Tuesday, 7 Nov 2023

Citizens' Assembly

Ceisteanna (85)

Patrick Costello

Ceist:

85. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Taoiseach to provide an update on the timeline for the citizens' assembly on education. [47294/23]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Programme for Government commits to establishing four Citizens’ Assemblies, on the topics of Biodiversity Loss; the type of directly elected mayor and local government structures best suited for Dublin; Matters relating to Drugs Use; and the Future of Education.

The Citizens’ Assembly on Drugs Use is scheduled to complete its work by the end of 2023. The Dublin Citizen’s Assembly and Citizens’ Assembly on Biodiversity Loss have concluded their work, and submitted their reports and recommendations to the Oireachtas, in line with their Terms of Reference.

The establishment of the Citizens’ Assembly on the Future of Education, and the Terms of Reference for this assembly, will be considered by Government following conclusion of work by the current Assembly.

Artificial Intelligence

Ceisteanna (86)

Holly Cairns

Ceist:

86. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Taoiseach to detail any ongoing or previous use of artificial intelligence within his Department. [47344/23]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Taoiseach

The Department of the Taoiseach has not previously and does not currently use artificial intelligence services.

Child Poverty

Ceisteanna (87)

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

87. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Taoiseach if part of the work of the Child Poverty and Well-Being Programme Office, which was established in his Department and aims to tackle child poverty and enhance children's overall well-being in Ireland, will be to examine infant and young child feeding under its focus area to consolidate and integrate public health, family and parental assistance, and well-being services. [47388/23]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Taoiseach

The Child Poverty and Well-being Programme Office in the Department of the Taoiseach published its initial work programme for the next two and a half years From Poverty to Potential: A Programme Plan for Child Poverty and Well-being 2023-2025 on 1st August.

The Programme focuses on six areas that will have the greatest impact on the lives of children who experience poverty.

These six areas are:

1) Income assistance and joblessness

2) Early learning and childcare

3) Reducing the cost of education

4) Family homelessness

5) Consolidating and integrating family and parental assistance, health and well-being

6) Enhancing participation in culture, arts and sport for children and young people affected by poverty.

The six focus areas were identified through extensive consultation with other government Departments and Agencies, and representatives from relevant non-governmental organisations. Importantly, the themes were also informed by information on what is important to children gathered through the established government child participation structures.

As outlined in the Plan, the role of the Child Poverty and Well-being Programme Office is to drive implementation of a broad range of commitments that will impact on the six areas.

In terms of focus area 5) Consolidating and integrating public health, family and parental assistance, and well-being services, this includes enhancing a national approach to integrated services. The overall objective is to facilitate parents and families to understand the range of services on offer and how to access them; to assist providers in developing clearer multi-agency referral pathways; and to promote consistency of access to effective assistance. The Programme Office will work with relevant Departments and Agencies to develop this national approach.

Responsibility for infant and young child feeding lies with the Minister for Health, and the HSE Breastfeeding in a Healthy Ireland Action Plan is the framework for progressing help and assistance for breastfeeding in Ireland.

Ministerial Staff

Ceisteanna (88)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

88. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Taoiseach the number of statements of interests for the purposes of section 19 filed by his special advisers in 2020, 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023; and if he will provide a schedule of same. [47655/23]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Taoiseach

The following table schedules the numbers of statements, many of which refer to 'nil' interests, recorded by my Department as having been submitted to the Taoiseach for the years in question. A statement of interests under the Ethics in Public Office Acts is only required to be furnished in circumstances where there are registrable interests, as set out in the Schedule to the Acts, to be notified.

Year	Number
2020	11
2021	11
2022	7
2023	10

Departmental Advertising

Ceisteanna (89)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

89. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Taoiseach to provide a breakdown of the advertising spend of his Department and agencies under the remit of his Department, by national media outlet and local newspaper outlet, for each of the years 2020 to 2022, in tabular form. [47740/23]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Taoiseach

The bulk of the expenditure, from this Department, from 2020 to 2022 relates to the dissemination of information related to COVID-19 public information campaigns. The table below gives a breakdown of this expenditure.

Advertising expenditure was also incurred relating to judicial and Director of Public Prosecutions appointments, Easter Sunday commemorations and public consultations for the Future of Media Commission and the Citizens’ Assembly on Gender Equality, and is detailed below.

Expenditure by national and local/regional media.	Advertising Spend (National)	Advertising Spend (Regional / Local)
2020
Radio	€3.71 million	€4.53 million
Press	€3.05 million	€3.17 million
2021
Radio	€2.52 million	€2.6 million
Press	€1.81 million	€1.91 million
2022
Radio	€0.36 million	€0.39 million
Press	€0.34 million	€0.39 million

	Advertising Spend (National)	Advertising Spend (Regional / Local)
2020
Press	€7,021	Nil
Radio	€84,408	€52,454
2021
Press	€27,639	Nil
2022
Press	€12,454	Nil

The National Economic and Social Council, which is the only agency under the remit of the Department of the Taoiseach, recorded no expenditure on advertising in the period in question.

Official Engagements

Ceisteanna (90)

Matt Carthy

Ceist:

90. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Taoiseach the engagements his Department, or any agency or body under his direction, has had with the Government of Israel, any state body of the Government of Israel, or any engagement within or with Israel, in 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023. [47815/23]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Taoiseach

I have had no formal engagements with my Israeli counterpart or other figures in the Israeli Government since taking up my office in December 2022.

Official Engagements

Ceisteanna (91)

Matt Carthy

Ceist:

91. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Taoiseach the engagements his Department, or any agency or body under his direction, has had with the Palestinian Authority, any organ of the Palestinian Authority, or any engagement within, or with organisations in, the occupied Palestinian territory, in the years 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023. [47833/23]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Taoiseach

I have had no formal engagements with figures in the Palestinian Authority since taking up my office in December 2022.

Departmental Contracts

Ceisteanna (92)

Réada Cronin

Ceist:

92. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Taoiseach if his Department engages a company (details supplied); if so, the duration and nature of the work; and the cost of same to the Exchequer. [48020/23]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Taoiseach

No contracts have been awarded to the company in question by the Department of the Taoiseach nor has any expenditure been incurred.

Middle East

Ceisteanna (93)

Patrick Costello

Ceist:

93. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Taoiseach for an update on his engagements with other EU leaders in relation to the ongoing crisis in Gaza. [48036/23]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Taoiseach

I took part in an extraordinary meeting of EU leaders by video conference on the 17 October, convened by President Michel following Hamas’ attack on Israel on 7 October.

At the meeting, we reaffirmed our statement of October 15th, condemning Hamas for its brutal and indiscriminate attack; acknowledging Israel’s right to defend itself, while reiterating the importance of ensuring the protection of civilians at all times in line with International Humanitarian Law; calling on Hamas to release all hostages without precondition; and expressing our commitment to a lasting and sustainable peace based on a two-state solution.

At the meeting, I called for a humanitarian pause to hostilities to enable the delivery of humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza, and to facilitate those EU citizens who wished to leave to do so safely.

The situation in the Middle East was also discussed at the meeting of the European Council in Brussels on 26 and 27 October. On that occasion we expressed our grave concern at the deteriorating situation in Gaza and called for continued, rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian access though all necessary measures, including humanitarian corridors and pauses. We said we would work closely with partners in the region to protect civilians, provide assistance and facilitate access to food, water, medical care, fuel and shelter.

We also stressed the need to avoid escalation in the region and the importance of engaging with partners in this regard, including with the Palestinian Authority. We also expressed our readiness to contribute to reviving a political process.

Middle East

Ceisteanna (94)

Pat Buckley

Ceist:

94. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is aware of the case of a person (details supplied); and what efforts he and the Government will make to see that they are safely returned to Ireland. [47298/23]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs

The Department of Foreign Affairs has remained in very regular phone contact with a number of Irish citizens in Gaza, including the family in question. Let me assure you that we have been providing extensive consular assistance and will continue to do so.

We are engaging with local authorities and with EU and international partners to support Irish citizens to exit from Gaza when that becomes possible.

As the Deputy will appreciate, the situation in Gaza is critical. Ireland has echoed the UN Secretary General’s call for a humanitarian pause, to allow aid to reach those now in desperate need in Gaza.

Ireland welcomes the entry of the first convoys of trucks carrying much-needed humanitarian aid into Gaza. However, the level of aid passing through needs to be accelerated as a matter of urgency.

As with all consular cases we do not comment on the detail of individual cases.

Artificial Intelligence

Ceisteanna (95)

Holly Cairns

Ceist:

95. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to detail any ongoing or previous use of artificial intelligence within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47336/23]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs

My Department's use of AI is grounded in its Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) Interim Policy. The Department is actively exploring the opportunities presented by artificial intelligence and the various policy considerations that arise.

Passport Services

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs

I propose to take Questions Nos. 96, 97, 99, 101 and 107 together.

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

Question No. 97 answered with Question No. 96.

Military Aircraft

Ceisteanna (98)

Marc Ó Cathasaigh

Ceist:

98. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if Shannon Airport is being used by the USA to transport weapons to Israel to potentially be used against the occupied territories of Palestine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47401/23]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs

I have unreservedly condemned the attack by Hamas on Israel. I am also deeply concerned at the unfolding situation in Gaza. I have made it clear that, under international law, Israel has a right to defend itself from attack, but this must be done within the parameters of international humanitarian law.

In relation to the use of Shannon airport, military aircraft of other states are allowed under the Air Navigation (Foreign Military Aircraft) Order, 1952, to land in Ireland only under certain circumstances. Foreign military aircraft are permitted to land if they meet strict conditions, including that the aircraft is unarmed, and carries no arms, ammunition or explosives; that it is not engaged in intelligence gathering; and that it does not form part of a military operation or exercise.

Furthermore the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Order, 1973 prohibits the carriage of munitions of war on civil aircraft, including on troop-carrying civil aviation operators, through Irish airspace or Irish airports, unless an exemption has been granted by the Minister for Transport. Statistics on such exemptions are published on the Department of Transport’s website.

Question No. 99 answered with Question No. 96.

Middle East

Ceisteanna (100)

Thomas Pringle

Ceist:

100. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of Irish citizens currently in Gaza; what contacts his Department have had looking for assistance; what efforts are being made to repatriate those looking to escape; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47448/23]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs

My Department is in very regular contact with a number of Irish citizens in the region, including with a group of citizens wishing to leave Gaza.

We are liaising with all relevant authorities in respect of the individual cases and we are coordinating with EU other international partners to support Irish citizens to exit from Gaza when that becomes possible.

As the Deputy will appreciate, the situation in Gaza is critical. Ireland has echoed the UN Secretary General’s call for a humanitarian pause, to allow aid to reach those now in desperate need in Gaza.

Ireland welcomes the entry of the first convoys of trucks carrying much-needed humanitarian aid into Gaza. However, the level of aid passing through needs to be accelerated as a matter of urgency.

We are continuing to engage with EU and regional partners on this, to encourage a rapid increase in aid allowed to pass through into Gaza.

Question No. 101 answered with Question No. 96.

Public Sector Pay

Ceisteanna (102)

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

102. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 72 of 18 October 2023, when a person (details supplied) can expect to be assigned the correct pay grade and receive their entitled pay increments. [47540/23]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs

The Human Resources Division of my Department are in direct contact with the member of staff in question. Human Resources will work with the person concerned to confirm their correct pay point, and will advise the National Shared Services Office should any revision of pay be required.

United Nations

Ceisteanna (103)

Carol Nolan

Ceist:

103. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to outline his views on the UN Human Rights Council and the office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and whether their recommendations should be followed in Irish law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47568/23]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs

The United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) is the principal intergovernmental body within the UN system responsible for strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights globally, and for addressing violations of human rights and human rights situations of concern. The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights is the leading UN entity on human rights, mandated to promote and protect all human rights, assist governments, and mainstream human rights into UN programmes.

Ireland is committed to multilateralism, the rule of law, and the protection and promotion of human rights. We are a strong supporter of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Human Rights Council and its mechanisms. We served as a member of the Human Rights Council from 2013-2015 and have declared our candidacy for the term 2027-2029. We see the continued protection and promotion of human rights as essential to securing peace and stability globally.

Ireland is strongly committed to upholding international human rights law, including respecting, protecting and fulfilling human rights in Ireland and internationally. As such, we take seriously all recommendations emanating from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and the Human Rights Council and its mechanisms.

We give due consideration to, and engage constructively with, such recommendations, to ensure that we are adhering to evolving norms and standards, and to inform our policy and decision-making, despite the fact that such recommendations are not legally binding. Each Department determines what action may need to be taken on foot of such recommendations.

In the case of the Universal Periodic Review process, a peer review process, all recommendations received are reviewed by the relevant Government Departments and there is an option to accept or note recommendations, with due consideration to Ireland’s legislative framework and policy priorities. Recommendations that are accepted are followed up by the relevant Departments, with a view to informing policy and legislative decisions.

Communications from UN Special Procedures are likewise given due consideration by the relevant Government Departments. These independent human rights experts are mandated to advise on human rights on a variety of issues and play a very important role in the international human rights system. Their work contributes to the development of international human rights standards and helps to raise public awareness on human rights issues.

Resolutions adopted by the Human Rights Council are the political expression of the views of its members, or a majority of its members, on specific human rights issues that are of particular concern to the international community. On issues of particular interest, States may opt to signal their support to such resolutions, or implement their recommendations, but are not legally bound to do so.

Ministerial Staff

Ceisteanna (104)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

104. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of statements of interests for the purposes of section 19 filed by his special advisers in 2020, 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023; and if he will provide a schedule of same. [47647/23]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs

Oversight of special advisers and office holders under Section 19 of the Ethics in Public Acts 1995 and 2001 is the responsibility of the Standards in Public Office Commission. Accountable issues in relation to special advisers and office holders are defined in declarations to be made under the Acts.

There is no obligation on a special adviser to furnish a nil statement where no interests exist, but where a statement is furnished, it is laid before the Oireachtas.