Written Answers Nos. 23-42
23. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Taoiseach to provide details of any anti-racism or unconscious bias training and presentations made available to staff in his Department during the period 2021 to date; the content of such training and presentations; the provider of any such training and presentations and the costs incurred for each event; and if attendance at such training and presentations is mandatory or voluntary for staff. [24678/24]
View answerThe Department of the Taoiseach, in line with the rest of the Civil Service, actively supports diversity and inclusion in the workplace and is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all staff.
In addition to training and presentations on diversity and inclusion related topics, the Department also supports staff attendance at relevant conferences and staff participation in mentoring programmes that promote diversity and inclusion. Diversity and inclusion considerations are also incorporated into other training and development opportunities available to staff including the Senior Public Service (SPS) Strategic Leadership Programmes and the suite of training courses available to all staff through OneLearning/IPA.
Specific anti-racism or unconscious bias training and/or presentations have not been made available to staff in the Department during the period specified. In line with best practice, training for interview board members is provided and this includes unconscious bias awareness. Training for interview board members was provided eight times during the period specified by Carr Communications, at a total cost of €5,200.00.
24. Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Taoiseach to provide the most up to date numbers on employment levels in the hospitality sector and whether there is any evidence of reduced hours or net job losses [25147/24]
View answerThe Labour Force Survey (LFS) is the official source of employment estimates in the State. The most recent figures available are for Q1 2024.
The LFS sectoral employment figures are based on the EU NACE Rev. 2 classification.
Table 1 below shows the number of persons aged 15 - 89 years in employment (ILO) in the NACE Rev.2 Economic Sector I (Accommodation & Food Service activities) Q1 2019 – Q1 2024.
There were 174,500 persons employed in Sector I Accommodation & Food Service activities in Q1 2024. This is an increase of 1,500 persons or 0.9% compared with 12 months earlier.
Table 2 below shows the total hours worked in NACE Rev.2 Economic Sector I (Accommodation & Food Service activities) Q1 2019 – Q1 2024.
A total of 4.8 million hours* were worked in Sector I Accommodation & Food Service activities in Q1 2024. This is an increase of 140,000 hours or 2.9% compared with 12 months earlier.
*rounded to the nearest 100,000 hours
Table 2 Hours worked Q1 2019 - 2024, millions
|
- |
Q1 2019 |
Q1 2020 |
Q1 2021 |
Q1 2022 |
Q1 2023 |
Q1 2024 |
|
Sector I Accommodation & Food Services |
5.1 |
4.5 |
1.7 |
4.3 |
4.6 |
4.8 |
Table 1 Number of persons aged 15 - 89 years in employment (ILO) Q1 2019-2024 '000
|
- |
Q1 2019 |
Q1 2020 |
Q1 2021 |
Q1 2022 |
Q1 2023 |
Q1 2024 |
|
Sector I Accommodation & Food Services |
176.5 |
171.9 |
101.4 |
163.3 |
173.0 |
174.5 |
Source: Labour Force Survey (LFS), Central Statistics Office, Ireland.
Data may be subject to future revision.
Data may be subject to sampling or other survey errors, which are greater in respect of smaller values or estimates of change.
Reference period: q1=Jan-Mar, q2=Apr-Jun, q3=Jul-Sep, q4=Oct-Dec.
25. Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Taoiseach to provide the most up to date numbers on employment levels in the retail sector and whether there is any evidence of new job losses or reduced hours [25148/24]
View answerThe exact information requested by the Deputy is not available.
The Labour Force Survey (LFS) is the official source of employment estimates in the State. The most recent figures available are for Q1 2024.
The LFS sectoral employment figures are based on the EU NACE Rev. 2 classification.
Table 1 below shows the number of persons aged 15 - 89 years in employment (ILO) in the NACE Rev.2 Economic Division 47 (Retail trade except of motor vehicles and motorcycles) Q1 2019 – Q1 2024.
There were 213,900 persons employed in division 47 Retail trade except of motor vehicles and motorcycles in Q1 2024. This is a decrease of 22,900 persons or -9.7% compared with 12 months earlier.
Table 2 below shows the total hours worked in NACE Rev.2 Economic Division 47 (Retail trade except of motor vehicles and motorcycles) Q1 2019 – Q1 2024.
A total of 5.6 million hours* were worked in division 47 (Retail trade except of motor vehicles and motorcycles) in Q1 2024. This is a decrease of 810,000 hours or -12.5% compared with 12 months earlier.
*rounded to the nearest 100,000 hours
Table 1 Number of persons aged 15 - 89 years in employment (ILO) Q1 2019 - Q1 2024 '000
|
- |
Q1 2019 |
Q1 2020 |
Q1 2021 |
Q1 2022 |
Q1 2023 |
Q1 2024 |
|
Sector 47 Retail trade except of motor vehicles and motorcycles |
220.7 |
214.6 |
216.0 |
210.8 |
236.8 |
213.9 |
Source: Labour Force Survey (LFS), Central Statistics Office, Ireland.
Data may be subject to future revision.
Data may be subject to sampling or other survey errors, which are greater in respect of smaller values or estimates of change.
Reference period: q1=Jan-Mar, q2=Apr-Jun, q3=Jul-Sep, q4=Oct-Dec.
Table 2 Hours worked Q1 2019 - 2024, millions
|
- |
Q1 2019 |
Q1 2020 |
Q1 2021 |
Q1 2022 |
Q1 2023 |
Q1 2024 |
|
Sector G Wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles |
6.4 |
6.1 |
5.3 |
5.8 |
6.5 |
5.6 |
Source: Labour Force Survey (LFS), Central Statistics Office, Ireland.
Data may be subject to future revision.
Data may be subject to sampling or other survey errors, which are greater in respect of smaller values or estimates of change.
Reference period: q1=Jan-Mar, q2=Apr-Jun, q3=Jul-Sep, q4=Oct-Dec.
26. Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Taoiseach the number of PPS numbers issued to Ukrainian adult and children beneficiaries of temporary protection and to estimate how many of these are still active [25151/24]
View answerAs of 27th May 2024, there were 107,285 PPS numbers issued to adult and children Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection from Ukraine. Of these, 78,480 were adults aged 18 and over, and 28,805 were children aged 17 and under.
Of these PPS numbers issued, 76%, or 82,034 had activity in administrative data after 29th February 2024. For adults, this figure was equal to 75%, or 59,217, for children, it was equal to 79%, or 22,817.
The activity in administrative data analysis is based on an experimental methodology conducted by the Central Statistics Office which provides an indication on whether arrivals from Ukraine have stayed or left. Attending an Intreo event, having a welfare payment date, starting a SOLAS course, getting paid for employment, having an active employment or changing one’s address with Department of Social Protection are taken as signs of activity. For children, the activity status is dependent on that of their parent(s)/guardian(s).
Table 1: Cumulative PPSN Allocations to Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection from Ukraine by age and activity in administrative data as of 27 th May 2024
|
- |
Allocations to arrivals from Ukraine |
Number with activity after 2024 February 29 |
Percentage with activity after 2024 February 29 |
|
Adults aged 18 and over |
78,480 |
59,217 |
75% |
|
Children aged 17 and under |
28,805 |
22,817 |
79% |
|
Total |
107,285 |
82,034 |
76% |
27. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Taoiseach if he will provide a schedule of all contracts they have and/or had with a company in the past 25 years to date (details supplied); the agreed contract cost; the ultimate contract cost including extras, design changes, conciliation, claims etc; project name/title; and the name of the body responsible for the delivery of projects where responsibility has been devolved. [25483/24]
View answerThe Department of the Taoiseach does not oversee any capital projects and has no capital expenditure subhead in its Estimates. A review of the available records confirmed no contracts or expenditure with the company in question.
28. Deputy John Brady asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if a passport application (details supplied) can be escalated as the applicant’s travel date is imminent and the application has passed the target issue date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24630/24]
View answer38. Deputy John Brady asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if a passport application (details supplied) can be escalated as the applicant's travel date is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24839/24]
View answer39. Deputy John Brady asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if a passport application (details supplied) can be escalated as the applicant's travel date is imminent and; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24840/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 28, 38 and 39 together.
With regard to the specific applications about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service has issued passports to the applicants.
29. Deputy James Lawless asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if a passport application by a person (details supplied) will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24633/24]
View answerWith regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, further supporting documents for this application were received on 22nd May 2024. Turnaround time from the receipt of further supporting documents is 15 working days.
30. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to provide details of any anti-racism or unconscious bias training and presentations made available to staff in his Department during the period 2021 to date; the content of such training and presentations; the provider of any such training and presentations and the costs incurred for each event; if attendance at such training and presentations is mandatory or voluntary for staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24670/24]
View answerThe Department of Foreign Affairs is committed to promoting and maintaining an inclusive and diverse workplace which is reflective of modern Ireland, protects the rights of all staff, and ensures staff are supported to deliver strongly for the citizen. The Department is committed to the same values and standards in respect of the services we provide for customers, at home and abroad.
The Gender, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (GEDI) Policy and Action Plan, launched in 2022, builds on the Department's core values, and is articulated in both the current DFA Statement of Strategy and Human Resources Strategy. My Department recognises the need to proactively remove barriers and combat discrimination to ensure best outcomes and service, both for staff and citizens.
Launched in 2023, the provision of “GEDI Essentials” training to all staff was a priority action that emerged from extensive consultation for the Department’s GEDI Action Plan. The bespoke training, developed in collaboration with e-learning providers, Legal Island, aims to help all staff understand the basic concepts of diversity & inclusion, why they matter, and how they apply in the Department, and for the services we provide our citizens and other customers and stakeholders. The training includes themes around unconscious bias, workplace behaviours and forms of subtle discrimination, understanding diversity, dignity at work, and bullying, harassment and discrimination. The training, which includes a final assessment on completion, is mandatory for all staff across the DFA global network.
The table below also sets out all the anti-racism and unconscious bias training provided to staff in the Department of Foreign Affairs from 2021 to date.
In addition to "GEDI Essentials", the table includes anti-racism training delivered as part of the Department’s Regional Training Programme for the DFA global network in 2022 and 2023. It also includes cultural intelligence training provided to staff going on posting overseas in 2022. While not mandatory, attendance by relevant staff members at both of the above was strongly encouraged.
In addition, the table includes training on unconscious bias - an important and mandatory element of the training provided to all interview boards for recruitment and promotion competitions organised by this Department.
|
Year |
Type of Training |
Provider |
Amount € |
|
2021 |
Interview Board Training (including Unconscious Bias training) |
Shannon Consulting |
1700 |
|
2021 |
Interview Board Training (including Unconscious Bias training) |
Appian Point |
650 |
|
2022 |
DFA Regional Training Programme; anti-racism training for the workplace |
Institute of Anti Racism and Black Studies |
4500 |
|
2022 |
Train the trainer (facilitator workshop for "Gender, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Essentials" Training) |
Irish Centre for Diversity |
7200 |
|
2022 |
Cultural Intelligence training |
Common Purpose |
3000 |
|
2023 |
"Gender, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Essentials" Training (including unconscious bias training) |
Legal island |
9180 |
|
2023 |
Interview Board Training (including Unconscious Bias training) |
Carr Communications |
1300 |
|
2023 |
Election Observer Training (including Unconscious Bias training) |
Shannon Consulting |
850 |
|
2023 |
Interview Board Training (including Unconscious Bias training) |
Carr Communications |
1300 |
|
2023 |
Interview Board Training (including Unconscious Bias training) |
Shannon Consulting |
600 |
|
2023 |
Regional Training Programme - Antiracism training for the workplace |
Institute of Anti Racism and black Studies |
6000 |
|
2024 |
Interview Board Training (including Unconscious Bias training) |
Carr Communications |
1300 |
31. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if his Department will be prioritising the progression of any specific pieces of legislation prior to the Dáil summer recess; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24702/24]
View answerThe Government Legislation Programme of the current parliamentary session was published on the 16th of January 2024. That legislation programme does not include any bills in preparation within the Department of Foreign Affairs and officials of my Department are not progressing any specific pieces of legislation prior to the Dáil summer recess.
The Department’s Statement of Strategy 2023-2025 sets out the high level goals that officials of my Department are working towards in the period ahead to serve the needs and interests of Irish people and communities both at home and abroad. Good progress continues to be made in delivering on those stated commitments.
Further details on progress will be published in my Department’s annual report later this year.
32. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on Ireland’s participation in an initiative of shared commitments to UNRWA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24715/24]
View answerIreland is a longstanding and consistent supporter of the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) and its indispensable mandate to provide essential services to Palestinian refugees. We have already provided €20 million in core funding to the Agency in 2024, for it work with Palestinian refugees across its five fields of operation, including Gaza.
UNRWA is the backbone to the humanitarian response in Gaza. The Agency has faced continual attacks on its premises, operations, staff and reputation throughout this conflict. More than 190 of its staff have been killed.
Given these challenges, Slovenia initiated a process at the United Nations for Member States to align themselves with commitments in support of UNRWA. On May 22, at the UN in New York, Ireland, along with Slovenia, Jordan, Kuwait, Palestine, Algeria, Belgium, Brazil, Guyana, Indonesia, Luxembourg, Norway, Portugal, South Africa, Spain and Qatar launched the initiative to underline our shared commitment to, and political support for the vital role of UNRWA. We committed to continuing to support the Agency to uphold its mandate. The shared commitments include recognition of UNRWA’s unique role in Gaza, its role in regional stability, its financial crisis, the tireless efforts of UNRWA staff, and the importance of implementing the recommendations of the recent Colonna report on maintaining neutrality in all its operations. They also emphasise the importance of all States cooperation with the Agency, among others.
The Shared Commitments on UNRWA have been circulated to the full UN membership and remain open for all UN member states to join. We encourage all to do so.
33. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if the Government was advised in advance that Israel would record an engagement with the Irish Ambassador; his response to this occurrence; his response to the engagement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24716/24]
View answerOn 24 May, the Ambassadors of Ireland, Norway and Spain were called in to the Israeli Foreign Ministry to discuss the consequences of these three countries formally recognising the State of Palestine. During this meeting, the Ambassadors were shown footage of Israeli soldiers taken hostage by Hamas. The Irish Embassy in Tel Aviv was not told in advance that this meeting would be attended by Israeli media.
We are disappointed Israel took those steps. It is particularly disappointing that the Israeli Foreign Ministry chose to abandon diplomatic norms by broadcasting a meeting between officials on a highly serious and sensitive subject. Ireland has consistently condemned the horrific acts of terrorism perpetrated by Hamas and other militant groups on 7 October 2023.
We wish to maintain our bilateral relationship with Israel. I remain committed to the pursuit of constructive cooperation with Israel in line with Ireland’s full support for the two-State solution. It is precisely at times of conflict and tension that diplomacy is most useful, and it is most important to maintain open channels of communication.
34. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of passport applications which were discarded having been in processing for six months, in each of the years 2019 to 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24717/24]
View answerA Passport Online application is valid in the Passport Service system for a period of 6 months from when the application is made. From the time that the required supporting documents are received, the Passport Service works with the applicant to process the application and ensure all required documents have been submitted to prove the applicant's entitlement to Irish citizenship, to verify their identity, and in the cases of children, to ensure that consent of guardians is provided.
In some cases, the required supporting documents are not received from the applicant during the 6 month validity period. In such cases, the application will expire and a refund will issue to the applicant.
Reminder emails are sent to applicants who have not submitted the required supporting documents at 6, 12 and 16 weeks after they make the initial online application. The applicants are requested to complete their applications and submit supporting documents. To date in 2024, an average of 2,200 reminder emails per week have been sent to applicants who have not completed their passport applications.
If the applicant has not submitted the required documentation within 20 weeks of having made their online passport application, the Passport Service will make a final review before cancelling the incomplete application. The applicant is notified of this by email and advised that they can apply again in the future.
Passport applications are valid for six months for a number of reasons including International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) regulations on the requirement for a recent photograph. The ICAO is a UN agency that defines in detail the required format for a passport. This six-month timeframe also ensures that a refund of the fees can be processed electronically if required. If the refund is not made electronically within six months then a bank transfer is required which can take significantly longer.
As outlined above, the cancellation process for incomplete applications begins at 20 weeks. The number of online passport applications that were cancelled at 20 weeks (or 5 months) and over, in each of the years 2019 to 2023 and to date in 2024, are outlined below in tabular form. It should be noted that the Passport Online service expanded significantly during this period. In addition to this, the number of citizens availing of the Passport Online service has increased exponentially over this period. Currently, over 90% of passport applicants apply online.
It should further be noted that the Passport Service resumed normal operations following pandemic-related restrictions in April 2021. At that point, priority was given to complete applications that could be processed. Throughout 2021 and 2022, significant work was done to deal with incomplete applications submitted during the pandemic that could not be progressed due to insufficient documentation. This is reflected in the high numbers of cancelled applications in 2022.
|
Year |
5+ Months |
|
2019 |
1,827 |
|
2020 |
12,938 |
|
2021 |
31,562 |
|
2022 |
58,502 |
|
2023 |
44,980 |
|
2024 |
13,646 |
35. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if a passport can be expedited for a child (details supplied). [24731/24]
View answerWith regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service initially requested further supporting documents from the applicant on 23 April 2024. The final set of further supporting documents were received from the applicant on 23 May 2024. The turnaround time following receipt of additional documents is 15 working days. This application is within the turnaround time and has not yet reached its issue-by date.
I strongly encourage the Deputy to advise his constituents of the advantages of using the substantially more efficient Passport Online service, which is now used by more than 90% of applicants worldwide.
36. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs when the next recruitment intake of Third Secretaries will take place; the number of roles likely to be recruited for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24827/24]
View answerAt my Department’s request, the Public Appointments Service will launch a recruitment campaign for Third Secretaries in the coming months. Whilst it is not possible to accurately determine the number of vacancies arising during the coming period, my Department has so far recruited more than 55 Third Secretaries from the 2022 Third Secretary competition, which may give an indication as to the scale of future recruitment.
37. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 92 of 28 May 2024, if he will publish the non-paper and the text of the letter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24834/24]
View answerAs set out in my reply to PQ 24028/24, Ireland works closely with a number of other militarily neutral and non-aligned countries in Western Europe that are not members of NATO, namely Switzerland, Austria and Malta.
Last December, a non-paper and accompanying letter was prepared addressing the partnership and engagement by the four countries with NATO.
There are no plans to publish these documents at this time. However, and as I have already outlined in my previous reply to the Deputy, the non-paper and letter focused in particular on ways in which the four countries concerned are contributing to international peace and security, especially as contributing partners to peacekeeping missions, including the NATO mission in Kosovo (KFOR). The non-paper also addressed opportunities for dialogue and consultation as well as the innovation and emerging disruptive technologies agenda.
Ireland was pleased to join our fellow militarily neutral countries in co-signing this letter as it aligns fully with the Government’s approach to strengthening our cooperation with international partners, including NATO, in addressing the security challenges facing Europe.
It also aligns with the specific goals contained within our new Individually Tailored Partnership Programme, and is fully consistent with our policy of military neutrality.
40. Deputy John Brady asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if a passport application (details supplied) can be escalated as the application has passed the target issue date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24841/24]
View answer41. Deputy John Brady asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if a passport application (details supplied) can be escalated as the application has passed the target issue date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24842/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 40 and 41 together.
With regard to the specific applications about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service has contacted the applicants' Guardian directly in relation to the applications.
I strongly encourage the Deputy to advise his constituents of the advantages of using the substantially more efficient Passport Online service, which is now used by more than 90% of applicants worldwide.
42. Deputy James Lawless asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to examine an issue (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24859/24]
View answerWith regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service has issued a passport to the applicant.
