Written Answers Nos. 271-291
271. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide an update under Housing for All to targeted funding via the urban regeneration and development fund and rural regeneration and development fund to support the town centre first approach, as part of the wider objectives for the regeneration of cities, towns and rural areas. [7135/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraTown Centre First, jointly developed by my Department and the Department of Rural and Community Development, sets out 33 actions which will provide a co-ordinated framework across established national policy objectives (in particular the National Planning Framework, Housing for All and Our Rural Future), to address the decline in the health of our towns and sets out actions to regenerate and revitalise them.
The Town Centre First Policy was launched on 4 February 2022 and provides a co-ordinated, whole-of-government policy framework to proactively address the decline in the health of towns across Ireland and support measures to regenerate and revitalise them.
Key to Town Centre First (TCF) are local communities and local businesses who now have the opportunity to reimagine and shape the future of their town/village through the development of a Town Centre First Plan with the support of a dedicated Town Regeneration Officer and their Local Authority.
The TCF Plans will identify challenges, actions and integrated responses across a number of themes (business/commercial; community/cultural; housing; built environment; heritage). The TCF Plans will be action and project orientated in nature and will assist towns in accessing a range of potential funding programmes available for town regeneration across a number of government departments and agencies. The development and delivery of TCF Plans will be supported by a network of Local Authority Town Regeneration Officers and a National Town Centre First Office, which is being established within the Local Government Management Agency. In phase one, a TCF Plan will be developed by June 2023 in 18 towns across 18 counties.
The Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) is already providing funding for 132 proposals comprising almost 400 subprojects that will enable compact growth and a greater proportion of residential development to be delivered within the existing built footprints of both our cities and large towns, while also ensuring that more parts of our urban areas can become attractive and vibrant places in which people choose to live and work, as well as to invest and to visit. To this end, the fund has already provided €333m in funding to town regeneration projects since its inception in 2018 through two calls, as well as committing over €1.2 billion to the cities and the five regional growth centres identified in the National Planning Framework.
On 30 January, I announced the third call for proposals under the URDF. While the URDF programme will continue to support the progression of approved proposals and projects through their project lifecycles, the third round of funding support, which is a key action in the Government’s Vacant Homes Action Plan 2023-2026, has been specifically designed to address long term vacancy and dereliction across our URDF cities and towns and the acceleration of the provision of residential accommodation. This initiative is also in support of objectives under Housing for All and the Town Centre First policy. It is proposed that a revolving fund of up to €150m of URDF support will be made available to the local authority sector by way of individual allocations to each local authority to be used to tackle long term vacancy and dereliction. Further details in this regard can be accessed on my Department’s website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/press-release/42854-minister-obrien-launches-new-vacant-homes-action-plan-and-details-of-new-150-million-urdf-vacancy-fund/#vacant-homes-action-plan
The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF), which is the responsibility of my colleague the Minister for Rural and Community Development, seeks to support ambitious and strategic projects in towns and villages with a population of less than 10,000 which have the potential to transform rural economies and communities and achieve the objectives of Our Rural Future. Minister Humphreys announced funding of €115m for 23 projects from the fourth call for Category 1 applications in November 2022. This call had a strong focus on supporting projects that will assist in revitalising rural towns and villages through planned, sustainable regeneration and development including addressing vacancy and the re-use of heritage and other existing buildings in alignment with the Town Centre First approach. In total, the RRDF has now provided €395m for 215 projects worth €542m. Further information in this regard can be accessed on the website of the Department of Rural and Community Development at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/press-release/f7d2d-our-rural-future-minister-humphreys-announces-115million-for-23-landmark-rural-regeneration-projects-nationwide/
272. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide an update under Housing for All to planning exemptions for above shop conversions and guidance relating to protected structures. [7136/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended (the Act), all development, unless specifically exempted under the Act or associated Regulations, requires planning permission. Exemptions from the requirement to obtain planning permission in respect of specific forms of development are provided for when they are considered to be consistent with proper planning and sustainable development. The exemptions provided for in the Planning and Development Regulations are kept under regular review.
The Planning and Development Act (Exempted Development) Regulations 2022 - which extend the operation of the previous 2018 Regulations in this regard until end 2025 - provide for an exemption from the requirement to obtain planning permission in respect of the change of use of certain vacant commercial premises to residential use, including the conversion of vacant areas above ground floor commercial premises to residential use. This measure is aimed at facilitating the productive re-use of qualifying vacant commercial buildings as homes, while also facilitating urban renewal and the bringing on stream of increased housing supply.
The conditions and limitations that applied to the 2018 exempted development provisions continue to apply under the new regulations which includes provision that works to protected structures shall not be allowed under the exemptions save where the relevant planning authority has issued a declaration under section 57 of the Act to the effect that the proposed works would not materially affect the character of the structure or any element of the structure which contributes to its special architectural, historical, archaeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, social or technical interest.
Furthermore works shall not be permitted in a number of limited areas, such as areas of special planning control and areas to which special amenity area orders relate. Under section 82 of the Act, works to the exterior of a structure located in an architectural conservation area shall be exempted development only if those works would not materially affect the character of the area. Where a person wishes to seek advice in relation to whether proposed works might materially affect the character of an architectural conservation area, they should contact the local Heritage Officer or the local planning office.
My Department issued Circular Letter PL 02/2022 to planning authorities advising them of the newly extended exempted development regulations. The Circular references the conditions and limitations that continue to apply under these regulations and makes explicit reference to those conditions mentioned above.
In relation to guidance for the owners of protected structures, my Department has developed and published an information hub which draws together advice about conservation, planning, grant funding, the sourcing of professional assistance etc in this area. The information is available at www.buildingsofireland.ie/guidance. It is intended that this resource will be maintained and further developed on an ongoing basis.
If a person wishes to establish whether or not planning permission is required for a particular development proposal, they can seek a declaration in this regard from their local planning authority under Section 5 of the Act.
273. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide an update under Housing for All for a minimum building energy rating standards for private rental dwellings. [7146/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed under Housing for All to developing a roadmap to implement minimum Building Energy Rating (BER) standards, or ‘Cost Optimal’ equivalent, for the private rental sector beginning in 2025. This action is a key plank of Government policy in regard to both improving the quality of housing stock available to rent and in meeting our overall national climate targets in relation to emissions reduction. It will increase energy efficiency, help to alleviate fuel poverty, help to protect tenant’s health and improve comfort levels in rental homes.
Work in this area, which will support the objectives set down in the Government’s Climate Action Plan, is ongoing and on schedule. It will be underpinned in the first instance by detailed research currently being undertaken by the ESRI in partnership with my Department.
274. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide an update under Housing for All to a nationwide, local authority-led, compulsory purchase order scheme to purchase vacant homes. [7147/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraPathway 4 of Housing for All sets out a blueprint to address vacancy and make efficient use of our existing housing stock. Many areas of cities, towns and villages of all sizes face the blight of vacant properties, which, if brought back into use, could add real vibrancy and provide new accommodation in those areas. An action under Pathway 4 provides for the introduction of a programme for the compulsory purchase by local authorities of vacant properties for sale on the open market.
To support local authorities in the use of Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPOs), a number of key steps have been taken including:
- The development by the Housing Agency of CPO guidance material which has been made available to local authorities.
- The establishment of a Property Optimisation Unit in the Housing Agency. This Unit is assisting local authorities with CPOs, providing a general advisory service including step by step assistance through the process.
My Department is engaging with local authorities who are successfully utilising the CPO process with a view to identifying best practice for dissemination to all local authorities. The use of CPOs is being examined by my Department in partnership with The Housing Agency with the intention of identifying opportunities to make the process more straightforward, establish best practice and support local authorities.
A programme for the CPO of vacant properties for resale on the open market will be launched by my Department in Quarter 1 of this year. This will include the dissemination of best practice guidelines and supports available for local authorities.
275. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if consideration is being given to extend the eviction ban beyond 31 March 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7161/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe aim of the Residential Tenancies (Deferment of Termination Dates of Certain Tenancies) Act 2022 is to afford time for housing supply to increase and to reduce the burden on homelessness services and the pressure on tenants and the residential tenancies market. To assist in managing demands on housing services after the winter period and ensure that there is no cliff edge impact on 1 April, the Deferment Act provides for deferred Notices of Termination to take effect on a phased basis over the period from 1 April to 18 June 2023. The Act has been carefully calibrated to limit its interference with landlords’ constitutional property rights.
While I have no plans to bring further legislative proposals forward at the moment in relation to the operation of the rental market, it should be noted that it and the Residential Tenancies Acts 2004-2022 are kept under close and constant review. In this regard, my Department has commenced work on an overall review of the private rented sector as committed to under the Housing for All Action Plan Update published last November.
276. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will ensure funding is made available to Dublin City Council in order to renovate the Iveagh building in the Liberties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7281/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand that the Question refers to the Iveagh Markets on Francis Street in Dublin 8, and not to the Iveagh Trust Buildings on New Bride Street.
My functions as Minister with regard to the protection of our architectural heritage are set out in the Planning and Development Acts, as are the responsibilities of local authorities and owners.
Part IV of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, gives responsibility to planning authorities to identify and protect the architectural heritage by including particular structures on the Record of Protected Structures (RPS) and overseeing development and safeguarding of the structures accordingly.
As Minister, I can make recommendations to planning authorities for buildings and structures to be included on the RPS. In general I make these recommendations on foot of the surveys carried out by my Department’s National Inventory of Architectural Heritage. The final decision as to inclusion of a building or structure on the RPS remains a reserved function of the relevant planning authority, in this case Dublin City Council.
The Iveagh Markets building was recorded by the NIAH in November 2013 and rated as being of Regional Importance. As such, it was recommended to the local authority for inclusion on its RPS. I am informed that Dublin City Council have included the Iveagh Markets on their RPS (Ref. no. 2936).
Inclusion on the Record of Protected Structures obliges owners and occupiers to prevent endangerment of the building, and requires the local authority, where it has formed the view that the building is or will become endangered, to serve notice on the owner or occupier to carry out remedial works.
Where the owner or occupier fails to carry out the works specified by the planning authority, the Act gives the planning authority a range of discretionary powers to safeguard the structure in question, including powers to enter a property, carry out works required to prevent endangerment, and recover the associated costs from the owner or occupier.
In December 2022 Minister of State Noonan met with Dublin City Council, to discuss the protection of the Iveagh Markets. Minister Noonan indicated that my Department would provide appropriate support, subject to resources, to assist and encourage Dublin City Council's efforts to protect this important building. The matter is now with Dublin City Council.
277. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of the expansion of data-sharing arrangements between the Residential Tenancies Board and the Revenue Commissioners under target 2.6 of Housing For All; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7330/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder Housing for All (September 2021) and the Housing for All Action Plan Update (November 2022), the Government is committed to the expansion of data-sharing arrangements between the Revenue Commissioners and the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB).
Engagement between the RTB and the Revenue Commissioners is ongoing with a view to implementing this commitment and following any necessary engagement with the Data Protection Commission, the Government will consider any necessary legislative changes for early implementation.
279. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department maintains figures on the number of households in receipt of the housing assistance payment that are making additional contributions to their landlord; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7332/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraA key principle of the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) scheme is that eligible households source their own accommodation in the private rented sector and are advised that this accommodation should be within the HAP rent limits provided to them by the local authority. The limits applicable are related to the specific household and the rental market in the area.
My Department is aware that some HAP recipients are making payments directly to their landlords, beyond the amount of HAP being paid on their behalf. There is no legislative provision precluding HAP supported households contributing towards the monthly rent to their landlord beyond that of their HAP payment. However, decisions in relation to HAP, including the suitability of HAP accommodation, is solely a matter for the local authority concerned and local authorities have a responsibility to ensure that tenancies are sustainable and are advised not to provide HAP support to tenancies where the household would not be in a position to meet the rental costs being sought.
Each local authority now has statutory discretion to agree to a HAP payment up to 35% (in place since 11 July 2022) above the prescribed maximum rent limit to secure appropriate accommodation for a household that requires it, or up to 50% in the case of homeless households in the Dublin region. The additional discretion available to homeless households recognises the difficulty this cohort of households face in sourcing and securing properties in a highly competitive rental market. Local authorities can also apply a couple rate to a single person household for new tenancies, where required, in recognition of the shared one-bed need.
A separate review of the discretion available to Homeless HAP tenancies in Dublin, which is up to 50% above the prescribed maximum rent limits, is currently being undertaken by my Department, in conjunction with the Housing Agency.
280. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the amount of CAS funding allocated to Carlow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7335/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department does not make allocations of funding to local authorities for the Capital Assistance Scheme (CAS). CAS is demand-led and funding is provided to each local authority and to Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) in line with their advancement of new housing projects.
Under CAS, capital funding of up to 100% of project costs is advanced by local authorities to AHBs to provide housing for specific categories of housing need including older people, persons/families who are homeless and people with disability.
I am keen to see more delivery of housing for these particular categories, in line with the priorities set out in the published Housing Delivery Action Plans of each local authority, including Carlow County Council. I would therefore encourage local authorities to work proactively with AHBs on this agenda.
281. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide an update on projects in Carlow town (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7337/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department issued approval to Carlow County Council for a 9 unit Repair and Leasing project at the first address supplied in November 2022.
An application for approval for a 10 unit Repair and Leasing project at the second address supplied is currently being assessed and my Department is in correspondence with the local authority to finalise details of this proposal.
Under the Repair and Leasing Scheme, the property owner submits invoices to the local authority following completion of work, either at the completion of the project or on the completion of agreed milestones. My Department recoups funding to the local authority. As such, the timeline for payments is a matter between the local authority and the property owner.
282. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will address concerns that have been raised with this Deputy by local landlords who are of the view that the present eviction ban effectively leaves them with no protections in terms of removing tenants who cause damage to their property or who engage in anti-social behaviour; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7353/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Residential Tenancies (Deferment of Termination Dates of Certain Tenancies) Act 2022 was signed into law on 29 October 2022. The Act makes emergency provision to defer the termination dates of certain residential tenancies that fall, or would fall, during the 'winter emergency period', beginning on 30 October 2022 and ending on 31 March 2023. The lawful serving of notices of termination can continue as normal during this period. The aim of the Act is to mitigate the risk that persons whose tenancies would otherwise be terminated during the winter would be unable to obtain alternative accommodation.
Provision is made in the Act for the deferral of the giving of effect to certain notices of termination, where they have been served by a landlord on or before 29 October 2022 and specify a termination date that falls during the 'winter emergency period'. Such terminations could take effect after the winter, in accordance with the Act, over the period from 1 April to 18 June 2023.
A deferral under this Act does not apply to a notice of termination served before or during the 'winter emergency period' where:
- the termination is grounded on the tenant’s failure to meet his or her obligations under section 16 of the Act of 2004, including his or her obligation not to: cause a deterioration in the condition of the dwelling beyond normal wear and tear; behave within the dwelling, or in the vicinity of it, in a way that is anti-social; nor act in a way that would invalid the insurance policy in force in relation to the dwelling, or - the landlord states that the reason for the termination is:
- on the ground of a breach of tenant obligations (other than to pay rent);
- on the ground of a breach of a tenant’s obligation to pay rent; or
- on the ground that the accommodation no longer suits the tenant’s accommodation needs having regard to the number of bed spaces and the size of the household.
The Act has been carefully calibrated to limit its interference with landlords’ constitutional property rights.
283. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is binging any proposals to permit the automatic granting of permission for wind energy projects that have been waiting for over two years for planning approval; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7359/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraWind energy projects are complex developments that require full and proper assessment by the relevant planning authority or An Bord Pleanála (the Board). In making decisions on a planning application, a planning authority, or the Board as appropriate, must consider the proper planning and sustainable development of the area having regard to the provisions of the local development plan, any relevant Ministerial or Government policies, any planning guidelines issued by my Department and any submissions or observations received from the public and the statutory consultees.
While I do not plan to amend planning legislation in the manner suggested in the Question, the draft Planning and Development Bill 2022, will deliver a range of improvements to assist the delivery of renewable energy infrastructure, in particular by:
- the alignment of the plan making hierarchy to ensure greater consistency between national policy and local implementation;
- the introduction of statutory mandatory timelines for all consent processes, including those of the Board. For the Board's processes, it is proposed to introduce mandatory timelines for appeals as well as the various consent applications made directly to it, including Strategic Infrastructure Developments. These timelines will be introduced on a phased basis, starting with Strategic Infrastructure Developments, including energy projects;
- introducing timelines for the various steps in the Judicial Review process including for pleadings, hearing of cases and delivery of judgements by the Courts;
- providing increased clarity on the integration of the scope and role of environmental assessments into plan making functions and the consenting process, with all provisions reviewed to ensure alignment with relevant EU Directives; and
- reviewing the processes for projects of Imperative Reasons of Overriding Public Interest (IROPI) to better reflect the intent of the EU Habitats Directive.
The draft Planning and Development Bill 2022 was agreed by Government on the 13 December 2022 and is currently undergoing pre-legislative scrutiny by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Once concluded, the final Bill will proceed before the Houses of the Oireachtas with a view to its enactment by Summer 2023.
284. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide details of the maximum amount of grant aid funding that can be awarded by local authorities under the schedule of works for grant aid; if any consideration has been given to increasing the level of funding to reflect the increased cost for materials and labour; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7379/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department administers a number of schemes that provide grant funding to local authorities to assist in the carrying out of improvement/adaptation works for eligible households. The detailed administration of these grants, including the assessment, approval and prioritisation of grants to applicants under the various schemes, is the responsibility of the relevant local authority.
One such scheme, the Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability involves a suite of grants for private homes. The suite of grants include the Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability (max grant €30,000), the Mobility Aids Grant (max grant €6,000) and the Housing Aid for Older People (max grant €8,000). A means test applies to each grant scheme; further details on these schemes is available 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 this suite of Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability. A report on the review has been prepared by my Department. Among the areas which the review considered are the income thresholds, the grant limits, the application and decision making processes, including supplementary documentation required. I will be giving careful consideration to the review report and expect to make a decision on the recommendations in the report as soon as possible.
Should information be required in relation to another specific grant scheme operated by my Department, details will be provided on receipt of the relevant request.
285. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total funding, if any, provided by his Department for a number of programmes (details supplied); and if he will provide, in tabular form, a breakdown of the funding drawn down for each programme by postcode; for the years 2020, 2021 and 2022, in tabular form. [7396/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraWind energy projects are complex developments that require full and proper assessment by the relevant planning authority or An Bord Pleanála (the Board). In making decisions on a planning application, a planning authority, or the Board as appropriate, must consider the proper planning and sustainable development of the area having regard to the provisions of the local development plan, any relevant Ministerial or Government policies, any planning guidelines issued by my Department and any submissions or observations received from the public and the statutory consultees.
While I do not plan to amend planning legislation in the manner suggested in the Question, the draft Planning and Development Bill 2022, will deliver a range of improvements to assist the delivery of renewable energy infrastructure, in particular by:
- the alignment of the plan making hierarchy to ensure greater consistency between national policy and local implementation;
- the introduction of statutory mandatory timelines for all consent processes, including those of the Board. For the Board's processes, it is proposed to introduce mandatory timelines for appeals as well as the various consent applications made directly to it, including Strategic Infrastructure Developments. These timelines will be introduced on a phased basis, starting with Strategic Infrastructure Developments, including energy projects;
- introducing timelines for the various steps in the Judicial Review process including for pleadings, hearing of cases and delivery of judgements by the Courts;
- providing increased clarity on the integration of the scope and role of environmental assessments into plan making functions and the consenting process, with all provisions reviewed to ensure alignment with relevant EU Directives; and
- reviewing the processes for projects of Imperative Reasons of Overriding Public Interest (IROPI) to better reflect the intent of the EU Habitats Directive.
The draft Planning and Development Bill 2022 was agreed by Government on the 13 December 2022 and is currently undergoing pre-legislative scrutiny by the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Once concluded, the final Bill will proceed before the Houses of the Oireachtas with a view to its enactment by Summer 2023.
286. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the number and details of compensation or redress schemes put in place by his Department since 1998, in tabular form; the number of claims made; the total cost of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6462/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Foreign Affairs has not put in place a compensation or redress scheme since 1998.
287. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the current waiting period for the Passport Office to process foreign births register applications; if he can outline how the State intends to alleviate the delays at the Passport Office for foreign births register applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6587/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is responsible for processing Foreign Birth Registration (FBR) applications for people who are born abroad and claim Irish citizenship through a grandparent born in Ireland or through a parent who has claimed citizenship also through FBR, Naturalisation or Post Nuptial Citizenship.
Demand for this service increased significantly as a result of the Brexit vote in the UK. The service was also impacted by necessary Covid-19 restrictions in 2020 and 2021 and the unprecedented demand for passports seen in 2022.
During 2022, my Department implemented a number of measures to address the volume of FBR applications on hand, with a view to significantly reducing the processing time for these applications. These measures, which include increased staffing directed towards the processing of FBR applications, have had a positive impact on the waiting time for applicants. The current waiting time for FBR applications is 10 months from receipt of supporting documents, down from over 2 years in September 2022.
Foreign Birth Registration, by its nature, is a detailed and complex process, often involving official documentation relating to three generations and issued by several jurisdictions. Such documents take considerable time to validate.
288. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide full details of the past and present role of a person (details supplied) at the Irish Embassy to Colombia, including if any potential conflicts of interest were investigated or identified between the person’s official role at the Embassy and at a company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6608/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland currently has over 80 Honorary Consuls operating in more than 50 countries across the globe. Our global network of Honorary Consuls offers vital support to the Government across a range of priorities, including providing a means of meeting the needs of Irish citizens and the Government in regions where we do not have a resident diplomatic Mission.
The services provided by the network include responding to enquiries in relation to passports, visas and travel to Ireland, as well as providing vital assistance in emergency cases. Our Honorary Consuls also have an important role in promoting the broader interests of the State overseas. They support Irish diplomatic missions and the relevant state agencies in establishing connections to key local stakeholders, in areas such as business, politics, culture and education.
My Department operates a comprehensive and robust system for managing appointments to Ireland’s Honorary Consul network. Honorary Consuls are not employees of an Embassy of Ireland or of the Department of Foreign Affairs. The position of Honorary Consul is honorary in nature - unsalaried and non-pensionable. An appointment to the role is generally made for an initial period of 3 years, with the potential for renewal thereafter.
Ireland and Colombia enjoy strong and wide-ranging bilateral relations across multiple areas, with excellent ties across the political, economic, cultural and multilateral spheres, among others. The depth and breadth of this relationship was greatly enhanced by the opening of Embassies in Dublin and Bogotá in 2018 and 2019, respectively, and has since gone from strength to strength.
The individual who is the subject of the Deputy’s question was appointed Honorary Consul of Ireland in Bogotá, Colombia, in 2001. Having provided valuable support to Ireland in that role for 18 years, his tenure ceased with the opening of our first resident Embassy in Bogotá in 2019. Subsequently, and in line with the aims of the whole-of-Government Strategy for the region, the establishment of a new Honorary Consul role in Barranquilla, Colombia, was approved, and the individual in question was appointed to that role in March 2022, as Ireland’s first Honorary Consul in Barranquilla.
289. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if the Irish Ambassador to the United States intends to visit Barbados before the end of quarter 1, 2023. [6965/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland’s diplomatic relations with Barbados are currently established through Ireland’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York.
In December 2022, a Government Decision was approved by Cabinet to seek the accreditation of the Embassy of Ireland in Washington D.C. to Barbados, with the objective of enhancing relations between Ireland and Barbados. The relevant authorities of Barbados are currently considering this request. A decision regarding a visit by the Ambassador must await the outcome of these deliberations.
Ireland and Barbados enjoy strong bilateral relations, with regular exchanges taking place both bilaterally and through various multilateral fora, including the United Nations, CARIFORUM and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). Our bilateral relationship has been further enhanced under the framework of Ireland's Strategy for Latin America and the Caribbean, which was launched last year, and our Strategy for Partnership with the Small Island Developing States.
290. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of negotiations with the British Government to reinstate access for the Irish fishing fleet to the 12-mile limit around Rockall. [7145/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine continue to work to address issues related to Rockall, reflecting the longstanding fisheries tradition in the area.
I last discussed the matter with Scotland’s First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon in November. We agreed to continue to prioritise this matter and to continue to work together to seek to resolve outstanding issues.
Officials are also in active ongoing contact with their Scottish counterparts on possible ways forward.
I look forward to discussing the matter with my Scottish counterpart, Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, External Affairs and Culture, Angus Robertson in the near future.
Through these engagements, the Government is seeking to address the issues involved, reflecting longstanding fisheries patterns in the area.
The Government's position in relation to territorial claims on Rockall is consistent with longstanding Irish Government policy.
291. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide an update on the refund due in the following passport application which was cancelled in November 2020 (details supplied). [7158/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraWith regard to the specific application to which the Deputy has referred, the Passport Service has been unable to issue a refund to date as the Passport Service does not hold payment details for the applicant.
The Passport Service emailed the applicant on 12 July 2021 advising the applicant to call the Passport Service contact number provided in the email to provide payment details for the refund.
The Passport Service contacted the applicant directly on 10 February 2023 and left a message advising the applicant to contact the Passport Service on the number provided to arrange for the processing of the refund.
