Wednesday, 4 Dec 2019

Written Answers Nos. 128-152

Schools Building Projects Status

Ceisteanna (128)

Martin Heydon

Ceist:

128. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Education and Skills the progress of a school building project (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50662/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

As the Deputy may be aware, a new site is required for the replacement building for the school in question and my Department has commenced the site identification process. In line with protocols for the use of State property assets, my Department has written to the Department of Defence enquiring if the Department is in a position to provide a site that could be suitable. My Department has also been in liaison with Kildare County Council in regard to identifying a potential site.

Due to commercial sensitivities surrounding site acquisitions in general, I cannot comment further at this point in the process, though I can assure the Deputy that my Department is making every effort to progress the matter.

Schools Building Projects Status

Ceisteanna (129)

Martin Heydon

Ceist:

129. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Education and Skills the progress of school building projects (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50663/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

The major school building project for the extension and refurbishment of the schools referred to by the Deputy has recently been authorized by my Department to proceed to tender for the appointment of a Building Contractor.

The closing date for receipt of tenders is early January 2020. Subject to no significant issues arise during the tender process, my Department anticipates that the joint project will commence on site in the second quarter of 2020.

Child Abuse

Ceisteanna (130, 131, 132)

Anne Rabbitte

Ceist:

130. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the issue of changing references to child pornography in legislation to child sexual abuse material to reflect the reality of the harm suffered and the crime being committed in the material has been investigated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50528/19]

Anne Rabbitte

Ceist:

131. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason his Department has not changed the term "child pornography" regarding child sexual abuse material across relevant legislation to reflect the reality of the harm suffered and the crime being committed in the material; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50432/19]

Anne Rabbitte

Ceist:

132. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Bills which would need to be amended if references to the term child pornography were changed to child sexual abuse material; his plans to update the legislation to make such changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50433/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

I propose to take Questions Nos. 130 to 132, inclusive, together.

I can confirm for the Deputy that Irish law includes the term “child pornography” in relation to a number of criminal offences.

While this term was used historically, in more recent years the term “child sexual abuse material” has been preferred. International best practice regarding terminology in this area is captured in the Luxembourg Guidelines, which emphasise a preference for language referring to “child sexual abuse material” or alternatively “child sexual exploitation material”.

In line with these developments and in common with other like-minded States, in recent years my Department, when referring to action to combat online child sexual abuse and related matters, has used the term “child sexual abuse material”.

My Department may in the future consider updating the term “child pornography” where it appears in the statute book. However it is important to be aware that any amendment to existing terms in the numerous Acts and Statutory Instruments involved will need to be very carefully considered, to ensure there are no unintended legal consequences for prosecutions in these important cases.

There is no particular timeline in that regard, as the Deputy will appreciate all legislation is kept under review.

Public Consultation Process

Ceisteanna (133)

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

133. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the public consultations held by his Department in 2018 and to date in 2019; the date on which such consultations were held by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50452/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

My Department routinely consults with the public and key stakeholders to assess the impact of proposed measures on a wide range of issues.

Public consultations are usually conducted through multiple channels including online consultations and questionnaires, individual meetings and forums with stakeholders, and targeted measures for hard-to-reach communities.

The consultation programmes undertaken by my Department during the period specified are set out in the first table below. Notable events associated with these programmes are set out in the second table.

Consultations By Theme

Theme	Year
Hate Speech Public Consultation	2019
National Disability Inclusion Strategy	2019
Public Consultation for the Review Group on Anti-Fraud and Anti-Corruption Structures	2019
Mid-term Review of the Second National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence 2016-2021	2019
National LGBTI+ Inclusion Strategy	2018-2019
Seasonal Clock Changes	2018
Draft National Standards for accommodation offered to People in the Protection Process	2018
Young Persons Consultation regarding the future operation of Garda Youth Diversion Projects	2018
State Report on the International Convention on the Elimination of All forms of Racial Discrimination	2018

Formal Events

Theme	Location	Date
National Disability Inclusion Strategy	Dublin	November 2019
National Disability Inclusion Strategy	Offaly	November 2019
National LGBTI+ Inclusion Strategy	Limerick	December 2018
National LGBTI+ Inclusion Strategy	Dublin	November 2018-February 2019
National LGBTI+ Inclusion Strategy	Galway	November 2018
National LGBTI+ Inclusion Strategy	Cork	November 2018
National LGBTI+ Inclusion Strategy	Dundalk	November 2018
Consultation on draft National Standards for Accommodation offered to People in the Protection Process	Multiple regional accommodation centres	August 2018
Young Persons Consultation regarding the future operation of Garda Youth Diversion Projects	Multiple locations	July-August 2018

Drugs Crime

Ceisteanna (134, 135)

John Curran

Ceist:

134. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the response he plans to take on the recent findings of the report by the EU Drugs Agency and Europol that violence and intimidation by drug gangs has severely affected communities here and had a major impact on persons, families, communities and the functioning of local services and agencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50464/19]

John Curran

Ceist:

135. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the response he plans to take in relation to the recent findings of the report by the EU Drugs Agency and Europol that a new phenomenon of drugs supply networks has emerged here and in which criminal gangs based in major cities have expanded their selling operations to provincial towns and almost exclusively supply heroin and crack cocaine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50465/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

I propose to take Questions Nos. 134 and 135 together.

Government policy in relation to drug and alcohol misuse is set out in Ireland’s National Drug Strategy, ‘Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery’ 2017-2025. This represents a whole-of-Government response to the problem of drug and alcohol use in Ireland.

My Department and associated agencies continue to work closely with statutory, community and voluntary partners in tackling the problem of drug misuse under the drug policy framework established under the Strategy.

As the Deputy will appreciate, Minister for Health Simon Harris TD and Minister of State with responsibility for the National Drugs Strategy Catherine Byrne TD have primary responsibility in relation to the strategy.

My Department has responsibility in a number of actions, including keeping drugs legislation under review as the joint lead agency with the Department of Health.

I can assure the Deputy that tackling the sale and supply of drugs is a key priority for the Government and An Garda Síochána. A core focus of the work carried out by An Garda Síochána is aimed at tackling drugs and organised crime. The rollout of the new operating model of An Garda Síochána, meeting a key commitment in "A Policing Service for the Future ", will further increase the number and visibility of front-line Gardaí to combat criminal activity including tackling drugs.

I have asked the Garda Commissioner for additional information in relation to the matter raised and as soon as it is received I will write directly to the Deputy.

Naturalisation Applications

Ceisteanna (136)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

136. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of an application by a person (details supplied). [50527/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

I am informed that processing of an application for naturalisation from the person concerned is ongoing, with a view to establishing whether the conditions for naturalisation, such as good character and lawful residence, are satisfied. On completion of the necessary processing, the application will be submitted to me for decision as expeditiously as possible.

As the Deputy will appreciate, the granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is a privilege and an honour which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.

Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from my Department is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.

Legislative Process

Ceisteanna (137)

Niall Collins

Ceist:

137. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Bills in his Department awaiting Committee Stage. [50552/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

There is one Government Bill in my Department currently awaiting Committee Stage: the Criminal Justice (Mutual Recognition of Decisions on Supervision Measures) Bill. The Blasphemy (Abolition of Offences and Related Matters) Bill 2019 completed Committee Stage on 4 December 2019.

Inquiry into the Death of Mr. Shane O'Farrell

Ceisteanna (138)

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

138. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will publish the initial report by a person (details supplied) regarding the scoping exercise into the death of a person. [50562/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

The circumstances surrounding the tragic death of Shane O'Farrell have previously been addressed by me in both the Dáil and the Seanad and I have met with the O'Farrell family.

As the Deputy is aware, the terms of reference of the scoping exercise have been finalised. My Department wrote to Judge Haughton on 23 September to ask him to begin his scoping exercise and to make an initial report by mid-November.

Judge Haughton’s interim report was received in my Department on 13 November and will be published shortly, following consultation with the Attorney General, Judge Haughton and the O’Farrell family. That consultation has been initiated and observations are awaited.

Judge Haughton has committed to producing his final report as soon as possible and the O’Farrell family is working with him in this exercise to ensure that all the facts are fully considered and that recommendations are made to address this tragic case. I am grateful to Judge Haughton for agreeing to undertake this sensitive and important work.

Judge Haughton has committed to producing his final report as soon as possible and the O’Farrell family is working with him in this exercise to ensure that all the facts are fully considered and that recommendations are made to address this tragic case. I am grateful to Judge Haughton for agreeing to undertake this sensitive and important work.

Departmental Expenditure

Ceisteanna (139)

Niall Collins

Ceist:

139. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the photography costs for his Department in each of the years March 2011 to 2018 and to date in 2019; the costs incurred from use of the ministerial allowance; the occasions for which photographers were booked; the photographers used; the costs associated with each occasion that a photographer was used in tabular form; if there is a policy in his Department regarding the booking of photographers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50576/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

Professional photographic services are generally only used by my Department to mark and record significant occasions and campaigns and the vast majority of photography is undertaken by the Department's in-house communications staff as part of their normal duties. Consideration is given at all times to the costs involved when sourcing external services.

The year-by-year cost of photography services is set out in the first table, while a breakdown of individual occasions when photographers were engaged is set out in the second table. The amounts reference for 2019 include services invoiced to date.

Year	Cost
2011	€607
2012	€1,447
2013	€2,089
2014	€568
2015	€1,223
2016	€1,798
2017	€676
2018	€246
2019 (to date)	€781

Occasion	Year	Photographer	Cost
Launch of Visa Waiver Scheme	2011	Maxwell Photography	€607
Joint Statement with UK Immigration Minister, on Visa Data Exchange	2012	Maxwell Photography	€92
Joint Statement with UK Immigration Minister, on Visa Data Exchange	2012	Maxwell Photography	€526
Launch of conference "Regulatory Reform for Legal Profession in 21st Century".	2012	Maxwell Photography	€277
Deployment of Civilian Immigration Officers to Dublin Airport	2012	Maxwell Photography	€551
Meeting with Romanian Minister for Internal Affairs	2013	MAC INNES Photography	€345
Justice Home Affairs Committee	2013	MAC INNES Photography	€50
EU Presidency	2013	MAC INNES Photography	€200
EU Presidency	2013	MAC INNES Photography	€388
Bilateral meeting of EU & US delegates	2013	MAC INNES Photography	€1,106
National Missing Persons Day	2014	Maxwell Photography	€413
Promote safety on Fireworks Night	2014	Maxwell Photography	€155
International Women's Day	2015	Maxwell Photography	€121
Website and other Department Publications	2015	Maxwell Photography	€517
Website and other Department Publications	2015	Maxwell Photography	€585
International Women's Day	2016	Maxwell Photography	€232
Posthumous Pardon to Harry Gleeson	2016	Maxwell Photography	€964
2016 Annual Justice Conference	2016	Maxwell Photography	€136
Launch of Call for Proposals for EU Funded Projects	2016	Maxwell Photography	€465
Promotion of Someone Like Me art competition	2017	Finbarr O'RourkePhotography	€676
Promotion of Politics Needs Women competition	2018	David KeanePhotography	€246
Launch of Community Sponsorship Ireland initiative	2019	MaxwellPhotography	€480
Launch of the Community Integration Fund	2019	Maxwell Photography	€301

Freedom of Information Data

Ceisteanna (140)

Barry Cowen

Ceist:

140. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of freedom of information requests made to his Department in each of the years 2016 to 2018 and to date in 2019; the number of requests fully denied by reason; the number of requests partially denied; the number of appeals made against denials; the number of such appeals upheld; the number of such appeals rejected; the number of requests that required a fee; the amount received for freedom of information requests in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50601/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

The information requested by the Deputy is set out in tabular format below.

As noted in the table, due to the time-frame for processing requests under the Freedom of Information Act, there will always be a number of live cases on hand at the end of each year which have to be finalised in the following calendar year.

It is not possible to provide statistics on the grounds applying to individual refusals on a retrospective basis as this information was not previously part of the Department's tracking system for FOI requests. However, a new tracking system has been adopted by the Department during 2019 and this information will be available with respect to future requests.

As the Deputy will be aware, a fee is no longer required to process a Freedom of Information request for non-personal records. The fee for an internal review (appeal) of a request under Section 21 of the Freedom of Information Act 2014 in relation to non-personal records is €30 or €10 for a medical card-holder. During the specified period, the Department has received a total of €770 in respect of applications for internal reviews for non-personal requests.

During the specified period, my Department has not received any search and retrieval fees for requests.

Year	2016	2017	2018	2019 (YTD 31/11/2019)
No. FOI requests received	583	769	827	828
Personal	312	402	378	373
Non-personal	269	394	449	454
Mixed	2	0	0	1
Outcome
Granted	159	163	235	197
Part granted	206	250	302	309
Refused	7	274	201	191
Transferred	26	3	4	1
Withdrawn	32	45	48	58
Withdrawn and handled outside of Act	76	45	63	11
Cases on hand at year end	109	125	99	160
Appeals
Internal Appeals	76	125	72	61*
Internal Appeals (Granted/Part granted/Withdrawn and handled outside the Act)	47	45	37	28
Internal Appeals Refused	29	80	35	23

*A number of reviews are still being processed.

Public Consultation Process

Ceisteanna (141)

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

141. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the public consultations held by her Department in 2018 and to date in 2019; the date on which such consultations were held by county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50441/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation

As a matter of routine, my Department has ongoing dialogue with our stakeholders on a wide range of policy issues. As regards public consultations, these are generally carried out online and at national level rather than in specific locations around the country. Details of public consultations carried out during the period in question are set out in the following tables.

Additionally, and in accordance with legislative requirements, the Labour Court requests submissions from interested parties in respect of the establishment of Joint Labour Committees and the review of pay and pension and sick pay entitlements of workers in a particular sector (Sectoral Employment Order). In 2018 the Labour Court conducted a review of each Joint Labour Committee under section 41A Industrial Relations Act, 1946 which requires the Court to carry out such a review at least once every five years. The Court published a notice in national newspapers on 16 March 2018, advising that the Court was carrying out a review and inviting written submissions in respect of the review. From time to time, the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) also carries out consultations with stakeholders in relation to the services they provide.

2018

Public Consultation	Date
Consultation on Proposed Centres for Research Training (CRT)	March 2018 Closing date for submissions 20th April 2018
EU Free Trade Agreement Negotiations with Australia	30/07/18 -21/09/18
EU Free Trade Agreement Negotiations with New Zealand	30/07/18 -21/09/18
Call for views in response to Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on promoting fairness and transparency for business users of online intermediation services [COM (2018) 238 final]	25 May 2018
Consultation on Proposed Centres for Research Training (CRT)	March 2018 Closing date for submissions 20th April 2018
Stakeholder Consultation on the EU Proposal to establish ‘Horizon Europe’, the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation 2021-2027	24 July 2018
Public Consultation on the Transposition of Directive (EU) 2017/828 amending Directive 2007/36/EC as regards the encouragement of long-term shareholder engagement (Shareholders’ Rights Directive)	4 December 2017 - 9 February 2018
Goods Package Proposal	6th – 30 March 2018
Call for views in response to Draft EU Directive on Unfair Trading Practices in Business to Business Relationships in the Food Supply Chain	25th April 2018 – 1st June 2018
Call for views in response to Draft EU Directive on Representative Actions for the Protection of the Collective Interests of Consumers	3rd May 2018 – 15th June 2018
Call for views on Proposed EU Directive on the Better Enforcement and Modernisation of EU Consumer Protection Rules	16th May 2018 – 29th June 2018
European Commission proposal for a Directive on cross-border conversions, mergers and divisions of companies	29th May 2018 – 02 July 2018
Consultation on gift voucher fees and expiry dates	19th July 2018 – 31st August 2018
Review of the provisions of the Casual Trading Act 1995 and the Occasional Trading Act 1979	8th August 2018 – 31st October 2018

2019

Public Consultation	Date
Public consultation on the transposition of Directive (EU) 2019/790 of the European Parliament and of the Council on copyright and related rights in the Digital Single Market and amending Directives 96/9/EC and 2001/29/EC (Directive on Copyright in the Digital Single Market)	September 2019
Public Consultation on the Limited Partnerships Act 1907	18 January 2019 – 01 March 2019
Furniture Fire Regulations	14 November 2019 - 28 February 2020
Public Consultation on the Registration of Business Names Act 1963.	8th July 2019 – 10th September 2019

Brexit Supports

Ceisteanna (142)

Declan Breathnach

Ceist:

142. Deputy Declan Breathnach asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the Brexit funding that will be available to the Border region for large IDA Ireland clients and for small and medium scale enterprises; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50461/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation

IDA Ireland is working in various ways to encourage companies to invest in the Border region, including the attraction of potential Brexit-related projects. In addition to the general support that it provides to client firms on the investment climate in Ireland, the Agency is authorised by my Department to provide a range of particular financial supports in the form of employment, capital, research and development, environmental and training grants. While these grants are not Brexit-specific, they do represent an important means of encouraging companies to invest in regional Ireland. Last year alone, the IDA provided a total of €4.3m in grant funding to client companies in the counties of Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Louth, Cavan and Monaghan.

More broadly, my Department and its agencies have put in place extensive supports to ensure that businesses nationwide are as prepared as possible for Brexit.

InterTradeIreland, for example, offers a Brexit Planning Voucher that enables businesses to seek professional advice on how best to plan and prepare for Brexit. Vouchers are worth up to €2,250 (inclusive of VAT) each. ITI has also launched a further financial support in the form of the Brexit Implementation Voucher, which offers financial support up to £5,000/€5,625 (inclusive of VAT), with ITI paying 50% towards implementing critical changes in relation to Brexit matters.

The Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs), meanwhile, are the first-stop-shop for anyone seeking guidance and support on starting or growing their business, including businesses in the border counties. The LEOs have organised various events to enable companies to learn about the potential impacts and opportunities of Brexit. Up to November, just under 1200 LEO clients have received one-to-one mentoring solely focused on Brexit.

In addition, the six LEOs in the Border region are working together with their Northern Ireland counterparts under the EU Co-Innovate Programme. The aim of Co-Innovate is to give SMEs from the manufacturing and tradable services sectors in the eligible regions the tools and tailored support to help them to innovate, differentiate and compete successfully. Last month, it was announced that over €1 million of R&D funding has been awarded through Co-Innovate.

The Brexit Loan Scheme was launched by my Department in March 2018. It provides relatively short-term working capital, up to three years, to eligible businesses with up to 499 employees to help them innovate, change or adapt to mitigate their Brexit challenges. The scheme is open to eligible businesses from all regions of the country, including those in the Border counties. Dublin aside, the most recent quarterly report shows that the border region is the most active region in terms of eligibility applications for the scheme. Mid-November figures showed that there have been 892 eligibility applications received, of which 804 have been approved and 212 loans progressed to sanction at bank level to a value of €46.6 million. It should be noted that 159 of total applications received relate to repeat/duplicate applications, as eligibility expires after six months.

The Future Growth Loan Scheme opened for eligibility applications in April 2019. This scheme provides a longer-term facility, 8-10 years, of up to €300m to support strategic capital investment for a post-Brexit environment at competitive rates. This scheme has been jointly funded by my Department and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to make available loans of €100,000 (€50,000 for primary agriculture) to €3 million, with loans of under €500,000 being provided on an unsecured basis. The scheme is open to eligible Irish businesses, including those in the primary agriculture and seafood sectors, to support strategic, long-term investment in a post-Brexit environment.

Enterprise Ireland (EI) has also established a Prepare for Brexit online portal and communications campaign, as well as an online “Brexit SME Scorecard” to help Irish businesses self-asses their exposure to Brexit and a “Be Prepared Grant” to support SME clients in planning to mitigate risks arising from Brexit. It has also launched a new Eurozone Strategy to help SMEs broaden their export footprint beyond the UK.

Under the Regional Enterprise Development Fund (REDF) Enterprise Ireland invested in seven successful projects in the Border region with a total funding allocation of more than €10.6 million. This funding will help drive enterprise development and job creation in the Border Region.

In June, at a visit to the recently opened Cavan Digital Hub, I announced that a further €45 million is to be made available under a new third call of the REDF.

Legislative Process

Ceisteanna (143)

Niall Collins

Ceist:

143. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of Bills in her Department awaiting Committee Stage. [50541/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation

The following Bill from my Department is currently awaiting Committee Stage:

- Prohibition of Above Cost Ticket Touting Bill 2017 .

Departmental Expenditure

Ceisteanna (144)

Niall Collins

Ceist:

144. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the photography costs for her Department in each of the years March 2011 to 2018 and to date in 2019; the costs incurred from use of the ministerial allowance; the occasions for which photographers were booked; the photographers used; the costs associated with each occasion that a photographer was used in tabular form; if there is a policy in her Department regarding the booking of photographers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50565/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation

I can advise the Deputy that the total photography costs incurred by my Department and its Offices since 9 March 2011 are as follows:

2011 - €2,017

2012 - €4,100

2013 - €4,455

2014 - €4,534

2015 - €6,153

2016 - €4,421

2017 - €4,818

2018 - €6,732

2019 - €14,057

The details for each year are set out in the table contained in the link below. No expenditure for photography was incurred from Ministerial allowances.

My Department uses external service providers having regard to its business needs for such services. In engaging such providers, the Department is mindful of the need to secure value for money and be compliant with public procurement guidelines.

Table

Freedom of Information Data

Ceisteanna (145)

Barry Cowen

Ceist:

145. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of freedom of information requests made to her Department in each of the years 2016 to 2018 and to date in 2019; the number of requests fully denied by reason; the number of requests partially denied; the number of appeals made against denials; the number of such appeals upheld; the number of such appeals rejected; the number of requests that required a fee; the amount received for freedom of information requests in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50590/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation

Details of the number of Freedom of Information requests made, the number of requests fully denied by reason, the number of requests partially denied, the number of appeals made against denials, the number of such appeals upheld, the number of such appeals rejected, the number of requests that required a fee and the amount received for Freedom of Information requests by my Department in 2016 to 2018 and to date in 2019 are outlined in the tables contained in the following link.

Total Number of FOI Requests Received in Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation in 2016, 2017, 2018 and to date in 2019.

Table

*Total figures include split requests which had two or more decision makers.

Work Permits Applications

Ceisteanna (146)

Maureen O'Sullivan

Ceist:

146. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if she is satisfied with the ten-week processing time for standard applications regarding employment permits; and if she expects this time to be cut when the independent business process review being carried out within her Department is concluded. [50649/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation

As the economy improves and we approach full employment, my Department continues to experience a high volume of employment permit applications which has led to some delays in processing applications. The current level of demand is due to our economic success, growing labour market and reduced labour surplus.

Employment Permits Section is working to further reduce the current waiting times of approximately:

- 3 weeks for Trusted Partners, which account for 76% of permits issued this year (down from a peak of 7 weeks). Trusted Partners are regular users of the service.

- 10 weeks for standard applications, which account for 24% of permits issued this year (down from a peak of 16 weeks).

In order to further reduce processing times, the Employment Permits section has introduced a number of operational changes, streamlined processes and implemented ICT solutions. Additional staffing resources have also been assigned to the section and a fast track training programme has been devised.

These processing timelines are good by international standards but they are not where we want them to be. I can assure the Deputy that all available resources are being deployed with the aim of reducing them. Whilst there is still room for improvement in relation to reducing processing times for standard applications, it should be noted that, overall, 76% of all employment permit applications are currently being processed in approximately 3 weeks.

The number of applications being received by my Department is currently at an 11-year high. At end November 2019, 17,216 applications have been received, an 11% increase on the same time last year. At the same time there has been a 24% increase in the amount of applications processed (17,535) compared to the same period last year. In July 2019, Employment Permits Section processed more employment permit applications (1,828) than during any month in the past 11 years. Quarter 3 of 2019 was the busiest Quarter in the last 11 years with 5,072 permit applications being processed so the changes currently being implemented within Employment Permits are resulting in higher outputs and reduced processing times.

An independent Business Process Review (BPR) is currently being carried out to identify further efficiencies that can be implemented in the short term and as a first step in the development of a new IT processing system during 2020 which will take advantage of all the new technologies available, including full digitisation. The Review, which included engagement from key stakeholders, is close to completion with the report expected before the end of the year. It is anticipated that the implementation of the recommendations of the Review, including the implementation of a new IT processing system, will result in further streamlined processes and reduced processing times.

My officials have been proactively engaging with customers to notify them of current processing timelines through email, meetings and regular updates on the Employment Permits section of my Department’s website.

Applicants are advised to apply for the employment permit at least 12 weeks in advance of the expected start date so that any impact of the current extended processing timelines on recruitment timeframes is minimised.

Homeless Persons Supports

Ceisteanna (147)

Darragh O'Brien

Ceist:

147. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Health the status of plans to improve mental health and primary care services for homeless persons; and the specific budget allocation in each of the years 2016 to 2018 and to date in 2019, in tabular form. [50519/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

Homeless Persons Supports

Ceisteanna (148)

Darragh O'Brien

Ceist:

148. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Health the status of plans to address the rehabilitation needs of homeless persons with addiction issues through the new national drugs strategy which was to be effective from January 2017. [50520/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

Departmental Staff Training

Ceisteanna (149)

Micheál Martin

Ceist:

149. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Health if there are officials in his Department who have policy expertise in health issues. [50338/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

My Department is composed of a number of Divisions which deal with policy in relation to a broad range of health and social care issues. These cover the spectrum of health service provision, along with various support functions including finance, research, statistics and analytics, HR policy, governance and performance oversight, professional regulation, policy support and many other functions.

The officials of my Department have a range of expertise and experience among the civil servants at the different grades. They work alongside other specialists including those with medical, nursing, dental and pharmacy expertise; statisticians; economists; accountants and researchers. These experts are closely involved in policy development in respect of their various areas of responsibility.

Home Help Service Provision

Ceisteanna (150)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

150. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health if home help will be provided in the case of a person (details supplied). [50434/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.

As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.

Public Consultation Process

Ceisteanna (151)

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

151. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the public consultations held by his Department in 2018 and to date in 2019; the date on which such consultations were held by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50450/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

Details of public consultations held by the Department of Health in 2018 are available on our archived website at the following link:

https://wayback.archive-it.org/11501/20190626111728/ https://health.gov.ie/consultations/2018-consultations/

I will survey the Department for details of consultations held in 2019 and revert to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Misuse of Drugs

Ceisteanna (152)

John Curran

Ceist:

152. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Health the funding allocated to the HSE to carry out a national campaign to raise awareness of the risks associated with drug use in each of the years 2015 to 2018 and to date in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50463/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

Drugs.ie is managed by the HSE National Social Inclusion Office and is Ireland's national drug information and support website. It provides a comprehensive range of information and supports related to substance use.

I've asked the HSE to reply to the Deputy directly in relation to the funding allocated for awareness campaigns for the years 2015 to 2018 and to date in 2019.