Written Answers Nos. 359-378
359. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of staff in a local authority (details supplied); the staff numbers from 2008 to 2020, in tabular form. [25434/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder section 159 of the Local Government Act 2001, each Chief Executive is responsible for the staffing and organisational arrangements necessary for carrying out the functions of the local authority for which he or she is responsible.
Staffing numbers for the local authority sector are available on the Public Service Numbers databank, which is hosted and maintained by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and is available at the following link:
http://databank.per.gov.ie/Public_Service_Numbers.aspx?rep=LA
The information sought is available broken down on a quarterly basis. The staffing numbers for the end of Quarter 2, 2020 are currently being collated and will be published on the DPER databank in due course.
360. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the steps taken to combat the increasingly regular issue of overflowing waste from sewage treatment plants leading to the closure of swimming at beaches; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25438/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs highlighted in the Environmental Protection Agency’s most recent bathing water quality report released earlier this year, encouraging progress is being made in improving bathing waters across the country. I was particularly pleased to see the continual increase in the number of bathing waters meeting or exceeding the minimum water quality requirements.
It is well known that our waste water networks require ongoing and sustained investment to bring these up to the required standard of treatment; to deal with population growth; and to adapt to the impacts of climate change. Under the recently adopted Programme for Government, the Government has committed to continuing the 8.5 billion euro funding package agreed in Project Ireland 2040, which will provide investment in both drinking and wastewater infrastructure by Irish Water.
My Department is also working with local authorities, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Health Service Executive to improve co-ordination of all matters related to bathing waters. This includes improving communications between these organisations and the speed at which bathing water information is made available to the public.
An additional task force comprising of my Department, Dublin City Council, Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council and Irish Water is also looking at the particular and complex issues related to protecting bathing water quality in Dublin Bay, including investigating urban sources of pollution and developing improved communication tools. This work will ensure that information on bathing water quality is disseminated to the public in a timely manner and will assist the local authorities in undertaking their functions under the Bathing Water Regulations. It is hoped that the lessons learned from this work will also benefit other areas of the country in identifying and dealing with issues related to bathing water quality.
361. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of social housing units delivered in an area (details supplied) over the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25455/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department publishes comprehensive statistics on a quarterly basis on social housing delivery activity. This is published on the statistics page of my Department’s website, at the following link:
https://www.housing.gov.ie/housing/social-housing/social-and-affordble/overall-social-housing-provision
This data provides a breakdown of social housing delivery across a range of mechanisms.
In addition to the statistical overview of activity in each local authority, a detailed Social Housing Construction Status Report is published each quarter which provides scheme level detail on new build activity. The most recent publication covers the period up to the end of Q4 2019 and is available at the following link:
https://rebuildingireland.ie/news/minister-murphy-publishes-social-housing-construction-status-report-for-q4-2019-2/
This is broken down by local authority, and gives a list of the individual projects that make up the new Build programme for that local authority (excluding LA Part V delivery).
A version of this file can be downloaded at the following link and used for various analysis in terms of stage of activity, location, quarter of completion, number of homes etc.
https://data.gov.ie/dataset/social-housing-construction-status-report-q4-2019
Below is a table with the delivery for Fingal since 2016.
|
Year |
LA |
Build |
Acquisition |
Lease |
HAP/RAS |
Total |
|
2016 |
Fingal |
195 |
164 |
48 |
63 |
470 |
|
2017 |
Fingal |
375 |
96 |
66 |
551 |
1,088 |
|
2018 |
Fingal |
420 |
214 |
72 |
1247 |
1,953 |
|
2019 |
Fingal |
514 |
169 |
85 |
1188 |
1,956 |
This shows that over the 4 year period, Fingal supported a total of just under 5,500 additional households under schemes and programmes supported by my Department. In addition to these supports, Fingal had a number of additional tenancies through their re-letting of existing vacant stock. Only a small portion of these (those funded through Voids) are captured in the Department's statistics.
In 2018, all local authorities were given an overall four year target for Build, Acquisition and Leasing, to cover the period 2018-2021. This target was proportionate to the social housing waiting list in their area. These targets were published at this link:
https://rebuildingireland.ie/news/minister-murphy-publishes-social-housing-delivery-targets-for-local-authorities-2018-2021/
Fingal received a target of 3,415 homes to be delivered (excluding HAP and RAS). By end 2019- half way- Fingal had delivered 71% of the 4 year target, or 2,418 homes under Build, Acquisition and Lease.
Data for Q1 and Q2 2020 is currently being finalised and will be published on the housing statistics page of my Department's website.
362. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the next review of housing assistance payments will take place for County Meath in view of the fact the current limits were introduced on 1 March 2017 and since then the cost of renting private rented accommodation has increased significantly leaving many persons on the HAP scheme struggling to pay the shortfall; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25565/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraIncreased rent limits for the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) and the Rent Supplement Scheme were introduced in 2016. These limits were agreed in conjunction with the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection (DEASP). In reviewing the rent limits, my Department worked closely with DEASP and monitored data gathered from the Residential Tenancies Board and the HAP Shared Services Centre. The HAP rent limits were increased significantly, in the order of 60% in some cases.
Maximum rent limits for the HAP scheme are set out for each housing authority area by the Housing Assistance Payment (Amendment) Regulations 2017. The current maximum HAP rent limits are available on the Irish Statute Book website at the following link:
http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2017/si/56/made/en/print?q=housing&years=2017.
Local authorities also have discretion, because of local rental market conditions, to exceed the maximum rent limit by up to 20%, or up to 50% in the Dublin region for those households either in, or at immediate risk of homelessness. It should be noted that it is a matter for the local authority to determine whether the application of the flexibility is warranted on a case by case basis and also the level of additional discretion applied in each case.
In considering this issue, I am conscious that increasing the current HAP rent limits could have negative inflationary impacts, leading to a detrimental impact on the wider rental market, including for those households who are not receiving HAP support.
My Department closely monitors the level of discretion being used by local authorities, taking into account other sources of data, including Residential Tenancies Board rent data published on a quarterly basis. I am satisfied that the current maximum rent limits, together with the additional flexibility available to local authorities, are adequate to support the effective operation of the HAP scheme.
I will continue to keep the matter under review.
363. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his attention has been drawn to the consultation by a company (details supplied) with planners to increase the number of private homes to be developed on the publicly owned O’Devaney Gardens site Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25579/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand that on December 6th, 2019 Dublin City Council entered into a development agreement with Bartra Capital Limited for the development of it's residential lands at O'Devaney Gardens. The legal agreement requires that 30% of the residences developed shall be for Social Housing, 20% of the residences shall be Affordable Purchase units and 50% of the residences shall be Developer (private) units. My Department are not aware of an intention to vary this apportionment.
The Developer is currently in the process of applying for planning permission to An Bord Pleanála under the Strategic Housing Development (SHD) procedure. The finalised number of housing units to be developed on the site will be determined by the statutory planning process.
364. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the suspension period from the housing list will be reduced from one year to six months to those that refuse an offer of a council house; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25585/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra365. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if a list of reasonable grounds will be published for a person can refuse a council house to prevent them from being suspended from the housing list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25586/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 364 and 365 together.
The current position in relation to the refusal by households of offers of social housing dwellings is set down in Regulation 12 of the Social Housing Allocation Regulations 2011, made under section 22 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009.
Under Regulation 12, a household that refuses two reasonable offers of such tenancies in any twelve-month period, other than an offer made under the Choice Based Letting (CBL) procedure, will not receive any further offers from any local authority for a period of one year from the date of the second refusal. An offer is deemed to be reasonable where the dwelling concerned would, in the opinion of the authority, meet the housing needs of the household and, except in an emergency, is located in an area of choice specified by the household. There are no plans at this time to reduce the suspension period.
My Department regularly engages with the local authority sector on this and other social housing policy matters. The refusal of offers can have a serious impact on the administrative process in local authorities and can prolong the period for re-letting of homes, lead to a loss of revenue through non-rental and is ultimately an inefficient use of the social housing stock, as well as local authority resources.
Choice Based Letting (CBL) is a method whereby available social housing stock is let by being openly advertised by local authorities to persons on the social housing waiting list. This allows qualified applicants to 'register an interest' in available homes. Applicants can act on their own initiative to respond to adverts and express an interest in dwellings that they would like to live in, rather than waiting for an authority to offer them a dwelling. This approach offers more choice and involvement for applicant households in selecting a new home, thereby reducing the likelihood of a refusal, and helping to build sustainable tenancies and stable communities.
While many housing authorities have adopted CBL, it is not yet in operation across all local authorities. The Programme for Government commits to developing a website to allow for Choice Based Letting (CBL) on a nationwide basis and my Department will work with the Local Government Management Association and the County and City Managers Association to progress this.
366. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if foreign aid or assistance will be provided to the plight of the Moria refugee camp in Greece; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24923/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am deeply saddened by the fire at the Moria camp on Lesbos and the impact this has had on the refugees and migrants based at the camp. The very sudden displacement of thousands of people has caused great individual suffering and created a major humanitarian emergency. It is also posing a very serious logistical challenge for the Greek authorities in the midst of the COVID pandemic.
My colleague, the Minister for European Affairs, Thomas Byrne, spoke with his Greek counterpart on 9 September immediately after the fire to offer Ireland's full solidarity and support.
The Greek authorities requested assistance from EU Partners in dealing with the immediate humanitarian needs arising from the fire. My Department, through our Embassy in Athens, is in contact with the Greek Ministry of Migration Policy and has confirmed Ireland’s readiness to provide assistance from emergency stocks which we have in place at the UN Logistics Base in Brindisi, Italy. The Greek authorities have thanked us for this offer of assistance, and we stand ready to work with them regarding the deployment of the emergency supplies.
My officials are also looking actively at additional supports to help alleviate the situation in the Moria camp.
367. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the efforts being made to bring an end to the long-running conflict in Syria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24926/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe situation in Syria continues to be one of utmost concern. Over 12 million Syrians remain in need of humanitarian assistance, while over 5 million Syrians are refugees, mainly in neighboring countries. The impact of Covid-19, and worsening economic conditions risks increasing vulnerability further.
This year, Ireland has provided €25 million in humanitarian assistance for the victims of the crisis. This brings the total provided since 2012 to over €168 million, Ireland’s largest ever response to a single crisis.
The roots of this humanitarian crisis lie in conflict, and the only way to bring lasting peace for the people of Syria is through a sustainable, Syrian-owned political process. Ireland has continually urged all parties to engage seriously with the UN facilitated process based on UN Security Council Resolution 2254.
Ireland and the EU fully support the extensive efforts of UN Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, in leading this process, and welcome his convening of a third meeting of the UN facilitated Constitutional Committee in Geneva.
A sustained peace in Syria will require respect for human rights, and strong human rights safeguards. Those responsible for violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law must be held accountable for their actions.
Ireland, through our engagement at the UN General Assembly and the Human Rights Council, has strongly supported efforts to safeguard human rights in Syria. At the Human Rights Council on 22 June, Ireland co-sponsored a Resolution which condemned the use of arbitrary arrest, arbitrary detention and enforced disappearances by the Syrian authorities, demanded the immediate release of all persons arbitrarily detained, and noted the importance of ensuring justice for all those detained.
Ireland and the EU have repeatedly condemned violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law perpetrated by the Syrian regime and other actors, some of which may constitute war crimes or crimes against humanity. Ireland has also supported the UN's International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism, established to gather evidence of such crimes and facilitate accountability. As a member of the United Nations Security Council from 2021, we will continue to engage actively to facilitate the conditions for a sustainable political solution to the conflict.
368. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the average wait time for applications in the foreign births register section; the timeline for the citizenship application of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24985/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Foreign Births Registration Section has now resumed the processing of applications. Foreign Births Registration, by its nature, can be a detailed and complex process, often involving official documentation related to three generations and issued by several jurisdictions. At present, it takes between 12 to 18 months to process an application to completion.
The Foreign Births Registration Section has also introduced a dedicated webchat service for those seeking further information in relation to their application for FBR. This webchat service is open weekdays from 9AM - 4:30PM and can be accessed through the Citizenship page on my Department's website.
The FBR application in question is currently being reviewed and a member of the Foreign Births Registration Team is in direct contact with the applicant.
369. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views in relation to reports of the plight of the Uighur population in north western China; if he plans to take action to deal with the situation; if a ban on the importation of products from countries which have been produced by forced labour will be considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25096/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland continues to be deeply concerned about the treatment of ethnic Uighurs and other ethnic minorities in the province of Xinjiang, including in relation to reports of forced labour.
Ireland, along with our EU partners, has addressed this issue in our contacts with the Chinese authorities, both bilaterally and in multilateral fora. Ireland was one of 27 States to issue a Joint Statement at the UN Human Rights Council on 30 June 2020 that reiterates our concerns, and urges China to allow unrestricted access to the region for the High Commissioner for Human Rights. It also called on the High Commissioner to provide regular information about the situation in the region, in order to safeguard the rights and freedoms that are guaranteed under international law.
Ireland has previously supported a Joint Statement at the UN Third Committee in October 2019, and a Joint Letter at the UN Human Rights Council in July 2019, which outlined our concerns in the region. The Joint Statement called for the Chinese Government to urgently implement eight recommendations made by the Committee for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination related to Xinjiang, including by refraining from the arbitrary detention of Uighurs and members of other Muslim communities. The Joint Letter called on the Chinese Government to uphold its international obligations, and to respect human rights in Xinjiang.
Issues relating to the regulation of international trade are ultimately a matter of exclusive EU competence, falling under the EU's common commercial policy. This is not a matter on which Ireland can act alone. The deterioration of the human rights situation, including the treatment of minorities in Xinjiang was raised by EU leaders with China on 14 September and it was agreed to discuss these issues further at an EU-China Human Rights Dialogue in Beijing later this year.
The protection and promotion of human rights is a core pillar of Ireland's foreign policy, and Ireland will continue to monitor and assess the situation and, along with our EU partners, engage with Chinese authorities bilaterally and in multilateral fora as appropriate.
370. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the strict conditions which must be satisfied before permission to overfly the territory of the State may be granted; the thorough and robust procedures that are in place led by his Department with a view to ensuring that the conditions for securing permission for foreign military aircraft to overfly the State are clearly understood and properly applied; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25116/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra371. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the role of the Defence Forces in cases in which foreign military aircraft overfly the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25117/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 370 and 371 together.
Ireland requires diplomatic clearance to be sought in advance for overflight of Irish sovereign airspace by foreign state and military aircraft. Diplomatic clearance is granted subject to strict conditions. These conditions routinely include stipulations that the aircraft in question is unarmed, carries no arms, ammunition or explosives; that it must not engage in intelligence gathering and does not form part of any military operation or exercise.
The Embassy of the requesting State is required to complete a diplomatic clearance form which indicates that the aircraft meets these specific conditions in order to receive the necessary permission. In advance of the provision of diplomatic clearance, the views of the Department of Justice and Equality are sought and the request is shared with Department of Defence, the Defence Forces, An Garda Siochana and other relevant stakeholders.
The procedures are kept under ongoing review with a view to ensuring that the information required is clearly understood and applied by those submitting applications.
372. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the level of support that will be provided for those affected by the recent floods in Sudan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25159/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraSudan is facing its worst flooding in three decades. Weeks of heavy rains have critically affected more than 730,000 Sudanese people. Sadly, at least 100 people have lost their lives. The Transitional Government of Sudan declared a national state of emergency on 4 September.
Ireland has provided development and humanitarian assistance to the Sudanese people for many years. Since 2012, Irish humanitarian funding to Sudan has been over €33 million, enabling the high priority projects implemented by the best placed responders, including UN Agencies as well as international and local NGOs.
So far this year, Ireland has contributed €3.7 million to humanitarian relief efforts in Sudan, including €3 million to the Sudan Humanitarian Fund and €700,000 to Irish NGOs working in the country, including Trócaire, Concern, GOAL and World Vision.
In response to the floods, the Sudan Humanitarian Fund has already activated emergency interventions to provide shelter, health, water and sanitation assistance with €7.5 million worth of projects already approved. A further €4.5 million in emergency funding is available in the pipeline through this Sudan Humanitarian Fund.
In addition to our direct contribution to Sudan, Ireland contributes €10 million each year to the UN Central Emergency Response Fund - a pool of standby funding available for rapid response by UN Agencies to support humanitarian action wherever needs arise. This year more nearly €8.5 million has been provided from this Central Fund to support humanitarian needs in Sudan. Other relevant humanitarian instruments to which Ireland contributes include the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO), which has committed over €60 million to humanitarian assistance projects in Sudan in 2020.
My officials are looking actively, in conjunction with the Embassy of Ireland in Nairobi (which is accredited to Sudan), at additional supports.
373. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the supports, if any, that are being provided by Ireland to those affected by the fire at the Moria camp on the Greek island of Lesbos; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25217/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am deeply saddened by the fire at the Moria camp on Lesbos and the impact this has had on the refugees and migrants based at the camp. It is a relief that there are no reported deaths or injuries, but the very sudden displacement of thousands of people has caused great suffering and created a major humanitarian emergency as well as posing a huge logistical challenge for the Greek authorities in the midst of the COVID pandemic.
My colleague, the Minister for European Affairs, Thomas Byrne, spoke with his Greek counterpart on 9 September immediately after the fire to offer Ireland's full solidarity and support. The Greek authorities have requested assistance from EU Partners in dealing with the immediate humanitarian needs arising. My Department, through our Embassy in Athens, has confirmed Ireland’s readiness to provide assistance from our humanitarian logistics base in Brindisi, Italy. The Greek authorities have thanked us for our offer of assistance and we now stand ready to respond to a request for the deployment of emergency humanitarian supplies.
As Minister for Foreign Affairs, I have repeatedly urged the need for greater solidarity and burden-sharing among Member States in dealing with the wider issue of migration. We in Ireland are endeavouring to do our part, having already received 1022 asylum seekers (including six unaccompanied minors) from Greece under the first phase of the Irish Refugee Protection Programme. We have also committed to accept 36 unaccompanied minors in need of international protection in Greece, and I was pleased that the first group of eight such minors arrived in Ireland last June. In the context of the very difficult situation now arising from the destruction of the Moria refugee camp, the Government has decided to accept another group of four unaccompanied minors, as part of this overall commitment, and is continuing to keep under review what further actions it can take to meet the enormous humanitarian and relocation needs arising from this tragic event.
374. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his plans to provide emergency aid to prevent loss of life and illness and to support the evacuation of all of those made homeless by the fires at the Moria camp in Greece; if he will work with other European countries to reform immigration policies to prevent further violation of human rights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25334/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am deeply saddened by the fire at the Moria camp on Lesbos and the impact this has had on the refugees and migrants based at the camp. It is a relief that there are no reported deaths or injuries, but the very sudden displacement of thousands of people has caused great suffering and created a major humanitarian emergency as well as posing a huge logistical challenge for the Greek authorities in the midst of the COVID pandemic.
My colleague, the Minister for European Affairs, Thomas Byrne, spoke with his Greek counterpart on 9 September immediately after the fire to offer Ireland's full solidarity and support. The Greek authorities have requested assistance from EU Partners in dealing with the immediate humanitarian needs arising. My Department, through our Embassy in Athens, has confirmed Ireland’s readiness to provide assistance from our humanitarian logistics base in Brindisi, Italy. The Greek authorities have thanked us for our offer of assistance and we now stand ready to respond to a request for the deployment of emergency humanitarian supplies.
As Minister for Overseas Development Aid, I have repeatedly urged the need for greater solidarity and burden-sharing among Member States in dealing with the wider issue of migration. I look forward to the Commission's proposed new Migration Pact which is due to be published shortly and which will undoubtedly contribute to the ongoing efforts to arrive at an agreed common approach to this difficult issue.
We in Ireland are endeavouring to do our part, having already received 1022 asylum seekers (including six unaccompanied minors) from Greece under the first phase of the Irish Refugee Protection Programme. We have also committed to accept 36 unaccompanied minors in need of international protection in Greece, and I was pleased that the first group of eight such minors arrived in Ireland last June. In the context of the very difficult situation now arising from the destruction of the Moria refugee camp, the Government has decided to accept another group, of four unaccompanied minors, as part of this overall commitment and is continuing to keep under review what further actions it can take to meet the enormous humanitarian and relocation needs arising from this tragic event.
375. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has raised concerns for the safety of Palestinian prisoners who are vulnerable to Covid-19, with the Israeli authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25336/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of the concerns that have been raised regarding the treatment of Palestinian detainees, and their particular vulnerability to COVID-19. Irish diplomatic Missions in the region continue to monitor this situation closely, including reports of a small number of positive cases in recent months. More generally, there are well-founded concerns about the treatment of Palestinian prisoners. I myself have raised specific issues, including in relation to detention of minors, during my visits to Israel.
Ireland has repeatedly recalled to Israel the applicability of international human rights standards and international humanitarian law. During the Universal Periodic Review of Israel at the UN Human Rights Council in 2018, Ireland made a recommendation to Israel regarding the treatment of detainees.
More recently, in a statement to the UN Security Council Open Debate on the Situation in the Middle East on 23 April, Ireland underlined the need to ensure respect for international humanitarian law and international human rights law in the context of the pandemic.
I continue to prioritise human rights issues in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory. Israeli and Palestinian authorities, as well as the de facto authorities in Gaza, must live up to their obligations under international human rights law and international humanitarian law.
376. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will consider initiating a proactive communication and engagement strategy with the Irish community globally in order to stay in touch at a time when Irish abroad are not in a position to come home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25454/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraWith the outbreak of the current pandemic, the Government undertook a targeted communications strategy to provide support, reassurance and connectedness to the Global Irish. This initiative was led by my Department and supported through our Mission network.
In addition, support was directed through a new Covid-19 Response Fund to Irish frontline welfare organisations around the world to reach out to members of their communities who might be suffering from isolation or mental health difficulties as a result of the crisis. They have done this by a range of means, including phone calls, newsletters, online contact and home deliveries of food and medicines. Bereavement counselling and mental health supports were also offered.
Since taking up office, I have initiated a series of online meetings with Irish community leaders around the world to hear how they are adapting to the crisis and to listen to their concerns for their local communities. They represent welfare organisations, immigration centres, GAA clubs, cultural organisations and business networks. These meetings have already covered the globe from New Zealand, Australia, the Gulf, Britain to the United States and Canada. My schedule of meetings is continuing and will ensure, in the absence of the possibility of travelling, that I stay in close touch with our global communities.
I am conscious that this year will be particularly difficult for many people who may not make it home for Christmas and for many families in Ireland who will not get to see their loved ones. I am in touch with our Mission network to see how best we support our people abroad at this time.
377. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Defence if he is responsible for drafting the terms of reference for the proposed commission on the future of defence; the time frame for the proposed consultation process that will be undertaken prior to the finalisation of the terms of reference of the commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24810/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government provides for the establishment of an independent Commission on the Defence Forces.
The Commission is to be established before the end of this year, with a mandate to report within twelve months. Planning for the Commission is in the early stages and, to date, no final decisions have been taken on the consultation process to be undertaken prior to finalisation of the Commission's terms of reference.
As Minister for Defence, it is my responsibility to bring proposals to Government relating to this commitment in the Programme for Government and I am working to ensure that the Commission is established as early as possible before the end of this year.
378. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Defence if a new general service recruitment campaign for the Air Corps will commence before the end of 2020. [24920/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe capacity of the Defence Forces to induct and train recruits was severely impacted by the COVID-19 situation and the numbers inducted in 2020 are significantly below target at this point. Those aspects of the induction process that could be conducted remotely continued throughout the year.
Inductions/training have resumed, taking public health guidelines into account.
Inductions into the Air Corps are planned during the remainder of 2020, which will include Air Corps Cadets and Apprentices. General Service recruits are not normally inducted directly into the Air Corps but are filled, on transfer, by Army personnel.
