Written Answers Nos. 202-221
202. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the average wait time for a one, two, three and four-bedroom council home in County Carlow over the past 12 months; and the average wait time for a disability adapted housing unit in County Carlow over the past 12 months. [4085/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraDetail on the number of households qualified for social housing support in each local authority administrative area is provided in the annual statutory Summary of Social Housing Assessments (SSHA). The SSHA captures the total number of households qualified for social housing support across the country whose social housing need has not yet been met and helps better inform policy and planning for the delivery of the right types of social housing support.
The most recently published summary, conducted in November 2020, can be accessed at the link below. It includes a breakdown by local authority across a range of categories, including household size and the length of time spent on the record of qualified households (waiting lists).
My Department does not hold information on the average wait time for one, two, three and four-bedroom homes, or for disability adapted housing.
The 2021 SSHA process is underway and I expect to publish the summary report before end Q1, 2022.
Report 2020www.gov.ie/en/publication/970ea-summary-of-social-housing-assessments-2020-key-findings/#:~:text=The%20Summary%20of%20Social%20Housing,is%20not%20currently%20being%20met.
203. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the bedroom entitlements of persons with children of two genders and those with children of the same gender. [4095/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraApplications for social housing support are assessed by the relevant local authority, in accordance with the eligibility and need criteria set down in section 20 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 and the associated Social Housing Assessment Regulations 2011 (as amended).
In line with the Regulations, applicant households are assessed for eligibility in the first instance. Then, if deemed eligible, their housing need and accommodation requirements are assessed.
Regulation 23 of the Social Housing Assessment Regulations 2011 sets out the aspects of a household's current accommodation to which the authority shall have regard when determining a household's need for social housing support. Regulation 24 sets out considerations relating to provision of social housing support, including the number of persons in the household, the age and gender of household members, and their inter-relationships.
Decisions on the qualification of households for social housing support, the most appropriate form of such support, and the allocation of that support are a matter solely for the local authority concerned.
204. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 583, 584 and 585 of 19 January 2022, if he will provide a breakdown of the administrative cost headings for both local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4107/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraDonegal and Mayo County Council have responsibility for the administration of the Defective Concrete Blocks Grant scheme. This includes the assessment of applications for eligibility and payment of grants to successful applicants under the specific remediation option approved.
Budget 2021 provided funding of €20 million to fund the operation of the Defective Concrete Blocks Grant scheme for the counties of Donegal and Mayo only. Details of the administrative costs of implementing the scheme in 2021 are outlined below.
|
Donegal |
|
|
Salaries |
€336,138.42 |
|
Computer Software Development, Equipment and Licensing |
€25,764.66 |
|
Office Furniture/Equipment/Stationery/Communications |
€305.84 |
|
Training |
€465.00 |
|
Travel Expenses |
€1,201.25 |
|
Total |
€363,875.17 |
|
Mayo |
|
|
Salaries |
€49,388.69 |
|
Architects Fees |
€82,784.50 |
|
Engineers Fees (review of files) |
€33,531.30 |
|
QS Fees |
€13,569.85 |
|
Appeals Costs |
€14,760.00 |
|
Computer Software Development |
€5,535.00 |
|
Petrographic Assessments |
€799.50 |
|
Total |
€200,368.84 |
205. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will report on the detailed eligibility criteria for fresh start applicants under the local authority home loan scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4131/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra206. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if persons who had to sell their home resulting in a mortgage in negative equity will qualify as a fresh start applicant under the local authority home loan scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4132/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 205 and 206 together.
The Local Authority Home Loan is a Government backed mortgage scheme for those on modest or low incomes who cannot get sufficient funding from commercial banks to purchase or build a home. It has been available nationwide from local authorities since 4 January 2022 for first-time buyers and fresh start applicants. The loan can be used both for new and second-hand properties, or to self-build. A ‘Fresh Start’ principle applies for applications to State loan schemes such the Local Authority Home Loan. The following categories of persons are eligible to apply for the Local Authority Home Loan under the Fresh Start principle:
- Applicant(s) that previously purchased or built a residential property, but is divorced and has left the property and divested themselves of their interest in the property are eligible.
- Applicant(s) that previously purchased a residential property, but have been divested of this through insolvency or bankruptcy proceedings, are eligible to apply. The applicant must be discharged from bankruptcy proceedings. It should be noted that a return to solvency should not be interpreted as a return to creditworthiness, which is a separate assessment.
In recognition of such instances, an exemption to the First Time Buyer eligibility criteria can be applied under the Fresh Start Principle.
The final decision regarding the Local Authority Home Loan application is made by the relevant Local Authority Credit Committee on a case by case basis.
Further details can be found on localauthorityhomeloan.ie/.
207. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the value of vacant site levies collected in County Limerick for the period 2016 to 2021, in tabular form; and the number of vacant sites listed in Limerick city and county. [4152/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the vacant site levy provisions in the Urban Regeneration and Housing Act 2015, planning authorities were empowered to apply a vacant site levy of 3% of the market valuation of relevant properties which were listed on local authority vacant site registers in 2018, which relevant owners were liable to pay in January 2019. The rate of the levy increased to 7% for sites listed on local authority vacant sites registers from 2019 onwards which site owners became liable to pay in January of the following year.
The requested information is provided in the Table below. This is based on returns submitted to my Department further to the issuing of Circular Letter PL 03/2021 on 8 March 2021 requesting the submission of a progress report on the collection of the levy by each local authority.
Vacant site levy payments (in respect of 2018 - 3% rate)
|
- |
Demands Issued |
Payments collected |
Payments outstanding |
|||
|
Number of sites liable 2019 |
Number |
Levy due |
Number |
Levy collected |
Number |
Levy outstanding |
|
0 |
0 |
€0 |
0 |
€0.00 |
0 |
€0 |
Vacant site levy payments (in respect of 2019 - 7% rate)
|
- |
Demands Issued |
Payments collected |
Payments outstanding |
|||
|
Number of sites liable 2020 |
Number |
Levy due |
Number |
Levy collected |
Number |
Levy outstanding |
|
6 |
6 |
€516,950 |
0 |
€0.00 |
6 |
€516,950 4 |
Vacant site levy payments (in respect of 2020 - 7% rate)
|
- |
Demands Issued |
Payments collected |
Payments outstanding |
|||
|
Number of sites liable 2021 |
Number |
Levy due |
Number |
Levy collected |
Number |
Levy outstanding |
|
5 |
5 |
€481,950 |
0 |
€0.00 |
5 |
€481,950 |
208. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if all homeowners who have been accepted on to the defective concrete blocks scheme ahead of the planned enhancements to the scheme will be eligible to receive the enhanced package; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4153/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am supportive of a recommendation of the working group on Defective Concrete Blocks which would allow for enhancements, as announced as part of the Governments decision on the 30th November 2021, to be made available retrospectively to current eligible scheme applicants if applicable.
I aim to bring the required primary legislation to give effect to the enhanced scheme before the Oireachtas as soon as possible with Spring 2022 being the indicative target timeline. Appropriate transitional provisions will be included in the new legislation to provide a mechanism to move applications that are received in the meantime to the revised scheme once it commences.
209. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of complaints that have been made to the Construction Industry Register in each year since it was established; the actions or sanctions that have resulted on foot of these complaints; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4213/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe main objective of the Regulation of Providers of Building Works Bill 2021, is to develop and promote a culture of competence, good practice and compliance with the Building Regulations in the construction sector, which will benefit consumers and the general public. The legislation will require providers of building services to register with the appointed statutory body. This will apply to entities or individuals who hold themselves out for consideration as a provider of building works for both residential and non-residential buildings (subject to the building regulations).
The Bill will allow for complaints against registered builders to be made on a number of grounds – in particular in relation to an entity providing building services in a category in which they are not registered. It provides for a range of proportionate sanctions to be imposed after investigation. Complaints in relation to building regulations will continue to be dealt with under the Building Control Act.
The Bill provides that when the register is operating on a statutory basis, the Admissions and Appeals Board shall publish information in relation to sanctions of registered members as it thinks fit and that the statutory body shall also prepare an annual report of its proceedings under the Act.
The current Construction Industry Register of Ireland (CIRI) register was established in 2014 by the Construction Industry Federation and approximately 800 building and contracting entities are included on the register. This register is voluntary, and is operating on a non-statutory basis. Thenumber of complaints received and actions taken are a matter for CIRI.
210. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will consider the proposal to secure the archives, exhibits and artifacts from a museum (details supplied) and to use them for a national famine museum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4149/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Great Famine was a time which radically altered the course of Irish history and of American history. Many thousands of Irish emigrants fleeing Ireland at that time found refuge and a new home in the United States, and many of these are the ancestors of the 30 million Americans who now claim Irish heritage.
- Ireland’s Great Hunger Museum at Quinnipiac University holds an impressive collection of art, artefacts and literature related to the Famine. Showcasing collections such as these is important in ensuring the story of where the Irish came from is not forgotten. The Museum has played an important role in that process.
I am aware of the challenges facing the museum in recent years and believe that, should the museum not reopen in its current location, it would be important that a new home be found for this collection. The aim should be to re-house the collection so that the works it contains remain accessible to the public and researchers alike. I am aware that there is strong preference amongst the Irish American community for it to remain in the United States. Should another museum or institution be identified to host the collection, my Department would be happy to discuss if there are any ways we can offer support. Other Departments may also wish to consider this.
211. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on whether the continued massing of Russian troops on the border of Ukraine is a cause for real concern (details supplied); if his Department and the Government has a role to play as interlocuter or mediator between Russia and European interests; if Ireland’s ambassadorial team has considered adopting such an initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3851/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland has consistently made clear its support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Along with our EU partners, we have consistently called on Russia to de-escalate the tensions caused by its protracted military build-up. The build-up of Russian troops near its border with Ukraine is a significant cause for concern to us.
It is the fundamental and inalienable right of a sovereign and independent state to chart its own path in the world; to choose its own foreign policy and to make arrangements for the security and defence of its territory. Ireland has made its own choice to be a committed member of the EU. Ireland’s policy of neutrality remains very clear and accepted by our EU partners. In fact, Ireland is one of five EU Member States that pursue a policy of military neutrality. Just as we would not accept another state dictating what foreign or defence policy we choose to follow as a nation, Ukraine has the sovereign right to follow its own foreign and defence policy without interference from outside its borders.
I have been closely engaged in this issue at the EU for many months. I and my EU colleagues discussed the situation in Ukraine most recently at the Foreign Affairs Council on Monday of this week (24 January). The EU is united in its support to Ukraine and its commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty. We have sent a clear message to Russia to defuse tension in the context of their activities on the border of Ukraine, and to give reassurance to the rest of the world on its intentions.
As EU Foreign Ministers, we condemned Russia’s continued aggressive actions and threats against Ukraine. We have also been clear that, should Russia decide to invade Ukraine militarily, there would be severe consequences for such action from an EU perspective, in terms of sanctions and restrictions. These would follow quickly and would have a sustained and significant effect.
212. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if additional staff will be recruited to the passport office given the lengthy delays incurred processing passport applications (details supplied). [4165/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAdequate staffing of the Passport Service to respond to demand is a priority for my Department and is an issue that is kept under constant review.
My Department is actively working with the Public Appointments Service on an ongoing basis to recruit and assign additional staff at all grades to meet the current and forecasted high demand for passports in 2022.
Additional permanent and temporary officers are continuously being assigned to the Passport Service at its sites in Dublin and Cork. I expect that by the end of this month, staffing numbers will be at approximately 775. This is a 70% increase on June of last year. Significant numbers of staff will continue to be assigned to the Passport Service throughout February and into March.
The Irish Passport was recently ranked 5th in the Henley Global Passport Index as it provides our citizens with visa free access to 187 countries. In order to protect the integrity and security of the Irish passport, Passport Service staff continued to work on-site over the past challenging two years to deliver this essential service to our citizens. Despite pandemic-related disruptions, the Passport Service issued over 634,000 passports in 2021.
I am confident that the additional staff that have been assigned and will continue to be recruited over the coming weeks will have a positive impact on processing times, particularly for first time passport applications.
I am aware that there is pent-up demand for passports due to the challenges with international travel over the past two years. I urge citizens to check the validity of their passports before booking travel and to ensure that they apply online in plenty of time. The processing of an online application is consistently up to four times faster than the processing time of a paper application.
213. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent of discussions he has had with European Union colleagues or otherwise through the United Nations with a view to humanitarian intervention in conflict zones globally with particular reference to the need to offer some protection to women and children in areas such as Belarus and Sudan. [57675/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland consistently engages at EU and UN level on the issue of humanitarian support and the protection of women and children in conflict. Ireland also works closely with UN agencies, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and NGOs to save lives and deliver essential assistance in conflict zones.
Ireland is a global champion of Women, Peace and Security and on the Security Council, we have repeatedly drawn attention to the need to protect women and ensure their full, equal and meaningful participation in peace negotiations in countries around the world. As a committed signatory to the Call for Action on the Protection of Women from Gender Based Violence (GBV) in Conflict, Ireland is a leading voice in ensuring that every humanitarian response from the outset includes the policies, systems and mechanisms necessary to prevent and mitigate GBV. Furthermore, through a Strategic Partnership with the International Rescue Committee, Ireland funds life-saving services for women and girl survivors of GBV in five of the most protracted, underfunded humanitarian settings in Africa – South Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia, Kenya and Burundi.
Ireland is also actively engaged in the work of the Security Council’s Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict, and its efforts to protect children in situations of conflict. President Higgins delivered Ireland’s national statement in the annual Security Council Open Debate on Children and Armed Conflict on 28 June, 2021.
In relation to Sudan, at the UN Security Council, Ireland has ensured that protection of civilians and, in particular, women and children, is prioritised both in sanctions discussions, and in the UNITAMS and UNISFA peacekeeping mission mandate renewals. Ireland has also ensured that the voices of Sudan’s leading women’s rights activists are heard in these discussions. Ireland used its platform as president of the Council in September 2021 to call for all UN Member States to enable women and youth to play an active part in the implementation of peace agreements to ensure durability of peace in Sudan and other conflict-affected countries throughout the world. In fact, during Ireland’s Presidency of the Council in September, sixteen of seventeen civil society briefers were women, a new record for women’s participation at the Council. Ireland also supports the work of Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa (SIHA), a coalition of women’s rights activists working to advance the rights of, and address violence against, women and girls in the Horn of Africa.
In relation to Belarus, in 2021, Ireland allocated €100,000 to the IFRC to support the Lithuania Red Cross’ response to the migrant crisis on the Lithuania-Belarus border. In addition, the IFRC launched an operation through their Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) to assist refugees in Lithuania. Ireland is a regular contributor to the DREF and contributed €1 million to this fund in 2021. IFRC has been supporting extremely vulnerable people at the border, including women, persons with disabilities and children – many of them without a parent or guardian. In October 2021, my colleague Minister of State Byrne visited the Lithuanian-Belarussian border, accompanied by members of the Lithuanian Government. In November 2021, Ireland requested, along with EU member states France and Estonia, that the UNSC hold an AOB discussion on Belarus, focused on the ongoing migration issue. Ireland expressed concern about the deteriorating situation at the EU-Belarus border and highlighted the need to prevent a humanitarian crisis unfolding. Ireland also co-sponsored the recent package of sanctions against the Lukashenko regime.
214. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the outcome of talks with persons he and his Department have had in regard to the Northern Ireland Protocol and Brexit. [58659/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra236. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which discussions between the European Union and UK authorities in relation to Brexit continue to be made with a view to ensuring the maximisation of the interests of the island of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4186/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 214 and 236 together.
I had a video call with Foreign Secretary Truss on 13 October on a range of issues including Brexit and the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland. Following her taking responsibility for Brexit policy issues in December 2021, we spoke by phone on 21 December, and met in person in London on 6 January.
During these engagements, I emphasised that Ireland and the EU remain fully committed to providing certainty and stability for people and business in Northern Ireland. I noted that the Protocol is the joint EU–UK solution to mitigate against the disruption Brexit causes for citizens and businesses on the island of Ireland and that it can work if we allow it to.
I also speak regularly with Commission Vice-President Maroš Šefcovic. Most recently we met in Brussels on 24 January, shortly after his latest meeting with the UK Foreign Secretary. I reiterated to him Ireland’s strong support for his approach.
I welcome the recommencement of talks on the Protocol with the meetings of Vice-President Šefcovic and Foreign Secretary Truss. The positive tone from Secretary Truss is welcome, as is her stated determination to find a solution. The decision to have a meeting of the Joint Committee next month along with a continuation of intensified technical talks is a positive development. However, following the package of measures put forward by the European Commission, we need to see the UK Government meaningfully demonstrate its willingness to come to a deal on the key issues
On 25 January, Vice-President Šefcovic briefed the General Affairs Council on his recent engagements with the UK. It was clear the solidarity that has been the hallmark of the EU’s approach to Brexit remains strong.
Reaching an agreed approach on the Protocol could help reduce tensions ahead of the Northern Ireland Assembly elections. I will continue to meet with political business and community leaders to listen to their concerns and to raise them with my counterparts across the EU.
The EU has made clear that it is ready to find flexible ways of implementing the Protocol, but it is not going to renegotiate it. Renegotiation is not necessary in order to solve legitimate challenges experienced by people and businesses in Northern Ireland
A positive outcome to discussions on the Protocol would also be an important factor in allowing us to turn a page and open up a new chapter in a forward-looking EU–UK partnership. There are a range of global challenges which will greatly benefit from the EU and UK working together.
Northern Ireland is seeing the benefits of the Protocol – in jobs and investment announcements. Businesses recognise the opportunities presented by the Protocol and the unique position of having free and full access to both the EU single market and the rest of the UK internal market. The Protocol will work if we allow it to with flexibility and pragmatism.
215. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of the implementation of the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60514/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince its entry into force at the beginning of 2021, the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) has provided a framework for continued trade and cooperation with the UK.
While no agreement could have replaced the seamless relationship with the UK enjoyed prior to Brexit, the TCA provides for tariff- and quota- free goods trade between the EU and the UK as well as preferential arrangements in areas such as transport, energy, fisheries, and policing. The agreement is underpinned by provisions to ensure a continued level playing field for businesses as well as extensive governance structures and processes for resolving any disputes which might arise.
The EU and the UK have been meeting regularly through those governance structures over the past year. A meeting of the EU-UK Partnership Council took place last June, at which the EU was represented by Commission Vice President Maroš Šefcovic and the UK was represented by David Frost. At that meeting, the two sides discussed the implementation of the Agreement, including in the areas of fisheries, work visa fees, law enforcement and judicial cooperation, and the UK’s participation in Union programmes.
All of the Specialised Committees, the forums for EU-UK engagement across each of the areas covered by the agreement, have now met at least once and discussions have largely been productive. Ireland has actively contributed to the preparation of the EU side’s position for those meetings and we continue to follow very closely, with the European Commission, the overall implementation of the agreement.
Effective implementation of the TCA is a priority for Ireland. Not only does it underpin our trade and business relationship with the UK, but it also provides the framework for cooperation in a wide range of areas of significance to us. It also provides a platform for developing further cooperation into the future.
Reaching an agreed approach on the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland will be an important factor in allowing us all to turn a page and open up a new chapter in a forward-looking EU-UK partnership. There are a range of global challenges which we will all be better equipped to address with the EU and the UK working together.
216. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of efforts to resolve the situation involving a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4021/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere has been extensive engagement on the referenced case at the most senior political and diplomatic levels. I can assure the Deputy that all possible efforts continue to be made through multiple channels – by myself as Minister and at senior political levels here in Dublin; as well as by our diplomats in Beijing, Shanghai and elsewhere throughout our diplomatic network.
This includes my discussions with the Chinese Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Wang Yi, when I met him in May during my visit to China, as well as my correspondence since then with the Minister reiterating my continuing serious concern about the case. There has also been communication at the Head of Government level by An Taoiseach.
In all cases, our engagement has stressed the urgent importance of the citizen being allowed to return home as soon as possible. In the meantime, the Department of Foreign Affairs has been providing ongoing consular advice, support and assistance to the citizen concerned.
As with all consular cases, it would not be appropriate to discuss the specific details of the case, nor to comment publicly on any matters raised that are related to it.
217. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his Department has commissioned any polling of the general public related to possible or existing policies within the remit of his Department for the period 1 January 2021 to date; if so, if he will provide details of the policies; the costs incurred for each individual poll; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4044/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraNo polling of the general public related to possible or existing policies has been commissioned by my Department for the period 1 January 2021 to date.
218. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will set out the aid being delivered to the people of Afghanistan who are facing starvation at present; if Ireland has taken a specific initiative in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4083/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am extremely concerned by the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, which now has the highest number of people in emergency food insecurity in the world.
Ireland through its Official Development Assistance (ODA) programme, Irish Aid, provided over €5.3 million in humanitarian support for the people of Afghanistan in 2021 - a fivefold increase compared to spending in 2020. This funding was allocated to the UN High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), the UN Afghanistan Humanitarian Fund (AHF), UNICEF, Concern Worldwide and HALO Trust. Our partners in Afghanistan are implementing emergency response programmes to address the urgent needs of the population, including providing food aid, treatment for severe acute malnutrition in children, and other essential services. A donor-pledging conference on Afghanistan is likely to take place in March and Ireland will participate.
Ireland is also contributing to the EU response, which allocated more than €1 billion in funding last year to UN agencies and NGOs working in Afghanistan for humanitarian aid and to support basic needs. The EU also established a humanitarian air bridge that delivered 280 tonnes of lifesaving supplies.
In addition, Ireland contributes to global funds and core funding to key agencies that allocate funding to Afghanistan, including WHO, UNHCR, IFRC, ICRC and the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF). Ireland was the 9th largest donor to the CERF in 2021, providing €11 million. Since August, the CERF has allocated more than €68.6 million to Afghanistan. This year we will renew our multiyear partnership with CERF and increase our annual contribution from €10m to €11.5m, as I announced at the CERF pledging conference in December.
Ireland supports all initiatives to alleviate the suffering of the Afghan people. At the UN Security Council, we actively engaged in negotiations to ensure a clear and robust humanitarian carve out to the sanctions regime against the Taliban to ensure the delivery of essential humanitarian aid to the population. The resolution was adopted in December.
219. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the source of the core funding for the operation of the North West Strategic Growth Partnership; the way that it is structured; and the details of the recurring funds. [4104/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe November 2015 Fresh Start Agreement reaffirmed a commitment of the Irish Government to support the regional development work of the North West Gateway Initiative involving Donegal County Council and Derry City and Strabane District Council. The Agreement also made a commitment to establish a North West Development Fund and for the Irish Government to provide €2.5 million to the Fund, to be complemented by matching funding from the Northern Ireland Executive. The initial Irish Government contribution of €2.5 million, from the Department of Foreign Affairs, was transferred to Derry City and Strabane District Council in December 2015.
Operated jointly by Donegal County Council and Derry City and Strabane District Council, the Fund is used to support three main pillars in the North West: Regional Economic Growth, Regional Physical Development and Regional Social and Community Well-Being. It is not intended for capital projects; rather it is intended to animate proposals, business cases and processes that are strategically relevant for the overall health and growth of the North West region.
The Fund has been established under the principle of subsidiarity and ‘place-based leadership’, that decisions for the region are best made locally and that spend priorities will be identified and agreed between the two Councils.
In line with a condition of the transfer of Government funding in December 2015, the Fund is subject to full audit and governance arrangements, under a Partnership Agreement between the two regional Councils, who operate the Fund. A Terms of Reference covers all relevant aspects of Fund management, including annual monitoring, expenditure and approval limits, delegated authority and all associated legal, financial and equality implications.
Individual projects are assessed, monitored and managed by officials from Derry City and Strabane District Council and Donegal County Council and progress against key performance indicators is reported to the North West Strategic Growth Partnership, which brings together senior Government officials from relevant Departments North and South, the CEOs of both Councils, and other stakeholders to deliver on the strategic priorities. Officials from the Joint Secretariat of the North South Ministerial Council also continue to attend meetings of the North West Strategic Growth Partnership.
The North West Development Fund has delivered on a range of initiatives including joint research on the impact of Brexit on the North West region, joint trade missions and greenway projects.
As part of the New Decade, New Approach agreement in January 2020 the Irish Government committed to continue its support for the work of the North West Strategic Growth Partnership and in principle to provide further funding to the North West Development Fund in collaboration with the Northern Ireland Executive.
Reflecting this commitment, in October 2021 the Irish Government, through the Department of Foreign Affairs, contributed an additional allocation of €1 million to the North West Development Fund. This allocation is intended to supplement the original allocation of €2.5 million provided by the Irish Government in 2015, to facilitate the extension of the current phase of the Fund in accordance with the established financial management and governance procedures, and to allow the continuation of activities supported by the Fund up to the end of 2022.
220. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he and or his officials staff met with Russian officials, diplomats or military staff in respect of Russian plans to conduct artillery drills off the coast of this jurisdiction (details supplied); if so, if he will publish minutes and or memos attached to those meetings; and if he will provide the date on which he was informed of Russian plans to conduct these drills. [4135/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra222. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which concerns are being expressed to the Russian authorities in regard to the use of a sea area close to Irish territorial waters for military manoeuvres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4172/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 220 and 222 together.
The Government is aware of planned Russian naval exercises taking place off the south west coast of Ireland in early February. The exercises are not taking place within Ireland’s territorial waters, but 240 kilometres off the south west coast and within Ireland’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
Under international law, states are entitled to freedom of navigation in another state’s EEZ, having due regard to the rights and duties of the coastal state. The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) was informed of the exercise via standard procedures and issued a statement to that effect.
However, in light of the current political and security environment in Europe, I have raised a number of concerns with the Russian Ambassador to Ireland in respect of these exercises. Officials from my Department, including the Secretary General of the Department of Foreign Affairs, have also held several additional discussions with the Russian Ambassador in this regard.
In the course of these conversations, I have clearly outlined to the Russian Ambassador our concerns in relation to both the timing and the nature of these planned naval exercises. As I have previously stated, we find ourselves at a moment when there is a need for de-escalation, to lower tensions and to avoid military activity that could be seen as unhelpful.
During the meeting of EU Foreign Ministers in Brussels, our discussions focused on the security situation in Europe, with a focus on Ukraine. During the discussions, I also informed my EU colleagues about the planned Russian naval exercises.
221. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the conference in Oslo with Afghan representatives regarding humanitarian relief for the Afghan people; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4139/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraNorway, the current chair of the UN Security Council, initiated a set of talks in Oslo from 23 to 25 January, with the stated goal of taking steps towards addressing the humanitarian situation in the country, as well as engaging the Taliban on human rights issues, especially girls’ schooling and women’s participation in society. The talks comprised three strands, involving representatives of the Taliban, representatives of Afghan civil society, and representatives of the governments of Norway, France, Germany, Italy, the UK, and the US. The EU also took part in some of these talks, represented by its Special Envoy for Afghanistan Tomas Niklasson.
EU Special Envoy Niklasson has already had a number of meetings with Taliban representatives in Doha, in line with the EU’s five benchmarks for engagement with the Taliban agreed by Foreign Ministers in September 2021. In his meetings, Special Envoy Niklasson continues to emphasise the need for the Taliban to respect the human rights of all Afghans as well as discussing the humanitarian and ‘humanitarian plus’ assistance that the EU is providing for Afghanistan through UN agencies, international organisations, and NGOs. In his meeting with the Taliban representatives who travelled to Oslo, he again raised human rights concerns and he reconfirmed that the EU would continue its humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan, calling for further meetings moving forward, as well as discussing Taliban engagement with UN-appointed special rapporteurs.
Since the Taliban seizure of power last August, the EU and Member States have allocated more than €1 billion in funding to UN agencies and NGOs working in Afghanistan, for both humanitarian aid and for supporting basic needs (‘humanitarian plus’). The EU also established a humanitarian air bridge that in 2021 delivered 280 tonnes of lifesaving medication, food and equipment against COVID-19 to Afghanistan. The EU has re-established a minimal diplomatic presence in Kabul in recent days, in order to better engage with the Taliban-appointed caretaker cabinet on humanitarian and human rights issues.
