Written Answers Nos. 61-84
64. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding insurance for outdoor equestrian pursuits, including horse racing and point-to-point racing; if there are other insurance companies in the market willing to provide cover for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57797/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is important to point out that neither I nor the Central Bank have any role in the pricing or provision of insurance products, and that this is a commercial matter which individual providers assess on a case-by-case basis. Government cannot instruct a company to provide insurance cover in any circumstance; this position is reinforced by the EU Single Market framework for insurance (the Solvency II Directive) which prohibits Member States from intervening in such a manner.
Nevertheless, the Government recognises the fact that a number of outdoor/high-footfall activity sectors, including equestrian pursuits, are facing difficulty in terms of affordability and availability of insurance. It has therefore prioritised the implementation of the Action Plan for Insurance Reform . The first Action Plan Implementation Report, which was published in July, shows that tangible progress has been made, with 34 of the 66 actions contained in the Action Plan having been completed.
One of the key achievements in the first half of this year was the implementation of the Personal Injuries Guidelines some six months ahead of schedule. Early data from the Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB) shows that since the commencement of the new Guidelines award levels have reduced by an average of 40%. This is an encouraging development and it is my hope that this trend will result in lower costs for businesses. As the insurance reform agenda progresses, we will continue to hold the industry to account on its commitments to pass on savings from the Guidelines, and other elements of the reforms, to customers. Minister of State Fleming met last week with the CEO’s of main insurance companies operating in Ireland, and he impressed upon them the need to both reduce premiums and increase their risk appetite to offer cover in new or underserved areas.
As the Deputy may be aware, the Cabinet Committee on Insurance Reform is tasked with overseeing the implementation of the Action Plan and is chaired by the Tánaiste. Work remains ongoing on a whole-of Government basis to ensure the timely implementation of the remaining elements of the Action plan. Of particular relevance is the fact that the Minister for Justice has signalled her intention to bring forward legislative changes to the duty of care. It is understood that these are at an advanced stage and it is hoped that they will have a significant impact on the issue of ‘slips, trips and falls’, which will significantly assist the sporting and outdoor activity sector as a whole.
Securing a more sustainable and competitive market through deepening and widening the supply of insurance in Ireland remains a key policy priority for this Government. Therefore I would like to emphasise that it is my intention to continue to work with my Government colleagues and ensure that the implementation of the Action Plan will continue to have a positive impact on the affordability and availability of insurance for all individuals, businesses and community groups across the country.
65. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Finance if there are exemptions for a farmer who has zoned land from the proposed levy under the Finance Bill 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57858/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFinance Bill 2021 introduces the ‘Residential Zoned Land Tax’ into the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997, giving effect to a measure I announced on Budget day. This measure is part of the suite of measures included in the ‘Housing for All’ Strategy, which was published by the Government in September 2021. The Residential Zoned Land Tax is designed to prompt residential development by owners of land that is zoned for residential or mixed-use purposes and that is serviced. It will replace the Vacant Site Levy when it comes into operation.
The Residential Zoned Land Tax is an annual tax, calculated at a rate of 3% of the market value of the land. It applies to land that is both zoned as suitable for residential development and is serviced. It will not apply to land on which development cannot take place by reason of its physical condition, for example land which is contaminated.
There are a limited number of exclusions from the measure. Of relevance to a farmer, the tax will not apply to:
- residential dwellings and their gardens;
- land which is zoned for a mixture of residential and other uses (and not purely for residential development) that is integral to the operation of a business carried out on or beside it.
In order that landowners can know if their land is within scope of the tax, each local authority will prepare and publish a map identifying land within the scope of the tax.
The first draft map will be published by the local authorities on 1 November 2022. The purpose of publishing the draft map is to allow landowners, including farmers, to see if their land is within scope of the tax. If a landowner sees that their land is included on the draft map, and believes that it should not be, there are two separate courses of action open to them:
1. If the landowner believes that the land is not serviced, or falls into one of the specific limited exclusions from the tax, they can make a submission to the local authority seeking to have the map updated and their land removed from the map.
The local authority will consider the submission and make a determination on whether the land should stay on the map or be removed from it. If the landowner disagrees with the determination, they can appeal to An Bord Pleanála.
2. If the landowner believes that the land should not be zoned as suitable for residential development, they can make a submission to the local authority seeking to have the land rezoned.
The local authority will consider the submission and, if they decide it is appropriate, they will commence a variation procedure to alter the zoning of the land. This variation procedure, and the local authority’s decision on whether or not to commence one, is part of the normal zoning process.
Tax on land which is suitable for residential development on 1 January 2022 because it is both zoned and serviced on that date, and on which development has not commenced before 1 February 2024, will be due and payable in May 2024. Where the land becomes both zoned and serviced after 1 January 2022, tax will be chargeable in the third year after it comes within scope of the tax.
Agricultural land that is zoned and serviced and which is, therefore, suitable for residential development, will be within the scope of the tax. The application of the tax to such land must be looked at in terms of the ability of a local authority to plan effectively for the development of their area and the country’s current need for additional housing. Land, including agricultural land, that a local authority zones as suitable for residential development and which is serviced, is land that can be objectively identified as suitable for the development of homes in an area in which a need for housing exists.
66. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Finance if personnel in his Department have been removed from their positions, have been transferred to another role or had their employment terminated from 2011 to date due to breaches of Departmental standards or professional misconduct or incompetence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57898/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to inform the Deputy, that since 2011 there was one staff member in the Department of Finance who had their employment terminated, due to breaches of Departmental and Civil Service standards and professional misconduct.
67. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to concerns of customers of some financial institutions that were mis-sold mortgages and the failure of the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman to pursue legitimate complaints; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57959/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFirstly, I must point out that the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman (FSPO) is independent in the performance of his statutory functions. I have no role in the day to day workings of the office or in the decisions which the Ombudsman takes. It is not appropriate for me as Minister to comment on or become involved in an individual consumer’s dispute with a financial service provider.
One of the main roles of the Ombudsman is to investigate, mediate and adjudicate complaints about the conduct of financial or pension service providers. The FSPO was established to provide an alternative to the Courts for consumers who have unresolved disputes with a financial or pension service provider and all investigations by the Ombudsman are free of charge to the consumer. Subject only to an appeal to the High Court, a finding of the Ombudsman in respect of a complaint is legally binding on all parties.
Section 50(2) of the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman Act 2017 states "Where a question arises as to whether the Ombudsman has jurisdiction, under this Act, to investigate a complaint, the question shall be determined by the Ombudsman whose decision shall be final".
I hope this clarifies the position.
68. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 78 of 10 November 2021 and 172 of 18 November 2021, the projected revenue raised from legislated increases in the carbon tax in each year from 2021 to 2030 relative to the rate of €26 per tonne in 2020, in accordance with the emissions targets within the Climate Action Plan, of emissions reductions of 51% relative to 2018 levels such as the revenue raised from the new rate of carbon tax in 2026 relative to a rate of €26 per tonne, reflecting the emissions targets set out in the Climate Action Plan to 2026. [57960/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, the most recent projection of additional carbon tax revenues provided by my Department for the period 2021 to 2030 amounted to €9.2 billion. The annual breakdown of these receipts was provided in reply to PQ No. 78 of 10 November 2021. As stated in the same PQ reply, projections are point-in-time exercises, and are revised periodically to take account of factors such as changes in the macroeconomic environment, policy decisions by Government and other factors.
As was further stated in response to PQ No.172 of 18 November, the projections for carbon tax receipts are based on a declining carbon tax base reflecting changing behaviour in response to the tax, amongst other factors. The projections were not based upon a 51% reduction in emissions relative to 2018 levels. At the time of formulation of Budget 2022, the Climate Action Plan 2021 had not been finalised, with the contents still under active discussion. In addition, the Climate Change Advisory Council had yet to publish its proposed carbon budget programme, which includes larger annual reductions in emissions in the years 2026-2030.
As indicated in response to PQ No. 172 of 18 November, the estimates were based upon official projections from the Environmental Protection Agency published, in June 2021 at the following link: EPA-Irelands-Greenhouse-Gas-Emissions-Projections-report-2020-2040v2.pdf. At the time of the formulation of Budget 2022, these were the latest projections available from the EPA and, as such, represented an official independent assessment of our emissions trajectory to 2030.
Notwithstanding this approach, the Government is committed to achieving our 2030 emissions reductions targets and, as indicated above, Government policy has continued to evolve in helping us reach our emissions targets, most notably with the publication of the recent 2021 Climate Action Plan.
69. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if personnel in his Department have been removed from their positions, have been transferred to another role or had their employment terminated from 2011 to date due to breaches of Departmental standards or professional misconduct or incompetence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57904/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that during the period specified the Office of Government Procurement, which is part of my Department, terminated the employment of one member of staff due to misconduct.
70. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if guidance has issued to cinemas and theatres regarding accepting certain forms of the EU Digital Covid Certificate; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57719/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraProofs for purposes of proof of immunity are outlined in Section 5 of Statutory Instrument 385/2021 Health Act 1947 (Sections 31AB and 31AD) (Covid-19) (Operation of certain indoor premises) Regulations 2021. This is available here: www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2021/si/385/made/en/print.
The new Regulations S.I. No. 596 of 2021 and S.I. No. 597 of 2021 were published in Iris Oifigiuil on 19th November 2021. They lay down very detailed arrangements on the checking of vaccination status for all indoor events. In addition to publication, a copy of the regulations was sent to the cinema industry representatives and my Department has had ongoing engagement with the cinema industry on the matter.
The regulations also apply to theatres. In addition, the Arts Council’s Guidance for venues includes conditions in relation to the digital certificate as follows:
“Digital COVID Certificates or other relevant proofs of immunity provided for under SI 385 of 2021 should be requested on arrival. All patrons should also have proof of identity to confirm that COVID passes relate to them. This also applies to people under 18 attending underage events, when not accompanied by an adult. No record should be kept of a person’s immunity status however a record should be kept of all checks undertaken e.g. by means of a box check for each check undertaken.”
71. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she plans to develop a strategy to maximise the tourist potential for cruise tourism in Ireland and in particular in Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57857/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe matter raised is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland. Accordingly, I have referred this question to them for direct response to the Deputy. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
72. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if personnel in her Department have been removed from their positions, have been transferred to another role or had their employment terminated from 2011 to date due to breaches of Departmental standards or professional misconduct or incompetence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57908/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAll employees are assessed under the performance management development system and newly appointed employees must complete a one year probationary period.
I can inform the Deputy that since the establishment of my Department on 30 September 2020, no staff have been removed from their positions or have been transferred to another role or had their employment terminated due to breaches of Departmental standards on professional misconduct.
73. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if provision is being made or will be made for compensation to be provided to farmers or landowners impacted by having land or property designated under the National Parks and Wildlife Service farm plan scheme; the number of farmers currently taking part in the scheme by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57712/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department recognises the positive role that appropriate farming can play in addressing the biodiversity decline that has been witnessed in recent decades. The NPWS Farm Plan Scheme operates nationally, supporting various habitats and species by working proactively with landowners to go above and beyond their statutory requirements. The farm plan scheme is not a compensation scheme for abiding by European or national nature legislation.
In 2021, I almost doubled the funding available to the NPWS Farm Plan Scheme to €1.89m, and expect that further farm plans will be implemented in 2022. Those with lands included in designated sites are prioritised for entry.
My Department is working closely with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to prioritise entry for farmers with designated lands in the CAP Strategic Plan, from 2023-2027. A breakdown of the number of current NPWS farm plans by county is provided in the table below. Additional plans are currently in development.
Table: Current NPWS Farm Plans by County
|
County |
Number |
|
Offaly |
1 |
|
Dublin |
1 |
|
Galway and Offaly |
1 |
|
Laois |
3 |
|
Louth |
1 |
|
Mayo and Mayo Sligo Border |
1 |
|
Waterford |
1 |
|
Kildare |
2 |
|
Cavan |
3 |
|
Leitrim |
3 |
|
Tipperary |
4 |
|
Westmeath |
3 |
|
Kilkenny |
4 |
|
Limerick |
4 |
|
Roscommon |
4 |
|
Wicklow |
4 |
|
Clare |
5 |
|
Sligo |
11 |
|
Cork |
10 |
|
Wexford |
11 |
|
Galway |
18 |
|
Mayo |
17 |
|
Offaly |
13 |
|
Kerry |
28 |
|
Donegal |
37 |
74. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of the implementation of each of the 101 recommendations of the 2016 Report Organisational Review of An Bord Pleanála in tabular form. [57726/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn Organisational Review of An Bord Pleanála was undertaken by an independent expert panel and published in March 2016. An Implementation Group, comprising representation from the Department and An Bord Pleanála, was established to oversee the implementation of the Review recommendations.
The Review contains 101 recommendations relating to legislative provisions, communications and stakeholder engagement, the Board's role and governance along with organisational and operational matters.
The Implementation Group published its Terms of Reference and Plan for Implementation in 2016. An Bord Pleanála, supported by the Department, as required, took the lead in the implementation of a large number of the key recommendations, with the Department taking the lead in examining recommendations requiring legislative underpinning.
“Housing for All – A New Housing Plan for Ireland” sets out a number of objectives with the aim of improving the functioning of the planning system including the comprehensive review and consolidation of planning legislation. This review is being led by the Attorney General and he has established a working group of professionals with planning law expertise to assist him in this work. The review is due to be finalised by September 2022 to allow updated legislation to be enacted by December 2022. As such, recommendations of the Organisational Review of An Bord Pleanála requiring legislative underpinning will be considered in the context of the ongoing review of planning legislation.
As requested, an update on the implementation status of each of the 101 recommendations contained in the report is attached in tabular form.
Status of the recommendations of the 2016 Organisational Review of An Bord Pleanála
|
Status |
Explanation |
|
Complete |
Recommendation addressed, no further action necessary |
|
Ongoing |
Recommendation in train or yet to be decided upon |
|
TBD |
To be determined in a review of legislation |
The Government has an extensive planning legislative agenda, which currently includes a number of planning and development bills, and the opportunity to take on board any legislative changes suggested in the Review is being considered in that context. The updating of legislation and guidelines remains an ongoing process and as specific matters arise, clarifications are issued to Planning Authorities via Circulars.
75. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of properties (details supplied) that have applied to each local authority for planning permission in 2020 and to date in 2021; the number of these planning applications that have been granted by each local authority in 2020 and to date in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57794/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested in relation to the number of change of use planning applications made to, and granted/refused by, planning authorities further to the Planning and Development (Exempted Development) (No. 2) Regulations 2019 - referred to as the Short-Term Letting Regulations - which came into effect on 1 July 2019 is outlined in the table below:
|
Planning Authority |
No. of STL change of use planning applications received |
No. of STL change of use planning permission granted |
No. of STL change of use planning applications refused |
|
Carlow |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Cork County |
21 |
10 |
3 |
|
Cork City |
4 |
1 |
3 |
|
DLR |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Dublin City |
20 |
3 |
10 |
|
Fingal |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Galway City |
5 |
0 |
2 |
|
Galway County |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Kerry |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Kildare |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Kilkenny |
5 |
1 |
1 |
|
Laois |
5 |
2 |
0 |
|
Limerick |
3 |
0 |
3 |
|
Louth |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
Meath |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Offaly |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Sligo |
3 |
2 |
1 |
|
South Dublin |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Waterford |
2 |
1 |
0 |
|
Westmeath |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Wexford |
3 |
0 |
3 |
|
Wicklow |
5 |
2 |
1 |
|
Total |
76 |
23 |
27 |
In making a decision on any planning application, a planning authority must consider matters of proper planning and sustainable development of the area, having regard to –
- the provisions of the relevant development plan,
- relevant Ministerial or Government policies and guidelines,
- the views of statutory consultees, and
- the views of members of the public.
The planning authority should also consider a number of factors when deciding on these change of use applications including, but not limited to:
- the overarching Government Housing Policy to retain/return residential properties to the long term housing market;
- making the most efficient use of existing residential housing stock;
- whether the property is situated in an area experiencing high rent inflation;
- whether there is a sufficient supply of rental properties available for longer-term rental in the area to meet local need;
- general housing demand and need in the area, including the extent of the local authority’s social housing list – (HAP or RAS tenancies);
- proliferation of short-term letting properties with planning permission in the area and the wider cumulative impacts of new applications received;
- residential amenity considerations such as noise and disturbance to neighbours;
- the nature and character of the location – for example town/rural or primarily residential/ commercial: and
- The concentration of short term letting properties in apartment developments.
76. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the proposed new legislation regarding properties (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57795/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraHousing for All contains a specific action - (Action 20.4) - to “develop new regulatory controls requiring short-term and holiday lets to register with Fáilte Ireland with a view to ensuring that houses are used to best effect in areas of housing need”. Minister O’Brien has engaged with Minister Catherine Martin on this matter, and a number of meetings have been held between my Department and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, and with Fáilte Ireland and further engagement will take place in the near future.
I am informed that significant progress has been made on these proposals, which are being led by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media. Funding has been allocated in Budget 2022 and Fáilte Ireland will be commencing shortly with recruitment of staff to manage the design and infrastructure for a short term lettings registration system. Work has also begun on scoping the legal changes which will be required and are expected to be legislated for by Q2 2022.
77. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is currently reviewing the build-to-rent guidelines; if so, the stage this review is at; the person or body conducting the review; and the terms of reference of same. [57805/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraBuild-to-let was first referenced in 2015 guidance in response to emerging trends, which include on-going population growth, a move towards smaller average household size, an ageing population and a greater proportion of households in the rented sector. At that time, apartments had become a more common form of dwelling in urban areas, comprising 11% of all occupied households in Ireland and almost one-third of occupied households in Dublin City (Census 2011). By 2016, this had risen to 12%.
In 2018, my Department published updated Sustainable Urban Housing: Design Standards for New Apartments Guidelines for Planning Authorities to respond to continuing changing housing need, particularly in light of the dynamics in the urban employment market, as well as ongoing demographic trends. Chapter 5 of the 2018 Guidelines addressed the relatively new 'build-to-rent' sector and set out a number of key distinct characteristics. Build-to-rent projects are usually a single entity investment for long term rental undertaking, comprising individual residential units within the development that are not sold off separately for private ownership and/or subsequent sub-letting individually, which is a key difference from the traditional housing development model. The guidelines provide for planning permission for specific build-to-rent developments to be sought from a planning authority. Build-to-Rent developments have specific planning requirements for the provision of dedicated amenities and facilities specifically for residents in terms of communal recreational space, work spaces and cooking/dining facilities as well as a range of other support services such as laundry facilities, concierge, management, repair and maintenance.
Build-to-Rent development forms a relatively small proportion of all planning applications lodged. As of the end of October 2021, a total of 58,702 residential units in total had been approved under the Strategic Housing Development (SHD) process, comprising 14,118 Houses, 34,637 Apartments and 9,945 Build-to-Rent units. Build-to-Rent continues to make up around 16% of the total residential units approved under the SHD process. The amount of approved Build-to-Rent developments is a relatively small proportion of the total. Following a review of co-living in 2020, updated Sustainable Urban Development guidelines were published and I have no plans to further amend the guidelines at this time.
78. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the amount collected under the Derelict Sites Act 1990 as amended by each local authority in 2018, 2019 and 2020, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57847/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra79. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of compulsory purchase orders undertaken under the Derelict Sites Act 1990 as amended by each local authority in 2018, 2019 and 2020, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57848/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 78 and 79 together.
The information requested is outlined the attached spreadsheet.
The Derelict Sites Act 1990 confers significant powers upon local authorities, including requiring owners or occupiers to take appropriate measures on derelict sites, acquiring derelict sites by agreement, or compulsorily, and applying a derelict sites levy on derelict sites. It is a matter for local authorities to determine the most appropriate use of the legislation within their respective functional areas.
My Department continues to liaise with local authorities on the implementation of the Derelict Sites Act with a view to improving its effectiveness, and continues to keep the relevant provisions under review.
80. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the programme board established to oversee the 32 recommendations of the 2019 Expert Review Group on Traveller Accommodation has recommended the creation at national level of a Traveller accommodation strategic policy committee in every city and county council; if so, when the recommendation will be implemented; and if not, when it will be discussed as part of the 32 recommendations. [57859/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Traveller Accommodation Expert Review report, published in July 2019, reviewed the Housing (Traveller Accommodation) Act, 1998, and other legislation that impacts on the provision and delivery of accommodation for Travellers. The Expert Review report, which is intended to improve the effectiveness of the arrangements for providing accommodation for members of the Traveller community, has 32 recommendations across 4 categories which are aimed at:
1. Addressing research deficiencies, including how information is gathered and used;
2. Removing any potential delays and obstacles in the planning system in terms of delivery;
3. Increasing resources and delivery capacity; and
4. Strengthening governance arrangements.
Delivery and implementation of the recommendations will involve several areas within my Department as well as input from other Departments, local authorities and other external stakeholders.
A Programme Board established to drive implementation of the recommendations from the Expert Group report has agreed a work programme for 2021 focused on national issues and the local level strategic policy committees will be considered in due course. The Programme Board recently agreed to report progress on implementation of the recommendations on my Department's website. It is expected that this information will be available shortly.
81. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if personnel in his Department have been removed from their positions, have been transferred to another role or had their employment terminated from 2011 to date due to breaches of Departmental standards or professional misconduct or incompetence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57902/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am not aware of any staff in my Department having been removed from their position, transferred to another role or having their employment terminated from 2011 to date due to breaches of Departmental standards or professional misconduct or incompetence.
Personnel in my Department operate to the standards outlined in the Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour. Breaches, should they occur, are managed under the relevant policy including the Civil Service Disciplinary Code.
82. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the reason breastfeeding does not constitute emergency medical grounds for a passport to be issued to an infant (details supplied) whose parent needs to travel to undergo surgery abroad. [57688/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Travel Emergency service is available to citizens in cases of medical emergency or death of a family member abroad. Proof of emergency is required to avail of this service. First time passport applications are essentially applications for Irish citizenship and, as such, require very rigorous evaluation. First time applications for children are generally expedited through the Travel Emergency service only when there is evidence of the need for urgent and time-sensitive medical treatment for the child in question. In the case of documented urgent medical treatment overseas for a breastfeeding mother, the Passport Service similarly will assist the mother to travel accompanied by their breastfed child.
With regard to the specific application raised by the Deputy, the Passport Service has communicated the Travel Emergency policy to the family involved. The Service is awaiting submission of documentary evidence of urgent medical treatment for the mother in this case.
83. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application of a person (details supplied) [57692/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraWith regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service has provided an update on the status of the passport application to the applicant's parent.
84. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if a passport will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo on time for their travel plans in view of the fact that the estimated issue date has been reached. [57809/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra85. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if a passport will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo on time for their travel plans in view of the fact that this application was received in the Passport Office on 11 September 2021. [57810/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 84 and 85 together.
With regard to the specific applications about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service has issued passports to the applicants.
