Written Answers Nos. 87-111
87. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Education her position regarding the number of schools in Wicklow that have completed solar panel projects under the free school solar scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25843/24]
View answer88. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Education her position regarding the number of schools in County Wicklow that have initiated applications for solar panel funding under the free national roll-out but have not yet had works commenced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25844/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 87 and 88 together.
The first phase of Schools PV Programme was launched on 23rd November 2023.
It will provide eligible schools with a 6 kilowatts peak of roof-mounted solar PV, which equates to approximately 16 solar panels.
Since the launch of the first phase of the Schools PV Programme late last year, approvals have been provided to more than 1,100 schools and we are seeing the impacts today as PV panels are being installed on school roofs around the country.
There has been a really positive response in terms of applications for solar panels from schools. It offers an opportunity for schools to reduce their carbon emissions and to reduce their energy costs.
As well as the obvious financial and climate benefits, it is expected that the visibility of the solar panels on schools will also deliver the added benefit of encouraging discussion and uptake of the technology in the wider community.
There has been a strong uptake from schools in Co Wicklow, with 93% of schools in Wicklow, 100 in total, submitting expressions of interest in the first phase of the scheme.
To date, 89% of those schools, 89 in total, have been approved to seek tenders. 66% of those schools, or 59 schools, who have submitted tenders have been approved to award a contract and 20% of those, or 12 schools, have confirmed to date they already have had their PV installed with the remaining schools at various stages of the process.
The Department of Education has developed guidance documentation for the scheme which can be found on our website at gov.ie - Schools Photovoltaic Programme (www.gov.ie).
89. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Sorca Clarke den Aire Oideachais Chun a fhiafraí den Aire Oideachas cén fáth go bhfuil líon na n-áiteanna ar an mBaitsiléir san Oideachas trí Mheán na Gaeilge (Bunmhúinteoireacht) in Institiúid Oideachais Marino laghdaithe go 40 i mbliana ó 60 mar a bhí sé anuraidh, i gcomhthéacs an ghanntanais múinteoirí atá ag imirt tionchar ar earnáil an Ghaeloideachais, ar an Oideachas Gaeltachta agus ar theagasc na Gaeilge i scoileanna Béarla; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [25848/24]
View answerCuireann mo Roinn maoiniú ar fáil don Bhaitsiléir san Oideachas (trí mheán na Gaeilge) in Institiúid Oideachais Marino faoi bhun an Pholasaí don Oideachas Gaeltachta. Cuirtear maoiniú ar fáil do 30 áit in aghaidh na bliana.
Mar fhreagra ar dhúshláin soláthair mhúinteoirí in earnáil na bunscoile, d'iarr mé in earrach 2023 go gcuirfí idirghabhálacha i bhfeidhm chun leathnú na gclár oideachais tosaigh múinteoirí a cheadú chun cur leis an soláthar múinteoirí sna blianta amach romhainn. Cuireadh cohórt sa bhreis de 30 mac léinn leis an B.Oid. (trí mheán na Gaeilge) sa bhliain 2023/24. Ba é sin an t-uaslíon mac léinn bhreise a ceadaíodh faoi théarmaí an chonartha. Tá polasaí nua don oideachas lán-Ghaeilge lasmuigh den Ghaeltacht á fhorbairt ag mo Roinn faoi láthair agus tá sé i gceist go ndéanfaí iniúchadh ar cheist an tsoláthair mhúinteoirí don earnáil lán-Ghaeilge mar chuid d’fhorbairt an pholasaí sin.
My Department provide funding for the Bachelor of Education (Irish-medium education) in Marino Institute of Education under the Policy on Gaeltacht Education. Funding is provided for 30 places annually.
In response to the teacher supply challenges in the primary sector, I requested that interventions be put in place in spring 2023 to allow for teacher education programmes to be expanded to increase teacher supply in the coming years.
An additional cohort of 30 students was added to the B.Oid. (Irish-medium education) in 2023/24. This was the maximum additional number of students that could be permitted under the terms of the contract. Work on the development of a new policy for Irish-medium education outside of the Gaeltacht is in progress in the Department and it is intended that the question of teacher supply in the Irish-medium sector will be examined during the policy development process.
90. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education when she will address anomalies in legislation and regulations (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25883/24]
View answerIn accordance with Section 8 of the Education Act, 1998, in the case of a school established or maintained by an Education Training Board (ETB), that ETB shall be the be the patron of the school for the purposes of the Act. It is the duty of the ETB as patron for the purposes of ensuring the each of its schools is managed in a spirit of partnership to establish a board of management.
A board of management of a school whose patron is an ETB, is established under Part IV of the Education Act, 1998 and Section 44 of the Education and Training Boards Act 2013.
The key focus of oversight and governance of schools is to ensure that schools are managed in a manner that provides all its students with the best possible education in a positive school environment. At present there are no plans to amend this legislation, but this will be kept under review.
91. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education if she will give urgent and detailed consideration to the issues raised in correspondence (details supplied) regarding funding for primary schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25885/24]
View answerI wish to refer to your recent representation on behalf of Cavan Primary Principals in relation to funding for schools in County Cavan.
The Department is committed to providing funding to recognised primary and post-primary schools in the free education scheme by way of per capita grants. The two main grants are the Capitation grant to cater for day to day running costs such as heating, lighting, cleaning, insurance and general up-keep and the Ancillary grant to cater for the cost of employing ancillary services staff. Schools have the flexibility to use capitation funding provided for general running costs and ancillary funding provided for caretaking and secretarial services as a common grant from which the Board of Management can allocate according to its own priorities, except for cases where a secretary is now paid from the Department's payroll as per circular 36/2022.
The current standard rate of Capitation grant is €183 per pupil at Primary level and this year's grant is being paid, as usual, in 2 instalments, - the first in January and the second in June, for the 2023/24 academic year. Enhanced rates of capitation are also paid in respect of pupils with Special Educational Needs and Traveller pupils.
Primary schools with less than 60 pupils are paid the Capitation and the Ancillary grants based on having 60 pupils.
As part of the capitation package in Budget 2024 I am pleased to have secured €21 million as a permanent increase in capitation funding to assist schools now and longer term with increased day-to-day running costs. This will support a permanent restoration of funding for all primary and post-primary schools from September 2024. This will bring the basic rate of capitation grant to the pre-2011 level of €200 per student in primary schools. Enhanced rates will also be paid in respect of pupils with Special Educational Needs. This represents an increase of circa 9.2% of current standard and enhanced capitation rates.
In addition to these grants, €20 million in funding was issued in October 2023, to support all recognised primary and post-primary schools in the free education scheme. This funding is the first tranche of an overall additional €60 million funding announced as part of Budget 2024 measures designed to assist schools with increased day-to-day running costs such as heating and electricity. A further €40 million in funding was delivered in early 2024.
The Financial Support Services Unit (FSSU), funded by the Department, is an important source of advice and support to schools on financial matters, including budgeting and cashflow management. If the services of the FSSU would be of assistance any school represented, please email sdfinfo@education.gov.ie and officials from the Department will contact the FSSU on behalf of the school. Alternatively, budgeting templates and more information can be found on www.fssu.ie.
92. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of staff hired in local authority planning departments since the publication of the Business Case for Resources for the Planning Function of Local Authorities in 2022 by the Local Government Management Agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25791/24]
View answerUnder Section 159 of the Local Government Act 2001, each Chief Executive is responsible for the staffing and organisational arrangements necessary for carrying out the functions of the local authority for which he/she is responsible. My Department oversees workforce planning for the local government sector, including the monitoring of local government sector employment levels. To this end, my Department gathers aggregate quarterly data on staff numbers in each local authority on a whole time equivalent basis.
However, granular data, in terms of the detailed breakdown of the numbers and grades of staff allocated to specific work areas within local authorities is not collected and consequently is not available in my Department. The relevant information would be available from each local authority.
My Department is currently working on a number of measures to increase staffing levels in the local government planning sector. The Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) submitted a report entitled Business Case for Resources for the Planning Function of Local Authorities in 2022 which identified a shortfall of 541 staff in local authority planning services at that time. Further to the submission of the report, the Department is working in conjunction with the LGMA on a programme of support to provide planning authorities, on a phased basis, with the requisite level of staffing resources and expertise to efficiently and effectively perform their planning functions.
In this regard, my Department wrote to planning authorities in October 2023 conveying approval to the filling of an initial 100 posts, subsequently increased to 101 posts, in the local authority planning service under the first tranche of the program. €8 million has been allocated in Budget 2024 specifically for additional planning recruitment and training at local authority level. This will support the filling of the 101 posts and will also contribute towards the establishment of a sustainable pipeline of planning resource provision. Engagement is ongoing with the local government sector on the scope of further tranches.
93. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will direct a local authority (details supplied) to review a particular service provided under local government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25823/24]
View answerThe provision of a fire service in its functional area, including the establishment and maintenance of a fire brigade, the assessment of fire cover needs and the provision of fire station premises is a statutory function of individual fire authorities under the Fire Service Acts, 1981 and 2003. My Department supports fire authorities through general policy setting and preparing legislation, providing a central training programme, issuing guidance on operational and other related matters and providing capital funding for priority infrastructural projects.
My Department was informed by Roscommon County Council in February 2017 that Castlerea Fire Station was stood down from operation. I understand that a decision has been made not to re-open this Fire Station. This was an operational decision taken at local authority level who confirmed that Roscommon Fire and Rescue Service is well equipped to deal with issues in Castlerea. Fire cover in the area has been and continues to be managed and delivered in an efficient and safe manner from adjacent fire brigades by Roscommon Fire Service.
94. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update on the publication of the Treoirlínte Pleanála Gaeltachta; the reasons behind the delay in the publication of the same, given the original commitment to publish them by Autumn 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25832/24]
View answerAn Interdepartmental Group (comprising my Department, the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts Gaeltacht, Sport and Media (DTCAGSM) and Údarás na Gaeltachta) is still continuing its work in developing specific planning guidance for Gaeltacht areas. There is also a separate Working Group made up of my Department, the DTCAGSM and Údarás na Gaeltachta and the relevant local authorities with Gaeltacht areas.
At the Interdepartmental Group meeting of 15 December 2022, it was agreed that the DTCAGSM would commence a study in 2023 on the methodology and format for Linguistic Impact Statements as a key elements of future planning guidelines for Gaeltacht areas. This study was subsequently commenced in February 2023. Initial proposals have been developed, and this is informing the draft of planning guidelines for Gaeltacht areas. Several Interdepartmental Group meetings took place in 2023 and bilateral Departmental engagement is ongoing.
The draft planning guidelines for Gaeltacht areas are currently being finalised for my review in the first instance and then for mandatory screening under EU law for Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA), as well as for the purposes of Appropriate Assessment (AA). It is intended that, subject to the outcome of the screening exercises, that draft guidelines will then be published for public consultation.
All local organisations in Gaeltacht areas and members of the public including language groups will be able to submit their views on the draft during this consultation phase for the consideration of my Department.
It is my intention to publish these Guidelines, having regard to the need to consider the complex matters involved and further to engagement with the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.
In this regard, and noting the importance of consultation on these matters in ensuring that a robust and effective policy position is reached, I intend to publish a proposed policy approach for consultation as soon as possible in order to inform the finalisation of the draft guidelines.
95. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 221 of 18 April 2024, for an update on the publication date for a guide to the provision of allotments and community gardens by local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25851/24]
View answerIn terms of planning, providing, enabling and supporting allotments, legislation is in place in the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) and the Local Government Act 2001 (as amended) to identify locations in development plans for allotment development, and to establish allotments as a part of local government’s role in promoting the interests of local communities.
Identifying land for allotment development in a development plan is a reserved function of the elected members of a local authority when considering and making the plan, while the provision of allotments or similar facilities on local authority land is a matter for each individual local authority and is subject to availability of resources and community inputs and support for such proposals.
The Sustainable Residential Development and Compact Settlements Guidelines, which I recently issued as Ministerial Guidance under Section 28 of the Planning and Development Act (as amended) refer to Community Gardens and Allotments as ‘plots of land which are made available (usually by a local authority) to community groups or individuals for the cultivation of vegetables and plants.
Section 4.4 (iv) of the Guidelines - Public Open Space - states that all statutory development plans should include a strategy for the provision of an integrated hierarchy of multifunctional public open spaces and corridors across the plan area that meet the needs of the planned population, are accessible, provide for the recreational needs of the planned population and create space for nature and ecosystem services.
The Guidelines also state that public open spaces should be designed to cater for a range of active and passive recreational needs (including play, physical activity, active travel, cultural uses and community gardens and allotments, as appropriate to the context) and to conserve and restore nature and biodiversity.
Policy and Objective 5.1 - Public Open Space – of the Guidelines provides that statutory development include an objective(s) relating to the provision of public open space in new residential developments with a requirement in the development plan for public open space provision of not less than a minimum of 10% of net site area and not more than a minimum of 15% of net site area save in exceptional circumstances.
A guide for local authorities on the provision of allotments and community gardens will be progressed as agreed subject to the priorities, work Programme and commitments of the Department in addition to available resources.
96. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the proposals, if any, he has to establish town councils; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25884/24]
View answerThere are currently no proposals under consideration to reintroduce town councils as Government policy is to strengthen the country's 95 municipal districts. The 2010 report 'Putting People First - Action Programme for Effective Local Government' recognised that town councils led to duplication of administrative work in areas such as planning, housing and roads. The Local Government Reform Act 2014 saw the dissolution of 80 town councils which represented just 14% of the population, with municipal districts now providing services to all citizens equally.
In terms of democratic representation, structural reorganisation was a core element of the 'Putting People First' report advanced through the establishment of municipal districts, integrated with the county councils as part of a new, innovative system. It ended the previous unbalanced arrangement of isolated town councils contrasting with the lack of municipal status and local governance for rural areas, where many town environs and some larger centres lacked municipal status and local governance. In particular, it tackled the issue of towns' dual franchise which a Council of Europe report had described as unfair.
Now, local matters are dealt with at municipal district level and wider strategic issues are decided at county level. The result is an integrated administrative structure in each county which maximises operational efficiency while ensuring devolved decision-making throughout the county.
The adverse financial implications in the 2018 report 'Municipal Governance – Districts, Towns and Local Electoral Areas' were estimated at €28-38 million per annum for the reintroduction of 72 town councils, or some €12 million if these councils merely had a civic/ceremonial purpose.
In consideration of all these factors the reasons for replacing town councils remain valid, in particular, provision of equality of public service to all of our citizens, and there is limited demand for their return. Elected members have made it clear that this system is significantly better than the previous structures and will deliver further benefits over time. Restoring town councils would reverse the significant benefits of municipal districts and halt efforts to continue to develop and improve the new system.
97. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Social Protection the first- and full-year cost of reducing the retirement age to 65 and increased cost out to 2029 or for each year projections are available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25804/24]
View answerIt is important to note that the State Pension age was never 65 years of age. The State Pension (Contributory) and State Pension (Non-Contributory) were never paid at 65 years of age.
Reducing the State Pension age to 65 years would increase pension related expenditure significantly. My Department does not have a detailed actuarial analysis of this option and therefore it is not possible to provide an accurate projection of the cost of the measure suggested by the Deputy. However, a high-level estimate of the cost of introducing State Pension payments at the age of 65 based on current State Pension (Contributory) and State Pension (Non-Contributory) rates of payment (€277.3 and €266 respectively) from 01/01/2025 is an additional €415million for one year only. It is estimated that the yearly costs of the measure will rise to approximately €500 million extra by 2030. However, it is important to note that this figure is based on current 2024 rates of payment, and would obviously be considerably higher if there are any increases in the rates of payment between now and then.
These high-level estimates are based on net costs for future State Pension (Contributory) and State Pension (Non-Contributory) qualifiers but does not include estimates for any changes to household benefits, free travel or fuel allowance costs. In addition, the figure takes no account of any additional costs to public sector pensions.
The "Benefit Payment for 65 year olds" was introduced in line with the Programme for Government commitment, to provide a benefit payment for people who are aged 65 and who are required to retire, or who chose to retire, without a requirement to sign on, engage in activation measures or be available for, and genuinely seeking work. This payment was designed specifically to bridge the gap for people who retire from employment or self-employment at 65 years of age but who do not qualify for the State Pension until age 66.
Following on from the recommendations of the Pensions Commission, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment is introducing measures that allow, but do not compel, an employee to stay in employment until the State Pension age.
Demographic projections indicate significant increases in the number of future State Pension recipients which will impact on State Pension related expenditure. Clearly, reducing the State Pension age to 65 years of age would be very expensive and would require either considerable additional revenues, or, if introduced on a cost-neutral basis, very significant diversion of funds from elsewhere.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
98. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Social Protection the options open to school staff who have to sign on for job seekers benefit during the school holidays, in the context that the payments often arrive after the holiday, making it impossible for them to pay bills, buy food, and so on, with particular reference to the reason the payment is so reduced and delayed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25849/24]
View answerEducational Sector Workers (ESWs) who wish to avail of income support while temporarily laid-off during the school breaks can apply for a jobseeker’s payment but must satisfy all the qualifying conditions to receive this payment, including being available for full-time work and genuinely seeking work.
A person should apply for Jobseeker’s Benefit as soon as they become unemployed. Initially, when a person makes an application for Jobseeker’s Benefit, 3 waiting days apply and payment is made from the 4th day of the claim where there is no accrued holiday entitlement from their employer. If, however, a person makes a repeat claim for Jobseeker’s Benefit within 26 weeks of their previous claim, the repeat claim links to the earlier claim and no waiting days apply.
A jobseeker’s payment is paid for days of unemployment where a person is not in receipt of holiday pay from their employer for those days and where they also satisfy the conditions of the scheme.
Educational sector workers, who are employed on a temporary basis and who have previously been in contact with the Department, are issued with a repeat jobseeker’s application form and holiday form in advance of the school holiday periods. This advance process facilitates an efficient service to these customers and allows for speedy processing of their claim when the period of unemployment actually arises.
My Department ensures that all claims are decided in a timely manner but delays may occur if all documentation, including if there is a delay with having the Holiday Entitlement Form (Form UP2c/d) completed by an employer.
It should be noted that there is no specific scheme available for Educational Sector Works when they are temporarily laid-off during all the school breaks. The appropriate scheme is jobseeker’s subject to the person meeting all the qualifying conditions. I would advise that those Educational Sector Workers who feel that they satisfy all the qualifying conditions for a payment to apply when they are temporary laid-off from their employment at school breaks. However, if a person experiences financial difficulties while awaiting a social welfare payment they may contact their local Community Welfare Service for support.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
99. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if an exceptional needs payment can be made available to a person (details supplied), both of whose parents passed away in the past year leaving them with exceptionally high bereavement costs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25854/24]
View answerUnder the Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) scheme, my Department may make an Additional Needs Payment (ANP) to help meet essential expenditure which an eligible person could not reasonably be expected to meet from their weekly income. An ANP application can be made for assistance with funeral and burial expenses where there is an inability to pay these costs, in part or in full, by the family of the deceased person without causing hardship.
According to the records of the Department, the person concerned applied for an ANP on 30/08/2023 to assist with funeral costs in respect of her late mother. A letter subsequently issued to the person in which she was asked to provide further documentation in support of her claim. As this information was not received, the person’s application could not be progressed. The person concerned submitted a further ANP application to assist with funeral costs in respect of her late mother on 08/03/2024 as well as a new application in respect of her father’s death. A request for further information issued to the person on the same day. As the requested documentation was not received, the applications could not be progressed and they were closed.
Following your representation, two repeat application packs have been issued to the person concerned for her deceased parents . These forms should be completed and returned to my Department with all relevant supporting information. When all the necessary documentation has been received, the claims can be progressed, and the applicant will be advised of the outcome in writing.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
100. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection her views on a matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25857/24]
View answerMy Department provides a range of income supports for people who are parenting alone including the Jobseeker’s Transitional Payment.
Jobseeker’s Transitional Payment (JST) is a means-tested payment. A person may qualify for this payment if they do not live with a spouse, civil partner or cohabitant and their youngest child is between 7 and 14 years old.
The person concerned was awarded a JST payment on 05/08/2021 and, as of 30/05/2024, was in receipt of a weekly rate of €253, made up of a personal rate of €232 and an increase for one child of €46 less means due to child maintenance of €25.
Following a recent change in legislation, with effect from 06/06/2024, the child maintenance portion of any maintenance a person receives is no longer assessable as means. For this reason, the person’s claim has been reviewed and their rate of JST payable, from 06/06/2024, was increased to €278. The decision was made in accordance with Section 8 of the Social Welfare and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2024.
The person concerned was informed of this decision in a letter dated 30/05/2024 and the first payment of €278 was paid on 06/06/2024.
Please note that this Jobseeker’s Transitional Payment is in the sole name of the person concerned and it is paid weekly into the bank account nominated by the person concerned.
Information on all schemes and payments administered by my Department can be found at www.gov.ie.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
101. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if household benefit is payable (details supplied). [25858/24]
View answerThere is no record of a recent Household Benefits Package application form having been received from the person concerned.
The person concerned can apply online at MyWelfare.ie for the Household Benefits Package if they have a verified MyGovID account, or they can complete the application form which has issued to them.
On receipt of their application, the person's entitlement to the Household Benefits Package will be examined and they will be notified of the outcome without delay.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
102. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection her views on a matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25859/24]
View answerDisability Allowance is a weekly allowance paid to people with a specified disability who are aged 16 or over and under the age of 66. This disability must be expected to last for at least one year and the allowance is subject to a medical assessment, a means test and Habitual Residency conditions.
As previously advised to the Deputy, the financial position of the person concerned had been referred to a Social Welfare Inspector (SWI) to complete a fresh assessment of means. This SWI examines the means of the person concerned, including details of the maintenance order submitted to the Department by you and the applicant separately.
It is expected that the SWI will return their findings shortly and a decision on the appropriate rate of payment will issue directly to the person concerned, without delay.
The person concerned can apply to the Community Welfare Officer based in their local Intreo office for Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) if they are in need of additional financial assistance.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy
103. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection her views on a matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25860/24]
View answerState pension (non-contributory) is a means-tested payment for people aged 66 and over who have a legal right of residence and habitually reside in the State, and who do not qualify for a state pension contributory, or only qualify for a reduced-rate contributory pension based on their social insurance record.
The eligibility of the person concerned for a state pension non-contributory is currently under review, following the receipt of information from the Deputy on 29 May 2024.
On 5 June 2024, the Deciding Officer assigned to the case issued a communication to the person concerned requesting further documentation in this matter. On receipt of the required information, a determination on the person's eligibility for pension will be made and the person will be notified of the outcome in writing.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
104. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection her views on a matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25861/24]
View answerState pension non-contributory is a means-tested payment for people aged 66 and over, legally and habitually residing in the State, who do not qualify for a state pension contributory, or who only qualify for a reduced rate contributory pension based on their social insurance record.
A statement of state pension non-contributory payments has been issued to each of the persons concerned, in respect of the year ending 31 December 2023.
Social welfare payment statements are also available on-line and may be requested at www.mywelfare.ie
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
105. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Justice the resources that have been allocated to ensure appropriate enforcement of the provisions of the Cluster Munitions and Anti-Personnel Mines Act 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25800/24]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the Cluster Munitions and Anti-Personnel Mines Act 2008 gives effect to the UN Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM). Our membership of international instruments, such as the CCM, is of course a matter the Minister for Foreign Affairs.
Ireland maintains a strong and unwavering commitment to, and is proactively engaged with, the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention (APMBC) and the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM), which was adopted in Dublin in 2008. Ireland is engaged in a whole-of-government approach to ensure the global norm against these weapons is upheld. In line with our obligations under these conventions, Ireland continues to discourage all actors, including those not party to these Conventions, to refrain from using, developing, producing, acquiring, stockpiling, retaining or transferring directly or indirectly, cluster munitions or anti-personnel mines to other States, including through bilateral engagements. Furthermore, Ireland provides annual voluntary financial contributions to the implementation support units (ISU) of both conventions, to ensure their effective functionality.
In 2023, Ireland contributed €20,000 to the APMBC, and €24,300 to the CCM, respectively. In 2022, Ireland successfully hosted the endorsement conference for a Political Declaration on Strengthening the Protection of Civilians from the humanitarian consequences arising from the use of Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas (EWIPA), a declaration which now has endorsement from 87 states.
The Deputy will also be aware that the distribution of Garda resources is an operational matter for the Garda Commissioner. As Minister, I cannot direct the Commissioner to dedicate resources to enforce any particular piece of legislation. I am assured by the Commissioner that Garda resources and enforcement of all legislation is kept under constant review, in light of operational needs and trends.
I can also advise the Deputy that Ireland was one of the first states to ratify the 1997 Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on their Destruction in December 1997. Under the terms of that Convention, only a minimal stock is retained for the purposes of training and research in mine clearance techniques. Defence Force Tactical Doctrine has been amended to prohibit the use of anti-personnel mines.
The Defence Forces are also fully compliant with the Cluster Munitions and Anti-Personnel Mine Act 2008. I am further advised that Corps of Engineers personnel regularly provide courses on Defence Forces Tactical Doctrine on the prohibition of Cluster and Anti-personnel mines.
106. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Justice when she intends to honour her commitment to the survivors and the families of victims of the Dublin and Monaghan bombings to release all files relating to the bombings, including the reports furnished by the officers of the special detective unit which was tasked with monitoring those campaigners for justice and truth in relation to the bombings, most particularly, such reports for the year 1993; to disclose the orders issued to the Special Detective Unit sanctioning this surveillance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25815/24]
View answer107. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Justice to release the files which were created on foot of the surveillance of Dublin and Monaghan bombing campaigners; to explain the justification for the deployment of State resources to undertake surveillance of the families and campaigners; to provide the identities of those who ordered the surveillance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25816/24]
View answer108. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Justice to release all Garda files furnished to her Department and the relevant Government subcommittee that dealt with security matters relating to the Dublin and Monaghan bombings in 1974. [25817/24]
View answer109. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Justice if she will outline, in light of the Dublin and Monaghan bombings taking place within 14 months of the closure of the investigations into the Sackville Place bombings of 1972/1973, the reason the Garda investigations into the Sackville Place bombings of 1972/1973 were closed down after seven weeks; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25819/24]
View answer110. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Justice to release all the Garda files and all files relating to the Sackville Place bombings of 1972/1973. [25820/24]
View answer111. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Justice the reason the investigative files related to the Dublin and Monaghan bombings that were provided to the McEntee report were never released to the families of the victims of the bombings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25821/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 106, 107, 108, 109, 110 and 111 together.
Last month marked the 50th anniversary of the Dublin and Monaghan bombings of 1974. On 17 May Government representatives joined with the families of the victims and survivors at commemorative events to remember that terrible day.
It is deeply regrettable that, to date, no person has been made amenable for these barbaric attacks or for the Sackville Place bombings of 1972/1973. The Garda investigation files into these bombings and the murders that took place remain open. Any new evidence that comes to light, from whatever source, will be pursued by An Garda Síochána.
The Government is fully committed to seeking out the truth behind these appalling events and, hopefully, to secure some measure of comfort for the victims’ families and the survivors.
The implementation of the All-Party Dáil motions which call on the British Government to allow access by an independent, international judicial figure to all relevant documents relating to a series of bombings, including the bombings of 1972, 1973 and 1974, is a priority and I can assure the Deputy that the Government continues to regularly raise the matter with the British Government, most recently, at the British Irish Intergovernmental Conference in London on 29 April last.
The Deputy’s question relates to access to files relating to the bombings and the aftermath. There are many instances where records related to the Dublin and Monaghan bombings can and have been made available. Departmental and Garda records were released to the Barron and MacEntee Inquiries. More recently, An Garda Síochána has provided access to records related to the Dublin and Monaghan bombings to the ongoing independent UK Kenova review, Operation Denton, which concerns allegations of collusion with the Glennane Gang. This assistance has been acknowledged, most recently by Sir Iain Livingstone, the head of Kenova, who referenced the high level of cooperation received from An Garda Síochána and the ongoing support of the Irish Government.
Decisions on the release of Garda files are, of course, an operational matter for the Garda Commissioner.
As stated earlier, the bombings of Dublin and Monaghan in 1974 and the Sackville Place bombings of 1972/1973 remain open investigations for An Garda Síochána and in these circumstances, I have been advised that it would not be appropriate to release any investigative material or intelligence as to do so could compromise the investigation. An Garda Síochána are continuing to engage with Operation Denton and anything that emerges from that review will be considered in the context of these open investigations.
An Garda Síochána remains committed to investigating all acts of terrorism and always takes the concerns of victims seriously. Records are released where it is appropriate and legally permissible to do so taking into consideration the rights of victims.
I can assure the Deputy of my continuing commitment to supporting An Garda Síochána in pursuing this work and would call on any person who has any information in relation to the bombings, to make contact with An Garda Síochána.
Finally, the Deputy raises alleged surveillance by members of An Garda Síochána. The conduct of surveillance is an operational matter for the Garda Commissioner in which I, as Minister, have no role. Any concerns in relation to such activities should be raised with the relevant statutory authorities charged with investigating allegations of wrong doing by Gardaí.
