
Option 3:
The existing carriageway would be narrowed to two 3m wide lanes, to slow vehicles down. 4m wide raised verge would be introduced either side of the carriageway. A 2m wide footpath and a 2m cycle track would be constructed side by side on top of the sloped verge on both sides of the carriageway. Existing gas lamps locations would be retained and incorporated into the existing verge. Existing parking would beretained. Estimated cost, €3M.
Option 4:
The existing carriageway would be narrowed to two 3m wide lanes, to slow vehicles down. Parking areas would remain in place either side of the carriageway. A 1.8m (minimum) - 3m (maximum) footpath would be constructed on one side of the carriageway; the footpath could be shared to accommodate leisure and inexperienced cyclists. A 3m wide two-way cycle track would be constructed on the other side. Both thepedestrian and cycle facilities would be protected by a sloped verge.Existing gas lamps locations would be retained and incorporated into the existing verge. Existing parking would be retained. Estimated cost, €1.45M.
Option 5:
The existing carriageway would be narrowed to two 3m wide lanes. A 1.8m (minimum) - 4m (maximum) footpath would be constructed on both sides of the carriageway. A 2m wide raised cycle lane would be introduced on either side of the carriageway. Pedestrian facilities would be protected by a sloped verge. The pedestrian facilities would be protected by a sloped verge. Existing parking would be removed.Existing gas lamps locations would be retained and incorporated into the proposed verge. Estimated cost, €5.4M.
Option 6:
The existing carriageway would be narrowed to two 3m wide lanes. A 2.4m wide parking strip would be included on one side of the carriageway. A 3m wide two-way cycle track would be introduced on the opposite side of the carriageway to the parking. Two 1.8m (minimum) - 4m (maximum) wide footpaths would be constructed on either side of thecarriageway; the footpath could be shared to accommodate leisure and inexperienced cyclists. The pedestrian facilities would be protected by a sloped verge, which could comprise a permeable pavement on theparking side. Existing gas lamps locations would be retained and incorporated into the proposed verge. Estimated cost, €6M.
Given the recommendations, significant impact on the parks infrastructure, users of the park and the substantial costs involved, OPW is considering viable options to ensure the safety of all park users. In the interim, road marking will be improved along the cycle lane and the route is regularly patrolled by the Park rangers.
83. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if there is school funding for information communication technology (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8777/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Digital Strategy for Schools 2015-2020 reflects the Department’s current policy on the embedding of digital technologies in teaching, learning and assessment. It sets out a clear vision that is focussed on realising the potential of digital technologies to transform the learning experiences of students by helping them become engaged thinkers, active learners, knowledge constructors and global citizens who participate fully in society and the economy.
The Strategy sets out a programme of work for the 2015-2020 period and is organised around four themes:
- Teaching, Learning and Assessment Using ICT
- Teacher Professional Learning
- Leadership, Research and Policy
- ICT Infrastructure
An investment of €210m, for multi-annual ICT Infrastructure Grants to schools is being made available over the period the Digital Strategy for Schools. To date some €60 million have been issued to schools in the past two years with the third tranche of this funding due to issue shortly in respect of the 2018/2019 school year. The provision of funding will support the schools in updating and renewing their ICT infrastructure and assist schools to embed innovative and cutting edge technologies to enhance teaching, learning and assessment in their schools.
In considering appropriate expenditure for this funding schools should align this with the Digitial Learning Plan, with advice and support on developing this plan available from the PDST-TiE at https://www.pdsttechnologyineducation.ie/en/Planning/. In that context, the funding can be used for a broad range of requirements outlined in the relevant circular issued to schools regarding the Digital Strategy grant funding.
84. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he is satisfied with progress in relation to the completion of a school (details supplied); when the new school build will be ready to hand over to the school authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8834/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am very aware of the school building project to which the Deputy refers. The ongoing delay of this project is extremely disappointing and frustrating for all parties involved.
The Deputy will be aware that the project had been scheduled for completion for September 2018. However, the contractor experienced a number of issues such as unforeseen ground conditions and the severe weather events of early 2018. The expected completion date for the project is now July 2019.
The project is being delivered by Westmeath County Council (WCC) which is continuing to pursue the contractor for as speedy a delivery of the project as possible. The Council has the full support of my Department in its efforts to achieve this without compromising the integrity of the building being delivered.
To ensure that the school is kept fully up to date with progress on the project, WCC is issuing monthly progress reports to the school's Board of Management. This approach will provide accurate and precise information to help the school to plan and manage its needs until its permanent accommodation is available. The Deputy may also wish to note that officials from Department recently joined WCC at a meeting with the school authority so as to discuss and address their concerns.
