Patrick Costello
Ceist:4. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Taoiseach the number of times the Cabinet Committee on Migration, Integration and Ukraine has met in each year of this Dáil Éireann term. [18322/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraCabinet Committees
Ceisteanna (4)
Freagraí scríofa
The Cabinet Committee on Accommodation and Supports for Ukrainian Refugees was originally established in April 2022, to oversee the whole-of-Government humanitarian response to supporting people from Ukraine who had sought temporary protection here following Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine. The Cabinet Committee met five times in 2022, on 12 May; 13 June; 25 July; 24 October; and 12 December 2022.
In January 2023, this Cabinet Committee was reconstituted as the Cabinet Committee on the Humanitarian Response to Ukraine to continue to oversee the whole-of-Government humanitarian response to supporting people from Ukraine who have sought temporary protection in Ireland. This Cabinet Committee has met nine times, on 31 January; 23 February; 30 March; 4 May; 8 June; 6 July; 12 October; and 11 December 2023; and most recently, on 25 January 2024.
On 9 April last, the Cabinet Committee on Migration, Integration and Ukraine was established to oversee the development and delivery of whole-of-Government responses to the system of international and temporary protection for those arriving in Ireland from abroad, including international and domestic policy options, accommodation and other supports, integration, community engagement and public communications. The first meeting of this Cabinet Committee is due to take place shortly.
Cabinet Committees
Ceisteanna (5)
Patrick Costello
Ceist:5. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Taoiseach the number of times the Cabinet Committee on Northern Ireland has met in each year of this Dáil Éireann term. [18323/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Cabinet Committee on Northern Ireland was established on 10 April 2024 to oversee implementation of Programme for Government commitments regarding Northern Ireland, and ongoing related developments.
A previous Cabinet Committee on Brexit and Northern Ireland met four times since June 2020, on the following dates:
• 29th October 2020
• 4th March 2021
• 27th June 2022
• 23rd November 2023
A date for the next meeting remains under consideration.
Issues related to Northern Ireland are also discussed at Cabinet on a regular basis.
Cabinet Committees
Ceisteanna (6)
Patrick Costello
Ceist:6. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Taoiseach the number of times the Cabinet Committee on Social Affairs and Public Services has met in each year of this Dáil Éireann term. [18324/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Cabinet Committee on Social Affairs and Public Services (previously known as the Cabinet Committee on Social Affairs and Equality) met 6 times in 2023, 3 times in 2022, 1 time in 2021, and 2 times in 2020.
To date this year, the Cabinet Committee has not yet held a meeting but it is expected that one will be planned in the coming months.
Departmental Advertising
Ceisteanna (7)
Ged Nash
Ceist:7. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Taoiseach for figures on the total spend for all forms of advertising in the years 2022 and 2023 in his Department; if figures can be provided on each Department’s spend on local media advertising (print and broadcast respectively, and broken down on that basis) for those years; and if the Department used/uses an agency to place advertising. [18400/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Department of the Taoiseach incurred expenditure on advertising of €1,784,925.93 in 2022 and €4,808.23 in 2023. The bulk of the expenditure in 2022 relates to the dissemination of information related to COVID-19 public communications. Advertising expenditure was also incurred relating to judicial and Director of Public Prosecutions appointments and Easter Sunday commemorations. All expenditure is placed through a media buying company procured through an Office of Government Procurement framework.
Of the advertising expenditure in 2022, €780,000 was on regional/local media advertising with an equal split between radio broadcasting and print. In 2023, the only advertising spend relates to publicising the Easter Sunday commemorations in the national press.
Departmental Contracts
Ceisteanna (8)
Carol Nolan
Ceist:8. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Taoiseach if his Department has at any time engaged the services of a company (details supplied) or allocated the company funding or support in any capacity; and if he or his officials have engaged with personnel from the company; if so, the details of same [18452/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Department of the Taoiseach has not provided funding to the company in question and has no record of any engagement with their personnel.
Passport Services
Ceisteanna (9, 10)
Steven Matthews
Ceist:9. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if a passport application by a person (details supplied) will be reviewed and expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18256/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra
John Brady
Ceist:10. Deputy John Brady asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if a passport application (details supplied) will be expedited given the applicant’s travel date is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18295/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 9 and 10 together.
With regard to the specific application about which the Deputies have enquired, supporting documents for this application were received on 8 April 2024. Turnaround time from the receipt of further supporting documents is 15 working days.
Departmental Advertising
Ceisteanna (11)
Ged Nash
Ceist:11. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs for figures on the total spend for all forms of advertising in the years 2022 and 2023 in his Department; if figures can be provided on each Department’s spend on local media advertising (print and broadcast respectively, and broken down on that basis) for those years; if the Department used/uses an agency to place advertising; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18392/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department uses traditional and online advertising primarily to promote essential services to citizens at home and abroad, including passport and consular services. In recent years, public awareness campaigns in relation to COVID-19 travel restrictions and Brexit have formed a significant part of campaigns. The Department also uses traditional and online advertising to communicate to international audiences with the aim of projecting Ireland’s visibility and values abroad.
Here is my Department’s total advertising spend for 2022 and 2023:`
|
Year |
Total |
|
2022 |
725,747 |
|
2023 |
586,308.41 |
My Department’s campaigns use a wide range of media to reach as many citizens as possible. This includes digital and social media, video on demand (VOD), display touchpoints, as well as audio ads on national and regional radio stations to maximise coverage across the country and to include urban and rural communities.
Here is my Department’s local media advertising spend, broken down by print and broadcast media, for 2022 and 2023:
|
Year |
|
Broadcast |
Total |
|
2022 |
- |
44,235.13 |
44,235.13 |
|
2023 |
- |
65,546.57 |
65,546.57 |
The Department engages the services of PHD Media, a media agency retained under a cross-Government procurement process, for the purposes of advertisement placement and reaching audiences across a range of mediums including internet, print media, radio, outdoor and TV.
Departmental Contracts
Ceisteanna (12)
Carol Nolan
Ceist:12. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if his Department has at any time engaged the services of a company (details supplied) or allocated the company funding or support in any capacity; if he or his officials have engaged with personnel from the company; if so, the details of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18444/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Department of Foreign Affairs has not engaged with or provided financial support to the company named by the Deputy.
Departmental Schemes
Ceisteanna (13)
Matt Carthy
Ceist:13. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has given any consideration to facilitating the prioritisation of particular applications to the SEAI regarding retrofitting/home upgrades in instances whereby such works may be of benefit to a person's health; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18293/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) operates the Warmer Homes Scheme on behalf of my Department. Delivering free energy upgrades to low-income households and reducing the waiting times for the Warmer Homes Scheme is a top priority for my Department and the SEAI.
Applications to the Scheme are assessed on the basis of when they first apply to SEAI. Homes with the worst Building Energy Ratings (E, F or G) are then prioritised for works. No other prioritisation takes place under the scheme.
The Deputy may wish to note that Government also has other schemes and supports in place which may be of assistance.
SEAI is rolling out a scheme to provide Solar PV to vulnerable customers registered as being dependent on electrically powered assistive devices. Part-funded SEAI grants under the Better Energy Homes Scheme support homeowners to retrofit their home in stages over a number of years.
The Department of Social Protection's Additional Needs Payment is a payment available to people who have essential expenses that they cannot pay from their weekly income. Additional Needs Payments are paid under Supplementary Welfare Allowance which is administered by the Community Welfare Service (CWS) of the Department of Social Protection.
The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage's Housing Adaptation Grants for People with a Disability assists people with a disability to have necessary adaptations, repairs or improvement works carried out in order to make their accommodation more suitable for their needs.
Departmental Advertising
Ceisteanna (14)
Ged Nash
Ceist:14. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications for figures on the total spend for all forms of advertising in the years 2022 and 2023 in his Department; if figures can be provided on each Department’s spend on local media advertising (print and broadcast respectively, and broken down on that basis) for those years; if the Department used/uses an agency to place advertising; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18390/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department uses advertising to promote a range of services, supports and initiatives for people and communities across Ireland.
As the media landscape has evolved over the past number of years, advertising expenditure has grown to address the diverse needs of different audiences, including costs associated with achieving national reach for important public messages. For example, my Department has run a significant national campaign on reducing energy use in 2022, 2023 and 2024. This “reduce your use” campaign was designed to assist every household in Ireland in dealing with rising energy costs. In recent months, advertising expenditure has also grown to ensure that we are meeting our Irish language advertising requirements under the Official Languages (Amendment) Act 2021.
My Department utilises both digital and traditional media on a national and regional level, recognising that traditional media is an integral part of Ireland’s communications landscape and a crucial tool for us to connect with communities and regional audiences across Ireland.
All Department advertising is procured via a media buying agency, and the weighting assigned to digital or traditional media is determined by target audience, best practice and securing value for money.
The table below sets out advertising expenditure in my Department in 2022 and 2023. The “all media” total is our full advertising spend across all channels including print, radio, TV, digital, Out of Home, and cinema inclusive of all national and regional media.
As requested, figures for regional print and regional broadcast are broken out from that total.
All figures are inclusive of VAT.
|
|
TOTAL (National + regional, all media) |
Regional Print |
Regional Broadcast |
|
2022 |
€4,461,788.09 |
€243,119.34 |
€819,883.38 |
|
2023 |
€4,571,045.20 |
€264,451.00 |
€706,455.00 |
Departmental Expenditure
Ceisteanna (15)
Carol Nolan
Ceist:15. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his Department has at any time engaged the services of a company (details supplied) or allocated the company funding or support in any capacity; if he or his officials have engaged with personnel from the company; if so, the details of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18442/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The NCSC has not engaged the services of The Global Disinformation Index.
Defence Forces
Ceisteanna (16)
Chris Andrews
Ceist:16. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if urgent assistance will be provided in relation to a housing issue at Cathal Brugha Barracks (details supplied). [18151/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will be aware, remedial works have already been carried out to this property. In light of the concerns raised, I have instructed my officials to request the military authorities carry out an inspection of in the light of these remedial works to the property and to report back on the required course of action as a matter of urgency.
Military Aircraft
Ceisteanna (17)
Paul Donnelly
Ceist:17. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he expects to put out a contract for the tender for a new Government transport military aircraft before the end of Quarter 3 this year. [18230/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Department of Defence is proceeding with a tender competition to acquire a new mid-sized jet aircraft for Ministerial Air Transport, to be procured under the Defence and Security Directive 81/2009 and in compliance with the Public Spending Code.
The competitive bidding process commenced with the publication of a contract notice on Friday 17th November 2023 on the Official Journal of the European Union platform and the intention is that this process will be completed this year.
Departmental Advertising
Ceisteanna (18)
Ged Nash
Ceist:18. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence for figures on the total spend for all forms of advertising in the years 2022 and 2023 in his Department; if figures can be provided on each Department’s spend on local media advertising (print and broadcast respectively, and broken down on that basis) for those years; if the Department used/uses an agency to place advertising; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18387/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The table below sets out the advertising spend for my Department for each of the years 2022 and 2023 in this regard.
In placing the majority of its advertising, my Department uses the agency - Spark Foundry - that currently hold the OGP Framework contract for Media Buying for Public Information Notices and Recruitment Advertising. Other advertisements are dealt with directly with the publishers.
The figures provided reflect the work of a number of areas across the Department, including Property Management Branch, the Office of Emergency Planning (in relation to the ‘Be Winter/Summer Ready’ awareness campaigns), Civilian Employees and Accommodation branches.
|
DEFENCE – ADVERTISING 2020-2022 |
2022 |
2023 |
|
|
€98,745.94 |
€78,754.06 |
|
Broadcast |
€30,577.04 |
€31,072.65 |
|
Total Spend € |
€129,322.98 |
€109,826.71 |
Tribunals of Inquiry
Ceisteanna (19)
Darren O'Rourke
Ceist:19. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the way persons can make submissions to the tribunal of inquiry into the Defence Forces handling of bullying, harassment and sexual assault allegations; if there will be a public notification of the process; if there will be restrictions on who can submit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18416/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government recently approved the Terms of Reference for a Tribunal of Inquiry, pursuant to the provisions of the Tribunals of Inquiry (Evidence) Act, 1921 (as amended). The Tribunal will examine the effectiveness of the complaints processes in the Defence Forces concerning workplace issues relating to discrimination, bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct and the use of hazardous chemicals within Air Corps’ headquarters at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel. The motions to establish the Tribunal of Inquiry were subsequently approved by both Dáil Éireann and Seanad Éireann.
The logistical and administrative arrangements are currently being put in place to allow the Tribunal to commence its work as soon as possible. When the Tribunal is up and running, the Chairperson will publicise details of how persons who wish to engage in the process may do so.
Departmental Contracts
Ceisteanna (20)
Carol Nolan
Ceist:20. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if his Department has at any time engaged the services of a company (details supplied) or allocated the company funding or support in any capacity; if he or his officials have engaged with personnel from the company; if so, the details of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18439/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am advised that My Department has not engaged the services, allocated funding or support in any capacity or engaged with personnel from the company referred to by the Deputy.
Bus Services
Ceisteanna (21)
Ciarán Cannon
Ceist:21. Deputy Ciarán Cannon asked the Minister for Transport if he plans to carry out a review of the Dublin-Galway bus service following the withdrawal of a provider (details supplied) from the route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18143/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, I am responsible for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, I am not involved in day-to-day operational matters. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling of those services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
While most public transport in Ireland comprises the bus and rail services funded through the NTA’s public service obligation (PSO) programme, there is part of the national public transport system that comprises non-subvented bus services, which are run on a commercial basis by bus and coach businesses of varying sizes throughout the country. As a commercial operator, any decisions taken by Aircoach regarding routes scheduling and timetabling are a matter for the company, the NTA has no powers to refuse an application from an operator to reduce or withdraw services on a commercial route.
In circumstances where a commercial operator ceases operating a specific route, such as Aircoach route 706/706X, the NTA undertakes an examination to determine whether, with the discontinuation of the commercial service, it is necessary for a replacement PSO service to be introduced to ensure no loss of connectivity to the travelling public. This process includes an assessment of the level of demand for public transport services in the affected area, an evaluation of whether existing PSO services can be reconfigured to meet any shortfall, or whether it is necessary to competitively tender for the provision of services.
Given the NTA's statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally, I have also forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
Road Safety
Ceisteanna (22)
Robert Troy
Ceist:22. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if matters raised in correspondence (details supplied) will be referred to the Road Safety Authority for review. [18157/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for all aspects of the National Driver Testing Service.
Therefore, I have referred the Deputy's question to the RSA for direct, detailed reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within ten days.
Driver Test
Ceisteanna (23)
Claire Kerrane
Ceist:23. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Transport if consideration has been given to allowing a carer to accompany a candidate during driving tests, including in situations where a candidate has an invisible disability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18162/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for all aspects of driver testing. This includes special accommodations. As such, I have referred the Deputy's question to the RSA for direct, detailed reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within ten days.
Road Projects
Ceisteanna (24)
Brendan Griffin
Ceist:24. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport the current status of a safety improvement scheme (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18170/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
Bus Services
Ceisteanna (25)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:25. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if he will address a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18171/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. The NTA also has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including TFI Local Link services and the rollout of services under the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for new and enhanced public transport services in County Kerry, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.