Written Answers Nos. 174-197
174. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of the diplomatic efforts on the repeal of the Presidential Order under section 212 F of the Immigration and Nationality Act 1952; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28908/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe repeal of the Presidential Order under section 212 F of the US Immigration and Nationality Act 1952 is solely a matter for US authorities. However, ease of travel is vital to our economic relationships and for building connections across the Atlantic. Ireland is deeply committed to people-to-people links with the US. We will work to ensure that the restrictions will not have any long-term impact on existing channels of migration, exchange and tourism which benefit our countries significantly.
Although US immigration regulation is a matter for the US authorities, my Department has continued to encourage the US Embassy to maintain the processing of applications for exemptions to their travel restrictions for those travelling to the US for medical reasons. I have also raised the issue of resumption of travel between our two countries in my contacts with the US Administration, including during my meeting with US National Security Advisor, Jake Sullivan, on Monday of this week. We agreed that it is important that we restore connectivity with the US, as soon as it is feasible, and safe, to do so.
My Department has a very strong and positive working relationship with the US Chargé d’affaires and her team at the US Embassy in Dublin. We continue to engage closely with the Embassy, and with the US State Department via our Embassy in Washington D.C., including with regard to travel, and the associated restrictions, between the two countries.
We are particularly keen that the current travel restrictions will not negatively impact the future of the J1 and Working Holiday Agreement programmes. I look forward to the time when we will work with the US again to promote travel between our countries, once COVID-19 crisis has abated, and in accordance with public health advice.
175. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28924/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Passport Service that a search was completed for a passport application using the details supplied by the Deputy but no application was found as the application number is not valid.
The Passport Service will be happy to provide information and guidance to the person in question. The Passport Service operates a Customer Service Hub which provides information via telephone and WebChat. The telephone number for the Customer Service Hub is 01 671 1633 and WebChat can be accessed through the Passport Service's website. Telephone lines operate from 8am till 5pm, Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays) and webchat is available from 9am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays).
176. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application by a person (details supplied); and when they can expect to receive a decision on the case. [28925/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAll passport applications are subject to the terms of the Passports Act 2008, as amended (“the 2008 Act“). Section 7(1)(a) of the 2008 Act states that a person must be an Irish citizen in order for the Minister to issue a passport to that person. Accordingly, every applicant for a passport must submit a complete application form with supporting documents positively confirming, among other things, that that person is an Irish citizen and as such is entitled to a passport.
I note the challenge of meeting the requirements of the 2008 Act in this particular case. An individual may also apply for Irish citizenship through naturalisation, for which minimum residency terms must be satisfied. The Department of Justice is responsible for citizenship matters, including applications for naturalisation.
With regard to the specific application, and in the current circumstances as the applicant was not able to provide the required supporting documents, arrangements will be made to refund the passport fee paid.
177. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he plans to consult with EU partners concerning the implementation of the differentiation principle between Israel within its internationally recognised pre-1967 borders and the illegal settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories; if he is satisfied that Ireland and the EU are completely fulfilling their legal obligations based on non-recognition of Israeli sovereignty over these territories; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28965/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra179. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the precise mechanisms that are in place in his Department to ensure that all bilateral agreements with Israel apply only to Israel proper and do not benefit those territories illegally occupied by Israel in 1967; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28968/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 177 and 179 together.
UN Security Council Resolution 2334, adopted on 23 December 2016, calls on all States to distinguish, in their relevant dealings, between the territory of the State of Israel and the territories occupied since 1967. The Special Envoy of the UN Secretary General on the Middle East Peace Process reports to the UN Security Council on the implementation of this Resolution.
Ireland has consistently and strongly opposed settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory, and will continue to do so.
In keeping with differentiation, Ireland’s bilateral agreements with Israel do not apply to territories occupied by Israel in 1967.
The Department of Foreign Affairs ensures that there is information available for the public and companies regarding Ireland's policy on settlements via the Department's website. A whole of Government approach is applied to the policy of differentiation and my Department also supports other Government Departments by providing guidance and clarification on the policy of differentiation.
178. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will support the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in efforts to ensure that the UN database of all business enterprises involved in activities relating to Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territory is regularly maintained and updated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28966/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland is wholly opposed to Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory, which are contrary to international law, and is committed to upholding relevant UN Security Resolutions on settlements. It is critical however that action against settlements must be both lawful and well-considered, since actions which are not fully thought-through risk ultimately being unwound, thereby undermining the cause they aim to support.
In March 2016, the UN Human Rights Council adopted Resolution 31/36, calling upon the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to produce a database of all business enterprises involved in activities relating to Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territory.
The terms of the Resolution as adopted by the UN Human Rights Council were very broad, with the associated risk that this could potentially lead to unfair and counter-productive outcomes. The EU Members of the HRC therefore abstained in the vote on the Resolution. Despite these reservations, Ireland fully cooperated with requests for assistance by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in the task they had been assigned.
Ireland has always sought to protect the independence of the Office of High Commissioner for Human Rights and notes the High Commissioner’s commitment to discharge the mandate of the HRC Resolution 31/36 in a legally, factually and methodological sound manner. The database was published by the High Commissioner for Human Rights in February 2020. The Human Rights Council did not specify implications for entities listed in the database or put forward recommendations on how the information therein be used. In her report to the Human Rights Council’s 46th Session, the High Commissioner reported that it was not possible for her Office to update the database on an annual basis due to the substantial resource implications.
180. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 857 of 21 April 2021, if the pre-2015 data can now be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29021/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe situation is unavoidably unchanged since my reply of 21 April to the original question. COVID-19 restrictions on physical attendance at Departmental premises continue to prevent my staff from accessing the physical files required to compile data for the pre-2015 period.
My Department will make direct contact with the Deputy at a later stage with regard to the remainder of the data requested.
181. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the outcome of discussions he has had with his counterparts in the European Union or with other governments and international agencies in relation to the interception of a flight (details supplied) over Belarus air space on 23 May 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29030/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland strongly condemns the forced landing of a Ryanair aircraft by the Belarusian authorities on 23 May. It is clear that this action was taken with the sole purpose of detaining a journalist whose views are critical of the Lukashenko regime. These totally unacceptable actions put the safety of the passengers and crew at risk.
Ireland calls for the immediate and unconditional release of Roman Protasevich, Sofia Sapega and all those unjustly detained in Belarus.
I have raised our concerns over this incident in my contacts with EU and international partners and my Department has made our objections clear to the Belarusian Embassy in London.
On Monday 24 May, the Taoiseach discussed this incident with other EU leaders. On foot of those discussions, EU Leaders agreed on concrete steps to protect our citizens and to hold those responsible for this outrageous incident accountable for their actions. Measures agreed upon include a call for an immediate International Civil Aviation Organization investigation, additional sanctions, advising EU airlines to avoid Belarusian airspace and a move to ban Belarusian airlines from EU airspace.
Lukashenko holds no democratic legitimacy and has shown a flagrant disregard for international law. Ireland remains steadfast in our solidarity with the Belarusian people and in our support for their right to determine the future of their country.
182. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when the new consulate in Manchester will be operational; if other consulates are planned in the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29060/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraOur new Consulate General in Manchester will be operational from 1 July 2021. I plan to formally open this diplomatic Mission later this year.
To advance preparations for the Mission, a site visit to Manchester and Liverpool was undertaken last week by my officials. They visited the temporary premises that has been secured for the Consulate General, adjacent to Enterprise Ireland's Manchester Office. They also met with local officials and representatives of EU Consulates General based in Manchester.
In March this year, the Government approved the appointment of a Consul General for the North of England and, more recently, a Vice Consul has been appointed to support the work of the Consulate.
The opening of this new Consulate General for the North of England is delivering on our Global Ireland 2025 agenda to double Ireland's global influence and on commitments made in the Programme for Government. It will demonstrate our commitment to strengthening the British-Irish relationship following the UK’s departure from the EU. Working in partnership with Enterprise Ireland, the Consulate General will support the development of Irish commercial relations with UK’s Northern Powerhouse, a region that claims to be Europe’s 10th largest economy. Ireland’s commercial relationship with the UK remains extremely important and the UK is a key market for many Irish firms. Alongside our Embassy in London, the new Consulate will also work to engage with the North of England's dynamic Irish community.
We have been investing in our presence in the UK for some years. In 2019, Ireland's Consulate General in Cardiff was reopened and Enterprise Ireland opened its office in Manchester. Our Consulate General in Cardiff has recently moved to permanent premises and a formal opening for this Mission is also being planned as pandemic restrictions reduce.
The Government is committed to ensuring that our Embassy in London, already Ireland’s largest bilateral Mission, is properly resourced. The Department of Finance, the Department of Justice, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, the Revenue Commissioners and An Garda Síochána are now part of the Embassy team. The need to further develop Ireland's footprint and presence is being kept under ongoing review.
183. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his plans to ensure the implementation of the Weston Park agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29061/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe full implementation and effective operation of the Good Friday Agreement and all subsequent Agreements is an utmost priority for this Government.
The various measures included in the package agreed at Weston Park in August 2001 addressed four issues to assist in the successful implementation of the Good Friday Agreement: policing, normalisation, the stability of the institutions and decommissioning.
As part of the Weston Park agreement both Governments also accepted that certain legacy cases remained a source of grave public concern, particularly those giving rise to serious allegations of collusion by the security forces in each of our jurisdictions, namely the murders of Chief Superintendent Harry Breen and Superintendent Bob Buchanan, Pat Finucane, Lord Justice and Lady Gibson, Robert Hamill, Rosemary Nelson and Billy Wright.
Former Canadian Supreme Court Judge, Justice Peter Cory, was appointed in May 2002 to conduct an investigation of allegations of collusion by the security forces in those six cases.
In all those cases where Justice Cory subsequently recommended the establishment of public inquiries, they have been held, with the exception of the case of Pat Finucane.
In October 2011, the British Government announced that Desmond de Silva QC would conduct a legal review of the murder of Pat Finucane. The review was proposed as an alternative to the independent public inquiry which had been recommended by Judge Cory.
The report of the de Silva review was published in December 2012. In the report de Silva set out his findings of collusion in the murder by a number of State agents but he did not find any collusion at a political level. Speaking in Westminster on the day of the launch, PM Cameron described the findings as ‘shocking’ and apologised to the Finucane family. The Taoiseach and Tánaiste reiterated the Irish Government position on the need for an independent public inquiry into the murder in accordance with the Weston Park Agreement.
In February 2019, the UK Supreme Court found that Pat Finucane’s widow Geraldine had a legitimate expectation that a public inquiry into her husband’s murder would be held, and that there has not been an Article 2-compliant inquiry into the case.
As part of its commitment to the Weston Park Agreement, the Government has consistently supported the establishment of a public inquiry into the murder of Pat Finucane, as provided for under the Agreement reached by the UK and Irish Governments in 2001.
I have conveyed to the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland the Government’s disappointment with his decision not to hold a public inquiry into the Finucane case at that time, and underlined our consistent position that a public inquiry remains the way forward.
The Government will continue to engage with the Finucane family, with the Council of Europe in Strasbourg and with the UK Government to work towards a satisfactory resolution of this matter. So too will we continue to work in support of the full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement and all subsequent agreements to realise the full promise of peace and deeper societal reconciliation.
184. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his plans to ensure an independent international enquiry into the Dublin and Monaghan bombings takes place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29062/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraLast month saw the 47th anniversary of the Dublin and Monaghan bombings, in which thirty-three people were killed and hundreds seriously injured; the largest loss of life on a single day in the Troubles.
The Government will continue to seek the full truth of these appalling attacks, and some measure of closure for those affected, in accordance with the three Motions passed unanimously by Dáil Éireann.
The All-Party motion on the 1974 Dublin Monaghan bombings that was adopted by the Dáil on 25 May 2016, like those adopted in 2008 and 2011, calls on the British Government to allow access by an independent, international judicial figure to all original documents relating to the Dublin and Monaghan bombings, as well as the Dublin bombings of 1972 and 1973, the bombing of Kay’s Tavern in Dundalk and the murder of Seamus Ludlow.
The Government is committed to actively pursuing the implementation of these All-Party Dáil motions. We have consistently raised the issue with the British Government, including at the British-Irish Inter-Governmental Conference. The Government will continue to engage with the British Government on this request, at senior political level and in official level engagement by my Department, to pursue all possible avenues to achieve progress on this issue until a resolution is found.
In this regard, the Government has welcomed the work of former Chief Constable Jon Boutcher, who is heading an Independent Police Team to conduct an analytical report on collusion in what has become known as the Glenanne Gang series of cases. This is very relevant to a number of cases including the Dublin and Monaghan bombings. The Government will be supportive of facilitating this investigation, subject to the requirements of the law, as we have other investigative processes in Northern Ireland.
The Government will also continue to maintain a close and cooperative relationship with Justice for the Forgotten, as we work to seek the full facts of the appalling events of 25 May 1974 and of other attacks in this jurisdiction during the Troubles.
185. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the current status of the Control of Economic Activity (Occupied Territories) Bill 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29063/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Occupied Territories Bill would not be compatible with EU law, and would not be implementable. This is the clear legal advice on this matter. The Government will therefore not be taking it forward.
We have supported legal avenues to differentiate between settlements and Israel, for example by joining a case before the European Courts in 2019 on labelling of certain goods produced in settlements. Ireland has consistently and strongly opposed settlements, and will continue to do so.
186. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps he will take to ensure the murders of persons (details supplied) are fully and fairly investigated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29064/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe murder of Gavin McShane and Shane McArdle in Armagh City on 17 May, 1994, was a senseless tragedy. Following the 27th anniversary of their deaths last week, I would like to extend my heartfelt condolences and those of the Government to the McShane and McArdle families.
It is particularly frustrating for the McShane and McArdle families that, 27 years on, the full truth about what happened on that day, and who may have been responsible for the murders of Gavin and Shane, has still not been established. I know that they, like so many families, have continued to engage in tireless work to seek justice for their loved ones.
The framework agreed at Stormont House in 2014 provided for a set of institutions to deal comprehensively and fairly with the legacy of the Troubles, including mechanisms for independent investigations and truth recovery.
Unfortunately this has not yet been implemented. The Government remains ready to engage and work with the British Government and the parties to the Northern Ireland Executive in partnership on this very important issue in the period immediately ahead, with a view to reaffirming a collective approach that is consistent with the Stormont House Agreement framework.
Where the UK Government are proposing significant changes to that framework, we have made clear that these must be discussed and agreed by both Governments and the parties to the Northern Ireland Executive.
Only through a collective approach can we hope to deal with these issues comprehensively and fairly, and in a way that responds to the needs of victims and survivors, for families like the McShane and McArdle families who want to see truth and justice for Gavin and Shane, and for society as a whole.
187. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Defence the reason a US military aircraft landed at Baldonnel on 18 May 2021; the purposes of the US military aircraft; if any other airforce or air corps have accessed Baldonnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28797/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn accordance with the legislative requirements of the Air Navigation (Foreign Military Aircraft) Order 1952, all foreign military aircraft wishing to overfly or land in the State require the permission of the Minister for Foreign Affairs. A request is received by the Department of Foreign Affairs from the relevant embassy of the visiting/overflying foreign aircraft. This request is then forwarded to a number of parties including the Department of Defence and the Department of Justice for observations. In the Department of Defence's case this will also involve confirmation that an aircraft can be facilitated for landing at Casement Aerodrome if part of the request.
I can confirm that permission was granted for the USAF C-17 to land at Baldonnel on Tuesday 18th May 2021, on a refuelling stop as part of a crew training mission en-route to the UK.
The provision of diplomatic clearance to foreign military and State aircraft to land and overfly the State is subject to strict conditions. Permission was granted in this case subject to the conditions that routinely apply to landings at Irish airports by foreign military aircraft; namely that the aircraft is unarmed, carries no arms, ammunition or explosives and does not engage in intelligence gathering, and that the flight in question does not form any part of a military exercise or operation.
I am advised that over the last three years the Air Corps has acceded to requests, subject to the relevant approvals from the Department of Foreign Affiars, from the UK Royal Air Force and a number of EU partners including the Polish Air Force, the Slovenian Air Force, the Swedish Air Force and the Italian Air Force to use Casement Aerodrome .
188. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Defence the amount Ireland is owed by the UN for the Defence Forces being deployed on peacekeeping duties all over the world. [28959/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe United Nations reimburses some personnel and Contingent Owed Equipment costs in respect of contributions to UN led operations. Rates of reimbursement, fixed in accordance with UN categories of equipment and personnel, are agreed in a Memorandum of Understanding between Ireland and the UN for each mission. The only missions for which Ireland has received reimbursement of some troop and equipment costs are the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) on the Golan Heights.
The timing of the receipt of reimbursements is dependent on the financial situation at the UN. Reimbursements are received in arrears.
The amount received from the United Nations in 2020 was €13.2m. All outstanding reimbursements due in respect of 2020 were received in the first quarter of 2021.
189. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Defence the progress made to date on implementing the Defence Forces built infrastructure plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29069/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Defence Forces Built Infrastructural Programme 2020-2025 (IDP) was published in January 2020. This Programme, which is a 5 year plan, provides a blueprint for investment in the Defence Forces built infrastructure over a multi annual timeframe. Over the course of the programme it is projected that some €145m will be allocated to ensure programme delivery.
This year’s allocation of €37m to both building projects and maintenance projects represents a significant increase over previous years and is the highest level allocated since the economic crash in 2008/09.
The following projects were delivered/completed in 2020: –
2020 Capital Infrastructure Accomplishments- Completed Projects
- Upgrade and refurbishment works to the Apprentice Hostel in Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel, Co. Dublin; €3.3 million
- Upgrade of 1 and 2 Blocks Accommodation facilities at Cathal Brugha Barracks, Rathmines, Dublin; €2.8 million
- Upgrade of 7 Block Accommodation facility in Connolly Barracks at the Defence Forces Training Centre; € 2 million
- Upgrade of the Oil Wharf and installation of Fire Detection and Firefighting System at the Naval Base, Haulbowline; €2.9m.
The following projects are at various stages from design team planning to construction for progression from 2021 onwards:
|
Project |
Progress |
|
1 Bde - Kilkenny – Gym |
Construction completed 2021 |
|
1 Bde – Limerick – Gym |
Construction Ongoing |
|
DFTC - Electric Target Range |
Construction Ongoing |
|
NS Spencer Jetty - Stabilisation |
Construction Ongoing |
|
NS Block 8 - conversion to accommodate ships' personnel ashore |
Construction Ongoing |
|
Military Training Facility, No Danger Area Range, Kilworth, Cork |
Construction Ongoing |
|
Military Training Facility, No Danger Area Range, Gormanstown, Meath |
Construction Ongoing |
|
Proposed Personnel Support Services Resource Centre, Camp Field, Collins Barracks, Cork |
Construction Ongoing |
|
Replacement of Stand By Generators, Baldonnel |
Construction Ongoing |
|
DFTC - Coolmoney - water and waste water treatment |
Main Contractor Procurement Stage |
|
GS 2 Bde - McKee - refurb of Block H for DFHQ use |
Main Contractor Procurement Stage |
|
1 Bde Kilkenny - Replace water main & extend gas main |
Main Contractor Procurement Stage |
|
2 Bde Dundalk - Central Heating Boiler Decentralisation |
Main Contractor Procurement Stage |
|
AC Casement - Watermains upgrade |
Main Contractor Procurement Stage |
|
2 Bde McKee Guard Room, HQ Block, Chaplains Ho. Roof Upgrade |
Main Contractor Procurement Stage |
|
GS/1 Bde Galway – Upgrade former USAC Block |
Main Contractor Procurement Stage |
|
AC Casement - Hangar 3 upgrade |
In Design Planning |
|
1 Bde Collins Bks, Cork- New Accommodation Block |
In Design Planning |
|
DFTC Cadet School HQ - Upgrade Mission Preparation Centre |
In Design Planning |
|
DFTC ARW |
In Design Planning |
|
DFTC CIS Workshop/Stores |
In Design Planning |
|
Upgrade of Block 9 at the Naval Base, Haul bowline and construction/upgrade of Block 1 at Collins Barracks, Cork |
In Design Planning |
|
GS 2 Bde - McKee - refurb of Block F for DFHQ use |
In Design Planning |
|
Water and Gas Mains Upgrade Works at Finner Camp |
In Design Planning |
|
Gas, Watermains and Electrical Upgrade Works at Galway Barracks |
In Design Planning |
The IDP is intended to be a rolling plan and to ensure relevancy is maintained the plan provides for annual reviews over its lifespan. The first annual review was recently completed and the following six projects are included in the plan for 2026 progression.
1. Stephens Bks, Kilkenny- Construction of a New locker facility
2. McKee -CIS Office Accommodation Consolidation
3. DFTC - New Bonded Warehouse Building
4. DFTC - Military Medical facility and Medical School Upgrde
5. Casement – Central Locker Block - upgrade Building 12
6. Haulbowline - Main Workshops Dockyard
190. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Defence if he will report on the work of the Commission on the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29070/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government committed to an independent Commission to undertake a comprehensive review of the Defence Forces and to include the following matters:
- Arrangements for the effective defence of the country at land, air and sea.
- Structure and size of the Defence Forces encompassing capabilities, structures and staffing.
- Appropriate governance and high level command and control.
- Pay and allowances structures.
- Recruitment, retention and career progression.
- Leverage the capabilities of the Reserve Defence Force in their supports to the Permanent Defence Force and make service in the RDF more attractive.
This independent Commission on the Defence Forces was established by Government in December 2020, with a mandate to report within 12 months. The Government also approved the Terms of Reference, based on the Programme for Government, and the membership of the Commission. The Commission’s overall approach will be guided and informed by both the White Paper on Defence 2015 and the White Paper Update 2019.
As part of a broader consultation process, the Commission invited submissions from individuals and organisations on issues relevant to its Terms of Reference. The Commission received over 500 submissions which it is currently analysing.
The Commission has been established as an independent body and, while it is a matter entirely for the Commission, I understand that the Commission has met with a broad stakeholder group including the Defence Forces Representative Associations, commissioned and enlisted members of the Defence Forces, senior officials and personnel from my Department and the Defence Forces as well as other groups. Site visits to Military locations by members of the Commission has already taken place and I understand that further site visits have been scheduled if Covid restrictions permit.
The Chairman of the Commission, Mr. Aidan O'Driscoll, also met with members of the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence on the 20th April to discuss the on-going work of the Commission. Following the work of the Commission the Programme for Government commits to the establishment of a Permanent Pay Review body for the Defence Forces which must be consistent with national public sector wage policy.
The establishment of an independent Commission on the Defence Forces underpins the Government's commitment to ensuring that the Defence Forces are fit for purpose, both in terms of meeting immediate requirements and also in terms of seeking to develop a longer term vision beyond 2030. The Commission is to submit its report by the end of the year and it will be considered fully at that time.
191. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Defence if his Department will assist with Kildare County Council’s investigation in relation to dumping at Donnelly's Hollow on the Curragh to prevent the local authority from making unnecessary expenditure on legal action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29074/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince this occurrence in 2017, officials from both my Department and the local authority have been in regular and continuing contact with a view to resolving this matter to the satisfaction of all parties. I am advised that Kildare County Council has acknowledged that the results of the environmental assessment carried out on the site adjacent to Donnelly's Hollow show no evidence of any environmental pollution at that location.
The Deputy can be assured that my officals are continuing to engage with the local authority on the issue.
192. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Education if consideration has been given to allowing students who experience a medical emergency immediately before or during a State examination to re-sit the exam within the same exam cycle or before such a time that CAO offers issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28859/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe State Examinations Commission has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the certificate examinations.
In view of this I have forwarded your query to the State Examinations Commission for direct reply to you.
193. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Education the number of Gaelscoil places available in the Dublin 1, 7 and 9 areas for September 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28793/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra194. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Education if she will increase funding for Gaelscoileanna in the Dublin 1, 7 and 9 areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28794/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 193 and 194 together.
As part of the 20 Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010-2030, my Department has committed to creating opportunities for expanding Irish-medium education outside the Gaeltacht in the context of the April 2018 announcement on the establishment of new schools from 2019 to 2022, which will afford particular consideration to the establishment of Gaelscoileanna, Gaelcholáistí, and Aonaid Lán-Ghaeilge as part of the new patronage process.
Following the announcements since April 2018, my Department has developed a new Online Patronage Process System (OPPS), which provides objective information and allows parents to express their preferences in relation to the patronage and language of instruction, i.e. Irish or English, of these new schools (with the exception of those schools which have been designated as Irish-medium gaelscoileanna in advance of the OPPS opening for parents). Parental preferences, as well as other considerations such as the extent of diversity of provision in an area (including Irish-medium provision), are key to the decision-making process.
In addition, in September 2019, the Government announced measures to increase access to Irish-medium education as part of the patronage process, including that five new primary schools being established from 2020-2022 are being designated for Irish-medium education. This step is part of a framework which includes:
- Designating the language of a new primary school as Irish in some circumstances;
- Testing (on a pilot basis) the potential to cater for demand for English and Irish medium provision through, for example, delivering two 8-classroom primary schools (one English-medium and one Irish-medium) in a shared building/campus rather than delivering one 16-classroom primary school, subject to factors such as demand and site conditions;
- Exploring the potential to expand existing Irish-medium primary schools to meet unmet demand in an area;
- Providing opportunities for patrons of existing primary schools to change the language of instruction from English to Irish, such as is envisaged as part of the Schools Reconfiguration for Diversity process.
Details of schools that provide education through the medium of Irish are available on my Department's website www.education.ie.
There is currently 6 Gaelscoil catering for the Dublin 1, 7 and 9 areas.
Details of the places available at the school are outlined below:
- Gaelscoil Colaiste Mhuire Dublin 1 - currently caters for 8 mainstream teachers and there is a building project planned to provide a 16-classroom school at stage 2b of architectural planning.
- Scoil Caoimhin Dublin 1 - currently caters for 3 mainstream teachers and there is spare capacity in this school.
- Gaelscoil Barra Dublin 7 - This school was provided with a new school in 2017 and caters for 10 mainstream teachers.
- Scoil Mobhi Dublin 9 - this school has capacity for 10 mainstream classes.
- Gaelscoil Bhaile Munna Dublin 9 - this school was provided with a new 8-classroom school in 2017
- Gaelscoil Aine in Drumcondra/Marino/Dublin 1 - recently opened in 2019 in interim accommodation and will be providing for a 8-classroom school in the long term.
195. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Education if her Departmental representatives on a council (details supplied) have reported to her on the progress made to date in recognising post-primary private teaching service outside of the EU for the purpose of incremental credit, similar to that of primary school service; when she expects to receive such a report given the provision for recognition of this service in section 6 a) i) of Department Circular 0029/2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28813/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe criteria for the award of incremental credit to recognised teachers was agreed under the auspices of the Teachers Conciliation Council (TCC). This Council is comprised of representatives of teachers, school management, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and the Department of Education. The Council is chaired by an official of the Workplace Relations Commission.
The criteria for the award of incremental credit is laid out in my Department’s Circulars 10/2001 for Primary teachers, 29/2007 and 29/2010 for Post-Primary teachers.
These circulars provide for the award of incremental credit for service given within the EU. While the circulars provide for the award of incremental credit in respect of teaching service in private primary schools outside the EU no provision is made for the award of incremental credit in respect of teaching service given in private post primary schools outside of the European Union.
The teachers unions have lodged a number of claims at TCC in relation to incremental credit, including one in relation to recognising private teaching service, given by post-primary teachers, outside the EU. TCC agreed to establish a sub-Committee to consider the claims. The claims are still under consideration.
196. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education the position in relation to a family liaison post which is allocated to a school (details supplied); if the post will be approved again for the coming academic year 2021-2022; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28854/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that the post in the school referred to by the Deputy has been approved for the 2021/22 school year.
197. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Education if she has engaged with the principals of two schools (details supplied) regarding their shared temporary accommodation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28870/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn relation to the schools to which the Deputy refers I can confirm that my Department Officials have been engaging with the relevant school authorities to ensure that the shared space in their interim accommodation location meets the needs of all stakeholders on the site and I can confirm that there will still be sufficient open space for all.
