Written Answers Nos. 429-448
429. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the outcome of his discussions with the Russian Ambassador and at the European Union Foreign Affairs Council in relation to the proposed Russian naval exercises in February 2022 off the south west coast; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4241/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraLast week, following extensive contact with the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Dublin, I wrote to the Minister of Defence of Russia, Sergey Shoygu, to request a reconsideration of the planned Russian naval exercises off the Irish coast.
I raised a number of concerns in respect of these exercises, notably in light of the current political and security situation in Europe. I also drew attention to the concerns of the Government and other stakeholders in respect of the potential impact on fisheries and on other marine life in the area in question of the planned exercises.
On 29 January I received a response from Minister Shoygu, confirming that the exercise will be relocated outside of Ireland’s Exclusive Economic Zone. I have welcomed this response.
More broadly, Ireland remains concerned at the wider security situation in Europe. Together with our EU partners, our focus remains on diplomacy and de-escalation and the ongoing efforts in this regard.
430. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of extra staff that have been allocated for the passport office out of the 300 committed to in November 2021 to deal with the backlog of passport applications and anticipated increase in demand ahead of the summer months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4262/22]
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. As of 31 January, the number of staff was over 760. While this is slightly lower than the estimated number previously provided, as not all assignments which have been offered were accepted by applicants, significant numbers of staff will continue to be assigned to the Passport Service in the coming weeks and months with the goal of doubling staff numbers from June 2021 levels.
In addition, the Passport Service is engaged in intensive training of new and existing staff to ensure that they have the resources to process the volume of complex applications anticipated this year.
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.
Despite pandemic-related disruptions, the Passport Service issued over 634,000 passports in 2021. Passport Service figures show that 45% of adult online renewal applications are processed in one working day, while 99% of child online renewal applications are issued within fifteen working days.
When passport applicants do not provide all of the required documentation to the Passport Service, unfortunately, it can take much longer than the average processing time to process the application and issue a passport. There are currently 115,000 applications on hand with the Passport Service. Of these, 49,000 or 42% are incomplete applications. In these cases, the onus is on the applicants to submit required documentation to complete the application so that their passport can be issued. The experience of the Passport Service is that it can take weeks and sometimes months to receive the necessary documents after an applicant applies online.
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 renewal application is consistently up to four times faster than the processing time of a paper application. It is important for applicants to follow up on their online application by submitting any required additional documents to the Passport Service in a timely manner.
431. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if Ireland is committed to ensuring peace and stability in Bosnia-Herzegovina; his views on the recent actions by the President of Republika Srpska in this context; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4267/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland remains unequivocally committed to the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Bosnia- Herzegovina. As a member of the UN Security Council, we are actively engaged in efforts to promote greater dialogue and political stability within Bosnia-Herzegovina as well as support for the Institutions established under the Dayton Peace Accords. Ireland also contributes a small number of PDF personnel to the important EUFOR Althea Mission whose mandate was renewed by the Security Council last October.
Along with our EU and international Partners, Ireland shares the concerns regarding the growing polarisation and divisive actions being taken by certain parties within Bosnia-Herzegovina and which is manifest in the current refusal of the Republika Srpska authorities, led by President Dodik, to participate fully in the State Institutions. It is welcome that President Dodik has given some recent indications of his willingness for the Republika Srpska authorities to return to full participation in the Institutions. Pressure, however, will need to be maintained by the EU, US and international community to ensure that this commitment is now followed through.
There is an obligation on all parties within Bosnia-Herzegovina to work actively to lower current political tensions within the country and to cooperate to advance work on the EU reform agenda which remains critical for advancing the country’s political and economic fortunes.
In this regard, Ireland fully support the efforts being undertaken by EU Special Representative Sattler and High Representative Christian Schmidt to get all the parties engaging in constructive dialogue on how to address the many challenges facing Bosnia-Herzegovina.
I would also call on all those who can, particularly among Bosnia-Herzegovina’s neighbours and regional partners, to continue to exert influence and encourage dialogue to reduce current tensions.
432. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is satisfied that Ireland is advocating sufficiently with the United States of America administration in relation to Irish issues; if his attention has been drawn to recent comments by an organisation (details supplied) on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4273/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland's relationship with the United States has been of critical importance for successive Governments and continues to be an important priority for the current Government. The key priorities and objectives for this relationship are set out in the Government's United States and Canada Strategy 2019-2025. Under this strategy, we have reinforced our network of eight offices across the US, including opening a new Consulate General in Los Angelus in 2018 and the opening in summer 2022 of a new Consulate General in Miami.
We have a broad range of priorities in our relations with the United States including: high level political engagement, in particular in support of the peace process in Northern Ireland; economic promotion; and in support of our citizens and the broader Irish American diaspora.
There is ongoing advocacy and engagement at every level with the US administration and political leaders. During his St. Patrick's Day virtual visit last year, the Taoiseach raised a number of priority issues directly with President Biden, including the need to identify immigration pathways. I also advocated strongly on a number of important issues, including on Brexit and Northern Ireland and on immigration, at meetings on Capitol Hill on my most recent visit to Washington D.C. These high level engagements will continue as we maintain close relations with Members of the US Congress, and as we seek opportunities to deepen and strengthen our bilateral relations with President Biden's Administration.
Our Embassy in Washington D.C. is actively engaged across the political spectrum in the US, meeting regularly with both Members of the House of Representatives and of the Senate on a bipartisan basis. The efforts of the Embassy have been instrumental in ensuring consistent priority and support at the highest political level to protect peace on the island. They also continue to work towards finding innovative solutions and immigration pathways to address the challenges faced by the undocumented Irish in the US.
Through our Embassy in Washington, D.C., as well as our Consulates across the US, my Department works closely in support of Irish and Irish American groups across the United States. These include a wide breadth of organisations who support the Irish and Irish American communities in many ways. Engagement in support of our diaspora community in the US is a key platform for the delivery of our Diaspora Strategy 2020-2025.
The Government continues to provide support and significant annual funding through the Government’s Emigrant Support Programme to the US Coalition of Irish Immigration Centers, which provides support to Irish citizens, in particular to the undocumented Irish who are seeking to regularise their status. Last year, in response to the pandemic, a dedicated COVID-19 Response Fund for Irish Communities Abroad was set up to help these organisations meet the needs of those who are particularly vulnerable. In 2021, over €4.2m was paid to diaspora organisations in the US for emigrant support and Covid-19 related projects.
In relation to the named organisation, the Embassy in Washington DC and our network of Consulates, all work closely with this organisation, and are engaging actively with its membership. The Ambassador recently received an award from its Washington chapter in recognition of the Embassy’s work in support of Irish America. There is a longstanding history of cooperation with them on Irish issues. We will continue to support and engage with this organisation and other Irish community groups, to support the needs of Irish citizens and our diaspora community in the US.
433. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a foreign birth registration application (details supplied). [4284/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe processing of Foreign Birth Registration has resumed and will be gradually scaling up in line with the recruitment of additional resources. Due to the complex nature of the Foreign Birth Registration process, the large increase in applications received following the Brexit vote in the UK, and the pause in the Service due to necessary Covid-19 restrictions, applicants should allow approximately 2 years from the receipt of supporting documentation for processing of Foreign Birth Registration applications at this time. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, and the subsequent reassignment of Foreign Birth Registration staff to assist in the provision of essential passport services, the Foreign Birth Registration Service was paused for nearly 15 months across the 2020-2021 period.
The application referenced was registered on 16 July 2021, and is awaiting processing. All documentation received is being stored in a secure environment. Foreign Birth Registration staff continue to provide an emergency service for Foreign Birth Registration in cases of exceptional urgency, such as expectant parents, or stateless persons. Applicants who require an emergency service may contact the Passport Service directly.
My Department is fully committed to the continued allocation of additional resources over the coming period to assist with the processing of the Foreign Birth Registration applications currently on hand and the high volume of new applications anticipated this year.
434. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if a passport will issue for a person (details supplied) and their parents’ passports returned without further delay. [4481/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraWith regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service has issued a passport to the applicant and returned their parents' documents as requested.
435. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when a first-time online passport for a minor (details supplied) which was received by the Passport Office on 11 October 2021 will be dispatched particularly as the estimated issue date was 24 December 2021; the reason for the delay in this case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4508/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra440. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when a passport application by a person's (details supplied) will be processed; the reason for the delay in same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5059/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 435 and 440 together.
With regard to the specific applications about which the Deputies have enquired, the Passport Service has provided an update to the applicants' guardians as to the steps they must take to progress their children's passport applications. The Passport Service cannot process these applications until the required supporting documents have been received.
436. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when a passport for a child (details supplied) will be dispatched given that it has been with the checking team since 7 January 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4510/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra438. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will review a passport application by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4737/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 436 and 438 together.
With regard to the specific applications about which Deputies have enquired, the Passport Service has issued passports to the applicants.
437. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps he has taken to repatriate a person (details supplied); if he and or his officials will engage with officials in the Algerian embassy regarding facilitating a pathway for a person to return to Ireland; and if he will develop a solution in order for the person to make an application for an Irish passport. [4592/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that my Department is aware of the case raised by the Deputy.
Ireland's Embassy in Berne, which is also accredited to Algeria, is engaging with the named person. My Department's Consular Assistance Unit also stands ready to provide support to the person's family in Ireland and can be contacted directly on (01) 4082527.
As with all consular cases, I cannot comment on the specific details of the case.
439. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide a list of Acts or sections or other provisions of Acts for which a commencement order has yet to be signed in his Department; the reason for the delay; when commencement orders will be signed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4761/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraSpecific provisions of Acts under my Department that have not yet been commenced include Sections 14(8) and 14(9) of the Passports Act 2008. These Sections of the Passports Act, if commenced, would provide that guardians’ consent to the issuing of a passport would be considered to be enduring for the child up to the age of 18. These provisions will be considered as part of the Passport Reform Programme which will run until the end of 2025.
The Withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union (Consequential Provisions) Act 2020 was enacted on 10 December 2020 to address the wide range of complex issues that could arise for citizens and businesses at the end of the Brexit transition period. The Act consists of 22 Parts under the remits of 10 Ministers. Parts 1, 2, 4 to 12 and 14 to 22 of the Act have been commenced. It has not been necessary to commence Parts 3 and 13 of the Act because of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement reached between the EU and the UK.
The Withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union (Consequential Provisions) Act 2019 was enacted on 17 March 2019 as part of the Government’s preparations for a possible no deal Brexit in 2019. The Act consists of 15 Parts under the remits of nine Ministers. Parts 1, 14 and 15 were subsequently commenced while Part 3 was repealed and its provisions addressed in the Industrial Development (Amendment) Act 2019. The remaining Parts of the Act were not commenced as the Agreement on the Withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union was concluded and entered into force. Those Parts of the 2019 Act that are spent, cannot be commenced following the entry into force of the Withdrawal Agreement, or are superseded by provisions in other legislation are repealed by the 2020 Act.
The Maritime Jurisdiction Act 2021 was commenced by order on 17 November 2021. The Maritime Jurisdiction Act 2021 (Commencement) Order 2021 fixed 22 November 2021 as the day on which all provisions of the Act except sections 32 and 33 came into operation. Sections 32 and 33 provide for amendment of two provisions of other enactments which themselves have yet to be commenced (s. 2 of the Merchant Shipping (Registration of Ships) Act 2014 and s. 6 of the Minerals Development Act 2017). Sections 32 and 33 may only be commenced once those provisions have also been commenced.’
441. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if a passport will be processed on time for a child (details supplied) in County Mayo in view of the fact that this child is due to travel with their school. [5140/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraWith regard to the passport application about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service has provided an update on the status of the application to the applicant's parent.
442. Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Defence the steps he plans to take to ensure that the Naval Service has access to a primary radar system as referenced in the 2015 White Paper on Defence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4396/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe White Paper on Defence 2015 set out the defence policy framework and practical vision over a ten year period. In relation to radar the White Paper states that should additional funding become available, the development of a radar surveillance capability for the Air Corps is a priority.
The Equipment Development Plan (EDP) published in June 2020 was completed following extensive joint civil-military work. It provides a comprehensive list of planned equipment projects which will be progressed over five years. This plan builds on the intentions set out in the White Paper in relation to equipment acquisition, modernisation and upgrade and has been developed to ensure that our Defence Forces have the major equipment platforms, ancillary equipment and force protection equipment to carry out their important roles both at home and overseas.
The recently acquired three Pilatus PC-12 aircraft play a key role in the Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) area providing a substantially increased capability with their state of the art surveillance technology. A contract for the supply of two C295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft to replace the two Casa 235s was signed with Airbus in 2019, with delivery of the aircraft expected in 2023. These C295s are larger and more capable aircraft than those they replace and will further enable the Air Corps to conduct maritime patrols and surveillance across Ireland's area of maritime interest, with enhanced capabilities.
I am advised by the Military Authorities that the Defence Forces operate many different types of radar systems. The Naval Service use maritime surface search radar and the Recognised Maritime Picture (RMP) systems for surveillance and tracking.
It remains Government policy, as per the 2015 White Paper on Defence, that should additional funding, beyond that provided for in existing plans becomes available, the development of a radar surveillance capability for the Air Corps, will be considered.
Following a commitment given in the Programme for Government a Commission on the Defence Forces was established by Government in December 2020 and their report is expected soon. The Commission's terms of reference included the consideration of appropriate capabilities, structures and staffing for the Defence Forces. Their report will be fully considered when received and will inform decisions regarding the future development of the Defence Forces.
443. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Defence the number of vacant electrical artificers' positions that are currently vacant within the Naval Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4554/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the military authorities that, within an establishment of 44, there are currently 18 Electrical Artificer vacancies in the Naval Service.
The Defence Forces recruit Electrical Artificers internally through the Trainee Technician Scheme and, externally, through Direct Entry Competition. The current direct entry Electrical Artificer competition is one of eight being utilised by the Naval Service. There is annual internal recruitment through the Trainee Technician Scheme.
I have acknowledged current staffing issues within the Defence Forces, particularly within the Naval Service and have introduced a range of recruitment and retention measures that have been, and continue to be, taken to address such issues.
Additionally, the Commission on the Defence Forces is finalising its work with a view to completing their Report as soon as possible. The Commission’s Report, when submitted, will be fully considered at that point.
The Government remains committed to retaining the capacity of the Defence Forces to operate effectively.
444. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Defence the military exercises by states other than Ireland that have taken place within Ireland’s exclusive economic zone over the past 20 years by date. [4562/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMilitary exercises or manoeuvres are traditionally recognized as being a part of the freedom of the high seas as captured in article 87 under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). These rights are transcribed directly into the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of coastal states.
Under international law, including UNCLOS, states are entitled to carry out naval exercises in another state’s EEZ. It is not unusual for naval ships or vessels of other States to carry out training exercises within the Irish EEZ or to passage through this area. This is not in any way an infringement of our national territory.
While foreign militaries are not obliged in most cases to inform the coastal authorities of their proposed activities, the Naval Service has collated some data in relation to encounters with foreign navies in the Irish EEZ over the past few years. However, I will not be releasing any specific details in relation to activities of foreign militaries that are held by the Naval Service. I can confirm that encounters with foreign militaries in the Irish EEZ include sightings, planned visits to Ireland and hailing for information gathering.
445. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide a list of Acts or sections or other provisions of Acts for which a commencement order has yet to be signed in his Department; the reason for the delay; when commencement orders will be signed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4756/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn relation to the Department of Defence, the only Acts or provisions of Acts for which a commencement order has yet to be signed is the Defence (Amendment) Act 2021 which was signed into law by the President on 9 November 2021.
In order to give full effect to the provisions of this Act, there is a requirement to prepare amendments to certain Defence Force Regulations. These amendments are currently being finalised. Following the completion of these amendments, the commencement order for this legislation will be signed.
The Defence (Amendment) Act 2021 includes provisions relating to overseas operations and the enlistment of minors in the Defence Forces, along with other amendments to the Defence Acts. In addition, the Act provides for an enhancement of the role of the Reserve Defence Force in support of the Permanent Defence Force as well as removing the absolute prohibitions within the Defence Acts on members of the Reserve serving overseas.
446. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Defence if he has received a report from the Chief of Staff regarding his recent engagement with the Russian ambassador; if he sanctioned this high level contact in advance; the subject matters discussed; his views on the appropriateness of this engagement at this time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4801/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe meeting between the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces on 21 January was one of series of routine courtesy meetings which the new Chief of Staff has been holding with foreign ambassadors and/or defence attachés since his appointment last September.
It is normal practice that foreign ambassadors and/or defence attachés would pay routine courtesy calls on a newly appointed Chief of Staff. Since his appointment, the Chief of Staff has met ambassadors or defence attachés from a number of countries and a number of other similar meetings are scheduled for the coming weeks.
Decisions concerning meetings between the Chief of Staff and foreign ambassadors is a matter for the Chief of Staff.
As this meeting was a routine courtesy meeting, which had been scheduled for some time, and one in a series of such meetings, there is no suggestion that its timing was planned to coincide with any announcement of Russian military exercises off the Irish coast or recent Russian troop movements on the Ukrainian border.
I subsequently discussed the meeting with the Chief of Staff. It is not the practice generally to disclose the detail of the discussions conducted in the course of diplomatic engagements. However, this was purely a courtesy call and I can confirm that there was no discussion in the course of this meeting about the forthcoming Russian naval exercises in the Atlantic.
447. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Defence the current position in relation to the replacement of the LÉ Eithne with a multipurpose vessel; the timelines for the commissioning of the new replacement vessel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4884/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service is maintained and developed to enable the Defence Forces to carry out their roles as assigned by Government, including overseas deployments.
The Naval Service is the State's principal sea-going agency and is tasked with a variety of defence and other roles. There are nine ships in the fleet, with LÉ Eithne and LÉ Orla currently in operational reserve while LÉ Niamh has commenced a mid-life refit and upgrade programme.
The White Paper on Defence sets out an ambitious programme of capital investment in the Naval Service. The Defence Equipment Development Plan (EDP) provides a comprehensive list of planned equipment projects which will be progressed over five years. This plan builds on the intentions set out in the White Paper in relation to equipment acquisition, modernisation and upgrade and has been developed to ensure that our Defence Forces have the major equipment platforms, ancillary equipment and force protection equipment to carry out their important roles both at home and overseas.
The replacement of the flagship LÉ Eithne with a multi-role vessel, MRV, is an important element of the EDP and is provided for in the Government's National Development Plan as a major capital project. It is the 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. Work on this project is underway and will inform a public tender competition in due course. The overall time estimated for the procurement and build stages on projects of this nature is generally expected to take between 4 to 6 years.
448. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Defence if his Department has conducted a re-evaluation of the requirement for airlift capacity by the Air Corps subsequent to the deployment of an emergency civil assistance team to Kabul in August 2021; if he is considering recommending to Government the purchasing of a suitable aircraft or aircrafts for such purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4885/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Emergency Civil Assistance Team which was led by the Department of Foreign Affairs and deployed to Kabul last August received transport assistance from our EU partners, France and Finland. It is not unusual for small countries such as ours to receive this type of support from larger partners in relation to overseas deployments and crisis management scenarios.
My priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service is maintained and developed. Equipment priorities for the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service are being considered in the context of the lifetime of the White Paper on Defence as part of the capability development and Equipment Development Planning (EDP) process. Further additions to the Equipment Development Plan are currently under consideration.
The Department of Defence has received a capital allocation under the National Development Plan of €566m over the 2022-2025 timeframe. There are a number of defensive equipment acquisition and upgrade projects which will come to fruition during this period. In relation to air-based capability, alongside the recently acquired PC-12 aircraft delivery of two C295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft is expected in 2023.
An inter Departmental Group was convened last year to examine options, in line with the Public Spending Code, for the future provision of an independent, international air transport service for use by the President and Government. The Learjet 45 is the primary aircraft providing this facility along with supplementary military transports and air ambulance services. This aircraft which has been in continuous operation since 2004 is now nearing the end of its natural life.
The capability of the aircraft to carry out a broader utility role such as the deployment of an Emergency Civil Assistance Team is also being examined by the Group. However no decisions have yet been made in respect of the purchase of aircraft. As with all capital investment decisions costing over €10 million, the requirements of the Public Spending Code would need to be met, covering the various steps required in assessing the viability of the proposal and those associated with relevant decision-making and potential subsequent public investment in any additional aircraft.
The Group is chaired by my Department and also comprises representatives from the Departments of the Taoiseach, Public Expenditure and Reform, Transport and Foreign Affairs.
The Group is expected to make a recommendation to Government later this year.
