Wednesday, 3 Nov 2021

Written Answers Nos. 1-60

United Nations

Ceisteanna (27)

Neale Richmond

Ceist:

27. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the most recent meeting of the United Nations Security Council. [47952/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Taoiseach (Deputy Micheál Martin)

On 23 September, I chaired an open debate at the United Nations Security Council on Climate and Security. The aim of this debate was to deepen awareness of how climate is relevant to the work of the Security Council, and to outline what actions the Security Council could take within its mandate to address climate-related security risks.

As an elected member of the UN Security Council, Ireland is prioritising the issue of Climate and Security. Ireland is co-chair of the Informal Expert Group on Climate and Security of Members of the Security Council along with Niger for this year.

At the debate, I stated Ireland’s intention to convene a discussion on a thematic Resolution on the topic.

Initial discussions on the Resolution have now been convened by Ireland and Niger, as co-chairs of the Informal Expert Group. We are aware that not all Council members are like-minded on this topic, but we are hopeful for constructive engagement over the coming period.

Questions Nos. 28 to 34, inclusive, resubmitted.

Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements

Ceisteanna (35, 36)

Neale Richmond

Ceist:

35. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his last meeting with the UK Prime Minister. [47951/21]

Neale Richmond

Ceist:

36. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Taoiseach if he will provide an update on his latest engagement with the British Prime Minister. [50910/21]

Freagraí scríofa

The Taoiseach

I propose to take Questions Nos. 35 and 36 together.

I participated in the World Leaders Summit at the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow on 1-2 November. I had an opportunity to engage briefly with Prime Minister Johnson during the summit, and we agreed to meet in the near future. I also attended a number of events hosted by him during the summit.

I spoke by telephone with Prime Minister Johnson on 20th July, in light of the cancellation of our meeting planned for the previous day, for COVID reasons. We discussed the Northern Ireland Protocol and I stressed the importance of utilising the EU-UK framework for issues related to the Protocol. We exchanged views on the Covid-19 situation, especially in regard to the Delta variant. I also raised legacy issues, including serious concerns at the British Government’s proposals and the impact they would have on victims and families.

Previously, I met with Prime Minister Boris Johnson in Chequers on Friday 14th May.

On that occasion, our discussions focused on ways our two Governments can continue to work together to support all the institutions of the Good Friday Agreement and promote peace and prosperity on both a North/South and East/West basis. We also discussed implementation of the Northern Ireland Protocol and legacy issues.

Question No. 36 answered with Question No. 35.

Questions Nos. 37 and 38 resubmitted.

Cabinet Committees

Ceisteanna (39, 41)

Jennifer Murnane O'Connor

Ceist:

39. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Taoiseach the Cabinet Committee that deals with transport matters; and when it is next due to meet. [47910/21]

Mick Barry

Ceist:

41. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet Committee that deals with transport will next meet. [50876/21]

Freagraí scríofa

The Taoiseach

I propose to take Questions Nos. 39 and 41 together.

There is not a dedicated Cabinet Committee that deals with transport, rather transport related matters are discussed in a number of Cabinet Committees as appropriate. This occurs most usually at the Cabinet Committee on Economic Recovery and Investment and the Cabinet Committee on the Environment and Climate Change.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Recovery and Investment last met on 30 September 2021, and is scheduled to meet again on 22 November 2021. The Cabinet Committee on the Environment and Climate Change last met on 3 November 2021.

Question No. 40 resubmitted.

Question No. 41 answered with Question No. 39.

Questions Nos. 42 to 44, inclusive, resubmitted.

Brexit Issues

Ceisteanna (45)

Ruairí Ó Murchú

Ceist:

45. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his recent engagement with European Commission Vice-President Maroš Šefcovic, providing an update on the protocol. [48506/21]

Freagraí scríofa

The Taoiseach

In advance of his visit to Northern Ireland, I met with Commission Vice-President Maroš Šefcovic for a working dinner in Government Buildings on 8 September.

We had a very good exchange and I warmly welcomed in particular VP Šefcovic’s planned engagement with political, civil society and business representatives in Northern Ireland. His openness to engage was a demonstration of the EU’s wish to hear at first hand and to understand the concerns of the people on the ground.

Subsequently, on 13 October, the European Commission published a far-reaching package of proposals aimed at finding solutions to practical challenges that have arisen in implementing the Protocol.

The Commission has engaged deeply with the issues, with the people, and with businesses in Northern Ireland. The Commission package reflects that engagement and is a serious and considered response to the challenges and concerns that have arisen.

This package is now the subject of ongoing engagement between the EU and UK.

I hope the UK Government gives them the serious attention they deserve and engage positively and constructively with the European Commission.

A positive outcome to those ongoing engagements is in the interests of both the EU and the UK, but most especially of the people and businesses in Northern Ireland.

Office of the Attorney General

Ceisteanna (46, 47, 48)

Mattie McGrath

Ceist:

46. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Taoiseach the full extent of the special and exceptional arrangements made by the Government to facilitate the appointment of the new Attorney General in June 2020, which allowed for the continuation of private litigation while at the same time serving as Attorney General. [49071/21]

Mattie McGrath

Ceist:

47. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Taoiseach the full extent of the level of private litigation engaged in by the serving Attorney General during his time in office; the timelines involved; and if any of the case outcomes are still awaited. [49072/21]

Martin Kenny

Ceist:

48. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Taoiseach if he will provide a full account of each and every private client of the Attorney General during their time in office since June 2020; and the extent to which the Attorney General acted on behalf of or advised, the directors or shareholders of a company (details supplied). [51336/21]

Freagraí scríofa

The Taoiseach

I propose to take Questions Nos. 46 to 48, inclusive, together.

The Attorney General was appointed in June 2020 in accordance with provisions of Article 30 of the Constitution. There were no special or exceptional arrangements applying in this regard.

While I have responsibility for answering questions on administrative matters connected with the Office of the Attorney General, I have no function in respect of the detail of the Attorney General’s professional engagements outside of his role as Attorney General.

Prior to his appointment, the Attorney General informed me and I informed the other leaders of the parties in Government that he had a small number of existing litigation commitments that he considered he had a professional obligation to discharge. It was agreed that he would do so.

The Attorney General’s involvement in these matters dates back to 2011 in one case and 2017 in two others. The first matter related to the State recapitalisation of Irish Permanent. The Attorney General was involved in one hearing in that matter in November 2020 and his involvement ceased at that time. The second matter related to a commercial dispute and the Attorney General's involvement ceased in February 2021. The final matter related to the Inspectors investigation into certain matters relating to INM and involved a hearing on two Saturdays, 18 and 25 September 2021. The Attorney General's involvement in that matter ceased on 25 September. He has no continuing private professional obligations. I would note also that the Attorney General is bound by a duty of confidentiality to his clients.

Question No. 47 answered with Question No. 46.

Question No. 48 answered with Question No. 46.

Ministerial Staff

Ceisteanna (49)

Mattie McGrath

Ceist:

49. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Taoiseach the full number of advisers employed by him or his office; the respective roles of each; the salary paid to each adviser; and the background to the recruitment process used for hiring. [49073/21]

Freagraí scríofa

The Taoiseach

Under the terms of the Public Service Management Act 1997, Special Advisers may be appointed by Government to Ministers and Ministers of State.

The requirement for specialist policy input and advice is a matter for each individual Minister to consider having regard to the area of responsibility and the support in place in the relevant Departments.

I have put in place a range of appropriate advisory supports to me in my role as Taoiseach.

The make-up of my team currently consists of a Chief of Staff at Deputy Secretary level, a Deputy Chief of Staff at Assistant Secretary Level, a part-time Economic Adviser at Assistant Secretary level and 3 Special Advisers at Principal Officer level.

It should be noted that the appointment of all Special Advisers is subject to Government approval and relevant contracts including salary scale, statements of qualifications and statements of relationship are laid before the Oireachtas.

Northern Ireland

Ceisteanna (50)

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

50. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Taoiseach if he will meet with victims and survivors of the loyalist Glenanne gang. [50837/21]

Freagraí scríofa

The Taoiseach

To ask the Taoiseach if he will meet with victims and survivors of the loyalist Glenanne gang..

As I have previously stated in the House, I would be happy to meet with the families of victims and survivors of the Glenanne Gang. Until recently, arrangements for such a meeting were delayed due to Covid-19 restrictions. However, a meeting is now scheduled to take place later this month.

Prior to being appointed Taoiseach, I met with victims and the families of victims of the Glenanne gang. What the Glenanne gang did was a terrible manifestation of evil, perpetrated on innocent people and I have been clear that all victims and survivors of the Troubles deserve access to truth and justice.

Questions Nos. 51 to 59, inclusive, resubmitted.

Departmental Contracts

Ceisteanna (60)

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

60. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Taoiseach the number of existing contracts of an indefinite period entered into by his Department prior to the enactment of the EU Procurement Directive. [53238/21]

Freagraí scríofa

The Taoiseach

The primary EU Directive governing public procurement is Directive 2014/24, incorporated into Irish Law by [European Union (Award of Public Authority Contracts) Regulations 2016 - S.I. 284/2016]

The Department of the Taoiseach does not have any contracts of an indefinite period. All contracts entered into by the Department are for a specific period agreed by both parties prior to signature. Any contracts with a provision for an extension must be for a duration agreed by both parties which will be clearly stated on contract documentation.