Written Answers Nos. 451-468
453. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the funding that is available to transition year groups with regard to projects that focus on sustainability and climate action particularly funding sources which are immediately available or currently open for applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53131/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Global Citizenship Education budget is managed by the GCE Unit in my Department. Global Citizenship Education covers a range of global issues including sustainability and climate action as well as topics such as global poverty and hunger, gender equality and migration.
We work closely with the Department of Education in support of the roll out of the National Strategy on Education for Sustainable Development, which is closely linked to Global Citizenship Education.
Funding to post primary schools for Global Citizen Education is channelled through our WorldWise Global Schools programme which currently reaches over 70% of post-primary schools across the country. As part of that programme, grants are available to post-primary schools ranging from €600 to €1,000. The 2022 funding round will be open from 7 April to 13 May 2022. Details are available now on the www.worldwiseschools.ie where schools can register their interest in applying for a grant.
During the last academic year, we disbursed over €530,000 in grant funding through WorldWise Global Schools. 30% of this went directly to schools and the rest to Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) who work in post-primary schools. This included the Schools' Climate Action Network (SCAN) (€6,000) ECO-UNESCO (€26,240) Sonairte Visitor Eco Centre and Gardens (€23,638) and other NGOs who work on sustainability. This academic year, through WorldWise Global Schools, my Department is also funding the Irish Second-Level Students' Union (€15,000) to develop a bank of resources on climate action and sustainability.
While the programmes I have mentioned are not exclusive to transition year, many of the projects undertaken are by transition year students.
454. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will allow retrospective inclusion on the foreign birth register for a specific group of persons (details supplied) in view of the fact that the processing of applications were paused during Covid-19 lockdown; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53159/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is responsible for citizenship by descent through the Foreign Births Register under the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended.
Entitlement to Irish citizenship is determined by the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956 (“the 1956 Act”), as amended, under which Irish citizenship may be obtained by birth, by descent, or by Naturalisation. The 1956 Act provides, inter alia, that persons born abroad to parents who themselves were born abroad, are eligible for entry into the Foreign Births Register (FBR) if their parents were Irish citizens at the time of the person’s birth. To change this, an amendment of the 1956 Act would be required. The Department of Justice is responsible for citizenship matters. Any amendment to the 1956 Act is a matter for the Minister for Justice.
Foreign Birth Registration staff have continued to provide an emergency service for Foreign Birth Registration in cases of exceptional urgency, such as expectant parents, or stateless persons. Over 5,000 emergency FBR applications have been processed so far in 2021. In cases of exceptional urgency FBR applicants may continue to contact the Passport Service directly. For other applications, the Department operates a transparent general policy of processing FBR applications in order of receipt.
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the processing time for FBR applications stood at 18 months due to an unprecedented surge in applications as a result of Brexit, and the necessary rigorous processing that applies to citizenship applications.
Due to the pandemic, FBR staff have been reassigned to assist in the delivery of essential services. This has resulted in a pause in overall FBR processing. There are approximately 31,000 FBR applications currently on-hand.
The Passport Service is actively planning to resume processing Foreign Birth Registration applications as soon as possible and I will arrange to have the Deputy informed once a date for the resumption of processing these applications has been finalised. My Department is committed to allocating further resources to assist with the high volume of applications, with a focus on reducing turnaround times.
In the context of the National Development Plan, my Department is making a major investment in the future of the Passport Service. Over the next couple of years, we will replace the core technology underpinning the service, which will deliver efficiencies and a more resilient passport and FBR system. Budget 2022 also included an investment of an additional €10m for the Passport Service in response to the increasing demand for passports at home and abroad and Foreign Birth Registration.
455. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of existing contracts of an indefinite period entered into by his Department prior to the enactment of the EU procurement directive. [53230/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department operates in a number of locations in Ireland and approximately 90 locations worldwide. It comprises two Votes; Vote 27 International Cooperation and Vote 28 Foreign Affairs. The policy of the Department is to operate competitive tendering as standard procedure in order to achieve best value for money.
The Department ensures that there is an appropriate focus on good practice in procurement and that procedures are in place to ensure compliance with all relevant procurement guidelines. Procurement takes place in compliance with Directive 2014/24/EU and supported by Procurement Guidelines published by the Office of Government Procurement (OGP).
On occasion, a small number of Department contracts do not undergo a competitive process due to exceptional market or other circumstances. Such contracts are recorded in accordance with DPER Circular 40/02. The majority of the contracts relate to provision of proprietary ICT services or to situations where there was a single suitable supplier available.
The Department does not enter into contracts of an indefinite period.
456. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has raised the recent decision by the Chinese state to restrict the showing of films that are critical of the government in Hong Kong with the Chinese ambassador or government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53269/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have followed developments in Hong Kong very closely over the last two years. Like our EU partners, Ireland is very concerned about the National Security Law in Hong Kong, which risks undermining the high degree of autonomy of Hong Kong under the One Country, Two Systems principle. The recent decision relating to film restrictions is part of a wider context, under which we have seen the erosion of protected rights and freedoms and the shrinking of civil society space.
Ireland has a strong interest in the continued stability and prosperity of Hong Kong under the One Country, Two Systems principle, underlined by Ireland's long history of engagement, the large Irish community and strong business presence there. The situation in Hong Kong is under continuous review at EU level, following on from the adoption of Council Conclusions on Hong Kong in June 2020. In line with these conclusions, Ireland suspended its Extradition Agreement with Hong Kong in October 2020, which clearly signals Ireland’s concerns in relation to the rule of law in Hong Kong promised under the One Country Two Systems principle.
Ireland fully supports the statement made by the Spokesperson of High Representative Borrell on behalf of the EU on 21 October. It recognises that the National Security Law has had a chilling effect on the exercise of protected rights and freedoms in Hong Kong and has served as the centrepiece of a crackdown on the democratic opposition. Freedom of speech and freedom of expression, often encapsulated in the form of film and art, are key to democratic pluralism and an essential component of every democratic society.
I raised my concerns about the situation in Hong Kong with my Chinese counterpart, State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, during my visit to China in May this year. Ireland continues to voice these issues both bilaterally and in multilateral settings, particularly through UN structures. Through our Consulate General in Hong Kong and our Embassy in Beijing, we continue to monitor and assess the situation closely, and will continue to raise our concerns in dialogue with China.
457. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if documents will be returned urgently to persons (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53293/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraWith regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service has been in direct contact with the applicant's parent and is facilitating the return of documents as requested.
458. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to an ongoing problem with the Passport Office online photo download application; and the steps being taken to fix this problem. [53324/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Passport Online service offers a user-friendly, efficient and secure system through which citizens can apply for a passport. Passport Online can be accessed by first time applicants, both children and adults, in Ireland, Northern Ireland, Great Britain, Europe, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the USA. All Irish citizens, including children, can use the online system to renew their passports from anywhere in the world. Passport Online is the quickest and easiest way for citizens to renew their passport and 45% of simple online adult renewals issue within one business day.
A recent technical issue which caused a very temporary issue with the online service was quickly identified and resolved within 24 hours. The Customer Service Hub at the Passport Service engaged with a number of customers who were affected. The Passport Service regrets any inconvenience caused to applicants.
In the context of the National Development Plan, my Department is making a major investment in the future of the Passport Service. Over the next couple of years, we will replace the core technology underpinning the service, which will deliver efficiencies and a more resilient passport system. Budget 2022 also included an investment of an additional €10m for the Passport Service in response to the increasing demand for passports at home and abroad.
459. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Gnóthaí Eachtracha an bhfuil sé i gceist aige cinneadh Iosrael chun sé chinn d’eagraíochtaí Cearta Daonna a ainmniú mar sceimhlitheoirí a cháineadh; an bhfuil sé i gceist aige freisin labhairt le hAmbasadóir Iosrael agus a rá leis go gcreideann sé gur beartas meáite é seo chun an obair mhonatóireachta agus soláthar fianaise atá ar siúl ag na heagraíochtaí seo a stopadh; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [53400/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraRinne mé ráiteas ar an gceist seo ar an 27 Deireadh Fómhair, mar a leanas:"Tá imní orm gur ainmnigh Aireacht Cosanta Iosrael sé eagraíocht neamhrialtasach Palaistíneacha mar aonáin sceimhlitheoireachta lena n-áirítear eagraíochtaí a fhaigheann tacaíocht ó Chúnamh Éireann agus an tAontas Eorpach ar an 22 Deireadh Fómhair. Tá an tAontas Eorpach i dteagmháil le húdaráis Iosrael le tuilleadh soiléiriú a fháil faoi seo. Níor cuireadh ar an eolas muid roimh ré faoi na hainmniúcháin seo, agus níl fianaise mhionsonraithe faighte againn go dtí seo.Tá Éire tiomanta d’eagraíochtaí sochaí sibhialta agus do chosantóirí chearta an duine a mhaoiniú tríd chlár Chúnamh Éireann. Déanaimid seiceálacha láidre lena chinntiú nach n-úsáidtear ár maoiniú ach chun na críche atá beartaithe. Níor dearbhaíodh le líomhaintí roimhe seo i gcoinne eagraíochtaí sochaí sibhialta ag obair sa chríoch Phalaistíneach faoi fhorghabháil (cPf) agus a fhaigheann tacaíocht ón Éire agus ón Aontas Eorpach.Is ceist an-tromchúiseach í an sceimhlitheoireacht, agus caithfear aghaidh a thabhairt uirthi le diongbháilteacht agus le fianaise. Mar a luaigh saineolaithe cearta daonna na Náisiún Aontaithe ina ráiteas ar an 25 Deireadh Fómhair: ‘tá reachtaíocht frithsceimhlitheoireachta deartha le críche sainiúla agus srianta, agus ní gá í a úsáid chun an bonn a bhaint go neamhcheart de shaoirsí sibhialta nó chun obair dlisteanach eagraíochtaí cearta daonna a chiorrú’. Tá sé de chumas ag an ainmniú seo cur isteach, ní amháin ar na sé eagraíocht seo, ach ar an sochaí shibhialta ar bhonn níos leithne sa chríoch Phalaistíneach faoi fhorghabháil (cPf) agus an bonn a bhaint ón obair dhaonnúil, fhorbartha agus chearta an duine ag dul ar aghaidh ansin.Tá ról ríthábhachtach ag eagraíochtaí sochaí sibhialta agus ag cosantóirí chearta an duine i gcur chun cinn an dlí idirnáisiúnta, na síochána, chearta an duine agus luachanna daonlathacha. Leanfaidh Éire ar aghaidh ag tacú le hiarrachtaí den sórt sin go déthaobhach agus ar leibhéal an Aontas Eorpaigh agus na Náisiún Aontaithe. "Beidh mé ag plé na n-imní seo go díreach le húdaráis Iosrael le linn mo chuairte ar an réigiún sa chéad seachtain de mhí na Samhna.
460. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Defence the average notice period given to applicants to the Reserve Defence Force for induction testing in each of the years 2018 to 2020 and to date in 2021, in tabular form. [52568/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have been advised by the Military Authorities that the average notice period given to applicants to the Reserve Defence Force for the various stages of the recruitment process for each of the years specified is as detailed in the following table:
|
Applied |
Invite to Interview/Fitness |
Fitness/Interview Conducted |
Invite to Medical |
Medical Conducted |
Employed |
|
2018 |
9 Weeks after application |
2 Weeks after invite |
7 Weeks after fitness/interview |
2 Weeks after invite |
12 Weeks after medical |
|
April 2019 |
10 Weeks after application |
4 Weeks after invite |
4 Weeks after fitness/interview |
2 Weeks after invite |
16 Weeks after medical |
|
Oct 2019 |
8 Weeks after application |
3 Weeks after invite |
11 Weeks after fitness/interview |
2 Weeks after invite |
19 Weeks after medical |
|
2020 |
12 Weeks after application |
8 Weeks after invite |
32 Weeks after fitness/interview |
2 Weeks after invite |
Majority of applicants pending |
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a very significant impact on Defence Forces recruitment, including to the Reserve, and has resulted in a pause to most collective training activities and induction processing. Nevertheless, 29 additional new members have been inducted thus far this year, with 17 inducted into the AR and 12 inducted into the NSR.
The Military Authorities have advised that a revised Defence Forces framework for living with COVID-19 is now in place, based on the recent easing of Government restrictions. This revised framework, I understand, facilitates the commencement of the RDF Induction Process with planned induction training to commence shortly. This of course, will be subject to continued guidance from Government on easing of restrictions.
While the Government remains committed to restoring the strength of the RDF, given the competing recruitment demands at present, where PDF recruitment is and should remain a priority, it should be noted that the same personnel and resources are utilised for both PDF and RDF recruitment. Nonetheless, RDF recruitment will also be progressed to the greatest extent possible.
Additionally, I understand that measures are currently under consideration by the military authorities with a view to streamlining elements of the induction process. The outcome of a pilot initiative in this regard, is awaited and will further inform next steps.
461. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Defence when the ban due to Covid-19 concerns on the general use of Defence Forces accommodation facilities by the Reserve Defence Force will be removed. [52569/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe use of Defence Forces accommodation during the pandemic is considered under the Defence Forces Living with Covid-19 Plan, which is now in place and is reviewed by the Joint Operational Planning Group on a regular basis. This will afford more scope for Reserve Training within the parameters of government guidelines.
Proposals have been submitted relating to the use of Defence Forces accommodation by the Reserve Defence Forces and pilot projects have been approved, such as an Army Reserve Potential Officers Course. The Living with Covid-19 Plan will further facilitate the commencement of the Reserve Defence Force Induction Process with planned induction training to commence shortly.
I wish to assure the Deputy that the Government appreciates the service of the RDF and recognises its important contribution to Ireland's defence capability.
462. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Defence when recruitment to the Reserve Defence Force will recommence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52570/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe White Paper on Defence is clear that there is a continued requirement to retain and develop the Reserve Defence Force (RDF).
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a very significant impact on Defence Forces recruitment, including to the Reserve, and has resulted in a pause to most collective training activities and induction processing. Nevertheless, 29 additional new members have been inducted thus far this year, with 17 inducted into the AR and 12 inducted into the NSR.
The Military Authorities have advised that a revised Defence Forces framework for living with COVID-19 is now in place, based on the recent easing of Government restrictions. This revised framework, I understand, facilitates the commencement of the RDF Induction Process with planned induction training to commence shortly. This of course, will be subject to continued guidance from Government on easing of restrictions.
While the Government remains committed to restoring the strength of the RDF, given the competing recruitment demands at present, where PDF recruitment is and should remain a priority, it should be noted that the same personnel and resources are utilised for both PDF and RDF recruitment. Nonetheless, RDF recruitment will also be progressed to the greatest extent possible.
I wish to assure the Deputy that the Government appreciates the service of the Reserve Defence Force and recognises its important contribution to Ireland's defence capability.
463. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding the proposed purchase by the Naval Service of a multi-role vessel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52571/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the White Paper on Defence sets out an ambitious programme of capital investment in the Naval Service. The replacement of the flagship LÉ Eithne with a multi-role vessel, MRV, is an important element of the Defence Equipment Development Plan and is provided for in the Government's National Development Plan as a major capital project. It is the Government’s intention that this new vessel will provide a flexible and adaptive capability for a wide range of maritime tasks.
Following a public tender competition, Marine Advisors have been appointed to support the procurement of the MRV. This work is now underway and will inform a public tender competition in due course.
464. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to the disparity between the male and female areas in the development plans for the training unit in the Curragh Camp; and his views on whether this will impact female recruitment to the Defence Forces. [52572/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI assume that the Deputy's question relates to the capital infrastructure development plan at the DFTC, Curragh Camp. All building projects under the Plan are designed to meet current and future operational and training requirements. My officials are not aware of any disparity in relation to infrastructure provision as referred to by the Deputy. If there is a specific incident that the Deputy is aware of and if details of same can be forwarded to my Department, I can arrange to have the matter examined further.
465. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Defence the amount being paid to a company (details supplied) to second maintenance technicians to the Air Corps; the amount each technician is being paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52799/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Air Corps currently operates eight Pilatus PC-9M aircraft and also has four Pilatus PC 12 aircraft.
The original order of three PC 12 aircraft which were delivered in September 2020 was augmented on an urgent basis by an additional aircraft delivered in April 2020. This additional aircraft provided the Air Corps with a very immediate additional fixed wing capacity to meet the unique situation arising from the COVID-19 pandemic and provided the Air Corps with a further agile resource to service urgent requests from the HSE and other agencies of the State.
The Air Corps utilises their own technicians for the maintenance of the Pilatus aircraft for both daily maintenance inputs and more in-depth aircraft inspections. The Air Corps do not now, nor have they had a contract in place with Pilatus Aircraft Ltd to second maintenance technicians to support the Pilatus aircraft fleet.
466. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Defence if he will address a matter in relation to payments to members of the Reserve Defence Force (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52984/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe provisions for pay and allowances for both the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) and the Reserve Defence Force (RDF) are set out in Defence Force Regulation S.3. Prior to the Financial Emergency, the pay scales applying to the PDF also applied to the RDF. Under FEMPI measures, the pay cuts that applied to the PDF also applied to the RDF. An additional 10% reduction applied to the rate of paid training for members of the RDF, as per the Public Service Stability Agreement (PSSA) – 2013-2016 (Haddington Road Agreement) in May 2013.
The restoration of pay for Public Servants, including for members of the Defence Forces, has been conducted in accordance with PSSA 2013 - 2018 and PSSA 2018 – 2020, with the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.
Following active engagement by Department officials with DPER, sanction was received to implement the restorations of pay to RDF members, along with arrears arising as a consequence. Subsequently, sanction was also obtained from DPER to restore the remaining 10%, deducted under the Haddington Road Agreement, with effect from 1 January 2021, with the result that the RDF pay rates are now again linked with the PDF rates of pay. Restoration of pay to members of the RDF was completed in Q1 of 2021 and all arrears due were paid in February of this year.
In addition, in accordance with the Public Service Agreement 2021-2022, updated rates of pay and allowances for eligible members of the RDF were approved for payment with effect from 1 July 2021 and from 1 October 2021, in line with their PDF colleagues.
I note that, as members of the PDF continue to contribute to the Government’s response to the current COVID 19 response, some members of the RDF who have skills required in that response, and whose personal circumstances have allowed them to do so, have undertaken authorised training tasks on a voluntary basis, in support of the PDF. RDF members voluntarily involved in such activities receive the equivalent rates of pay as PDF personnel and their support is welcomed.
Applications for paid training Mandays for Reservists are approved by the Defence Forces at Company level up to a 28 day limit. Applications above this limit are endorsed at Company level and are forwarded to my Department where they are processed for approval and payment without undue delay. I am advised that there is no backlog in the processing of applications for paid training Mandays within my Department.
I wish to assure the Deputy that the Government appreciates the service of the RDF and recognises its important contribution to Ireland's defence capability.
467. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Defence the number of existing contracts of an indefinite period entered into by his Department prior to the enactment of the EU procurement directive. [53225/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe detailed information sought by the Deputy is not readily available within the time frame sought. At the request of my Department the military authorities are conducting the search, retrieval and collation of same. I will arrange to have this information forwarded to the Deputy as soon as it is available.
468. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Education if she will sanction a home tutor for a child (details supplied). [52064/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe purpose of the Home Tuition Grant Scheme is to provide funding towards the provision of a compensatory educational service for children who, for a number of specific reasons, are unable to attend school.
Home tuition is not an alternative to a school placement and is provided in very limited and specific circumstances. By its nature, it is intended to be a short term intervention.
The scheme provides a compensatory educational service for
- Children with special educational needs seeking an educational placement in a recognised school
- Students, enrolled in schools, with significant medical conditions which has caused, and is likely to continue to cause, major disruption to their attendance at school
- The scheme also provides Home Tuition for pre-school/early educational intervention for children with autism who meet the schemes eligibility criteria.
As tuition takes place outside the usual school structure it is important that home tutors are qualified to provide an educational programme. Accordingly, it is a condition of the scheme that parents/legal guardians recruit a tutor who is qualified in the sector in which tuition is being provided, and is registered with the Teaching Council for the duration of the approved tuition, up to and including issue of final payment.
Where all efforts have failed to secure the services of a teacher qualified to teach in the sector concerned, the Department may consider the engagement of a person who is registered with the Teaching Council and has a primary degree (minimum Level 7 on the National Framework of Qualifications) in a relevant area, e.g. Psychology.
It is the responsibility of the parent/legal guardian to source a tutor at the earliest possible opportunity to allow for applications for registration/vetting to be made by the tutor to the Teaching Council, if necessary. This Department does not keep lists of tutors available to carry out Home Tuition. It may be helpful to contact local schools in the first instance, or alternatively, the Department is aware that many parents use education provider websites to advertise for tutors or indeed place advertisements in local newspapers or on shop/community notice boards.
To date, no application for home tuition, for the child referred to by the Deputy, has been received by my Department.
