Alan Dillon
Ceist:150. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he plans to open a Passport Office in the west of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14283/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraPassport Services
Ceisteanna (150)
Freagraí scríofa
The Passport Service is pursuing a Digital First strategy and promoting Passport Online as the quickest, most convenient and least expensive channel for applicants. This has allowed for the centralisation of passport processing resulting in greater efficiencies for the Service and for customers. The majority of Passport Service operations take place at the newly expanded Balbriggan Campus that now has capacity for 500 staff.
Following a strategic media and communications campaign that was rolled out in December, the Passport Service received over 148,000 applications in January, the second highest figure on record. 92% of these applicants applied online. The Passport Service has issued over 230,000 passports to date in 2023.
Passport Online is available to 97% of applicants around the world regardless of whether they are first time applicants or are renewing their passport. Passport Online has been hugely successful and over 90% of applicants from around the world now apply for their passport online. This has significantly reduced the number of applicants who need to visit the Post Office or the Passport Offices in Dublin or Cork to apply for their passport.
Currently, 100% of calls to the Customer Service Hub are being answered and customers can easily access the information they need through the Hub. My Department has implemented a staffing plan to ensure that excellent customer service is maintained during periods of peak demand.
The public offices of the Passport Service in Dublin 2 and in Cork operate a four day Urgent Appointment service for renewal applicants. The Dublin office also offers a one day Urgent Appointment service. Currently, about 1% of all passport applications are processed through the public offices in Dublin and Cork.
In considering any expansion of existing services, a number of criteria are examined including the efficiencies that would be gained, whether the proposed expansion would improve the overall quality of the service and whether the potential benefits of expanding the service would justify the significant costs involved. Any expansion of services would need to consider the potential demand for an in-person Urgent Appointment service given the efficiencies built-in to Passport Online and in light of the efficiencies of the online renewal service.
Any proposed expansion would also need to complement the Passport Service's Digital First strategy.
In view of the fact that the overwhelming majority of passport applicants apply online and the considerable benefits of Passport Online for all of our citizens, the Department is of the view that a business case cannot currently be made for opening any additional passport office.
The Passport Service continuously considers ways that it can improve its service to all citizens regardless of where they live and regularly reviews the range of passport services on offer while also strategically planning to respond to future needs.
Pension Provisions
Ceisteanna (151)
Alan Dillon
Ceist:151. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the services that are available to provide help and support for returning and returned Irish immigrants to secure their UK state pension entitlements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14284/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The question of entitlement to UK pensions is a matter for the UK authorities and it would not be appropriate for the Irish authorities to advise individuals on such issues.
My Department does, however, support, under the Emigrant Support Programme, Irish community organisations in the UK who provide assistance and advice to Irish people on issues such as this.
My Department also funds a number of organisations here in Ireland, such as Crosscare, Safe Home, and the Citizens Information Bureau, that provide assistance and information to returning Irish immigrants, including on issues such as pension entitlements.
I understand that Safe Home runs information sessions for immigrants returning to Ireland in collaboration with many of the aforementioned Irish community organisations in Britain. Just last week, they organised an information session at the London Irish Centre on this issue.
The Citizens Information Bureau website www.citizensinformation.ie also has some useful information on recent developments in this area.
More generally, the Government remains committed to addressing the obstacles faced by returning immigrants, in line with its Diaspora Strategy 2020-2025. The Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora chairs the Interdepartmental Committee on the Irish Abroad, a cross-governmental coordination and information-sharing body that includes within its scope the consideration of obstacles to return for Irish diaspora.
Official Travel
Ceisteanna (152)
Alan Dillon
Ceist:152. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he outline the budget available within his Department to secure a replacement Government jet, which is recommended to be replaced in 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14141/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Ministerial Air Transport Service (MATS) is delivered primarily by the use of the Learjet 45 aircraft, which came into operation in 2004. Where it is unavailable, the CASA 235 and/or other Air Corps aircraft may be used.
The Learjet is currently approaching its natural end of life. Based on current serviceability issues, discontinuation of manufacturer support and limited part availability for this type of older aircraft, the Air Corps estimate that the aircraft will require replacement by 2024 at the latest.
As such, in line with the Public Spending Code an inter-Departmental high-level group of officials (the MATS Review Group), chaired by my Department, was established in 2021 to examine options for delivery of the Ministerial Air Transport Service. The capability of this service to carry out a broader utility role for the State, in terms of tasks and reach (beyond Europe), was also examined.
During the course of 2022 the MATS Review Group produced both an agreed Strategic Assessment Report and a Preliminary Business Case, the latter of which contained a detailed financial appraisal and economic assessment conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). These reports were supplemented by the inclusion of additional market research, on suitable options for the acquisition of a second-hand aircraft, with the assistance of an independent aviation consultant.
I have reviewed the various strands of work conducted to date and have approved the recommendation made by my officials .
Ultimately the State needs a replacement aircraft that provides a broad utility role, including strategic reach in crisis situations and medical evacuation, as well as Ministerial Air Transport.
A joint Civil/Military project team has been established and planning has commenced for undertaking a procurement competition for a replacement capability for the Learjet 45 aircraft. The procurement will consider both new and second-hand replacement capability. The outcome of any procurement competition will be subject to further deliberation and consideration in line with the Public Spending Code. No formal budget has been set for this project at this stage.
Multi-Annual capital funding allocations are framed by the overarching National Development Plan, with annual allocations negotiated as part of the annual Estimates process. In 2021, a mid term review of the National Development Plan was undertaken and the capital allocation for Defence was increased to €566 million for the period 2022 to 2025.
As part of the Budget Estimates process for 2023, and in line with this Government’s commitment to ensure the implementation of the recommendations of the Commission on the Defence Forces, the Defence capital allocation for 2023 has increased significantly, by €35 million, to €176 million, a 25% increase on 2022, an allocation which represents the single biggest annual capital investment ever provided to Defence.
The allocation for 2024 will be determined as part of the annual Estimates process later this year.
Defence Forces
Ceisteanna (153)
Jim O'Callaghan
Ceist:153. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will set out the full range of allowances for the pre-deployment training period, stand-by period and if required deployed periods payable to members of the Defence forces for the upcoming German-led EU Battle group 2025. [14273/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
To answer the Deputy's question, the modalities of engagement with the upcoming German-led EU Battlegroup, and any and all ancillary aspects arising from that, remain under discussion within Military Management and within my Department. Any decision on which allowances, if any, will apply, will await the outcome of the civil-military determinations in that regard.
Defence Forces
Ceisteanna (154)
Jim O'Callaghan
Ceist:154. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will set out the full range of allowances payable to members of the Defence Forces deploying even for short periods to the Special Training Command in Strasbourg, Germany in support to the EUs Military Assistance Mission in Ukraine (EUMAM Ukraine). [14274/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The EU’s Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine, provides training to Ukrainian Armed Forces personnel on the territory of EU Member States. It is important to note that while the Government Decision provides for the deployment of up to thirty personnel at any given time, the nature of the mission is such that there are likely to be considerable periods during its two-year mandate when there will be no trainers deployed to the mission.
During those periods, the only Defence Forces participation in the mission will be the small number of personnel working in the Military Planning and Conduct Capability (MPCC) in Brussels, Belgium (the Operational HQ) and the multinational Special Training Command (STC) in Strausberg, Germany.
The training requirement that the Defence Forces will be asked to provide, how frequently it will take place, what duration and the number, and ranks, of Personnel involved is a work in progress and yet to be confirmed by Military Management. It is anticipated, however, that these modules will be delivered by small teams of trainers over short periods, not normally exceeding a few weeks.
Given the anticipated short-course duration of the training deployments, the issue of allowances remains under consideration. Travel and subsistence payments, in line with public service rules, will be paid.
Personnel on longer term deployments will benefit from Financial Support Packages provided to members of the Defence Forces, when posted to certain overseas appointments, which are standardised with those that apply across the rest of the public service.
Civil Service
Ceisteanna (155)
Gerald Nash
Ceist:155. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will provide data, if available, on the qualification levels (details supplied) of civil servants in his Department as of 31 December 2022; how educational attainment levels have evolved in recent years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14629/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
It is not possible to provide the Deputy with the information as requested. While data is recorded on a voluntary basis upon assignment, and details of Department-funded training is recorded, officers are not obliged to declare their qualifications. However, from the information available, officers in the Department hold qualifications across a range of disciplines and at various levels up to and including doctorate level.
My Department is committed to providing an excellent and proactive Learning & Development service to all officers aligned with our strategic objectives, which values staff and develops their careers in a supportive environment to achieve success.
My Department, in line with other Government Departments, operates a Refund/Advance of Fees Scheme. This is in line with Department of Finance Circular 23/2007, which guides how Refund of Fees Schemes are operated across the Civil Service. Officers are encouraged to undertake a course of study to enhance their career development.
Civil Service
Ceisteanna (156)
Gerald Nash
Ceist:156. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the average number of days training per grade, in his Department in 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022; how this compares internationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14850/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department is committed to providing an excellent and proactive Learning & Development service to all officers aligned with our strategic objectives, which values staff and develops their careers in a supportive environment to achieve success.
Based on the information available, the number of training interventions per grade is outlined in the table below. It should be noted by the Deputy that this does not include information sessions, well-being sessions, eLearning courses and academic courses undertaken by officers. Therefore, a complete total of interventions and consequently an average is not available.
|
YEAR |
Principal |
Assistant Principal |
Higher Executive Officer |
Administrative Officer |
Executive Officer |
Clerical Officer |
Service Officer/Store Person |
|
2019 |
72 |
231 |
395 |
28 |
460 |
299 |
28 |
|
2020 |
33 |
136 |
155 |
9 |
224 |
211 |
4 |
|
2021 |
17 |
84 |
172 |
10 |
151 |
107 |
5 |
|
2022 |
43 |
93 |
170 |
7 |
121 |
83 |
3 |
It is not possible to compare my Department’s average number of training days per grade against international standards, as this would require significant research including the identification of analogous grades in other civil services.
School Funding
Ceisteanna (157, 158, 175)
Jennifer Whitmore
Ceist:157. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Education if she will provide an update on the funding for the 58 schools capital projects; when the funding will be reinstated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14267/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraJennifer Whitmore
Ceist:158. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Education if the ongoing provision of funding for temporary school accommodation was taken into account when the decision was made to suspend funding for schools capital projects; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14268/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraJennifer Whitmore
Ceist:175. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Education if she will provide the details of the 58 schools whose funding was put on hold; when a decision regarding the future of these schools will be made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14266/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 157, 158 and 175 together.
My Department has a strong track record of delivery of school building projects and this was achieved again in 2022 notwithstanding the wider construction sector environment of high inflation, labour shortages and supply chain issues.
Under Project Ireland 2040, we are investing €4.4 billion over the period 2021 to 2025, to add capacity and develop and upgrade school facilities across the country for the almost one million students and over 100,000 staff that learn and work in our schools every day.
My Department is very appreciative of the strong support provided by Government for our education budget. As part of the supplementary budget, €300m additional capital funding was provided in 2022. This helped to alleviate capital funding pressures that arose in 2022 which was reflective of the strong delivery by my Department of school building projects – particularly to support mainstream provision and special education needs provision. My Department’s overall capital outturn for 2022 was €1.12 billion.
The strong level of delivery is a key driver of capital pressures in the Department. In addition to the normal pressures on the school building budget, there are also additional pressures in the context of requirement to accelerate delivery of accommodation for children with Special Education Needs and also in respect of capacity for continued inflow of Ukrainian and other IP students – particularly at post-primary level where accommodation pressures are more acute
My Department's Planning and Building Unit is currently assessing its work programme and priorities for the remainder of 2023 in the context of its available funding. My Department's published NDP allocation for 2023 is €860 million. Over 70% of the NDP allocation for 2023 is needed to cover expenditure on contractual commitments on existing projects at construction carried forward from 2022. High construction inflation remains a continuing feature of the construction sector for 2023. As part of its planning ahead for the remainder of 2023, my Department is at the advanced stages of engagement with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform in relation to capital funding pressures in order to continue to adequately support the operation of the school system with rollout of school building projects to construction in 2023.
I think it is best for communications to be done at individual school level and that is the approach we have taken. The Department will be providing an update to individual schools when our engagement with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform concludes. In tandem with this, my Department’s Planning & Building Unit will also be updating Patron Bodies and School Management Bodies at that stage.
Key priorities for my Department's work programme include continuing strong delivery to support the operation of the school system with particular regard to planning ahead for the 2023/24 school year and beyond and also with particular regard to supporting special needs provision. The current status of all projects are listed on a county by county basis at www.gov.ie. and is updated on a regular basis to reflect their progress through the various stages of capital appraisal, site acquisition, design, tender and construction.
Question No. 158 answered with Question No. 157.