Written Answers Nos. 245-264
247. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if a passport will issue in time for the travel date of 5 June 2022 for a child (details supplied) having applied in March 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28660/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraWith regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service has reviewed the application and it is being processed within the current average turnaround times. The Passport Service has provided a status update to the applicant.
251. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the reason that a person (details supplied) who has been granted Irish citizenship and is also a Polish citizen who has applied for a passport has been told that they must submit their Polish passport with documentation required to finalise their application and that this will be retained for up to six weeks, despite the fact that they have explained that they are employed as an international driver carrying loads from Ireland to France each week via the European Union and that their work is vital to a small Irish food producer; the reason that when they submit the required documentation including their Polish passport a photocopy will not be made of their Polish passport and be returned to them immediately; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28695/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Passport Service requires a number of supporting documents for first time applications to validate the applicant’s identity as well as to establish their entitlement to Irish citizenship. For first time applicants who have been granted Irish citizenship through naturalisation, the Passport Service requests the applicant’s original passport from their country of birth as part of the supporting documents. The applicant can request the return of the supporting document once it has been verified and scanned by the Passport Service.
The Passport Service has contacted the applicant directly to advise them of this.
252. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position in relation to the validity of a current passport, specifically if a passport is due to expire in the next month, if a trip within a European Union country takes place if a return ticket is produced for inspection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28702/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe validity required on an Irish passport for overseas travel depends on where a person is travelling to.
For travel within the European Union, a person's Irish passport must be valid up to their return date.
The passport validity required for countries outside of the European Union varies greatly. My Department recommends contacting the relevant travel agent or the embassy of the country the person is travelling to for the most up-to-date requirements.
Further information can be found on my Department's website: www.dfa.ie/passports/questions/passport-validity-needed-for-overseas-travel/.
255. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the outcome of his most recent discussions with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and with the political parties in Stormont in relation to the Protocol; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28805/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland was designed and agreed by the UK and EU to mitigate against the inevitable disruptions arising from Brexit on the island of Ireland and to protect the Good Friday Agreement in all its dimensions. EU-UK engagement on resolving outstanding issues under the Protocol is an ongoing process. The EU-UK Joint Committee met on 21 February and the Specialised Committee on the Protocol on 8 March.
I maintain regular and ongoing contact with my UK counterparts, including the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Brandon Lewis and Foreign Secretary Liz Truss. I have met with both the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and the Foreign Secretary in recent weeks to discuss a range of issues, including the Protocol.
In those meetings I expressed my deep disappointment at the British Government’s intention to table legislation to unilaterally dis-apply elements of the Protocol. My message remains clear. I continue to urge the British Government against unilateral action and encourage constructive engagement with the EU.
I have also remained in regular contact with the parties in Northern Ireland following last month’s Assembly elections. I hope, as we all do, to see the early establishment of an Executive and will continue to encourage the parties to work together to achieve this. Work on formation of the Executive and on application of the Protocol should both proceed in parallel. In the period ahead, we will continue to engage with the political parties and the British Government, to support the full functioning of all of the institutions of the Good Friday Agreement.
We have listened and take all sincerely held concerns about the Protocol seriously. The EU has also consistently engaged with the perspectives of everyone in Northern Ireland. In October, the Commission presented a package of proposals that responds directly to their concerns. These proposals would ease the flow of goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland and give Northern Ireland a greater say in the implementation of the Protocol.
Only joint solutions can provide long-term legal certainty and predictability to people and businesses in Northern Ireland.
256. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the outcome of his most recent discussions with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and with the political parties in relation to the urgent need to have all the political institutions established under the Good Friday Agreement fully functioning; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28806/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have remained in contact with the parties in Northern Ireland, and with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland following the Assembly elections. I travelled to Belfast for meetings with the political parties on 11 May last. In addition, the Taoiseach travelled to Belfast on 20 May to meet with political parties and business leaders. Engagement is essential between the parties and between the Governments at this time. In our discussions with the political parties during these visits, the importance of forming an Executive as soon as possible was discussed, as well as issues in relation to the Protocol.
This election has undoubtedly brought with it significant democratic change, which will need to be navigated in the period ahead. It is, first and foremost, a matter for the parties now, and those representatives that have been elected in good faith, to come together to establish an Executive that can deliver for all of the people of Northern Ireland on the basis of the result of the election, and in a spirit of partnership, equality and mutual respect.
It is disappointing that it was not possible to elect an Assembly Speaker again on Monday.
We will continue to engage with the parties and the British Government to support the full functioning of the democratic institutions of the Good Friday Agreement. I hope, as we all do, that we will see those institutions up and running as soon as possible. I will also continue to remain in close contact with the Secretary of State, as both Governments work in partnership as co-guarantors of the Agreement, in support of power-sharing and a peaceful and prosperous future for all the people of Northern Ireland.
257. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when the next meeting of the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference will be held; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28807/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMeetings of the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference (BIIGC) are prepared through the Joint British-Irish Intergovernmental Secretariat (BIIGS) in Belfast, which is staffed by officials from my Department and the Department of Justice, and their counterparts in the Northern Ireland Office.
As established under Strand Three of the Good Friday Agreement, the Conference brings both Governments together to promote bilateral co-operation on matters of mutual interest within their competence.
The most recent meeting of the BIIGC took place in Dublin on 23rd March. Advanced preparation is underway for the next BIIGC to take place in the UK over the summer with several dates under consideration at present.
258. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has outlined to the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland that the recent proposals by the British government concerning legacy issues are unacceptable and if he has raised with him the need to implement the Stormont House Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28808/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe UK Government’s Legacy Bill has now been introduced into Westminster and has had its second reading.
It is disappointing that the UK Government has chosen to unilaterally introduce legislation, moving away from the process agreed in the Stormont House Agreement, a process that was agreed by both Governments, political parties and victims and survivors groups.
I have raised my concerns about the UK’s move away from the Stormont House Agreement with the Secretary of State on a number of occasions, including at the time of the Assembly election and at the British Irish Inter-Governmental Conference in March. I will continue to do so.
My meetings with political parties in Northern Ireland in the wake of the election also offered an opportunity to hear their views and concerns about the Legacy Bill. Officials from my Department have also engaged with victims groups, which is crucial.
Lasting progress is best achieved through finding an agreed way forward based on engagement and sufficient consensus. We already had the basis for that in the Stormont House Agreement.
In addition to concerns about the process, we have a number of serious concerns about the substantive provisions of the Bill. These include the powers of the Commission, the status of the ‘reviews’ proposed in the Bill, and of course, fundamentally, compliance with Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights and other international human rights obligations.
I know that many families are upset by the publication and progress of this Bill, including those waiting for inquests or pursuing civil litigation. There will be many that understandably feel that immunity, conditional or otherwise, may be more about protecting perpetrators instead of pursuing justice and getting to the truth in such cases. It is vital that those concerns are heard and fully understood. It is also vital that the process for dealing with the legacy build rather than erode trust and confidence.
I wholeheartedly welcome the contributions from members in last week's debate in this chamber.
We will continue to engage with the UK Government, at all levels, to better understand the provisions of this bill. I have serious concerns and cannot support it in its current form.
260. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Defence his plans, if any to increase the age limit for applications for the Army Cadets. [28552/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe age limits for personnel wishing to enter the Defence Forces are as set out in Regulations made pursuant to the Defence Act 1954, as amended.
The nature of military service requires that the age profile of personnel in the Defence Forces must be appropriately managed to ensure that capability requirements are met. There are currently no plans to change these age limits.
261. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Defence the number of offices operated by his Department that are in high-risk areas for radon; the number that have been tested for radon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28570/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department operates offices in Newbridge, Co. Kildare, Renmore, Galway, Phoenix Park, Dublin and Roscrea, Co. Tipperary.
None of the offices operated by the Department is within a high radon area whereby there would be a legal obligation to conduct a radon test. However, due to the proximity of the Offices at Renmore, Galway to a high radon area, the Department in association with the Office of Public Works will have a radon test carried out on the premises.
In relation to the remaining premises, the Department will seek advice from the Office of Public Works on the requirement to conduct further tests.
262. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Defence if his Department has conducted any assessment of the adverse effects of offshore windfarms on air defence radar; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28707/22]
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 to the greatest extent possible to enable the Defence Forces to carry out their roles as assigned by Government, including overseas deployments.
I am advised by the Military Authorities that the Defence Forces operate many different types of radar systems. Existing capabilites available to the Army include radar systems such as the Giraffe Mk4 short-range air defence system and the Foxtrack X-Band ground surveillance radar. The Air Corps use surface search radar on the CASA 235 maritime patrol aircraft and all aircraft are fitted with a transponder and the automatic identification system (AIS) for identification and tracking. 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, become available the development of a radar surveillance capability for the Air Corps, will be considered.
The Deputy will be aware that the Government established an independent Commission on the Defence Forces in December 2020. The work of the Commission encompassed the consideration of appropriate military equipment capabilities, structures and staffing, and their report will inform decisions regarding the future development of the Defence Forces. The Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces contains many detailed recommendations and there is a process underway to consider these recommendations. This includes inter-departmental consultation as appropriate. The intent remains to revert to Government with a proposed response and a high-level action plan in advance of the summer recess. It would be inappropriate for me to pre-empt this deliberative process in advance of Government consideration.
In this context, the specific matter you have raised has not been explored in relation to existing Defence Forces capabilities and such exploration has not been required. Should a radar surveillance capability for the Air Corps be progressed via Government Decision then the appropriate research and preparatory work will be undertaken as is the case in relation to all Defence Forces major procurement projects.
263. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Education the engagement that his Department has had with the relevant stakeholders in relation to the refugees arriving from Ukraine and the coordination of services, supports and resources which are presently being delivered in an ad-hoc manner by volunteers attempting to meet the needs of those fleeing the Russian invasion. [28548/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to thank the Deputy for her question.
To streamline the alignment of education focused supports for Ukrainian families arriving in Ireland my Department has established Regional Education and Language Teams (REALT).
The primary role of the REALT is to assist children in finding school places and to support schools to meet the needs of these children as they emerge. The REALT will also advise and support the Department in developing new capacity where required, and co-ordinate the provision of education services to children and families across their defined area. These teams act as a liaison, ensuring clear, accessible information flows are in place between schools, local education support services and national support structures in relation to Ukrainian arrivals. REALT Co-ordinators have been appointed in 16 regions funded by the Department and employed by the ETB.
The REALTs will initially focus on ensuring that children find school places when they are ready to engage with the school system. They will liaise with other local co-ordinating structures that may be established to coordinate the delivery of public services for Ukrainian families.
REALTs are hosted and administratively supported within the ETBs. ETBI have appointed a representative as the national co-ordinator for the REALTs. Each REALT consists of a network of other key agencies, including:
- Tusla Education Support Service (TESS)
- National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS)regional personnel
- National Council for Special Education (NCSE) regional personnel
- Management body local nominees
- and other key partners as appropriate including School Transport (Bus Eireann)
In addition, the REALTs will collaborate closely with people from a range of other services, depending on the needs of the children arriving to Ireland and the challenges faced by schools. These agencies and bodies may include:
- Local county councils/authorities and community fora, which includes voluntary organisations.
- Teacher support services
- Education Centre Network
- Children and young people’s services committees
Each of these agencies and bodies have designated local contact people to liaise and collaborate with REALT teams, as necessary.
Each ETB has assigned a person to the role of REALT co-ordinator. A designated phone line and e-mail address has been established for each REALT. The REALT co-ordinator is the central point of contact and co-ordination for each team.
264. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education if she will expedite the application for a Teaching Council number of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28551/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Teaching Council is the professional standards body for the teaching profession, which promotes and regulates professional standards in teaching. It acts in the interests of the public good while upholding and enhancing standards in the teaching profession.
The Teaching Council registers teachers in accordance with the Teaching Council Act 2001-2015 and the Teaching Council (Registration) Regulations 2016. Overseas qualifications in accordance with the Teaching Council [Registration] Regulations 2016 and the EU Recognition of Professional Qualifications Directive (2013/55/EC).
The Minister for Education commenced Section 30 of the Teaching Council Act, 2001 on 28 January 2014. Section 30 makes it a requirement for teachers to register with the Teaching Council in order to be paid from State funds.
Fully qualified teachers who have qualified outside of the Republic of Ireland are eligible to apply for registration with the Teaching Council. All applications are individually assessed in a holistic manner to ensure that qualifications are of a comparable standard to those achieved by graduates of accredited programmes in Ireland. Where significant differences arise, conditions (qualification shortfalls) will be applied to the teacher's registration.
The processing time for overseas applications, as outlined on the Teaching Council website, is approximately 12 weeks from the time all of the required documentation is received, and not necessarily when the initial application is made.
In order to carry out an individual assessment of teaching qualification for registration purposes, the Council requests specific documents to be submitted with an application for registration, as per the Application Guidelines for post-primary teachers.
In relation to the person that the Deputy is referring to, the application for the assessment of qualifications for the purpose of registering was submitted initially online on 10 November 2021. Due to the application not being complete, it was returned to the applicant in early 2022 with a list of missing evidence required to progress her application. The application was then resubmitted with all of the required documentation.
Upon receipt of further information, this person’s application was sent for external assessment. The advisors sought further information in order to make a fair and full assessment: list of texts studied, the number of ECTS credits studied and number of hours teaching practice. The required information was subsequently resubmitted.
The applicant’s assessments are now complete and I am informed that the Council intends to send confirmation of registration shortly.
