Patricia Ryan
Ceist:148. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the proposed timeframe to honour the Government commitment to recognise the state of Palestine. [23623/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraForeign Policy
Ceisteanna (148)
Freagraí scríofa
The Government remains committed to advancing a two-State solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in line with the agreed parameters for a resolution. I am clear on this in my engagement with both Israel and the Palestinian Authority.
As I have previously stated, our commitment is to recognise a State of Palestine as part of a lasting settlement of the conflict, or when we believe doing so will progress efforts to reach a two-State solution or protect the integrity of Palestinian territory. In the absence of progress towards a two-State solution, I would be prepared to recommend to the Government recognition by Ireland of a State of Palestine, if and when it might be helpful, and this is a matter which I discuss regularly with EU colleagues.
If recognition by Ireland happened outside the context of an overall peace agreement, this would be likely to have an adverse effect on Ireland’s influence on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict at EU and international level. The timing and context of any such decision would affect whether such a loss of influence would be matched by a commensurate benefit for the Palestinian people and a positive impact on the peace process and a two-State solution.
Official Engagements
Ceisteanna (149)
Patricia Ryan
Ceist:149. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on recent discussions he has had regarding the proposed convention on the rights of older persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23630/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Ireland is committed to strengthening the protection of the human rights of older persons and to promoting a better mainstreaming of the human rights of older persons through the work of the UN.
We engage with the Open Ended Working Group on Aging through the European Union, in partnership with fellow EU Member States. The Group considers the existing international framework of the human rights of older persons and identifies possible gaps and how best to address them, including by considering, as appropriate, the feasibility of further instruments and measures.
I believe it is important that existing human rights instruments are effectively implemented; to improve the situation of older persons, to make their contributions and their needs more visible, and to strengthen the protection of their human rights.
Ireland and our fellow EU Member States consider that regular, coherent and comprehensive discussions within the UN on aging issues are key in order to identify adequate and sustainable solutions for the needs of older persons.
The statement delivered by the EU on behalf of its Member States and others at the 12th working session (11-14 April 2022) is published on the relevant UN website: social.un.org/ageing-working-group/ . In the statement, the EU, inter alia, outlined initiatives at EU level that further the overall goals of the UN Open Ended Working Group on Aging including the proposed Equal Treatment Directive which covers non-discrimination on all grounds, including age, in essential fields such as education, health care and access to and supply of goods and services available to the public, including housing.
Passport Services
Ceisteanna (150)
Gerald Nash
Ceist:150. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the problems experienced by his officials in the Passport Office who have difficulty making contact with gardaí in part-time stations in order to verify consent forms for first-time passport applications for minors (details supplied); if he plans to engage with the Minister for Justice and the Garda Commissioner on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23695/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
There are certain passport applications for applicants resident in Ireland that require forms to be witnessed by a member of An Garda Síochána. These applications include:
- All Passport Express applications - Section 9 Certificate of Identity
- First time adult online applications - Identity Verification Form
- First time child online applications - Child Passport Identity and Consent Form (Guardian A)
The witnessing of these forms is a vital element of the identity verification process for the Passport Service, as it provides initial assurance that the person in the photograph is the same person presenting to submit the passport application form.
In the case of an application for a minor the witnessing of this form provides evidence that guardians give consent for a passport to be issued to the child. In order to protect the integrity of the Irish passport and also the rights of parents or guardians and children, it is important that forms are correctly completed and verified by the Passport Service by calling the Garda station to confirm the Garda's signature.
It is stated in a note to the witness on the Identity and Consent forms that they may be contacted to confirm the validity of their signature. It is the responsibility of the witnessing Garda to ensure that the signature is correctly recorded in the logbook, so that when the Passport Service calls at a later date the signature can be verified.
There are a small number of cases where the Passport Service has difficulty contacting a Garda station in order to verify the Garda's signature. Whilst the Passport Service makes every effort to contact the Garda station in these cases, unfortunately, the passport application may be delayed. In some cases, the applicant may be requested to submit a new witnessed form where the Passport Service has been unable to contact the Garda station. A new document management system that was put in place at the beginning of March is ensuring that these applications which require further documents are being turned around within 15 working days of receipt of the additional documents.
The Passport Service is continuously looking at ways to make the application process easier for child applicants and advises during the online application process to make sure that the consent form is correctly witnessed once they have completed the online process. It is not the experience of the Passport Service that contacting part-time garda stations to verify witnesses is a widespread issue.
The Passport Service provides instructions on how to correctly complete these forms on the Department's website dfa.ie/passports/how-to-get-your-application-witnessed/).
The Passport Service is also working on public education materials, including video tutorials, with a view to assisting applicants to complete their application correctly. These materials will include information on correctly completing the Child Identity and Consent form.
In addition to this, the Passport Service maintains a close working relationship with An Garda Síochána and regularly offers training and guidance to Gardaí on the correct completion of the required identity and consent forms.
The Passport Service published a full-page informational advertisement in the April and May editions of An Garda Síochána’s magazine, the Garda Review, to assist Gardaí with the process of witnessing passport Identity and Consent forms. This advertisement includes the information that Passport Service will ring the Garda station to verify all first time passport applicants’ consent form details.
The Passport Service takes its responsibility to protect the integrity of the Irish passport very seriously. The Irish passport has a strong international reputation due to the strength of the security features within the passport book and the robust processes involved in its issuance. 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.
There are no plans at present to amend the process for the witnessing of Identity and Consent forms by An Garda Síochána.
Foreign Birth Registration
Ceisteanna (151)
Thomas Pringle
Ceist:151. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when a person (details supplied) will receive a decision on their Irish citizenship application which was submitted in April 2020. [23713/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department is responsible for citizenship by descent through the Foreign Births Register under the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended.
The 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 of the father in this case was approved and entered into the Foreign Births Register on 27 April 2020. The applicant is an Irish citizen from date of entry onto the Register. A Foreign Birth Registration certificate will issue to the applicant in the coming days. The applications of the children were received on 29 September 2020, and are being stored in a secure environment.
The FBR service operates a transparent general policy of processing applications in order of receipt. FBR staff continue to provide an emergency service for Foreign Birth Registration in cases of exceptional urgency, such as expectant parents, or stateless persons. Such applicants may continue to 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.
Question No. 152 answered with Question No. 139.
Question No. 153 answered with Question No. 139.
Question No. 154 answered with Question No. 136.
Wildlife Conservation
Ceisteanna (155)
Holly Cairns
Ceist:155. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his Department and public bodies and agencies that operate under his remit have policies in place to install artificial structures that provide shelter and habitat space for wild species such as, but not limited to, insect hotels, bat boxes, nesting towers and beehives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23856/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Department of Foreign Affairs is committed to climate action, sustainability and measures to support biodiversity across all our policy areas and in relation to property matters. Biodiversity is mainstreamed across the Irish Aid programme and key measures include our advocacy for sustainable food systems. Ireland played a leading role in the run-up to the September 2021 UN Sustainable Food Systems Summit.
In July 2019 my Department launched its Green Foreign Ministry initiative aimed at mainstreaming and enhancing sustainability right across HQ and Ireland’s diplomatic missions. We are working to achieve recognition nationally and internationally as a foreign ministry with strong green credentials. The Department’s property strategy 2021-2025 also has a core commitment to increasing the sustainability of our buildings across the globe.
The headquarters premises of the Department of Foreign Affairs are provided by the Office of Public Works and we rely on OPW to maintain them. While the Department has no formal policies in place of the type referred-to by the Deputy, with the advice and support of OPW we installed beehives on a trial basis at one of our Dublin city centre premises in 2021. We also intend doing so at the rear of Iveagh House later this year when the garden there is reinstated following essential renovations to the building's roof and front and rear façades. Depending on the success of these trials we will consider what other measures may be put in place at our premises to support and encourage bees and other wildlife.
There are no public bodies or agencies under the remit of my Department.
Ukraine War
Ceisteanna (156)
Patricia Ryan
Ceist:156. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Defence if any refugees are being housed or intended to be housed in properties in the ownership of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23617/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
At present, the Defence Forces and my Department are providing accommodation supports at Gormanston, Co Meath which is ready for occupation as required and are facilitating access by Kerry County Council to aspects of Ballymullen barracks in Tralee, Co. Kerry. Similarly lands at Knockliasheen, Co. Limerick have been made available for consideration if required by the Department of Children and Integration.
In addition, the Deputy may wish to note that officials from my Department are working with the recently established Humanitarian Crisis Housing Task Force in relation to the availability of land holdings that could assist in terms of meeting medium to long-term requirements, depending on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Historical Conflicts
Ceisteanna (157)
Catherine Connolly
Ceist:157. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Defence further to parliamentary question No. 244 of 24 March 2022, the status of the implementation of the report by the independent review group on Jadotville; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23768/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As you are aware, an Independent Review Group (IRG) was established to examine and report on matters relating to recommendations for military medals relating to events at Jadotville. The IRG completed its research in July 2021 and has submitted its report.
The IRG made a number of recommendations in its report, which was published in full last July, including a recommendation that the 60th anniversary of Jadotville be commemorated. Other recommendations relate to the awarding of medals, veterans affairs and honouring the role of families and the support they provided to veterans. All recommendations have been considered at a high level. As a matter relating to the IRG recommendations is currently before the courts, the position as set out in response to you on 18 November 2021 and 23 March 2022 remains the same, in that it would not be appropriate for me to provide any further information in relation to the implementation of the various recommendations made by the IRG at this time.
European Union
Ceisteanna (158)
Aindrias Moynihan
Ceist:158. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Defence his views on the recent drive by President Macron of France to form a European Union army and deeper European Union military integration in view of the war in Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23788/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
To date, there have been no proposals made in relation to the formation of a European Union army and no discussions have taken place regarding the creation of an EU army.
Defence and security remains a national competence,. Any decision to deepen EU defence cooperation requires unanimity. There is no provision in EU treaties for the creation of an EU army and no proposal has been set out to change this. Any such proposal would require treaty change and no such change has been proposed.
The 'Protocol on the Concerns of the Irish People on the Treaty of Lisbon' expressly states; "The Treaty of Lisbon does not provide for the creation of a European army or for conscription to any military formation", and that "The Treaty of Lisbon does not affect or prejudice Ireland's traditional policy of military neutrality".
The recently approved Strategic Compass includes a proposal for a Rapid Deployment Capacity, this should not be confused with the development of an EU army. While Ireland remains broadly supportive of the proposal for a Rapid Deployment Capacity, framed as it has been to date, as an expansion of the existing EU Battlegroup Concept. Discussions are ongoing and these will go towards informing any development of this new concept.
Cooperation between EU Member States in defence matters continues through established channels including PESCO, EU Battlegroups, and EU Missions and Operations and the institutions of the EU including the External Action Service, the EDA and the Commission.
European Union military integration, in the form of sharing a goal of coherence between equipment, systems and practices and the joint development of capabilities has existed prior to the war in Ukraine, informed and supported by CARD (the Coordinated Annual Review on Defence) and PESCO (Permanent Structured Cooperation) among other schemes, processes and initiatives.
Defence Forces
Ceisteanna (159)
Aindrias Moynihan
Ceist:159. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Defence the engagement he has had with military authorities on increasing the budgetary figure for meals for personnel in line with the rise of inflation we are experiencing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23789/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Defence Forces personnel may avail of daily meals in certain circumstances. This includes personnel engaged in security duties, approved training courses, on operational exercises and single personnel living in barracks.
I am advised that a daily ration rate is set by the military authorities and that this rate is used as a budgeting figure by military cooks when supplying meals to personnel. The rate is currently €4.20 per day.
The rate was originally calculated based on a scale of provisions determined to deliver nutritionally balanced meals with recommended levels of essential food groups and having regard to the cost of such food to the Defence Forces and economies of scale that are achieved.
The military authorities have advised that the rate has been adjusted over time to provide for inflation and that the daily ration rate is under review having regard to the re-tendering of Office of Government Procurement food contracts, a process which is currently underway. It should be noted that this matter is a delegated sub head to the Defence Forces. I also note that the Representative Association for other ranks PDFORRA have raised this matter with officials in my Department and their views will be considered.
Defence Forces
Ceisteanna (160)
Aindrias Moynihan
Ceist:160. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Defence the recommendation from the Commission on the Defence Forces report regarding increasing the size and capabilities of the Reserve Defence Forces that his Department considering for implementation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23795/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I wish to reiterate that the Government remains committed to the RDF. Indeed, the White Paper on Defence is clear that there is a continued requirement to retain and develop the Reserve Defence Force.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Defence (Amendment) Act 2021 has now been signed into law, which serves to update the Defence Legislation on the use of the RDF on a voluntary basis, on-island and overseas in support of the Permanent Defence Force.
The Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces, published last February, contains many detailed recommendations, including on the future structure and role of the Reserve Defence Force (RDF).
There is a process underway to consider these recommendations in consultation with Ministerial colleagues and stakeholders. The intent is to revert to Government with a proposed response and a high-level action plan in advance of the summer recess. It would be inappropriate therefore, for me to pre-empt this deliberative process in advance of the Government's consideration.
Wildlife Conservation
Ceisteanna (161)
Holly Cairns
Ceist:161. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Defence if his Department and public bodies and agencies that operate under his remit have policies in place to install artificial structures that provide shelter and habitat space for wild species such as, but not limited to, insect hotels, bat boxes, nesting towers and beehives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23851/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am advised that there are currently no policies in place in my Department to install artificial structures that provide shelter and habitat space for the various species referenced by the Deputy.
However, the Deputy may wish to note that in June 2020, my Department and Kildare County Council jointly procured the service of a multidisciplinary team that includes an ecologist; led by Paul Hogarth consultants to develop a Comprehensive Conservation Management and Interpretation Branding/Plan that will provide recommendations for the protection and conservation of the Curragh Plains.
The Curragh Plains are unique lands of national importance comprising semi-natural grassland of some 5,000 acres, which, has existed in its current condition for over 2,000 years. The importance of the Curragh as a distinct ecological habitat and archaeological site is well documented. My Department will strive to develop policies based on the recommendations of the Conservation Management Plan of the Curragh Plains Consultancy Study. It is anticipated that the Curragh Plains Consultancy Study will be published in the latter half of 2022.
Education Welfare Service
Ceisteanna (162, 163)
Alan Farrell
Ceist:162. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Education the number of files that are waiting to be actioned by educational welfare officers in Dublin Fingal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23518/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAlan Farrell
Ceist:163. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Education the number of educational welfare officers who are assigned to cover Dublin Fingal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23519/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 162 and 163 together.
The aims and objectives of the statutory educational welfare service are to ensure that every child either attends school regularly or otherwise receives a minimum education; to ensure and secure every child’s entitlement to education. This service is delivered by Educational Welfare Officers who work with families and children in a child-centred way to overcome barriers to their school attendance, participation and retention; and work closely with schools, educational support services and other agencies to support school attendance and resolve attendance problems for the benefit of children and families.
Fingal is covered by 2 of the 5 Educational Welfare Service regions. There are 7 Educational Welfare Officers (EWOs) providing school attendance services to 155 schools across Fingal. Tusla does not currently publish regionalised data on waiting lists to the level requested by the Deputy. All students referred to the Educational Welfare Service are screened by a Senior Educational Welfare Officer on receipt and urgent referrals are prioritised for allocation, for example where a child has no school place or is at risk of expulsion.
Question No. 163 answered with Question No. 162.
Schools Building Projects
Ceisteanna (164)
Alan Farrell
Ceist:164. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Education the actions that her Department is taking in view of the refusal of planning permission for a proposed school (details supplied) by Fingal County Council; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23520/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The school referred to by the Deputy is currently located in interim accommodation in the former Teagasc Building at Malahide Rd, Kinsealy, Dublin 17, which is in my ownership.
The local authority identified the site for the new school in Broomfield under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between my Department and the City and County Management Association (CCMA) for the identification of new school sites. The site was recommended by the local authority as suitable for the development of school facilities and was acquired in conjunction with the local authority under the Fingal Model agreement.
Planning permission was submitted to the Local Authority on March 4th for the development of a new two-storey, 16 classroom primary school, including a multipurpose hall, 2 educational classrooms for children with special education needs, associated staff car park, ball courts and ancillary accommodation. My Department received notification that the Planning permission application was refused by the Local Authority on the 27th April 2022.
My Department is currently reviewing the reasons given by the Local Authority for refusal of the planning application and is also preparing a submission for the draft Development Plan in relation to the re-zoning of the site in question.
School Staff
Ceisteanna (165)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:165. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education if an appeal by a person (details supplied) will be reviewed; the status of this matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23523/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The key factor for determining the level of staffing resources provided at individual school level is the staffing schedule for the relevant school year and pupil enrolments on the previous 30 September.
For the 2022/23 school year, the staffing schedule for primary schools has been improved by one point and schools will be provided with class teachers on the basis of 1 teacher for every 24 pupils which is a historical low ratio.
The staffing process contains an appeals mechanism for schools to submit a staffing appeal under certain criteria to an independent Primary Staffing Appeals Board. The Appeals Board operates independently of the Department and its decision is final.
The school referred to by the Deputy has submitted a staffing appeal. The appeal will be considered by the Appeals Board and the school will be informed of the outcome at the end of this month.