Written Answers Nos. 112-131
112. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of engagements he and his advisers have had with a group (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30002/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI met with representatives from the Donegal Mica Action Group on three occasions. The first was at the launch of the Defective Concrete Blocks Grant scheme, which took place in Buncrana on 6 August 2020. The second meeting was held virtually on 4 February 2021. The third meeting was also held virtually on 20 May 2021. One of my special advisors was present at these meetings.
113. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of houses in County Donegal that have been approved to date under the MICA scheme; the number of applications currently under assessment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30003/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks in Construction (Remediation) (Financial Assistance) Regulations 2020 came in to operation on 31 January 2020 and the resulting Defective Concrete Blocks Grant Scheme has only been open for applications since the end of June last year.
A total of 352 stage one confirmation of eligibility applications have been received by Donegal County Council, of which 183 have been approved to date. Following confirmation of eligibility there is an inevitable time lag before stage 2 applications are submitted by applicants as remedial works plans are developed and estimates from contractors are secured. 31 applications for stage 2 grant approval have been received by Donegal County Council, of which 9 have been approved.
114. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the reason persons cannot receive 100% of costs covered under the defective concrete blocks grant scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30005/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Defective Concrete Blocks Grant scheme is underpinned by regulations made under Sections 2 and 5 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1979, with the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, to provide for a grant scheme of financial assistance to support affected homeowners in the counties of Donegal and Mayo to carry out the necessary remediation works to dwellings that have been damaged due to the use of defective concrete blocks. The scheme is targeted at assisting a group of homeowners that have no other practicable options to access redress for their home.
The scheme outlines five remedial options ranging from rebuilding on existing foundations to replacing of external walls. The maximum approved costs per dwelling under the scheme are significant and range from €55,000 to €275,000 depending on the remedial option. A grant of 90% of the approved costs associated with the necessary remediation works, subject to a maximum for each remedial option, or 90% of the actual cost of the remedial works, whichever is the lesser, is available under the scheme. This is in line with similar Government grant schemes where an applicant contribution to the costs is a requirement.
The scheme design was informed by the comprehensive work of an Expert Panel and the current maximum grant amounts payable under the various options in the scheme were finalised in close consultation with the Office of the Attorney General and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. This process was also informed by extensive engagement between my Department and both Donegal and Mayo County Councils.
The scheme needs time to work and it is premature to consider making changes at this point. I am keeping progress under the scheme under review and engaging directly with both local authorities and local action groups on the matter.
115. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of the registration of lands and the redesignation of lands (details supplied) [30082/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn relation to any specific cases with the Property Registration Authority (PRA), arrangements have been put in place to facilitate the provision of information directly to members of the Oireachtas. Further information in relation to the specific case referred to may be obtained by contacting the dedicated e-mail address in respect of the PRA at reps@prai.ie.
116. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if a detailed response will issue in relation to a series of matters (details supplied) on the privatisation of the water services sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30154/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is clear in its policy position that the public water system run by Irish Water should remain in public ownership. The Programme for Government specifically provides that the Government will retain Irish Water in public ownership as a national, standalone, regulated utility.
The realisation of this commitment will complete the broad policy and legislative reforms which have seen the public water system embark on a journey of transformation, from a structure based on locally-organised water services authorities, towards a single, national, water utility. This has been a complex and challenging process for key stakeholders, notably the workers, who include approximately 3,200 local authority water services staff who are subject to service level agreement arrangements with Irish Water as well as a smaller number of staff employed directly by Irish Water and Ervia, together with their trade union representatives, the local government sector, and Ervia/Irish Water.
In keeping with the Programme for Government commitment, the Government recently approved a Policy Paper entitled Irish Water - Towards a national, publicly-owned, regulated water services utility which is now available on my Department's website at www.gov.ie/en/publication/06326-water-sector-transformation-policy-paper/. In setting out its views and expectations in relation to the next phase of the Water Sector Transformation Programme in this way, the Government is enabling stakeholders to engage meaningfully in the change process which will give them the strongest possible say in determining their own future working arrangements. On this basis the Workplace Relations Commission is currently re-commencing engagement between the stakeholders on a Framework for the future delivery of water services. The Government believes it will be possible to reach a collective agreement which addresses the interests and concerns of all parties.
117. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the percentage of social housing being planned nationally that aligns with the principles of universal design; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30158/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe ‘Programme for Government - Our Shared Future’ commits to ensuring that there is an appropriate mix of housing design types provided, including universally designed units, and accommodation for older people and people with disabilities.
In addition, the joint policy statement 'Housing Options for our Ageing Population', launched by my Department and the Department of Health in 2019, includes an Action on universal design to “In partnership with industry, introduce measures to ensure that over a five year period delivery is increased to ensure that 30% of all new dwellings are built to incorporate universal design principles to accommodate our ageing population.” Appropriate measures to deliver on this commitment in the most cost effective manner, are currently being formulated by my Department.
All newly built social homes comply with Part M of the Building Regulations on ‘Access and Use’, which underpins the principle of Universal Design. Part M aims to ensure that all new dwellings are visitable and specifies the minimum standard, which includes provision for:
- an accessible approach route to the dwelling,
- a level threshold at the main entrance,
- door widths of sufficient width for a wheelchair user,
- circulation routes, corridors of sufficient width for a wheelchair user,
- a WC at entry level suitable for a wheelchair user, and
- switches & sockets at an accessible height.
118. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 137 of 27 May 2021, if he will review social housing policy in the context of removing REIT investments as an eligible investment under the immigrant investor programme (details supplied). [30193/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP) is within the remit of the Minister for Justice and any reviews of that programme will be undertaken by the Department of Justice. The regulation of the REIT sector is within the remit of the Minister for Finance, and any changes to the regulatory framework for REIT investment would be a matter for the Department of Finance.
The Government is committed to increasing the supply of social housing and the Programme for Government includes a commitment to deliver 50,000 new social homes. In 2021, the target, subject to the impact of Covid, is to deliver 12,750 new social homes, including 10,000 new build homes, 800 targeted acquisitions and 2,450 homes to be delivered through leasing programmes. Budget 2021 provides record levels of funding for housing with €3.1bn available to deliver housing programmes.
119. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will address matters raised in correspondence (details supplied) regarding the pyrite issue in County Mayo and the MICA issue in County Donegal. [30209/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks in Construction (Remediation) (Financial Assistance) Regulations 2020 came in to operation on 31 January 2020 and the resulting Defective Concrete Blocks Grant scheme has been open for applications since the end of June 2020. The scheme was informed by the work of an Expert Panel and the current maximum grant amounts payable under the scheme were finalised in consultation with the Office of the Attorney General and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. This process also took account of the comprehensive engagement that took place between my Department and both Donegal and Mayo County Councils, who operate and administer the scheme.
As the application process only opened in June 2020 it would be premature to consider or make any changes to the scheme at this time. I am keeping progress on the scheme under review and engaging with both local authorities and local action groups on the matter.
120. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his attention has been drawn to the fact that when the rent freeze ceases on 13 July 2021 those landlords of properties in rent pressure zones which have not raised rent since July 2019 will be legally allowed to impose an 8% rent rise; and if he plans to introduce legislation to prevent this from occurring. [30214/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (Covid-19) Act 2020 provided that a rent increase was not permitted to take effect during the relevant emergency period from 27 March 2020 to 1 August 2020. From 1 August 2020, the blanket ban on rent increases inside or outside of a Rent Pressure Zone (RPZ) was lifted. Despite the lifting of the ban, the standardised average rent rose by just 2.5% to €1,256 from Q2 2020 to Q3 2020 and remained at that level in Q4 2020. The Residential Tenancies and Valuation Act 2020 (RTVA) provided that rent increases were not permitted to take effect during an emergency period, from 1 August 2020 until 10 January 2021, for tenants with rent arrears due to Covid-19 and at risk of losing their tenancy who make the necessary declaration. This ban on rent increases was targeted at the most vulnerable of tenants inside and outside of RPZs. The Planning and Development, and Residential Tenancies, Act 2020 (PDRTA) provides that a rent increase is not permitted to take effect during an emergency period from 11 January 2021 until 12 July 2021, for tenants with rent arrears due to Covid-19 and at risk of losing their tenancy who make the necessary declaration. This ban on rent increases is also targeted at the most vulnerable of tenants inside and outside of RPZs. The delimiting of landlords’ constitutionally protected property rights has been carefully and effectively targeted in this regard.
Rent reviews could be carried out at all times during the pandemic and rent decreases could, and can, take effect. A rent increase is not payable by relevant tenants in respect of the emergency periods identified above. It is payable by relevant tenants from the end of the given emergency period.
The maximum rent increase is 4% per annum in RPZs, irrespective of the emergency legislation. Where a landlord carries out a rent review for the first time in 2 years in an RPZ, a total increase of 8% can apply. Where a rent increase cannot be given effect for certain tenants during an emergency period, a total increase of greater than 4% can apply where the necessary rent review notice(s) have been served. In all cases, a tenant must be given 90 days’ notice before a rent increase takes effect.
The targeted ban on rent increases under the PDRTA is due to expire on 12 July 2021. A further extension of the PDRTA protections is currently under consideration, to afford more time to the most vulnerable tenants to recover their financial stability.
The emergency protections against rent increases and evictions for the most vulnerable tenants has meant that they could remain in their home and not face higher rent during the pandemic. The annual 4% rent increase restriction in RPZs is the maximum allowable increase and landlords are encouraged to consider their tenants’ situation in the context of any rent review.
My Department, the Housing Agency and the RTB keep the operation of the rental market under review. Comprehensive rental legislation is planned for the Autumn, with provisions to help provide long term security of tenure for tenants at affordable rents.
121. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the amount in funding Ireland contributed to the United Nations in each of the years 2000 and 2020 by United Nations agency or body. [29893/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Charter of the United Nations foresees that each Member State of the United Nations will contribute to the costs of running the organisation, generally referred to as UN budget contributions. Under Article 17, mandatory contributions are apportioned based on a scale of assessment designed to reflect the capacity of Member States to pay.
At present, Ireland’s scale of assessment is 0.371% of the overall UN Budget. In 2020, Ireland paid just over €30 million in contributions to the United Nations budget, this includes funding to the UN Regular Budget, UN Peacekeeping Missions and UN Tribunals. In 2010 the amount for these budget lines was just over €43million.
The Department of Foreign Affairs provides funding to the United Nations as part of Ireland’s Official Development Assistance programme, known as Irish Aid, each year. The Department publishes an annual report on Ireland's Official Development Assistance (ODA). The report includes statistical information on programme expenditure in a series of annexes which lays out the distribution of aid, including the amounts given to United Nations organisations. It also includes ODA payments to the United Nations made by other Departments.
In 2019, the annual report indicates that over €152 million was provided by the Department of Foreign Affairs to United Nations organisations – a more detailed breakdown has been provided within the report annexes (see P.12). The published report for 2010 also provides information on funding allocations to United Nations organisations.
With regard to figures for 2020, validation of data on Ireland’s ODA programme is done in arrears, and prior to publication, draft statistical returns are shared with the relevant OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC) experts for assurance that Ireland's reported spending meets the DAC's criteria to be counted as ODA. This assurance is important to maintaining Ireland's reputation as a quality donor. Total figures and country level aggregates for 2020 are being finalised and will be published in the 2020 ODA Annual Report later this year.
It has not been possible to access data for the year 2000 as it would necessitate attendance in the office, which has been restricted in line with Covid-19 protocols.
122. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if Ireland's contributions to UNWRA have been found to have funded anti-Semitic, anti-Christian and or fundamentalist content. [29894/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland is a longstanding supporter of the vital work undertaken by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). UNRWA provides essential services, including healthcare, education and humanitarian relief, to 5.7 million registered Palestine refugees, 1.4 million of whom are in Gaza.
So far this year, Ireland has disbursed a total of €7 million in funding to UNRWA. This includes an initial disbursement of €5 million to support UNRWA’s 2021 Programme Budget, of which €1,000,000 was allocated to support refugees in Lebanon; and €1,000,000 in support of UNRWA’s Syria Regional Crisis Emergency Appeal. On 19 May, an additional contribution of €1 million was allocated to assist the Agency in providing emergency food, water and sanitation supplies, as well as health and psychosocial services to the people of Gaza following the recent hostilities.
Ireland engages with the agency on an ongoing basis, including as an active member of its Advisory Commission. Ireland's Representative Office in Ramallah liaises with other international donors in respect of the agency and its operations. UNRWA has a zero tolerance policy with regard to all forms of racism, anti-Semitism, or incitement to hatred or violence. Continued Irish policy engagement and funding to UNRWA will continue to be an important element of our overall support to the Palestinian people.
123. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if any of Ireland's contributions to international organisations or foreign aid to other countries is conditional upon certain criteria being met; and if so, the details of same. [29895/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland is recognised as a principled and high-performing provider of official development assistance (ODA). The delivery of Irish ODA follows international best practice approaches and is guided by principles for development effectiveness. A Better World, Ireland's international development policy, outlines the priorities of Ireland's development assistance programme.
The Irish Aid programme is delivered through a number of different channels, including UN agencies, civil society organisations, and local Government partners. All of these partnerships are managed under agreements which outline the purpose of the funding and the management of the partnership and the results expected. These agreements are able to take account of the context, risk assessments, programme area and partner type.
A portion of the funding provided to international partners is "core funding". Core funding allows a number of donors, such as Ireland, to support the central functions and mandate of an organisation, , where the work of that organisation is aligned to our priority of reaching the furthest behind first. In several circumstances, this substantially reduces costs and maintains necessary oversight, transparency and good governance.
Across our programme, we are focussed on supporting partners that are delivering results, contributing effectively, engaging in effective partnerships and operating efficiently.
124. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the official position of Ireland on the actions of the Chinese Communist Party towards the Muslim Uighur population. [29897/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra125. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the motions passed by the Canadian and Dutch Parliaments that the actions of the Chinese government towards its Uighur population constitutes genocide. [29898/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 124 and 125 together.
Ireland, along with our EU partners, remains deeply concerned about the treatment of Uighurs and other ethnic minorities in the province of Xinjiang. We are closely following the situation, including in relation to reports of systemic abuse, torture, arbitrary detention, forced labour, forced sterilisations, and restrictions on freedom of religion and belief.
We raise our concerns with Chinese authorities in both bilateral and multilateral contexts. Most recently, I directly raised the matter during my meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on 30 May.
Ireland also raised concerns regarding the situation in Xinjiang in our National Statement at the UN Human Rights Council in March this year, and previously in our National Statement at the UN Human Rights Council in September last year, which urged China to allow unrestricted access to the region for the High Commissioner for Human Rights.
Ireland has also supported a number of joint initiatives in the UN system. We joined a Statement at the UN Third Committee on 6 October 2020 that reiterates our grave concern regarding the situation in Xinjiang, and recalls the exceptional letter of concern issued by 50 UN Special Procedures mandate holders. This letter called on China to respect human rights and to allow immediate, meaningful and unfettered access to Xinjiang for independent observers.
In response to the situation, under the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime (EUGHRSR), the EU adopted sanctions on 22 March 2021 against 1 entity and 4 individuals in China due to their involvement in human rights abuses in Xinjiang. The EUGHRSR allows the EU to target serious human rights violations and abuses by State and non-State actors worldwide. It enables the EU to respond rapidly and in a more tangible and direct way for human rights, one of the fundamental values of the EU and its foreign policy.
Regarding the use of the term “genocide” in relation to this situation, this is a term which has a particular meaning under international law. The recognition of events definitively as genocide involves an analysis of both facts and law. Ireland follows the practice of recognising genocide where this has been established by a judgment of an international court, or where there is international consensus on the matter.
An approach whereby the EU, its Member States and other like-minded States continue to press for better access to the region, particularly for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, to better establish the realities on the ground is more likely to achieve progress. This is an issue that Ireland and the EU takes extremely seriously and the Government will continue to monitor and assess the situation and engage with Chinese authorities bilaterally and in multilateral fora to address our concerns.
126. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress made in relation to the continued detention of a person (details supplied) by Chinese authorities. [29899/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis is a complex case involving an Irish citizen who has been prevented from leaving China since March 2019. My Department has been providing ongoing consular assistance to the citizen since that time through our Consular Assistance Unit in Dublin, our Embassy in Beijing and our Consulate General in Shanghai, while he and his legal teams work on the legal, commercial and financial issues through the appropriate channels. Our Consul General has met and engaged very regularly with the citizen, and continues to provide all possible consular advice and support.
There has also been extensive and regular engagement at the most senior political and diplomatic level with the Chinese authorities in Beijing and Shanghai, and with the Embassy of China in Dublin, in relation to the humanitarian aspects of this case, and the importance of the citizen being allowed to return home as soon as possible. During my recent visit to China I discussed the case with a view to achieving an early resolution of the matter.
As the Deputy will appreciate, as with all consular cases, it would not be appropriate to comment on the specific details of the case. However, I can assure the Deputy that my Department will continue to provide all possible consular assistance to the citizen until he is permitted to return to Ireland.
127. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the process and criteria for expelling an ambassador; if he has considered expelling any nation's ambassador since 2010; and if so, the details of same. [29900/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraDiplomatic relations between States, and the exchange of Ambassadors among States, are addressed by the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations 1961, as transposed into Irish law by the Diplomatic Relations and Immunities Act 1967.
Article 9 of the Convention allows for the receiving State to notify the sending State that the Ambassador, or any member of the diplomatic staff, is persona non grata. In such cases the sending State shall recall the person concerned. Diplomats are rarely expelled and this provision is rarely used, but it provides a potential sanction, in particular in response to illicit activities by members of diplomatic Missions. The expulsion of an Ambassador, for reasons other than abuse of diplomatic functions or criminal behaviour, would likely lead to a reciprocal expulsion of the Irish Ambassador to the State concerned, and could potentially give rise to the breaking off of diplomatic relations.
Our Embassies overseas are drivers of our bilateral relations, enabling us to maintain open lines of international communication, enabling the conveyance of concerns directly to Governments, including in difficult circumstances. In Ireland, Ambassadors and other officials of Embassies frequently engage with officials from my Department on a wide range of issues. I frequently meet with Ambassadors accredited to Ireland. Such exchanges are a key channel of communication between the Irish Government and foreign Governments.
128. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will use Ireland’s position on the United Nations Security Council to ensure that a United Nations database of companies operating in occupied Western Sahara is established similar to that which currently exists for occupied Palestine. [29907/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer the Deputy to my reply to Question no.178 on 27 May 2021 which addressed the publication of a database of all business enterprises involved in activities relating to Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territory.
The mandate for the database indicated arises from the Human Rights Council, and not from the UN Security Council. The database was published by the High Commissioner for Human Rights in February 2020 pursuant to a Human Rights Council Resolution 31/36 of March 2016.
The situation in Western Sahara is not analogous and needs to be analysed in its own context. Ireland’s longstanding position is one of full support for MINURSO, the UN-led process and the Secretary General’s efforts to bring about a definitive and mutually acceptable political settlement on this issue. A particularly urgent priority is the appointment of a new personal Envoy of the Secretary-General and this is a focus of current international diplomatic efforts.
129. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Defence if Ireland provides funding to EU defence initiatives and schemes; if so, the amount Ireland has contributed to same; and when these contributions commenced. [29896/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland contributes, on an annual basis, to the operational budget of the European Defence Agency (EDA). The financial commitment to this budget is in accordance with EDA funding principles, based on gross national income (GNI) key. A total of €7,596,093 has been made to the EDA over the seventeen years since Ireland joined in 2004, which includes both contributions to the operational budget and also to capability development projects which Ireland has or is participating in.
The EDA supports Member States in developing a range of capabilities and capability standards to support Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP), in particular the deployment of military capabilities in support of Crisis Management Tasks, as outlined in the Treaty on European Union. Ireland’s participation in the EDA means that we have access to research and information on developing and maintaining professional capabilities and research that we cannot self-generate. This is important in terms of Ireland's ability to participate in UN mandated Peacekeeping Operations. Also, Ireland’s participation in the EDA affords us the opportunity to keep abreast of best practice and new developments in the defence environment particularly as it impacts on multinational crisis management operations.
The EU Satellite Centre (EU SatCen) is an Agency working for the Common Security and Defence Policy of the European Union under the Political Supervision of the Political and Security Committee and the Operational Direction of the High Representative, which is governed by a Council Joint Action. In the international security and defence field, it handles sensitive and classified data to support CSDP military operations and civilian missions. The Department of Defence and the Department of Foreign Affairs contribute to the budget of the EU SatCen. Over the 14 years since 2007, the total contribution to the budget of the Sat Cen by the Department of Defence is €1,180,701.
In relation to the European Defence Fund (EDF) Member State contributions to the EU Budget (Own Resources) are currently calculated annually by the EU Commission in line with the provisions outlined in Own Resources Decision (ORD) Regulation (2014/335). This includes contributions through traditional own resources (primarily customs duties), a VAT-based contribution with a call rate of 0.3% of a notional harmonised rate, and a Gross National Income (GNI)-based contribution, calculated by taking a Member State’s GNI as a share of EU27 GNI. EU Budget revenue is general, and is not assigned to any particular fund. As such, the EDF does not have a defined cost to the Exchequer; rather, Ireland’s contributions go into the general pool of revenue that funds all EU budget expenditure, including the EDF. The EDF is encompassed within the funding being provided for the Multiannual Financial Framework which is funded directly by the Exchequer. As such, no charge arises for my Department's Vote as a result of the establishment of the EDF. It is important to note that participation in the EDF does not broker any consideration or obligation in respect of a common or mutual defence commitment or participation in a military defence alliance. As such, participation in the EDF will not compromise Ireland’s traditional policy of military neutrality.
Separate to the EDA, EU SatCen and the EDF, Ireland also contributes to the funding of common costs for EU military crisis management operations. These costs are currently financed by the new European Peace Facility (EPF) which has replaced the Athena Mechanism and the African Peace Facility. Both the Athena Mechanism and the African Peace Facility were established in 2004 and operated until 2021.
Under the EPF, the Department of Defence has responsibility for the financing of common costs relating to EU military operations under the EU's common security and defence policy (CSDP), previously handled by the Athena mechanism and the Department of Foreign Affairs has responsibility for the funding of African peace support operations, previously handled by the African Peace Facility.
In addition, the EPF can extend financing for peace-support operations to partners other than the African Union and provide assistance to individual countries and regional or sub-regional organisations.
In 2020, the European Council agreed a €5bn financial ceiling for the EPF over the seven years of the 2021-2027 MFF. Actual spending of EPF funds will require separate unanimous Council Decisions for each operation or assistance measure and so the breakdown of spending over each of the seven years cannot therefore be predicted accurately at this time.
130. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Defence the full cost of retrofitting display smoke generation capability to the Air Corps Pilatus PC9 fleet; and the breakdown of the component costs, installation costs, travel and subsistence costs and chemical colorant and cleaner consumable costs. [30087/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service, is maintained to the greatest extent possible to enable the Defence Forces to carry out their roles as assigned by Government.
There is also continuous investment in the upgrading equipment platforms and funding is provided on an on-going basis for the required maintenance and upgrading of aircraft in the Air Corps fleet. Certain purchasing is carried out by the Defence Forces directly under delegation of financial responsibility which permits the Defence Forces to procure a wide range of goods and services directly, and this includes the retrofitting of smoke generation capability.
In 2015 the Air Corps acquired smoke kits for the PC9M aircraft from the aircraft manufacturer Pilatus. The total cost for equipping all 7 planes was €192,665 plus the cost of smoke as outlined in the table below.
|
Item |
Cost |
|
Pilatus ISGS EQPT smoke Kits |
€192,665 |
|
Smoke Green |
€8,640 |
|
Smoke Orange |
€9,180 |
|
Smoke Green |
€960 |
|
Smoke Orange |
€1,420 |
|
Total |
€212,865 Ex Vat. |
Air Corps technical personnel were trained to install the smoke kits on one aircraft at Pilatus facilities in Switzerland and the technicians subsquently completed the rest of the installations in the Air Corps workshops at Casement Aerodrome. Travel and subsistence costs of €2,059 and €17,320 respectively were incurred in respect of this training.
131. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Education if the summer special needs education package for July 2021 will include budgetary provision for additional payments to bus drivers whose normal employment practice does not include summer working; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29901/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraSchool Transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the current school year over 114,100 children, including over 14,700 children with special educational needs, are transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country at a cost of over €224.7m in 2020.
Private contractors under contract to Bus Éireann who provide SEN transport services under the Summer Programme will employ drivers on those services who will be paid in the normal manner for the time worked.
