Thomas Gould
Ceist:180. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of vacant and derelict buildings respectively by county in the ownership of An Garda Síochána. [54056/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn Garda Síochána
Ceisteanna (180)
Freagraí scríofa
I am advised by the Commissioners of Public Works that the Office of Public Works manages a property portfolio in excess of 2,500 properties ranging from heritage buildings, commercial office blocks, green field sites, warehouses, Coast Guard Stations and Garda Stations. As would be the norm in such a large portfolio, at any given time, there will be a number of properties being refurbished or vacant. The State will always retain a number of vacant properties for future use.
Under the 2012/2013 Policing Plans of An Garda Síochána, 139 stations were identified as surplus to An Garda Síochána’s requirements and reverted to the Office of Public Works to identify an alternative State use or manage their disposal. These properties are not in the ownership of An Garda Síochána. In 2016, following a review by An Garda Síochána and the Policing Authority, six stations were identified for re-opening.
Of the 139 Garda stations that were closed under the 2013/2013 policing plans 32 remain, of which 6 will be presented for sale at public auction during February 2023. A further 6 will be transferred to local authorities and 1 is sale agreed. In addition, the OPW is in the process of leasing three of the former Garda stations closed under the 2012/2013 policing plans to Local Authorities for community use.
A further 7 former Garda Stations and 5 former Garda Residences, which did not close as part of the 2012/2013 Policing Plan, have reverted to the OPW to identify an alternative State use or manage their disposal.
As a matter of policy, no property is disposed of until there is absolute certainty that there is no alternative State use for that property.
In a case where the OPW does not need to retain a property, and has deemed it surplus to requirements, the office follows a strict procedure. The OPW's Disposal Policy (consistent with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform circulars on disposals of properties) with regard to vacant State property, is to:
1. Identify if the property is required/suitable for alternative State use by either Government Departments, Local Authorities or the wider public sector.
2. If there is no other State use identified for a property, the OPW will then consider disposing of it on the open market if and when conditions prevail, in order to generate revenue for the Exchequer.
3. If no State requirement is identified or if a decision is taken not to dispose of a particular property, the OPW may consider community involvement (subject to detailed written submission, which would indicate that the community/voluntary group has the means to insure, maintain and manage the property and that there are no ongoing costs for the Exchequer).
When a property is deemed surplus to the requirements of the Commissioners, the OPW therefore notifies all relevant stakeholders as part of the disposal policy. This includes notifying the Land Development Agency and the relevant local authorities who may be interested in acquiring the property for housing purposes.
Both the Dept. of Housing, The Dept. of Children and all relevant Local Authorities have been briefed on all vacant properties on a number of occasions so that they can determine whether they need these properties for housing or other accommodation purposes.
A list of the current vacant Garda stations and residence with an indication of their status and future plans is attached at Schedule A.
The OPW is not in a position to provide data on any vacant buildings that may be held by other State bodies or assigned to An Garda Síochána for operational use.
There are no derelict properties.
Public Sector Pensions
Ceisteanna (181)
Richard Bruton
Ceist:181. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if it is possible for pensioners to get a printed copy of their civil service pension payments in the event that they are not available online; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54011/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will be aware, I have overall policy responsibility in relation to public service pension schemes, and for the National Shared Service Office (NSSO) which makes pension payments to retired civil servants.
The NSSO provides access to payslips via an online service as standard; however, in exceptional circumstances this can be reviewed by the NSSO, with a view to posting payslips out to individuals.
If an individual pensioner is experiencing issues regarding the availability of their payslips online, they should make contact with the NSSO in the first instance to resolve the issue;
The NSSO can be contacted via email at payrollcontact@nsso.gov.ie or by phone at 0818 107 100.
Broadcasting Sector
Ceisteanna (182)
Carol Nolan
Ceist:182. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will remove the broadcasting levy applied to independent radio given that it is estimated to cost the sector approximately €2.5 million per annum; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53967/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Section 33 of the Broadcasting Act 2009 ('the Act') provides that the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) may impose a levy on broadcasters for the purposes of meeting the cost of fulfilling their functions ('the broadcasting levy'). The design and implementation of the broadcasting levy is matter for the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland as an independent regulatory body.
The Online Safety and Media Regulation (OSMR) Bill, which is currently before the Oireachtas, will dissolve the BAI and established a new body, Coimisiún na Meán, to oversee the regulatory framework for broadcasting, video-on-demand services and online safety set out in the Bill.
The new body will be funded by a levy which will be placed on all regulated entities, including broadcasters, which will ultimately replace the broadcasting levy. Specifically, section 7 of the OSMR Bill will substitute a new section 21 of the Act, which will provide the legal basis for Coimisiún na Meán to prepare and impose the levy or levies. Under that section, each category of regulated entity will be required to contribute proportionally to the cost of the functions relating to that category. In addition, community broadcasters will be exempt from the levy, which is not the case with the existing broadcasting levy.
Under the transitional provisions of the OSMR Bill, the existing broadcasting levy will remain in place until it is replaced by a levy made under section 21 of the Act (as substituted by the Bill), but only insofar as it is required to fund the broadcasting-related activities of Coimisiún na Meán.
A reduction in the broadcasting levy is not the only way to support the independent radio sector. At present, a number of schemes are available to the sector:
- the Sound and Vision Scheme operated by the BAI; and,
- in Budget 2023, I secured €6 million for the establishment of the Media Fund. This will initially fund two schemes, a Local Democracy Reporting Scheme and Court Reporting Schemes which will be administered by Coimisiún na Meán on a platform-neutral basis.
In addition to the 7% of net licence fee receipts which is used to fund Sound and Vision Scheme, I have allocated an additional €25.4 million in Exchequer funding to the Scheme since 2020. Over that period the Scheme has ring-fenced €5 million for independent radio and €1.2 million for community radio to be distributed through dedicated funding rounds. Any open rounds of the Scheme were also open to the independent radio sector.
Departmental Policies
Ceisteanna (183)
Holly Cairns
Ceist:183. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will provide details of her engagements with the Minister for Foreign Affairs concerning negotiations with governments of other states to ensure the return of antiquities and historical objects held in museums, libraries, and other cultural institutions which originated from this country. [54104/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
While I have not had any direct engagements with the Minister for Foreign Affairs regarding the return of antiquities or historical objects originating from Ireland, senior officials in my Department meet regularly with their counterparts in the Department of Foreign Affairs on a wide agenda of cultural matters of mutual interest. In terms of the issue in question, this is a matter of which I am well aware and it represents an area that our National Cultural Institutions are closely engaged with.
Increasingly in recent decades, the National Cultural Institutions' curatorial responsibilities have required a consideration of the ethical implications and the evolving sensitivities regarding the acquisition and exhibition of historic artefacts. The exploitation of specific communities or the expropriation of their cultural artefacts is a profound concern, whether it occurred in the past or in more recent times.
The National Monuments Act 1930 to 2014 and the National Cultural Institutions Act 1997 provides for the licensing of exporting Irish historic artefacts. The National Museum of Ireland (NMI) actively follows up on reports of unlicensed export of archaeological objects from the State, on behalf of the State, and has been involved in the successful retrieval of such material. Important collections of archaeological objects, recovered through unlicensed metal detecting and subsequently illicitly exported from the jurisdiction, have been retrieved by the NMI working in cooperation with law enforcement agencies.
Prior to the enactment of the relevant legislation, and as is the case in many countries, objects from Ireland were often legitimately acquired by antiquarian collectors and ultimately entered the collections of other museums through onward sale or donation. This type of activity dates from a time which predates the current legislation which regulates the discovery, possession and sale of archaeological objects.
Many Irish objects that belong to collections in overseas museums have been loaned to museums in Ireland for specific exhibitions. The NMI maintains close links with museums that hold Irish artefacts and has often borrowed such material for exhibitions. The institutions collaborate and share research and, in many cases, share the NMI's ethos, that is to care for, protect, and to research and disseminate knowledge in relation to collections that are in its care.
Two recent examples are objects on long-term renewable loan to the NMI, currently on display in the Treasury exhibition at the NMI in Kildare Street:
- the house-shaped shrine from the River Shannon at Keeloge Ford, in the Collection of the National Museums of Scotland
- the Aghadoe Crozier, found in Co. Kerry but in the collection of the Statens Historiska Museum, Stockholm.
Grant Payments
Ceisteanna (184)
Richard Bruton
Ceist:184. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will outline the terms of the grant to build accommodation for a person with a severe disability, or to substantially modify an existing home; and if he will indicate whether he is considering the revision of these terms as the cost of building has substantially changed since they were set. [54087/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department provides funding to local authorities for the Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability Scheme, to assist eligible applicants living in privately owned homes to make their accommodation more suitable for their needs. The detailed administration of this scheme including assessment, approval and prioritisation, is the responsibility of local authorities. Further details on the terms of the scheme can found on my Department's website at the following link:
www.gov.ie/en/service/6636c-housing-adaptation-grants-for-older-people-and-people-with-a-disability/
Housing for All commits to reviewing the suite of Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability. Among the areas which the review, currently underway, will consider are the income thresholds, the grant limits, the application and decision making processes, including supplementary documentation required. The review is to be completed by the end of 2022.
Housing Provision
Ceisteanna (185)
Patrick Costello
Ceist:185. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of units that have been purchased by local authorities under part V in the past five years, in tabular form by local authority, year, number of units available to purchase, number of units purchased, percentage of available units purchased and expenditure each year. [53913/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The information requested is being compiled and will be forwarded in accordance with Standing Orders.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51
Details on social housing delivery under Part V arrangements, broken down by local authority, is included in the social housing statistics that are published on an ongoing basis by my Department, available on the statistics page of my Department’s website at: https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/fd048-affordable-housing-and-part-v-statistics/#part-v-scheme.
The delivery statistics do not include the expenditure data so the table below sets out the expenditure on Part V properties for each local authority for each of the past five years. The information is based on the financial information available to my Department of funding sought by and provided to the local authorities. It is possible that some Part V properties, while recorded as delivered, may not as yet have had the full costs claimed or recouped. Delivery does not necessarily occur in the year of approval or spend.
Agreement on Part V arrangements is a matter for the local authorities. My Department does not track data on the number of units that may be available to purchase, it records Part V unit data based on the quarterly delivery returns and the expenditure recouped by the local authorities. Further details on Part V delivery may be available from the individual local authorities.
|
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
|
|
Carlow |
771,000 |
0 |
771,280 |
0 |
214,025 |
|
Cavan |
0 |
0 |
0 |
55,000 |
1,100 |
|
Clare |
897,282 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Cork City |
0 |
707,108 |
1,769,497 |
14,520,646 |
12,460,813 |
|
Cork County |
922,709 |
14,387,559 |
9,330,875 |
5,582,589 |
7,276,756 |
|
DLR |
0 |
659,759 |
2,400,994 |
8,799,785 |
7,912,705 |
|
Donegal |
0 |
0 |
0 |
362,979 |
18,867 |
|
Dublin City |
0 |
17,787,147 |
7,605,028 |
7,073,952 |
19,381,740 |
|
Fingal |
0 |
14,324,537 |
8,996,760 |
7,809,539 |
1,829,688 |
|
Galway City |
0 |
0 |
1,,964,815 |
1,404,815 |
5,852 |
|
Galway County |
543,412 |
3,152,696 |
5,094,132 |
8,042,294 |
1,433,060 |
|
Kerry |
0 |
542,700 |
666,300 |
553,000 |
486,820 |
|
Kildare |
2,242,710 |
5,822,380 |
14,918,120 |
13,200,843 |
24,426,363 |
|
Kilkenny |
0 |
0 |
0 |
620,632 |
455,990 |
|
Laois |
0 |
0 |
1,134,846 |
1,246,933 |
0 |
|
Leitrim |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Limerick |
700,901 |
2,243,049 |
4,754,378 |
4,150,960 |
1,501,326 |
|
Longford |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Louth |
0 |
458,682 |
0 |
1,352,697 |
1,292,368 |
|
Mayo |
0 |
562,020 |
1,124,040 |
0 |
173,298 |
|
Meath |
0 |
9,097,317 |
18,277,222 |
18,991,315 |
10,992,628 |
|
Monaghan |
1,024,147 |
801,931 |
2,705,946 |
1,370,673 |
4,675 |
|
Offaly |
0 |
0 |
0 |
195,325 |
2,672,029 |
|
Roscommon |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Sligo |
298,500 |
536,000 |
933,724 |
0 |
243,210 |
|
South Dublin |
1,382,610 |
17,308,952 |
7,674,531 |
11,689,462 |
572,978 |
|
Tipperary |
0 |
530,313 |
595,698 |
1,150,698 |
422,035 |
|
Waterford |
0 |
5,264,170 |
3,266,098 |
2,897,521 |
2,880,062 |
|
Westmeath |
0 |
0 |
633,376 |
962,720 |
751,243 |
|
Wexford |
0 |
142,789 |
5,305,123 |
3,243,447 |
5,665,173 |
|
Wicklow |
317,765 |
1,848,573 |
2,644,729 |
2,681,436.31 |
3,405,350 # |
Departmental Data
Ceisteanna (186)
Cian O'Callaghan
Ceist:186. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of HAP recipients who have received the increased discretionary rate since the change to the HAP discretion rate from 20% to 35% came into effect on 11 July 2022, in each local authority area in tabular form; the up-to-date average percentage amount of discretionary top-up in each local authority area in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53930/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Programme for Government commits to ensuring that Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) levels are adequate to support vulnerable households, while we increase the supply of social housing. Under Housing for All, my Department was tasked with undertaking an analytical exercise to examine whether an increase in the level of discretion available to Local Authorities under HAP was required. The Housing Agency undertook to carry out this analytical exercise on behalf of the Department to better understand what level of discretion should be made available to Local Authorities under HAP to maintain adequate levels of support.
Following receipt and analysis of this review, I, in co-operation with Government colleagues and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, have now approved an increase in the HAP discretion rate from 20% to 35% and for new tenancies to extend the couple’s rate to single person households. This will secure more tenancies and prevent new entries to homelessness. Both these measures came into effect from 11 July 2022.
It is a matter for each local authority to determine whether the application of a discretionary increase is warranted, and the level of such an increase, on a case-by-case basis.
Figures on the use of increased HAP discretion introduced on 11 July are not yet available. My Department publishes comprehensive programme-level statistics on a quarterly basis on social housing delivery activity in all local authorities. This data is available until the end of Quarter 2 2022 and is published on the statistics page of my Department’s website, at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/collection/6060e-overall-social-housing-provision/.
The table below shows the number of households at the end of Q2 2022, broken down by local authority, who are in receipt of discretion, and sets out the average level of discretion in each area. This table excludes homeless households in Dublin who were eligible to receive up to 50% discretion. The Dublin Regional Homeless Executive (DRHE) is operating the HAP Homeless Place Finder Service on behalf of the four Dublin local authorities.
|
Local Authority |
Number of Tenancies availing of discretion - Excluding DRHE Homeless 50% |
Average Discretion Rate |
|
Carlow County Council |
316 |
18.3% |
|
Cavan County Council |
213 |
17.8% |
|
Clare County Council |
951 |
19.0% |
|
Cork City Council |
1,752 |
17.3% |
|
Cork County Council |
954 |
17.7% |
|
Donegal County Council |
267 |
20.0% |
|
Dublin City Council |
3,826 |
16.7% |
|
Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council |
778 |
18.7% |
|
Fingal County Council |
1,706 |
15.2% |
|
Galway City Council |
1,540 |
17.5% |
|
Galway County Council |
818 |
17.5% |
|
Kerry County Council |
1,065 |
18.8% |
|
Kildare County Council |
1,262 |
15.3% |
|
Kilkenny County Council |
292 |
19.1% |
|
Laois County Council |
640 |
19.0% |
|
Leitrim County Council |
89 |
19.8% |
|
Limerick City & County Council |
716 |
19.1% |
|
Longford County Council |
196 |
19.2% |
|
Louth County Council |
1,516 |
17.2% |
|
Mayo County Council |
1,109 |
18.6% |
|
Meath County Council |
1,693 |
17.1% |
|
Monaghan County Council |
432 |
19.2% |
|
Offaly County Council |
285 |
18.3% |
|
Roscommon County Council |
226 |
18.8% |
|
Sligo County Council |
191 |
14.1% |
|
South Dublin County Council |
730 |
15.0% |
|
Tipperary County Council |
608 |
18.0% |
|
Waterford City & County Council |
936 |
17.9% |
|
Westmeath County Council |
409 |
17.4% |
|
Wexford County Council |
777 |
17.4% |
|
Wicklow County Council |
599 |
17.1% |
|
Total |
26,892 |
17.4% |
Vacant Properties
Ceisteanna (187)
Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:187. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total number of residential voids within social housing stock for each of the local authorities throughout the country at present in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53936/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Local authorities will always have a level of vacancy in their housing stock. This will fluctuate over time as tenancy surrender and re-letting of stock is an ongoing process.
Data in relation to levels of vacancy, average turnaround times and reasons associated with this are not routinely collated by my Department. However, statistics in relation to the social housing stock are published by the National Oversight and Audit Commission (NOAC) in their Annual Reports on Performance Indicators in Local Authorities. These reports provide a range of information in relation to social housing stock, including vacancy and the average time taken to re-tenant a dwelling. The most recent report, relating to 2020, is available on the NOAC website at the following link:
noac.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/NOAC-Local-Authority-Performance-Indicator-Report-2020.pdf
National Monuments
Ceisteanna (188)
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:188. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of meetings at which the national monument section of his Department or his Department generally was represented on the proposal to compensate Moore Street traders for disruption arising from the proposed development of Dublin central; if public funds were or were to be made available for that purpose; if there are records available of all meetings held including those in attendance; and if he will detail the result of the deliberations. [53988/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I refer to the reply to Question No. 249 of 22 September 2022 which sets out the position on the matter regarding meetings.
With regard to the issue of compensation, the May 2021 report of the Moore Street Advisory Group recommended that an adequate and appropriately structured compensation package should be put in place for the Moore Street traders as soon as possible. My Department was indirectly engaged at the same time in some limited preliminary discussions, led by Dublin City Council, regarding compensation for the street traders for a range of separate schemes of works to be carried out by different parties in the area, each of which would disrupt the traders’ business. There has been no further discussion on the matter.
It should be stressed that any compensation that might be provided by my Department would be solely in respect of works at the national monument which fronts fully on to Moore Street and the area where the street traders do their business. At no stage during the live planning application process was my Department in negotiations with the street traders.
Defective Building Materials
Ceisteanna (189)
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn
Ceist:189. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will amend the legislation or regulations that limit the reconstruction of homes with defective blocks to the same footprint as the original house, in order that some homeowners have the option of building on their adjacent land holding and remaining in the existing home while their new home is being constructed; and if he appreciates that families with a person with a disability will struggle to find suitable temporary alternative accommodation and that this may be a workable option in some instances. [54060/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Following on from the Government decision of the 30 November 2021 in respect of the enhanced Defective Concrete Blocks Grant scheme, the Government approved the Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks Bill 2022 on 21 June and the Bill passed through both Houses of the Oireachtas and was subsequently signed into law by the President on the 23 July, 2022.
The purpose of this Act is to implement and give legislative underpinning to a series of measures to improve and enhance the scheme as agreed by Government on 30 November 2021. Full details can be found at www.gov.ie/en/press-release/328d7-minister-obrien-welcomes-progress-on-enhanced-defective-concrete-blocks-grant-scheme/.
Work on drafting the necessary Regulations to facilitate the commencement of the Act is ongoing and the Regulations will provide for all matters within the Act which are to be prescribed including but not limited to the grant rates, damage threshold, and the form and content of various reports, certificates, forms, and declarations.
The Enhanced Grant Scheme will facilitate the remediation of existing houses that have been damaged by the use of defective concrete blocks, but not the construction of separate additional houses on adjoining sites. The construction of new separate additional houses is not grant funded and would be subject to the normal requirements of the planning system.
Under the Enhanced Grant Scheme, alternative vouched accommodation costs are an allowable cost, subject to a maximum of €15,000 in the event that the applicant has to move out when remediation works are ongoing. Removal of contents/house components and their temporary storage and reinstatement on completion are also an allowable cost, subject to a maximum of €5,000.
Donegal County Council has also engaged with my Department to seek approval for two facilitator posts in Donegal to support homeowners through the defective concrete block grant scheme application process. The role of the facilitators will include guiding the homeowners through the application process, and facilitating the homeowner to access all other relevant support services, including options for alternative accommodation/ storage. A letter of approval supporting the posts of facilitators to assist homeowners through the enhanced grant scheme process issued from my Department to the Council last week.
My Department recently published a comprehensive and updated “Your Questions Answered” document on the Department’s website to ensure homeowners have the most up to date information available to them. It can be accessed at www.gov.ie/en/publication/775c0-defective-concrete-blocks-grant-scheme-your-questions-answered/
Departmental Reports
Ceisteanna (190)
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn
Ceist:190. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when he will publish the Mulcahy Report into alleged planning corruption in Donegal; and the actions that he plans to take arising from this report. [54068/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am considering the report, entitled 'A Review Into Certain Planning Matters in Respect of Donegal County Council', by Mr. Rory Mulcahy S.C., and will bring this matter to Government for consideration in due course.
The Attorney General's office has been consulted on both the content of the report and also on the issue of its potential publication and dissemination. The review is a scoping report and as such it does not make findings as to the truth or otherwise of allegations that have been made by an individual against named persons.
Regarding the question of the publication of the Mulcahy Report, the decisions of the Commissioner for Environmental Information (CEI/18/0019) of 13 February 2019 and the Information Commissioner (OIC-59426-Q8D7T8) of 27 February 2020 in relation to requests to publish this report will also be taken into account. Both decisions are publicly available on those bodies' websites.
It should be noted that in each of these cases, both the Commissioner for Environmental Information and the Information Commissioner decided not to grant access to the report. The Office of the Information Commissioner decision stated "placing the details concerned in the public domain would significantly breach the rights to privacy of identifiable individuals." Therefore, this is a matter that requires careful consideration given that the report details unproven allegations against named persons.
Foreign Birth Registration
Ceisteanna (191)
Brendan Griffin
Ceist:191. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when a foreign birth registration certificate will issue to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53935/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
With regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service has issued the Foreign Birth Registration Certificate to the applicant.
Passport Services
Ceisteanna (192)
Louise O'Reilly
Ceist:192. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when a person (details supplied) can expect to receive their passport card which was applied for several months ago. [53956/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
With regard to the specific enquiry raised by the Deputy, the Passport Service dispatched the applicant's passport card and postal tracking shows that it was delivered to the applicant on 1 July 2022. If there are any further issues, the applicant can contact the Passport Service Customer Service Hub at 01 671 1633.
Northern Ireland
Ceisteanna (193)
Sorca Clarke
Ceist:193. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the efforts that his Department is making to restore the Executive in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54077/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The full and effective functioning of the institutions of the Good Friday Agreement is essential.
Following the appointment of Chris Heaton Harris as Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, he and I have met regularly, including at the British Irish Intergovernmental Conference in London on 7 October and in Belfast on 12 and 19 October. Among the issues we have discussed was the pathway towards restoring the Executive in Belfast. I have also raised with the Secretary of State and, separately with the Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly in our meeting on 6 October, the need for UK to make progress in its negotiations with the EU on the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland. My colleague, Minister of State Brophy, met with Steve Baker, Minister of State at the Northern Ireland Office, on 24 October, on the question of Executive formation.
On 12 October, I met with four of the main political party leaders in Northern Ireland. We discussed the challenges and frustrations facing the parties as they seek to form an Executive and the prospect of a winter election. On 17 October, the Taoiseach met with all five political party leaders.
I understand and appreciate the concerns that have been raised as a justification for not returning to the Executive. However, these concerns are being taken seriously and are the subject of EU-UK negotiations – there is no reason why the blockage of Northern Ireland’s institutions should continue in the meantime.
The Government, politicians and officials will remain in close contact with UK Ministers and officials seeking the restoration of the Executive and Institutions and the strengthening of the Good Friday Agreement. I firmly believe that by working together in a spirit of cooperation solutions to the range of issues facing Northern Ireland can be found.
Human Rights
Ceisteanna (194)
Holly Cairns
Ceist:194. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide details of his engagement with the Ambassador for the Islamic Republic of Iran concerning recent protests for women's rights and the treatment of protestors by state security services. [54101/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who died in police custody in Iran on 16 September, was a tragedy. The fact that she was arrested simply due to the way she was dressed understandably provoked a strong response from the Iranian people and the international community. The subsequent response by the Iranian authorities to largely peaceful protestors in Iran has been extremely concerning.
I raised my concerns on the matter directly with the Iranian Foreign Minister when I met him at the UN General Assembly in New York on 21 September and I spoke with him on the matter again by phone on 6 October. I called on Iran to conduct an independent investigation into the circumstances of Ms Amini’s detention and death.
On 20 October I summoned the Iranian Ambassador to Ireland and again reiterated my very serious concern about the circumstances surrounding the death of Mahsa Amini and the unjustified response of the Iranian security forces to the women and men who are protesting. I made it clear that Iran must adhere to its obligations under the International Convention on Civil and Political Rights, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. I also raised my concerns for the safety and well being of the athlete Elnaz Rekabi.
In my meeting with the Ambassador, I also urged Iran to stop supplying weapons to Russia. Russia’s deliberate and repeated targeting of Ukrainian civilians and critical infrastructure is a gross violation of international law. Iran’s supply of weapons to Russia directly contributes to these violations.
On 19 October the UN Security Council held a meeting on Iran’s Transfer of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles to Russia and, the following day, the EU adopted targeted sanctions against Iranian individuals and an entity involved in the development of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles drones and their delivery to Russia. This followed the decision by the EU on 17 October, under the Iran (Human Rights) Sanctions Regime, to sanction eleven people and four entities for their role in the death of Mahsa Amini and the violent response to the recent demonstrations in Iran.
School Accommodation
Ceisteanna (195)
Paul Kehoe
Ceist:195. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education the status of the application for additional accommodation for a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54091/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I can confirm to the Deputy, that my Department is in receipt of an application for the Additional School Accommodation (ASA) scheme, from the school in question.
This application is being assessed by my officials and upon completion of the assessment process the school authorities will be contacted directly with a decision.
Tax and Social Welfare Codes
Ceisteanna (196)
Colm Burke
Ceist:196. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Education if she will confirm what home tutors are considered self-employed for tax and pension purposes when engaged in the July Provision/Summer Programme as teachers who are employed by her Department who participate in the said programme, are considered as PAYE, receiving an A class contribution from their employer; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53976/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
For my Department's Summer Programme, all primary and post-primary schools are invited to run a school based programme during the summer months. The programmes are co-ordinated and run by the specific school in accordance with specific terms and conditions as set out by the Department, including the length of each school day. Schools may arrange their programmes by sourcing staff that already work within their school or they engage outside staff. The Department then facilitates the payment of staff employed by the school who provided their summer programmes.
While all schools are encouraged to run a summer programme, the Department acknowledges that this is not always possible. Where a pupil is eligible for the summer programme but their school is not running a programme, the Department provides funding so that a parent may engage a teacher/SNA to provide tuition/care support. The terms and conditions for the engagement of a teacher/SNA are broadly similar to that of the Home Tuition Scheme but the full terms and conditions for the 2022 programme are available at: www.gov.ie/en/publication/a0e87-summer-provision-home-based-programme/
For children and students who qualify for home based tuition, sanction is given to approve a grant towards the engagement of a tutor who will provide home tuition for the child/student in question. Home tutors are engaged by the parents/guardian of the child who is to receive tuition and the tutor has no contractual relationship with the Department of Education.
In accordance with instructions from the Revenue Commissioners, payments under home tuition schemes are subject to statutory deductions at source. In order to facilitate parents, my Department acts solely as payroll agents on behalf of the parents/guardian. The Department of Social Protection has determined that home tutors are engaged under a contract for service and are therefore self-employed and subject to PRSI Class S. This is also outlined in the Home-Based Summer Programme Terms and Conditions assets.gov.ie/223815/8ccce096-725b-4aad-a793-449ad88827a4.pdf.
Schools Building Projects
Ceisteanna (197)
Paul Kehoe
Ceist:197. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education if she will provide an update on the progress of a new school building project (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53910/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The major building project for the school referred to by the Deputy will be delivered under my Department's ADAPT Programme.
ADAPT is an acronym which stands for the "Accelerated Delivery of Architectural Planning and Tendering".
The ADAPT Programme uses a professional external Project Manager to co-ordinate and drive the Design Team to achieve the best possible timeframe for the project through the stages of Architectural Planning to Tender and Construction.
The tender process to appoint a Project Manager has been completed. The Project Manager is currently arranging site visits and the procurement of site surveys for all projects on this ADAPT Programme including this project. The process to appoint a Design Team will shortly be put in train by the Project Manager.
My Department and the Project Manager will keep the school authorities updated in relation to these appointments.
Schools Building Projects
Ceisteanna (198)
Paul Kehoe
Ceist:198. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education if she will provide an update on the progress of a new school building project (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53918/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The project to which the Deputy refers has been devolved for delivery to the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA).
This project is currently at Stage 2a of the architectural planning process. Once the Stage report submission is approved by my Department, the next step for the Design Team will be to obtain the statutory planning approvals. When these are in place, the project can proceed to tender and construction.
While at this stage it is not possible to provide a timeline for completion of the project, the NDFA will be engaging directly with the school authority to keep it informed of progress.
School Funding
Ceisteanna (199)
Paul Kehoe
Ceist:199. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education the options that are available for schools who are continuing to experience a shortfall in funding despite measures introduced in Budget 2023 and who are continuing to request a voluntary contribution from the families of their pupils to make up that shortfall; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53919/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department provides funding to all recognised schools in the Free Education Scheme by way of per capita grants. The two main grants are the Capitation grant to cater for day to day running costs including heating, lighting etc. and the Ancillary grant to cater for the cost of employing ancillary services staff. These grants may be regarded as a common grant from which the Board of Management can allocate according to its own priorities.
It was a very significant achievement to have secured €9.6 billion for Education in Budget ’23. This will enable many ground-breaking investments in our education system, furthering the work of this Government in recent years in reducing class sizes, reducing costs for families, tackling disadvantage and supporting achievement of all our students.
A rise in the cost of living should never be a barrier to education. I am very pleased therefore to have the support of my colleagues in Government to ensure this remains the case and as part of the cost of living measures I have secured €90m for additional capitation funding.
All recognised Primary and Post-Primary schools in the Free Education scheme will benefit from this additional capitation funding in 2022 which represents an increase of circa 40% of current standard and enhanced capitation rates.
The additional grant will be paid at the rate of €75 per pupil at Primary level and €113 at Post-Primary level. Enhanced rates will also be paid in respect of pupils with Special Educational needs. Arrangements are being made to issue this payment as soon as possible and schools can use this to cover additional energy costs and other increased day to day operating costs.
In the context of the current cost of living crisis and the additional funding being made available to schools, I would expect that schools will not have to seek additional voluntary contributions from parents.
My Department has also ensured in recent years that centrally negotiated rates were made available to schools for electricity and bulk heating fuels through frameworks sourced by the Office of Government Procurement (OGP). A significant number of schools signed up to these and are availing of highly competitive energy prices. The Schools Procurement Unit and the Department has communicated with schools and school management bodies informing them of the options available to them through these national arrangements. It is planned to run future competitions to ensure that bulk rates continue to be available from 2024 onwards. Information on how to avail of these arrangements is available via the Schools Procurement Unit website, www.spu.ie.
As the Deputy may also be aware Budget 2023 provided for the provision of funding from the Climate Action Fund in relation to the provision of Photovoltaic Panels in schools up to 6KW output.
This is really positive news for our schools and will assist with their energy needs and costs along with supporting the decarbonisation of our school buildings.
My Department's Officials are working closely with the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications colleagues in relation to the arrangements for this scheme and details will be announced in due course.
It is intended the provision of the solar panels will be fully funded for schools.
School Transport
Ceisteanna (200)
Ged Nash
Ceist:200. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Education when a decision will be made in relation to the provision of a school bus ticket for a person in County Louth (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53929/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department. In the last school year over 121,400 children, including over 15,500 children with special educational needs, were transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country at a cost of over €289m in 2021.
In July 2022, Government announced funding for the waiving of school transport scheme fees for the coming school year as part of a wider package of cost of living measures.
Ticket registration for the 2022/23 school year closed on 29 July by which time almost 130,000 applications/registrations were received for mainstream school transport. This figure includes 44,299 new applications as well as roll-overs from the previous school year.
Children are eligible for transport at primary level where they reside not less than 3.2 kilometres from and are attending their nearest national school, and at post primary level where they reside not less than 4.8 kilometres from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre as determined by the Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.
Children who are eligible for school transport and who have completed the application process on time will be accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation.
Children who are not eligible for school transport, but who completed the application process on time, will be considered for spare seats that may exist after eligible children have been facilitated; such seats are referred to as concessionary seats.
Temporary Alleviation Measures at post-primary level will be continued for the 2022/2023 school year pending completion of the review of the School Transport Scheme. This will mean that transport arrangements will continue to be provided for a number of post-primary students who are attending their second nearest school, who have applied and registered on time and who live more than 4.8km from their nearest school. Families who normally would pay an annual ticket charge will not be charged a fee for their school bus ticket for the 2022/23 school year.
Bus Éireann has advised that the pupil referred to by the Deputy is not eligible for transport as they are attending their third nearest Post Primary Centre, the existing school transport service is currently operating to capacity and there are no seats available at present.
Bus Éireann have further advised that a ticket request was received however the pupil was unsuccessful in obtaining a concessionary seat for the 2022/23 school year. Bus Eireann are currently in the process of assessing routes in this area and if a seat becomes available, their local office will contact the family directly.
Special Educational Needs
Ceisteanna (201)
Thomas Gould
Ceist:201. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to a lack of secondary school places for children coming from special schools in Cork city. [53954/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I would like to thank the Deputy for the question and would like to advise the following:
Enabling children with special educational needs to receive an education is a priority for this Government.
For 2022, my Department will spend in excess of €2 Billion, or over 25% of the Department’s budget on providing a wide range of schemes and supports for children with special educational needs.
For 2023, this spend will be substantially increased by over 10%, meaning that for 2023 my Department will spend over €2.6 billion on special education.
This level of educational funding and support is unprecedented and represents in excess of 27% of the Department’s total allocation for 2023.
This includes additional teaching and care supports. It also includes funding for the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) for an additional 54 psychologists to provide services to special schools and special classes.
In 2022, funding for an additional 980 teachers and 1,165 special needs assistants was provided. For 2023, the number of teaching and SNA posts in our schools will increase with an additional 686 teachers and a further 1,194 special needs assistants in our schools next year.
For the first time ever we will have over 19,000 teachers working in the area of special education and over 20,000 Special needs assistants. Together we have almost 40,000 qualified and committed people in our schools who are focused wholly and exclusively on supporting children with special educational needs.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision for children nationwide.
At a national level, the NCSE has sanctioned an additional 394 new special classes for this school year 2022/2023, bringing the total of special classes to 2,546 nationwide. The 394 new special classes sanctioned for 2022/23 is broken down by 261 at primary level and 133 at post primary level. The 394 additional classes will provide 2,364 places for children with special educational needs who require a special class placement. Of these new classes sanctioned for this school year, 60 of them were sanctioned in Cork, with 38 at primary level and 22 at post-primary level.
In 2023, there will be a significant investment in the expansion of the National Council for Special Education, with a total full-year investment of €13 million, in over 160 additional staff. This investment is being undertaken so that the NSCE can respond effectively, compassionately and quickly to the increased need in our education system so that children and their families are fully supported and achieve the best possible education outcomes.
For 2023, budget funding provides for a further 370 special classes to open, taking the total number of special classes to over 2,900 in 2023.
My Department is engaging intensely with the NCSE in relation to the forward planning of new special classes for the next school year 2023/2024. This work involves a detailed review of statistical data in relation to forecasting demand for special class places, consideration of improved data sharing arrangements and a particular focus on the provision of special classes at post-primary level.
At local level, the NCSE is continuing to engage with schools regarding the establishment of additional special classes for the next school year 2023/2024. Every support will be made available to schools to progress the opening of special classes in the shortest possible timeframe.
Over the last two to three years, as the Deputy will be aware, my Department and the NCSE have worked with school patron bodies to open five new special schools, 2 of these are in Cork – Carrigaline Community Special School and Rochestown Community Special School which will open early in the New Year. My Department is also currently advancing the acquisition of a site in Glanmire which will facilitate the construction of a special school building.
It is of course open to any school to engage with the NCSE to establish a special class.
My Department is committed, in conjunction with the NCSE, to continue to work with parents, schools, patrons and all stakeholders to ensure that there are sufficient appropriate places for students with additional needs and to support all students to achieve their potential.
I want to reassure you also that my Department will continue to support the NCSE and schools through the provision of the necessary funding and capital investment to ensure all children are successful in accessing an education.