Written Answers Nos. 290-317
290. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will outline Ireland’s explicit commitment to meet the target for both the protection of 30% of land and 30% of marine areas; if he will further outline Ireland’s commitment to strict protections for both 10% of land and 10% of marine areas; the strict protections it will entail; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5492/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department, through its National Parks and Wildlife Service, is the lead authority for development and coordination of biodiversity policy in the State This includes fulfilling Ireland’s obligations under a range of international agreements and conventions on nature. The UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), underpins much of global biodiversity policy and its 15th Conference of the Parties is due to take place later this year, having been delayed due to the Covid pandemic from its original dates in November 2020.
The EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030, launched by the European Commission in May 2020, proposes that by 2030, member states legally protect at least 30% of the EU’s land and marine areas, and that 10% (or one-third of the protected areas) would be strictly protected. This is an overall EU target and discussions around how this will be achieved are still ongoing; fair and transparent burden-sharing among member states is a crucial consideration in discussions around implementation of the Strategy at national level. Nonetheless, the EU Strategy will form the basis of the positions to be adopted by the EU and its Member States at COP15.
The increased percentage of designated land for protected areas is crucial to the EU Biodiversity Strategy but will require significant buy-in across the EU from agriculture and landowners. This will be one of the key challenges of implementing the Strategy. The Commission and member states will agree on criteria and guidance for identifying and designating additional areas, as well as further information on definition of protection, later this year. Member states will be obliged to demonstrate significant progress in designating the required new protected areas and integrating ecological corridors by end 2023; on this basis the Commission will assess in 2024 whether new EU legislation or other further actions should be proposed.
Ireland is at the early stages of developing a network of marine protected areas (that will include SACs and SPAs designated under the Nature Directives). In addition, NPWS and Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine are cooperating on exploring the overlaps of the Biodiversity Strategy with the EU "Farm to Fork" policy in agriculture; and more generally, examining the resources and funding which will be needed for restoration, and with regard to implications for farming, forestry, fisheries and the commercial activities associated with implementation of the Strategy.
The EU Strategy also calls for the updating of National Biodiversity Strategic Action Plans (NBAP) in 2021. Ireland has carried out an interim review of its current NBAP and the process of developing a new NBAP will get underway this year. The outcome of the COP15 and the agreement of a post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework, along with the EU Biodiversity Strategy, and the existing national policy and legislative framework for biodiversity and nature, will underpin the objectives, targets and actions of an ambitious and transformative National Biodiversity Action Plan to carry on the important work that is already underway across government in implementing the current NBAP which runs from 2017 to 2021.
292. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if existing planning permissions that have already been granted a five-year extension of duration but which are due to expire in 2021 will benefit from a further extension of time due to current restrictions on construction activity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5577/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraSection 42 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (‘the 2000 Act’) presently provides that an applicant may seek a single period of extension of duration of an existing planning permission, for an additional period as determined by the planning authority to a maximum of five years, except in the circumstances of subsection (1A) of section 42 of the 2000 Act.
Subsection (1A) of section 42 of the 2000 Act, as inserted by section 28(2)(a) of the Planning and Development (Housing) and Residential Tenancies Act 2016, as substituted by section 1 of the Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2017, concerns developments relating to 20 or more houses in respect of which an environmental impact assessment or an appropriate assessment, or both of those assessments, were not required before the permission was granted. Under the provisions of subsection (1A), an application may be made to further extend the appropriate period.
There are no proposals at present to bring forward additional legislative amendments to provide for a further application for an extension of duration of development, with particular respect to construction delays caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. However, the Department is keeping this situation under review and is liaising with the Office of the Attorney General with respect to legislative options in this regard.
294. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if local authorities can use compulsory purchase orders, CPOs, to purchase burial grounds given that it is the responsibility of local authorities to provide burial grounds; the criteria for which this process can be used; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5616/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraSection 213 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, provides a framework whereby a local authority may acquire land, permanently or temporarily, by agreement or compulsorily for the purposes of performing any of its functions (whether conferred by or under this Act, or any other enactment passed before or after the passing of this Act).
My colleague, the Minister for Social Protection, Community and Rural Development and the Islands, has responsibility for policy and legislation in relation to local authority burial grounds, while the operation of those burial grounds is for local authorities.
Functions conferred on me, as Minister, in relation to the compulsory acquisition of land by a local authority were transferred to, and vested in, An Bord Pleanála, under Section 214 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended. Section 30 of the 2000 Act, as amended, provides: “The Minister shall not exercise any power or control in relation to any particular case with which a planning authority or the Board is or may be concerned”.
295. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of the move towards the creation of a single water utility; and if legislation will be forthcoming from his Department in 2021 on this matter. [5681/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government provides that the Government will retain Irish Water in public ownership as a national, standalone, regulated utility.
In this context, in September 2018, the Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) reported on a process of engagement, undertaken with the parties involved in the water sector transformation programme, including ICTU and relevant affiliated unions, local government management through the County and City Management Association, Ervia/Irish Water and my Department. Subsequent to this, and commencing in February 2019, there has been an ongoing series of engagements to work towards the development of a stable structural and operational framework for the future to replace the existing system of Service Level Agreements between Irish Water and each of the 31 local authorities, although progress to date has been slow.
Consistent with the Programme for Government and building on the work that has been undertaken to date through the WRC, I undertook to bring forward a clear set of policy recommendations setting out the Government’s expectations in relation to the next phase of transformation for the water sector.
I recognise the challenges arising, and the concerns which all parties have, notably the workers. The proposed changes also give rise to significant challenges for the local government sector in Ireland. Any process of transformation needs to be cognisant of the potential impacts on the wider local government system.
Work on the Policy Paper is now at an advanced stage of completion and I expect to bring it forward for consideration by Government in the coming weeks.
In addition to the process above, I am bringing forward legislative proposals to establish Irish Water as a standalone company. The proposed Bill is now included in the legislative programme published by the Government on 13 January 2021.
296. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the last national conditions survey of local authority social housing stock took place; the findings of the survey; the action taken since to address the findings of the survey; and when the next survey is due. [5684/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe management and maintenance of local authority housing stock, including pre-letting repairs to vacant properties, responsive repairs and implementing planned maintenance programmes, is a matter for each individual local authority, in line with Section 58 of the Housing Act 1966.
My Department requested local authorities to prepare an audit of their social housing stock in February 2011. This primarily involved a desktop exercise based on the information available in local authorities. Though the desktop survey work was limited it did indicate that substantial investment in the local authority housing stock was required Such investment is being made on an annual basis by my Department under the Energy Efficiency, Voids, Disabled Persons Grants, Regeneration and Remedial Works Schemes.
My Department is determined to ensure that future improvement works are driven by strategic and targeted work programmes informed by stock condition surveys and therefore have been working with the local authority sector, through the City and County Management Association, to drive a planned maintenance approach to the maintenance of local authority housing stock. This will see circa 140,000 local authority social housing properties surveyed over a 4/5 year period, commencing in late 2021. These stock condition surveys will inform future work programmes, funding requirements and allocations.
297. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to facilitate greater tenant participation in community development, empowerment and estate management within local authority housing estates. [5686/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraLocal authorities are responsible under the Housing Acts for the management and maintenance of their housing stock and the management of their estates, which includes taking the appropriate measures, and putting in place the structures, to facilitate and enable tenants’ participation in estate management.
Tenants are encouraged to become actively involved in Residents' Associations and where these representative groups do not exist, local authorities can assist residents in establishing them. Local authorities can also provide training and support to better enable this participation, including pre-tenancy courses and the provision of tenant handbooks. Some local authorities have designated Estate Management Teams and Tenant Liaison Officers or equivalent staff who can deal individually with any query that residents have regarding their tenancies. They support the Residents' Association or representative groups for the area and support the tenant participation process, they can provide grants towards estate maintenance to such groups, and run annual best kept estate competitions. There is interagency collaboration in the area of community policing and community representation on Local Community Safety Fora. Residents are also involved in the implementation of the antisocial behaviour strategies applicable to their local authority area.
298. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if a query raised in correspondence by a person (details supplied) will receive a response; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5730/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Residential Tenancies Acts 2004-2020 regulate the landlord-tenant relationship in the private rented sector and sets out the rights and obligations of landlords and tenants. The Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) was established as an independent statutory body under the Acts to operate a national tenancy registration system and to resolve disputes between landlords and tenants.
The RTB displays comprehensive information on its website - www.rtb.ie - including guidance and frequently asked questions documents relating to terminating tenancies during the Covid-19 pandemic.
A landlord may refer a matter to the RTB for dispute resolution services where the tenancy has been registered. Due to the quasi-judicial nature of work of the RTB, it would be inappropriate for me, as Minister, to provide legal advice, comment on, or to intervene in the specifics of any individual case. My Department does not provide legal advice. A landlord or tenant might wish to seek independent legal advice in a particular case.
Section 34 of the Acts provides that a landlord must state a reason for the termination in any tenancy termination notice served, and the termination will not be valid unless that reason relates to one of the following:
- the tenant has failed to comply with the obligations (other than the obligation to pay rent) of the tenancy;
- the tenant has failed to comply with the obligation to pay rent under the tenancy;
- the landlord intends to sell the dwelling within the next 9 months;
- the dwelling is no longer suited to the needs of the occupying household;
- the landlord requires the dwelling for own or family member occupation;
- vacant possession is required for substantial refurbishment of the dwelling; and/or
- the landlord intends to change the use of the dwelling.
Notices of termination can be served at this time but a termination cannot take effect until after 15 March 2021 (i.e. 10 days after the lifting of the current 5km restriction on travel from home) under the Residential Tenancies Act 2020, subject to certain exceptions. For example, a notice of termination with a 7 day notice period can be served in serious cases of anti-social behaviour and can take effect at this time. Actions to deal with anti-social behaviour, harassment and intimidation are primarily a matter for An Garda Síochána. An Garda Síochána should be contacted, if necessary, to safeguard property.
Section 4 of the Residential Tenancies Act 2020 provides that where a valid termination notice was served before the commencement of an emergency period (i.e. before 31 December 2020, in the context of the current emergency period), the tenant is entitled to remain in occupation during the emergency period and for 10 days following the expiry of the emergency period (i.e. up to and including 15 March 2021; the emergency period could automatically be extended in line with any extension by the Minister for Health under section 31A Health Regulations to the operation of the 5km travel restriction). The usual terms and conditions of the tenancy apply during this time.
Where a tenancy is to be terminated on grounds of rent arrears, newly enhanced protections and procedures now apply for tenants and landlords under Part 3 (Residential Tenancies) of the Planning and Development, and Residential Tenancies, Act 2020. Comprehensive guidance on these measures is also available on www.rtb.ie.
My Department arranged for a response to issue to the person in question on 28 January.
299. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of persons and families currently on the housing assistance payment at the end of Q3 2020, by county. [5738/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe table below shows the number of households at the end of Q3 2020, broken down by local authority, who are in receipt of Housing Assistance Payment support.
|
Local Authority |
Total Active HAP Tenancies @ 30-09-2020 |
|
Carlow County Council |
758 |
|
Cavan County Council |
418 |
|
Clare County Council |
1,406 |
|
Cork City Council |
3,066 |
|
Cork County Council |
3,696 |
|
Donegal County Council |
1,849 |
|
Dublin City Council |
4,502 |
|
Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council |
693 |
|
Fingal County Council |
1,999 |
|
Galway City Council |
1,894 |
|
Galway County Council |
1,383 |
|
Kerry County Council |
1,534 |
|
Kildare County Council |
2,344 |
|
Kilkenny County Council |
873 |
|
Laois County Council |
977 |
|
Leitrim County Council |
293 |
|
Limerick City & County Council |
2,407 |
|
Longford County Council |
370 |
|
Louth County Council |
3,210 |
|
Mayo County Council |
1,345 |
|
Meath County Council |
2,214 |
|
Monaghan County Council |
635 |
|
Offaly County Council |
876 |
|
Roscommon County Council |
466 |
|
Sligo County Council |
811 |
|
South Dublin County Council |
2,888 |
|
Tipperary County Council |
1,833 |
|
Waterford City & County Council |
2,083 |
|
Westmeath County Council |
984 |
|
Wexford County Council |
1,573 |
|
Wicklow County Council |
1,632 |
|
Dublin Regional Homeless Executive (DRHE)* |
7,203 |
|
Grand Total |
58,215 |
*The DRHE is operating the HAP Homeless Place Finder Service on behalf of the four Dublin local authorities.
300. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if there are specific time periods during which local authorities can apply for funding to restore voids; and the number of such opportunities in 2019 and 2020. [5739/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe management and maintenance of local authority housing stock, including the cost of pre-letting repairs to vacant properties and the carrying out of responsive repairs, are matters for each individual local authority under Section 58 of the Housing Act 1966 Since 2014, Exchequer funding has also been provided through my Department's Voids programme to support local authorities in preparing vacant units for re-letting.
Historically the programme has been administered through a “call for proposal” initiative where local authorities are invited to submit a funding request to support the return of vacant units to productive use within local authority ownership. Generally a single 'call for proposals' will issue early in the year. A second call may issue later in the year if additional funding is available.
In 2019, an initial call for proposals issued to local authorities. After a review of the submissions final allocations issued in August 2019. A second round of funding was also made available to local authorities who could complete additional units by the years end.
In March 2020, a call for proposals for COVID-19 related voids funding was issued to local authorities. 406 homes were returned to productive use as part of this programme with Exchequer funding of €3.7m recouped to local authorities.
As part of this Governments July Stimulus Package, I secured €40million of additional funding for the Voids programme in 2020 and a call for proposals issued in August. There was very strong uptake in this programme and significant work carried out by local authorities working with my Department.
Overall in 2020, €56.4m was spent to bring a total of 3,607 vacant homes back into productive use within the social housing stock. This represents the highest ever yearly spend and the highest number of homes to be refurbished under the voids programme, full details of which can be found at the following link:
www.gov.ie/en/press-release/78da0-voids-stimulus-programme-exceeds-target-in-bringing-2565-homes-back-into-social-housing-stock/.
301. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to carry out revisions to the septic tank grant scheme to enable those who did not register to do so; if access to the associated grant scheme can be applied for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5743/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing on from the recommendations contained in the Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Future Funding of Domestic Water Services report in April 2017, a Working Group was established to conduct a review of the wider resources and investment needs relating to the rural water sector. As part of its work, the Working Group recommended a number of revisions to the existing grant scheme that provided support towards the remediation, repair, or upgrading works to, or the replacement of, domestic waste water treatment systems. The revised and new regulations that underpin the grant schemes were published in May 2020.
The Water Services Act 2007, as amended, required all owners of premises served by an individual domestic waste water treatment system to have the system entered into a register maintained by local authorities. The prescribed date of 1 February 2013 was appointed by the Water Services Act 2007 and 2012 Domestic Waste Water Treatment Systems (Registration) Regulations 2012, as amended. New houses with domestic tanks continue to be required to register.
The strict cut-off date, together with sanctions for non-compliance, was successful ensuring that an estimated 95% of systems were registered. Amending this provision to allow for retrospective registration would require amendments to primary legislation. It was not possible to do so as part of the introduction of the revised grant schemes which were effected by regulations.
In implementing the revised arrangements, my Department has undertaken to conduct a review of the grant schemes after one year of operation to ensure their alignment with policy objectives. In this context the issue of the registration cut-off date will be considered, noting, of course, that primary legislation would be required to effect such a change.
302. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if public realm improvement works can proceed in level 5 restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5802/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe advancement of each URDF supported project is, in the first instance, a matter for the individual local authority involved. It is also a matter for each local authority as an independent statutory body to establish whether their projects can be considered essential by reference to the relevant regulations concerning restrictions during the current Covid 19 lockdown (The Health Act 1947 (Section 31A – Temporary Restrictions) (Covid-19) (No.10) (Amendment) Regulations 2021) which amends the Health Act 1947 (Section 31A - Temporary Restrictions) (COVID-19) (No. 10) Regulations 2020).
303. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the annual contribution to local authorities over the past five years by local authority in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5834/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe funding system that applies to local authorities is a complex one, as authorities derive their income from a variety of local sources including commercial rates, charges for goods and services, local variation of Local Property Tax (LPT) and funding from Central Government.
Central Government funding of local authorities similarly presents a complex picture, with transfers, both current and capital, coming from a wide range of Departments and Offices, not solely from my Department, for a variety of purposes. Some streams of funding are delivered directly from funding departments to local authorities, while others are routed through departmental agencies.
Most of the funding sourced from Central Government and provided to local authorities must be used for specified services. These can be grouped into 5 broad programme categories: recreational, education, environment, housing and transport.
Additional detail on Central Government funding of local authorities is provided in the Comptroller and Auditor General's Annual Report, accessible at the following link:
www.audit.gov.ie/en/Find-Report/Publications/2020/2019-Annual-Report-Chapter-2-Central-government-funding-of-local-authorities.pdf.
The funding supplied to individual local authorities across all schemes and funding sources, as my Department was configured at the time, is outlined in the attached spreadsheet for the years 2016-2020. These figures include LPT payments, details of which are available the following link;
www.gov.ie/en/collection/ea27d-local-property-tax-allocations/ .
304. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the reason there has been a chief executive in an interim position only in Galway County Council for seven years; when a chief executive will be appointed to Galway County Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5835/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe former Chief Executive of Galway County Council retired on 4 July 2014. A temporary chief executive was appointed at that time, pending a permanent appointment. In the intervening period, there has been extensive policy development processes examining optimum arrangements for local governance in Galway. Arising from these processes, in June 2018 the Government decided in principle to implement the unanimous recommendation of the Expert Advisory Group to amalgamate Galway City and County Councils by 2021.
In order to progress matters, the Local Government Bill 2018 contained provision for a single chief executive post with dual responsibility for Galway City and County Councils, to, inter alia, progressively implement organisational integration in advance of a full merger. However, these provisions were removed from the Bill through an amendment approved in the Seanad.
In light of the foregoing, it has been deemed appropriate to review the position in relation to the filling of the post of Chief Executive of Galway County Council on a permanent basis. That review process is underway and will be concluded as quickly as possible.
305. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when provision will be made to upgrade water pipes and ensure connectivity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5836/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince 1 January 2014, Irish Water has statutory responsibility for all aspects of water services planning, delivery and operation at national, regional and local levels.
As part of Budget 2021, I secured funding of over €1.4 billion to support water services. This includes €1.3 billion in respect of domestic water services provision by Irish Water. This overall investment will deliver significant improvements in our public water and wastewater services, support improved water supplies right across Ireland, including rural Ireland, and support a range of programmes delivering improved water quality in our rivers, lakes and marine area. The prioritisation and progression of individual projects is a matter for determination by Irish Water.
Irish Water has established a dedicated team to deal with representations and queries from public representatives. The team can be contacted via email to oireachtasmembers@water.ie or by telephone on a dedicated number, 1890 578 578.
306. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding the affordable housing scheme in Kinsale, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5846/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Programme for Government, ‘Our Shared Future’, this Government has committed to putting housing affordability at the heart of the housing system and to:
- prioritise the increased supply affordable homes and to ensure that local authorities are central to delivering housing, and
- progress a state-backed affordable home purchase scheme to promote home ownership.
To that end, on the 20th January last, I published the General Scheme of the Affordable Housing Bill 2020. This provides the legislative basis for a number of new affordable housing measures. This includes a local authority led affordable purchase scheme and an Affordable Purchase Shared Equity scheme for homes on private developments.
It is intended that these schemes will be targeted at first-time buyers who are seeking to buy a new home, but who cannot quite secure the full mortgage amount to do so at the present time. The equity support provided will help them to secure their own home by bridging the gap between the mortgage available to them and the cost of the home that is suitable to meet their needs. The eligibility criteria for these schemes is being finalised along with other elements of the detailed drafting of the Bill. However, it is not anticipated that there will be any restriction on eligible households purchasing homes under both affordable schemes from accessing mortgages from retail institutions.
In relation to the location which is the subject of the question, Serviced Sites Fund (SSF) funding has been made available for six proposed developments in the Cork County administrative area, one of which was for 50 affordable homes on land at Cammogue, Kinsale with funding of just over €2.8m. This project is being led and managed by Cork County Council. I understand that the Council is presently undertaking the design of the proposed housing scheme on this site with a view to bringing forward a Part 8 planning application for the development of the site later this year.
307. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of new build houses and apartments recorded in each of the past 12 months to the end of January 2021, by county in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5855/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department publishes comprehensive programme level statistics on a quarterly basis on social housing delivery activity. This data is available to the end of Quarter 3 2020, and data for Quarter 4 2020 is currently being compiled. This data is published on the statistics page of my Department’s website, at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/collection/6060e-overall-social-housing-provision/.
In addition, the Central Statistics Office publishes data on all new dwelling completions, which is available on the CSO website at the following link: www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/er/ndc/newdwellingcompletionsq32020/.
308. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the measures he is taking to ensure that persons who applied for the Rebuilding Ireland home loan scheme are not being stopped from drawing down approved loans due to the fact they are temporarily on the employment wage subsidy scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5880/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan scheme remains open for business. All local authorities are receiving and processing RIHL applications and are incorporating increased flexibility to accommodate applicants during the COVID 19 Pandemic.
As is the case with any lender, local authorities must lend mortgages on a prudent basis, taking into account the most recent income and employment data available. Importantly, this is both for the protection of the lender and the borrower, in particular to seek to ensure that borrowers are not left with unsustainable debt burdens, as a mortgage is a long-term financial commitment. It would not be appropriate to lend when there is an identifiable risk that the person’s income and ability to pay might not return to the level required to support the borrowing requested.
Where such persons are approved for a RIHL loan, draw down would not commence until their unsupported income post Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme (TWSS) has returned to the level specified in the original application for a period of time, usually up to three months. This is line with the requirement to lend prudently.
This is not a blanket ban and local authorities can use their judgement and knowledge of local employers to advance loans to applicants before the end of this three-month period, where appropriate. This also applies to the successor scheme the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS). There are further exceptions to this approach. In the case of a joint application where only one party is on TWSS or EWSS, the application can also proceed to drawdown if repayment capacity can be assured based on the other person’s income. For applicants whose post-TWSS/EWSS income is lower (e.g. due to reduced hours) than stated on their application, their application can be re-assessed to determine the most appropriate borrowing amount for them.
In addition, persons currently on the TWSS/EWSS can continue to apply for a RIHL mortgage based on their pre-TWSS/EWSS Income. This will provide clarity to applicants regarding their eligibility for the loan amount and will enable them to commence the property search.
309. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the plans for St. Patrick’s Day trade missions. [6021/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraSt. Patrick’s Day offers a unique opportunity to promote Ireland’s economic and political interests overseas, with levels of visibility and media attention unmatched by the national day of any other country.
Every year, Ireland’s Mission network supports visits by an Taoiseach, Tánaiste, Ministers and Minsters of State, and, in recent years, an Ceann Comhairle, an Cathaoirleach and the Attorney General. In 2019, for example, they visited 116 cities across 56 countries to promote Ireland and Irish business.
This year will be very different owing to the Covid 19 Pandemic. Planning for St Patrick’s Day is at an advanced stage in my Department, and details will be made available, including to Members of the Oireachtas, as soon as possible.
I can assure the Deputy that every effort will be made to avail of opportunities to promote our trade and investment relationship with all of our economic partners and to connect with diaspora communities across the world.
310. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the level of support through bilateral development aid and multilateral development funds and instruments being provided to developing countries and least developed countries in order for same to obtain and dispense the Covid-19 vaccine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4986/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland is fully supporting efforts by the international community, including as an EU Member State, to ensure fair and equitable access to vaccines for all. The Government quadrupled funding to the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 2020, given its role as lead UN agency for health and co-host of the Access to Covid-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator, which has the COVAX facility as a centrepiece. COVAX is supporting 92 low and middle-income countries access Covid-19 vaccines.
Vaccine supply constraints remain an issue, particularly for low-income countries. In response to this, the Irish Aid allocation to global health will increase to at least €50 million in 2021, to include support for global equitable access to vaccines through WHO and the COVAX facility.
Also included in this is funding of €15 million to the Global Fund to end AIDS, TB and Malaria, and €3 million to Gavi - supporting our partner multilateral agencies, sustaining health systems and ensuring attention to other diseases including HIV and AIDS, Malaria and TB. Ireland also continues to support key partner multilateral agencies, such as UNICEF and multilateral development banks, who are also playing an important part in the global response to the pandemic.
Irish Missions in partner countries will in the meantime be working alongside the WHO and other health partners to support the vaccine roll-out effort, which will face further challenges given limited health systems capacity in many countries.
311. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the way in which Ireland’s seat at the UN Security Council can advance the formation of a Palestinian state in line with the votes of Dáil and Seanad Éireann. [5006/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra328. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when the commitment of Ireland to recognise the state of Palestine will be honoured; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5451/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 311 and 328 together.
The Programme for Government states that the Government will “Honour our commitment to recognise the State of Palestine as part of a lasting settlement of the conflict, or in advance of that, when we believe doing so will progress efforts to reach a two-State solution or protect the integrity of Palestinian territory”.
I have been clear that, in recognition of the lack of progress towards a two-State solution, I would be prepared to recommend to the Government early recognition by Ireland of a State of Palestine, if and when it might be helpful. This is an issue where there could be benefits to moving in step with EU partners, and it is a matter that I discuss regularly with EU colleagues.
Recognition by Ireland outside the context of an overall peace agreement could, however, affect Ireland’s influence on the Israel-Palestine conflict at EU and international level. Timing and context would affect whether such a loss of influence would be matched by a commensurate benefit for the Palestinian people and a positive impact on the peace process.
Ireland is committed to supporting a viable two-State solution, in line with the agreed parameters for a resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The matter is discussed regularly at the Security Council.
This month, UN Secretary General Guterres appointed a new UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Mr Tor Wennesland. On 26 January Mr Wennesland provided a briefing to the UN Security Council at the 'Quarterly Open Debate on the Middle East, including the Palestinian question'.
At this debate, I outlined Ireland’s position on the Middle East Peace Process and called for a renewed role for the Middle East Quartet to re-energise the peace process. I emphasised that Ireland remains ready to support any peace initiative that respects the international parameters for a two-State solution and the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions, and which provide a basis to meet the aspirations of both peoples.
Ireland will continue to work with international partners on this issue including while we are on the UN Security Council, in particular focusing on the need for the adherence of all parties to the Resolutions which have been adopted by the Council, and our opposition to actions which undermine a viable two State solution.
312. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the way in which Ireland’s seat at the UN Security Council can assist with the humanitarian crisis in the Tigray region of Ethiopia and towards a peaceful resolution of the conflict there. [5007/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland remains deeply concerned by the ongoing armed conflict between the Federal Government of Ethiopia and the former regional authorities in Tigray, which began on 4 November. The conflict has had a devastating impact on the population of Tigray, and poses severe risks to the stability of the wider Horn of Africa region.
Ireland is engaging directly as well as actively supporting the efforts of the EU, UN and wider international community to address the crisis, including through engagement with the African Union. We are strongly supportive of regional efforts to try to find a resolution to the conflict. However progress has been limited to date.
In contacts with key interlocutors, Minister Coveney has called on all parties to cease hostilities, respect international humanitarian law and begin dialogue, as well as for immediate and unhindered humanitarian access to affected areas. He has condemned reported atrocities and identity-based attacks, and has called for the human rights of all Ethiopians to be upheld. The Minister continues to engage with regional actors in this regard, including in Addis Ababa, Nairobi and Pretoria, and through our membership of the European Union.
My Department has provided over €2.6 million to date to support the humanitarian response to the Tigray crisis. This includes €1.4 million to Irish NGOs within Tigray, €500,000 to the UN refugee agency to support the refugee response in neighbouring Sudan, and almost €750,000 towards humanitarian stocks, and supports for the protection of women and girls.
The crisis in Ethiopia was discussed at the UN Security Council on 24 November and 14 December last year. Due to the gravity of the situation, Ireland is raising the situation in Ethiopia at the Security Council this week. Ireland will continue to advocate for an urgent response to the humanitarian situation, and for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
313. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 654 of 3 November 2020, the amount of aid allocated to each of the NGOs mentioned in tabular form; the amount drawn down by these active organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5011/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland is a longstanding development and humanitarian donor to Sudan.
Since 2018, Ireland has provided over €12 million in humanitarian funding to Sudan. This funding is channelled through UN Agencies, international and Irish NGOs. This has enabled us to respond with the highest priority projects being implemented by the best placed responders.
Since 2018, Ireland has also provided approximately €5.5 million in longer-term development funding to Sudan, channelled through trusted international NGO partners, to support a range of sectors including livelihoods, health, nutrition, water and sanitation.
Details of this funding since 2018 and particular partners is provided below, in tabular form.
|
- |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
|
OCHA |
€3,000,000 |
€3,055,000 |
€3,000,000 |
|
Trócaire |
€315,000 |
€315,000 |
€315,000 |
|
World Vision |
€328,645 |
€248,752 |
€227,216 |
|
Goal |
€840,000 |
€850,000 |
€850,000 |
|
Concern |
€960,000 |
€1,006,056 |
€1,511,891 |
|
UNHCR |
|
|
€500,000 |
|
International Rescue Committee |
|
|
€53,574 |
|
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent |
|
|
€200,000 |
|
UNICEF |
|
€47,067 |
|
|
TOTAL |
€5,443,645 |
€5,521,875 |
€6,657,681 |
As well as our direct contributions outlined above, Ireland contributes to pooled funds and collective humanitarian instruments such as the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) and the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO).
314. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the way in which Irish diplomats are being encouraged to apply for European external action service posts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5035/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe European External Action Service (EEAS) is the European Union’s diplomatic service created to promote an EU-wide common foreign and security policy. It is staffed by officers from the EU Commission, the EU Council Secretariat and the Foreign Ministries of EU Member States, including my Department. The recruitment of diplomats from Member States to serve in the EEAS enhances the links and interaction with the diplomatic services of the Member States.
The Programme for Government makes a commitment to ensuring that Ireland is adequately represented in EU Institutions, including the EEAS. To that end, last October, the Minister of State for European Affairs, Thomas Byrne, T.D. launched a public consultation on Ireland's EU jobs strategy. Following this consultation, officials in my Department and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform are working together to develop Ireland's overall policy approach to EU staffing. The strategy will include proposals aimed at increasing the number of Irish diplomats securing positions within the EU Institutions, including the EEAS. While work on the strategy is ongoing, I hope it will be published in the coming months.
In the interim, this continues to be an area of focus for my Department in recognition of the value of placing Irish civil servants in key positions to enhance our influence and contribute to the effective functioning of EU institutions. My Department takes all reasonable steps to support the candidacies of Irish applicants for EEAS posts. Officers who are offered positions have been, and will continue to be, granted special leave for the duration of their assignments. Currently, eleven members of staff of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade are on assignment to the EEAS, either at its Headquarters in Brussels or in one of the 140 EU Delegations located across the world. This includes one at Head of Delegation level and one at Managing Director level.
315. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on whether the presidential election which took place in Belarus in August 2020 was not free and fair; if he will condemn the arrest and imprisonment of peaceful protesters in Belarus subsequently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5106/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra323. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of his engagement with the Belarusian Government in relation to the ongoing human rights abuses and the regular mass arrests of political opposition members that have been taking place over the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5409/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 315 and 323 together.
Ireland has been unequivocal in stating that the Presidential election that took place in Belarus on 9 August 2020, was neither free, nor fair. We reject the democratic legitimacy of the Lukashenko regime and we have condemned in the strongest possible terms the flagrant human rights abuses we have seen take place in Belarus in the run up to, and in the aftermath of, those elections. The EU has responded with a strong message by imposing sanctions against 88 key figures responsible for the current situation and 7 businesses benefiting and/or supporting the regime.
The Belarusian people face indiscriminate detention on a daily basis and the authorities appear unwilling to prevent or even investigate credible claims of torture, ill-treatment and abuse by State security forces. Shamefully, the use of State violence against peaceful protesters has also led to loss of life. These actions are wholly unacceptable.
Reporters Without Borders have designated Belarus the most dangerous country in the world for journalists, with detentions of media workers numbering in the several hundreds since the fraudulent election. We strongly condemn the repression of the Belarusian people and the suppression of their voices through internet shutdowns and curtailments of fundamental freedoms and media freedoms.
Along with our EU partners, Ireland has been vocal in calling on the Belarusian authorities to release all those unjustly detained, including political prisoners. We have been clear and consistent in international settings in this regard, including at the Human Rights Council and at meetings of UN Security Council members. I can assure the Deputy that we will continue to use our voice to press the Belarusian authorities to adhere to their international obligations.
The future of Belarus is for its people to decide in fresh elections that are free and fair. The new OSCE Chairperson-in-Office has maintained the offer to facilitate a meaningful national dialogue. This is the best way to achieve a peaceful and democratic resolution to the crisis and we urge the Belarusian authorities to firmly grasp this opportunity.
316. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) was granted an Irish passport. [5291/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAll passport applications are subject to the provisions of the Passports Act 2008. The Act provides, among other things, that a person must be an Irish citizen before a passport can be issued to him/her. In order to meet this requirement, each person must demonstrate an entitlement to Irish citizenship by providing acceptable documentary evidence of this entitlement.
Entitlement to Irish citizenship is determined by the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended, under which Irish citizenship may be obtained by birth, by descent, or by naturalisation.
An individual born on the island of Ireland before 2005 is automatically an Irish citizen. For individuals born outside of Ireland, they may claim citizenship if they had at least one parent who was born in the island of Ireland before 2005.
Individuals born outside of Ireland can also claim citizenship through a parent who was not born in Ireland but was an Irish citizen at the time of the individual's birth, or through a grandparent born in Ireland. Individuals who wish to claim citizenship through these means must have his/her birth entered on the Foreign Births Register (FBR). Citizenship commences after inclusion on the FBR. Further details regarding the process can be consulted at the Passport Service's website.
An individual may apply for Irish citizenship through naturalisation. Minimum residency terms must be satisfied before an individual is eligible for citizenship through naturalisation. The Department of Justice is responsible for citizenship matters, including applications for naturalisation.
With regards to the details supplied, in the absence of evidence of a representation from the data subject or consent received to make a representation on the data subject’s behalf, the Passport Service does not have a legal basis to provide the Deputy with the personal data sought in this instance.
317. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if Ireland as a member of the EU and the UN Security Council will encourage the UNHCR and the international community to do more to protect Syrian refugees based in Lebanon and to prevent their forced return to Syria which can be considered a violation of international humanitarian law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5327/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra319. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if a condition can be put in place on any allocation of Irish and EU aid to Lebanon to the effect that Lebanon must not force Syrian refugees to return to their homeland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5329/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra330. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to a recent letter signed by organisations (details supplied) calling on the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the international community to protect Syrian refugees from refoulement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5673/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra331. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the actions he is taking to insist that international organisations and the international community prevent Syrian refugees from being forcibly returned to Syria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5674/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra333. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the actions he is taking to ensure Syrian refugees in Lebanon are not being forced to return to Syria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5678/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 317, 319, 330, 331 and 333 together.
The EU and its Member States recognise and are bound to the principle of non-refoulement, as enshrined in the 1951 Refugee Convention and the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. Both Ireland and the EU regularly make that position clear and remind other States of their obligations.
At the most recent meeting of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Executive Committee in October 2020, the EU recognised the importance of safeguarding the principle of non-refoulement. In my address at the same meeting, I reiterated that defending the norms and commitments enshrined in the 1951 Geneva Conventions remains of paramount importance.
At the Foreign Affairs Council in December 2020, the EU commended the efforts made by Lebanon and the Lebanese people to host over 1 million Syrian refugees until such a time when conditions for their safe, voluntary and dignified return in line with the applicable norms of international law and the principle of non-refoulement will be met. These efforts have been despite Lebanon facing its own challenges including a severe economic crisis, the catastrophic Beirut Port explosion and devastating impacts of COVID-19.
I take note of the recent letter from concerned organisations about the situation of Syrian refugees in Lebanon and commend the vital work of civil society organisations in safeguarding the wellbeing and rights of refugees in Lebanon. Ireland has been consistently clear that refugee returns must be voluntary and safe. Addressing the United Nations Security Council on 20 January, Ireland’s Permanent Representative to the UN stated that ‘millions of Syrians remain as refugees, and the conditions necessary for them to return, in a safe, voluntary and dignified manner are far from being achieved’.
Ireland's response to the Syria crisis has been its largest single response to any humanitarian emergency. Ireland has provided over €168 million in humanitarian assistance since the start of the crisis, including over €30 million in humanitarian assistance to Lebanon. Ireland also supports refugees at the global level through core funding to the IOM and UNHCR.
