Wednesday, 29 Jun 2022

Written Answers Nos. 54-73

Housing Policy

Ceisteanna (55)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

55. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans in relation to the shortage of housing and the current cost-of-living crisis. [34846/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

I refer to the reply to Question No. 59 of 23 June 2022, which sets out the position in relation to this matter.

Question No. 56 answered with Question No. 39.

Question No. 57 answered with Question No. 39.

Question No. 58 answered with Question No. 39.

Question No. 59 answered with Question No. 39.

Question No. 60 answered with Question No. 39.

Building Regulations

Ceisteanna (61)

Cian O'Callaghan

Ceist:

61. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the action that is being taken to address quarries that are producing substandard building materials that give rise to serious structural defects in homes, given the statement by an expert witness at the Oireachtas housing committee in relation to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34963/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

The Construction Products Regulation (EU) No 305/2011 (CPR) sets out rules for the marketing of construction products in the EU, from 1 July 2013. While the CPR came into force and has direct legal application across the entire European Union, each Member State is responsible for regulating for its own market surveillance activities in accordance with the specific requirements of the CPR and the broader overarching requirements of Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 June 2019 on market surveillance and compliance of products and amending Directive 2004/42/EC and Regulations (EC) No 765/2008 and (EU) No 305/2011.

Under the European Union (Construction Products) Regulations 2013 (S.I. No.225 of 2013), each of the building control authorities (local authorities) have been designated as the principal market surveillance authorities for construction products that fall within the scope of the CPR, within their administrative areas. In addition, the Withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union (Consequential Provisions) Act 2020 (Construction Products – Market Surveillance) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 682 of 2020) appointed Dublin City Council as a competent authority for the carrying out of market surveillance functions under the  European Union (Construction Products) Regulations 2013 for all related construction products on a nationwide basis. Dublin City Council-National Building Control Office, (DCC-NBCO) Market Surveillance Unit has been established for this purpose. Building control authorities liaise with DCC-NBCO national market surveillance unit to support compliance with the CPR and to determine appropriate action on enforcement matters, as they arise.

Ireland’s National market surveillance programme 2021 is published on the website of the European Commission. Section 2.5 provides specific details with the market surveillance of construction products and outlines a market surveillance campaign led by DCC-NBCO to perform risk assessments of selected quarrying and pit operations, follow-up inspections, sampling and testing as appropriate to ensure compliance with the CPR. The 2022 programme is currently being finalised and is expected to continue to focus on the extractive industries sector and expand upon the programme commenced in 2021. 

In addition to this, in October of last year I requested a Market Surveillance Audit of all quarries in Donegal which was carried out by the National Building Control and Market Surveillance Office in partnership with Donegal County Council and Geological Survey Ireland.

In addition to the initiatives above, Market Surveillance Authorities respond to complaints raised, therefore any information on suspected non-compliance should be submitted in writing (detailing as much information as possible) to either the appropriate local Market Surveillance Authority and/or the National Building Control Office and Market Surveillance Office (NBCO&MSO). The Local Market Surveillance Authority may be contacted through the City or County Council. NBC&MSO may be contacted at: [e-mail]

Whilst the CPR focuses on the conditions which apply when placing a product on the market, clients, specifiers, designers and builders etc., should:

- when drawing up specifications, refer to the harmonised technical specifications and specifically to the requirements of individual characteristics when necessary,

- when choosing the products most suitable for their intended use in construction works, review the manufacturer’s Declaration of Performance,

- check the Standard Recommendations published by NSAI, which give guidance on appropriate minimum performance levels for specific intended uses of the product in Ireland, and

- ensure compliance with the Building Regulations 1997 to 2021, in this regard all works should be carried out in a workmanlike manner, using proper materials which are fit for the use for which they are intended and for the conditions in which they are to be used.

My Department recently published ‘A Guide to the Marketing and Use of Aggregate Concrete Blocks to EN 771-3 in Ireland’ which is available on the Department’s website.  This guide aims to facilitate clearer communication within the supply chain regarding the declared performance of essential characteristics of concrete blocks having regard to national provisions in Ireland. Guidance is also provided for specifiers, designers, builders, certifiers and end users who when specifying and choosing aggregate concrete blocks, they should ensure that the construction products are fit for intended use and the conditions in which they are to be used. Appropriate specifications and choices will help secure compliance with the Building Regulations 1997 to 2021.

Finally, the Regulation of Providers of Building Works Bill 2022, which will put the Construction Industry Register Ireland on a statutory footing, is currently going through the legislative process in the Oireachtas and is expected to be enacted shortly.  Its main objective 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 establishment of a robust, mandatory, statutory register is critical for the development of a culture of competence and compliance in the construction sector.

Passport Services

Ceisteanna (62, 67, 68, 69, 78, 80, 82, 84)

James Lawless

Ceist:

62. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will examine and expedite a passport application for persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34637/22]

Paul McAuliffe

Ceist:

67. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if a passport for a person (details supplied) will be expedited. [34682/22]

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

68. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if passport applications by persons (details supplied) will be reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34693/22]

James Lawless

Ceist:

69. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will examine and expedite a passport application by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34695/22]

James Lawless

Ceist:

78. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will examine and expedite a passport application (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34964/22]

David Cullinane

Ceist:

80. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport applications (details supplied) given that it has exceeded the target issue date and applicants travel date is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34969/22]

David Cullinane

Ceist:

82. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application (details supplied) given that it has exceeded the target issue date and applicants travel date is imminent [34973/22]

Michael Ring

Ceist:

84. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if a passport will issue to a child (details supplied) in County Mayo in view of the fact that this application is with the Passport Office since 1 April 2022 and this child has imminent travel plans. [34993/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Foreign Affairs

I propose to take Questions Nos. 62, 67 to 69, inclusive, 78, 80, 82 and 84 together.

With regard to the specific applications about which the Deputies have enquired, these applications are within the current turnaround times and have not yet reached their issue by date.

Passport Services

Ceisteanna (63, 71, 72, 73, 74, 79)

James Lawless

Ceist:

63. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will examine and expedite a passport application for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34638/22]

David Cullinane

Ceist:

71. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application (details supplied) given that it has exceeded the target issue date and applicants travel date is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34727/22]

David Cullinane

Ceist:

72. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application (details supplied) given that it has exceeded the target issue date and applicants travel date is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34730/22]

David Cullinane

Ceist:

73. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application (details supplied) given that it has exceeded the target issue date and applicants travel date is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34745/22]

David Cullinane

Ceist:

74. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application (details supplied) given that it has exceeded the target issue date and applicants travel date is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34755/22]

David Cullinane

Ceist:

79. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport applications (details supplied) given that it has exceeded the target issue date and applicants travel date is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34967/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Foreign Affairs

I propose to take Questions Nos. 63, 71 to 74, inclusive, and 79 together.

With regard to the specific applications about which the Deputies have enquired, the Passport Service has issued passports to the applicants. 

Passport Services

Ceisteanna (64)

Ruairí Ó Murchú

Ceist:

64. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if passport applications by citizens of Northern Ireland are processed any differently from applications by Southern citizens; if these applications are viewed as non-domestic applications that in turn take longer to process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34640/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Foreign Affairs

All online applications are processed in the same way and this includes all applications from throughout Ireland, North or South.  Renewal applications, because citizenship has already been established, are processed within the same turnaround time of 10 working days for adult renewals and 15 working days for child/complex renewals.  Therefore, there is no difference in processing renewals between those applicants with addresses in Northern Ireland or the State.  

First time applications are more complex due to increased complexity around the documentation required to confirm the person's identity and entitlement to citizenship.  First time applicants resident within the State must have their identify and consent forms witnessed by a member of An Garda Síochána.  A log of such applications is maintained by An Garda Síochána which allows for a streamlined verification process.  First time passport applicants resident outside the State, including Northern Ireland, can avail of a broad range of witnesses for this purpose and these witnesses must be thoroughly verified by Passport Service staff.

First time applications from outside the State, including Northern Ireland, can also be more complex due to the variety of documentation received from other jurisdictions.  Officers processing these applications must therefore be highly skilled and experienced. As a result of these factors, processing time for these applications can take longer. However, the vast majority of all first time applications are processed within the current turnaround time of 25 working days. This turnaround time has been reduced by 40% since March. 

It is expected that the additional staff that have recently been assigned to the Passport Service will result in a further reduction in turnaround times for first time and complex applications, including those from Northern Ireland. Turnaround time applies to fully complete and correct applications. Applications which are incomplete and require further supporting documents will take longer.

Northern Ireland

Ceisteanna (65)

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

65. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress that has been made to date in introducing a bill of rights in Northern Ireland; if there have been any recent discussions with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and the political parties in Northern Ireland on this long-outstanding issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34641/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Foreign Affairs

A Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland is a central provision of the Good Friday Agreement. The Agreement sets out that a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland should be based on the European Convention on Human Rights, enhanced by additional rights to “reflect the principles of mutual respect for the identity and ethos of both communities and parity of esteem.”

The full implementation and effective operation of the Good Friday Agreement and all subsequent implementation agreements is a central priority for this Government. The Government advanced the view during the 2014 Stormont House talks that a Bill of Rights could set out precisely and formally the rights upon which a shared society for Northern Ireland could be based. While there was not sufficient consensus to take this forward, the final Agreement did provide that the parties commit to: “serving the people of Northern Ireland equally, and to act in accordance with the obligations on government to promote equality and respect and to prevent discrimination; to promote a culture of tolerance, mutual respect and mutual understanding at every level of society, including initiatives to facilitate and encourage shared and integrated education and housing, social inclusion, and in particular community development and the advancement of women in public life; and to promote the interests of the whole community towards the goals of reconciliation and economic renewal.” As agreed as part of the New Decade, New Approach agreement, an Ad-Hoc Assembly Committee has been established, and the Committee published its research paper on the “Key Issues for a Bill of Rights” in March 2020, and launched a public consultation in May. At present, the Ad-Hoc Assembly Committee has concluded holding formal evidence gathering sessions on a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland. The next step, as agreed as part of the New Decade, New Approach Agreement, is for the First and deputy First Ministers to jointly appoint a Panel of five experts to assist the Committee in preparing its report.

However, as an Executive has not yet been formed following the Assembly elections, this step cannot be taken at present. The progression of a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland is one of the reasons that it is essential that the parties, and those representatives that have been elected by the people, to come together to establish an Executive. The Irish Government will continue to work to support this vital goal.

As outlined in the Programme for Government, the Government is committed to working in support of the full implementation of the NDNA.

Last week, the British Government published legislation to introduce a UK Bill of Rights, which if enacted would repeal and replace the Human Rights Act. The Bill requires serious and detailed consideration now. However, it is important, at this early stage, to be clear that the Good Friday Agreement cites the European Convention on Human Rights as a vital safeguard that ensures the operation of the Agreement's institutions and the protection of Northern Ireland’s communities.

It is vital that all the people of Northern Ireland can have full confidence in the protection of their human rights, in order to continue to build deeper reconciliation and lasting peace.

Passport Services

Ceisteanna (66)

Mattie McGrath

Ceist:

66. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when a refund of a cancelled passport application will be issued to a person (details supplied); the reason for the delay in issuing such a refund; the correct procedure and timeframe for such refunds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34656/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Foreign Affairs

Where an applicant submits a valid request to cancel an application the Passport Service will endeavour to refund the applicant within 30 days. Where a passport application has been in the system for over 180 days and then expires, the refund will take longer to process. This is due to the fact that the Passport Service does not retain payment details for the applicant after the 180-day period, in compliance with data protection legislation. In such cases, the Passport Service must make direct contact with the applicant to confirm payment details.

With regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service has issued a refund to the applicant.

Question No. 67 answered with Question No. 62.

Question No. 68 answered with Question No. 62.

Question No. 69 answered with Question No. 62.

Ports Policy

Ceisteanna (70)

Francis Noel Duffy

Ceist:

70. Deputy Francis Noel Duffy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the reason that a vessel (details supplied) is docked in Cork Harbour; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34697/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Foreign Affairs

Permission was requested earlier this month for the Royal Navy survey ship, HMS Enterprise, to pay a routine visit to Cork from 12 to 18 June for the purpose of crew rest and to conduct a joint communication training exercise with the Irish Naval Service.

This permission was granted on the condition that the vessel not engage in any military exercises or naval manoeuvres or carry nuclear weapons. These are the standard stipulations for any naval vessel to visit an Irish port.

Port visits by foreign naval vessels are a normal outworking of our desire for friendly relations with our neighbours as well as providing opportunities for the Irish Naval Service to be equipped to communicate with other navies where necessary.

The Irish Naval Service regularly visits foreign ports in the same manner.

Question No. 71 answered with Question No. 63.

Question No. 72 answered with Question No. 63.

Question No. 73 answered with Question No. 63.