Written Answers Nos. 81-98
81. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to provide a breakdown of the fines issued against his Department by the Court of Justice of the European Union for the period 2010 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26134/24]
View answerThere have been no fines issued against the Department of Foreign by the Court of Justice of the European Union for the period 2010 to date.
82. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he, together with the Embassy of Ireland, and the Holy See, will seek to have the ancient crown of Brian Boru, High King of Ireland, returned by the Vatican to the State (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26148/24]
View answerThe current circumstances, or existence, of the crown of Brian Boru are unconfirmed, and a question of some dispute among historical experts. My Department will liaise with relevant authorities in Ireland in the first instance to review the matter.
83. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on matters relating to the Passport Office (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26152/24]
View answerThe Passport Service has issued over 600,000 passports to date in 2024, and the Customer Service Hub has responded to over 250,000 queries this year. Virtually all complete passport applications are being processed within or before advertised turnaround times and there are no backlogs.
The Passport Service takes its responsibility to protect the integrity of the Irish passport very seriously. The Irish passport has a strong international reputation due to the strength of the security features within the passport book and the robust processes involved in its issuance. The Irish passport was recently ranked 2nd in the Henley Global Passport Index as it provides our citizens with visa-free access to 193 countries.
Accordingly, there is a rigorous checking process in place for first time applications. The witnessing of passport forms is a vital element of the identity verification process for the Passport Service, as it provides initial assurance that the person in the photograph is the same person submitting the passport application form. In the case of children, it is essential that the Passport Service verifies the consent of the child’s guardians before a passport can issue. This ensures that the Passport Service protects the integrity of the passport itself and the rights of the child and their guardians.
There are certain passport applications for first time applicants resident in Ireland that require forms to be witnessed by a member of An Garda Síochána. Forms required to be witnessed by a member of An Garda Síochána include:
• Certificate of Identity on Post Passport (paper) applications (section 8 and 9 of the application form)• Identity Verification Forms for First time adult online applications• Child Identity and Consent Forms for First time child online applications
For each application that requires a Garda witness, the Passport Service calls the relevant Garda station to confirm that the Garda witness recorded the witnessed form in the station logbook. Passport Service staff will call the relevant Garda station up to three times to verify the Garda's signature. Where the Passport Service cannot reach the Garda station, there is a system in place whereby the Passport Service contacts the relevant Superintendent’s Office to verify the details. There is no requirement for the Passport Service to speak to the witnessing Garda as long as the Garda Station can confirm the record of the form being witnessed in the station logbook.
It is not the experience of the Passport Service that there are widespread issues in the system of witnessing passport applications by An Garda Síochána generally, or in particular, causing applications to need new witnessed forms. It is not possible to provide the numbers of applications rejected because the witness on the consent form could not be verified, as the Passport Service does not track the numbers of rejections based on that specific criterion.
The ongoing programme of Passport Service Reform focuses on the future of service delivery by continuing to identify and implement projects to enhance the customer experience and provide for business continuity while maintaining the integrity of the Irish passport.
The Passport Service continually works to enhance the service to provide further efficiencies for customers. A number of improvements were made to the passport online platform in 2023. These include a customised list of the supporting documents required for first-time applicants and a new integration feature with the General Register Office. This integration benefits a significant cohort of first-time child applicants, who are no longer required to submit a physical birth certificate. These upgrades help to reduce the administrative burden for applicants. Since last year, over 81,000 birth certificates have been digitally received by the Passport Service from the GRO.
Customer Service Hub officers are the first port of call for citizens when they call the Passport Service. Hub officers are trained to assist applicants with their queries, and to escalate queries to supervisors if they are unable to assist.
The Customer Service Hub is currently responding to an average of 3,000 calls and webchats on a daily basis. Given the volume, it is not always possible to transfer an applicant directly to a supervisor the moment they are on the line. If a supervisor is unable to speak with the applicant immediately, Hub officers are requested to take the applicant’s contact details and escalate these to a supervisor. A supervisor will review the call-back request, and endeavours to make the call back within a 48 hr timeframe.
In 2023, the Passport Service was ranked 18th out of 150 public-facing organisations in a survey conducted by the Customer Experience (CX) group. This ranking recognised the Passport Service as the best customer service brand in the public sector. In addition, the Customer Service Hub in the Passport Service was shortlisted for the “Best Customer Service Team” award at the 2023 Customer Experience Awards.
The Passport Service has a formal complaints procedure that provides customers an opportunity to give feedback on the quality of the service they receive. The Passport Service is committed to providing a high quality, effective service to all of our customers and welcomes feedback on how the service can be improved.
Customers can submit a complaint in writing to: Passport Complaints, Knockmaun House, 42-47, Lower Mount Street, Dublin 2, D02 TN83, or online: ppscomplaints.dfa.ie/complaints-welcome/.
The Passport Service aims to resolve complaints as promptly as possible. Each complaint is examined upon receipt and acknowledged. The complaint will then be investigated and a response issued in writing. If customers remain unhappy with the response, they can refer their complaint to the Office of the Ombudsman.
Complaints received to date by the Passport Service make up just 0.4% of all applications processed this year.
Further details of the Passport Service complaints procedure can be found on our website - Ireland.ie/PassportFeedback.
The public offices of the Passport Service in Dublin 2 and in Cork operate a four-day Urgent Appointment service for renewal applicants. The Dublin office also offers a one-day Urgent Appointment service.
Renewal applicants who have already submitted a passport application either through Passport Online or Post Passport can book an urgent appointment and visit the Passport Office to apply for a passport. Once a passport has been issued, their original application will be cancelled and the fee will be refunded. First time applications are too complex to process at a public counter as they are essentially verifications of Irish citizenship.
Further information on the Urgent Appointment service for renewal applicants is available at www.ireland.ie/PassportAppointment
In the event of an emergency such as a sudden bereavement or serious illness of a family member abroad, the applicant should contact the Passport Office and advise them of the issue. Priority is given to these applications by the Passport Service and the Travel Emergency service is available to all applicants whether they are first-time or renewal applicants.
The Passport Service is well staffed, with a total of 839 staff currently, and is in an excellent position to deliver the demand forecast during the busy summer season. I would ask the Deputy to encourage her constituents to apply online for the quickest, cheapest and most efficient service.
84. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the reason the NATO flag was displayed at the annual EU Heads of Missions lunch in Ireland, at which the Tánaiste delivered the opening remarks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26259/24]
View answerEU Ambassadors resident in Ireland meet collectively on a regular basis, with a wide range of guests normally invited, including Government ministers, members of the opposition and other political, business and civil society figures.
As the current holders of the Presidency, the working lunch for EU Ambassadors in May, to which I was invited, was hosted by the Belgian Ambassador at her residence in Dublin. I always value the opportunity to meet with the Heads of Mission of our EU partners in order to discuss important issues of mutual interest on the EU agenda, as well as wider foreign policy issues.
Along with the majority of Ireland's EU partners with resident Embassies in Dublin, Belgium is a member of both the EU and NATO. Since the early 1990s, NATO has developed a network of contact point embassies to support its relations with partner countries. The current contact point embassy in Ireland is the Embassy of Belgium.
It is, of course, entirely a matter for the Belgian Ambassador to determine which flags to display during events she hosts in her residence, including those of international organisations of which Belgium is a member.
85. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if the passport for a person (details supplied) can be expedited. [26297/24]
View answerWith regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, this is a first time application. Supporting documents for this application were received on 6 June 2024. The turnaround time for first time applications is 20 working days. This application is within the turnaround time and has not yet reached its issue-by date.
86. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for the Environment; Climate and Communications if he will provide an update on the progress of the public warning system. [25901/24]
View answerIn November 2023, Ireland put in place a mobile phone-based emergency public warning text system, as required under Article 110 of the EU Electronic Communications Code Directive. The Public Warning System (PWS) enables mobile phone operators to send texts to the public, on behalf of the Government, giving information on developments in the event of a major emergency or disaster.
The PWS will be activated only in the most exceptional of circumstances, where there is a major emergency or disaster which poses a significant and imminent threat to human life. The system becomes part of the Strategic Emergency Management (SEM) structures that are already in place. In the appropriate circumstances it will be another channel, among the existing channels such as social media, TV and radio, to provide information to the public.
In the longer term, the Government’s intention is to establish a cell broadcast system, similar to that used in some other European member states, for transmitting public warning messages. My Department has published a Call for Tender relating to the procurement of the necessary advisory services to support the implementation of a national Cell Broadcast Public Warning System, details of which are available on gov.ie at www.etenders.gov.ie/epps/cft/prepareViewCfTWS.do?resourceId=3462824. It is anticipated that the new system will be operational in December 2025, subject to procurement timelines.
87. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for the Environment; Climate and Communications to provide an update on his Department’s plans for the upgrading of broadband services and infrastructure in rural areas of east Cork. [25931/24]
View answerIreland's Digital Connectivity Strategy, published by my Department, sets ambitious targets, which include providing a Gigabit network to all households and businesses in Ireland by 2028 and access to 5G in all populated areas by 2030.
The National Broadband Plan (NBP) is the government's initiative to deliver high speed broadband services to all premises in Ireland.
National Broadband Ireland (NBI) are connecting circa 4,000 homes each month. NBI expect to have passed in excess of 300,000 premises by the end of 2024.
I am advised by NBI that, over 254,900 premises are passed across 26 counties and available for immediate connection. Over 84,300 premises are already connected to the National Broadband Plan high-speed broadband network. In the Deputy’s own county of Cork over 26,000 premises are passed with a high-speed fibre broadband network and available for immediate connection with 9,464 premises now connected.
Further details are available on specific areas within County Cork and can be monitored via nbi.ie/reps.
With regards to east Cork, premises within the Deployment Areas of Youghal, Tallow, Midleton, Carrigaline and Templemartin can now Order/Pre-order Fibre broadband.
The Deployment Area of Fermoy currently has an anticipated date for connection of June 2024 to July 2024.
Along with the NBP intervention contract, progress is being made by commercial operators’ in expanding their next generation networks throughout the State and ensuring the targets set out in the Digital Connectivity strategy are achieved.
88. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has received the 2023 annual report and 2023 audited financial statement from each State agency under the remit of his Department; and if not, the State agency that has yet to submit either their annual report and or financial statement to his Department, in tabular form. [26101/24]
View answerFinancial Reporting obligations of the aegis bodies under the remit of my Department are informed, as appropriate, by the relevant legislation underpinning the aegis bodies and also by the requirements of the 2016 Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies.
In relation to Financial Statements which have to be audited by the Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG), it is at the C&AG's discretion the order in which his Office audits the financial statements of State Bodies, including those under the remit of my Department.
There are currently 15 bodies under the aegis of my Department of which 14 are required to provide the Department with Annual Reports and Financial Statements - 4 commercial bodies, 8 non-commercial bodies and 2 regulatory bodies. The Mining Board is an Appellate body which comes under the aegis of my Department but as such it is not obliged to submit an Annual Report and Financial Statements.
The information for 2023 as requested by the Deputy is summarised in tabular format below.
|
Commercial Bodies |
Date 2023 Annual Report received by the Department |
Date 2023 Audited Financial Statements received by the Department |
|
An Post |
2 April 2024 |
2 April 2024 |
|
Bord na Mona* |
19 July 2023 |
19 July 2023 |
|
Eirgrid** |
12 March 2024 |
12 March 2024 |
|
ESB |
28 February 2024 |
28 February 2024 |
|
Non-Commercial Bodies |
|
|
|
Digital Hub Development Authority |
Not yet received |
Not yet received |
|
Environment Protection Agency |
Not yet received |
Not yet received |
|
Inland Fisheries Ireland |
30 April 2024 |
Draft Financial Statements received by Department 27 March and are currently with the C&AG for audit. |
|
Loughs Agency*** |
14 May 2024 (Draft) |
14 May 2024 (Draft) |
|
Maritime Area Regulatory Authority |
Annual Report is not required with 2023 Financial Statements as provided for by Section 68 of the Maritime Area Planning Act 2021. The first Annual Report is to be submitted with the 2024 Financial Statements. |
Awaiting the signed Audit Report from the C&AG |
|
National Oil Reserves Agency |
Not yet received |
Not yet received |
|
Irish National Petroleum Corporation |
Not yet received |
Not yet received |
|
SEAI |
Not yet received |
Awaiting the Signed Audit Report from the C&AG. |
|
Regulators |
|
|
|
Comreg |
7 May 2024 |
7 May 2024 |
|
CRU |
6 June 2024 |
6 June 2024 |
*Bord na Mona Financial Year is 1 April to 31 March.
**Eirgrid Financial Year is 1 October to 30 September.
*** Loughs Agency Draft Annual Report and Financial Statements have been received but have yet to be audited by the Northern Ireland Audit Office (NIAO) and the C&AG.
89. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to provide a breakdown of the fines issued against his Department by the Court of Justice of the European Union for the period 2010 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26132/24]
View answerIn March 2024, the CJEU imposed a lump sum fine of €4.5 million on Ireland for failure to transpose the European Electronic Communications Code Directive on time. The formal request for payment notice was received from the EU Commission on 20 May 2024. Ireland has 45 days (by 3 July) to pay the fine.
90. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if grant aid funding is available for anaerobic digesters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26176/24]
View answerAnaerobic digestion (AD) harnesses natural bacteria to treat biodegradable materials to produce biogas. Biogas can be upgraded to sustainable biomethane which is fully compatible with the national gas network and existing appliances, technologies, and vehicles, and can seamlessly replace fossil gas to reduce emissions in industrial heating, transport, and power generation.
My Department has developed a number of schemes and initiatives designed to increase the energy generated from renewable sources, whilst also reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Ireland. These schemes include the grid scale, auction based Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) and the Support Scheme for Renewable Heat (SSRH). Both the RESS and SSRH schemes include AD for electricity generation with High Efficiency Combined Heat and Power as an eligible technology.
Government has committed to deliver up to 5.7TWh of indigenously produced biomethane by 2030. The National Biomethane Strategy published on the 28 May sets out the support approach and necessary measures to support development of an indigenous AD sector of scale.
In an effort to kick start the industry, the Minister for Agriculture has recently launched a call for expressions of interest for capital grant support of €40m. AD plants currently operating to produce biogas will be eligible for capital support to upgrade their facilities to produce biomethane and other bio-based products, along with new AD plants.
My Department will take responsibility for a second round of capital funding from 2026 which will support up to an additional 1.5 TWh by 2030. As with the initial support programme, it is envisaged that AD plants in operation upgrading to biomethane production and new plant builds with full planning and permitting permissions would be eligible for capital support.
The expression of interest call for the first round of capital grant support closes shortly, and I would encourage anyone who wants to apply for the grant to complete an application form as soon as possible. forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=RuNk9vvW5UOFuowECBAjVQ7Ff2umiLFJoQAsNeWvuBpUNlhVMElRTFhQVzUxV1gxTzlKSU45TFE5Ti4u.
91. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to provide an update on an application for a warmer home scheme upgrade by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26206/24]
View answerThe 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. My officials continue to work with the SEAI to maximise and accelerate the output of free energy upgrades provided under this important scheme.
Last year, almost 5,900 homes were upgraded under the Scheme with an average spend of €24,000 per home and €157 million in total expenditure. A record allocation of almost €210 million is in place for the scheme this year.
Individual applications to the Warmer Homes Scheme are an operational matter for SEAI and as the Minister I have no function in relation to such applications. Applications 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.
For the homes completed in 2023, the average waiting time from application to completion was 20 months. This is a reduction from 26 months for homes completed in 2022. SEAI advise that it can take 8-10 months from date of application to the pre-works BER assessment.
The Deputy may wish to note that Government also has other schemes and supports in place which may be of assistance where there is an urgent need:
• 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) or the Department of Social Protection. Details are available here: www.gov.ie/en/service/4eb45-additional-needs-payment/.
• The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage's Housing Adaptation Grants can assist older people to have necessary adaptations, repairs or improvement works carried out in order to make their accommodation more suitable for their needs. Details are available here: www.gov.ie/en/service/6636c-housing-adaptation-grants-for-older-people-and-people-with-a-disability/.
92. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when the review of the Conservation of and Prohibition on Sale of Coarse Fish Bye-Law (No. 806) 2006 and the Conservation of Pike Bye-Law (No. 809) 2006 will be concluded, given that national inland fisheries legislation is within the remit of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26304/24]
View answerInland Fisheries Ireland (IFI), in conjunction with my Department, is carrying out a review of relevant inland fisheries bye-laws in force for 10 years or more and their continued application. The Conservation of and Prohibition on Sale of Coarse fish Bye-Law No. 806 of 2006 and the Conservation of Pike Bye-Law No. 809 of 2006 are being examined as part of this work programme.
IFI has established a specific e-mail address for queries from Oireachtas members so that queries can be addressed promptly, in line with IFI’s objective to deliver services to the highest standards.
The email address is oireachtas@fisheriesireland.ie.
93. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the reason the western lakes management plan has not been published by Inland Fisheries Ireland to date after two rounds of public consultations over two calendar years, bearing in mind that the proposed plan was instigated at his request; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26305/24]
View answerMy Department requested that Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) prepare a plan for the long-term management of our western lakes to deliver on the Programme for Government commitment.
Following an extensive IFI public consultation process, this plan was then advanced by IFI through the Strategic Environmental Assessment and Appropriate Assessment processes and a series of recommendations will soon be presented by IFI for my approval.
94. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to detail the extensive military support provided by Ireland to Ukraine further to his opening remarks at the annual EU Heads of Missions lunch (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26273/24]
View answer95. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the way it is intended to continue the military support to Ukraine further to his opening remarks at the annual EU Heads of Missions lunch (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26274/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 94 and 95 together.
Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 has led to the unprecedented mobilisation of EU efforts to provide both civil and military assistance to Ukraine to defend itself in line with Article 51 of the UN Charter.
Ireland remains steadfast in our support for EU efforts to help Ukraine defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity. This includes the provision of non-lethal military support via the European Peace Facility and the training of Ukrainian Armed Forces personnel through EUMAM Ukraine.
EU military aid to date has primarily been provided via the European Peace Facility (EPF) and Ireland’s current commitment – which is directed solely towards non-lethal assistance - stands at approximately €250 million. This helps to supply items such as medical equipment, food, personal protective equipment and fuel. Of this sum, Ireland has disbursed approximately €25.5 million from the Department of Foreign Affairs’ Vote 28 to date.
In addition to this support under the EPF, the EU Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine (EUMAM Ukraine) was established by the EU in October 2022. The Mission provides specialised training to the Ukrainian Armed Forces and coordinates Member State training activities. It has trained approximately 52,000 Ukrainian soldiers as of May 2024.
In February 2023, the Government approved the participation of Defence Forces’ personnel in EUMAM Ukraine. Their primary role is to provide training to members of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the EU Member States in which the training will take place. Ireland also provides a small number of staff positions in the Military Planning and Conduct Capability (MPCC) in Belgium and the Special Training Command (STC) in Germany.
To date, the Defence Forces have delivered 11 training modules to 455 members of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in areas such as tactical combat casualty care/combat lifesaver, demining/mine clearance, and drill instruction training. Ireland has also donated demining equipment to Ukraine (mine flails) and provided training to the Ukrainian Armed Forces on this equipment. The Defence Forces are currently planning other modules and identifying other opportunities for support.
To date, Ireland has disbursed €4.53million from the Department of Defence’s Vote 36 under the EPF in relation to funding the EUMAM Ukraine support (to support the common costs of the Mission and the Mission’s non-lethal assistance measure). Further contributions by Ireland are expected to take place this calendar year.
Alongside the previously reported donations of ready to eat meals, body armour and the mine flails referenced above, the delivery of 30 Defence Forces vehicles to Ukraine has commenced, with the final delivery expected to be made by early July. The donation consists of 20 pickup trucks, 2 ambulances, 7 Demountable Rack Offload and Pickup System (DROPS) logistics trucks and 1 recovery vehicle from the Defence Forces fleet. Further non-lethal equipment donations are envisaged into the future as and when opportunities arise.
96. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of qualified civilian fitness instructors employed by the Defence Forces in the years of 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form. [25889/24]
View answerCivilian staff are employed at various military installations to support the work of the Defence Forces. The grades employed are spread across a wide spectrum of roles and include craft workers, services, administrative, healthcare professionals and other specialist grades. My Department did not employ any qualified civilian fitness instructors during the period 2022 to date.
97. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the percentage of the budget that has been spent to date on the purchasing of the new military aircraft C295W that is due to come into the Air Corps fleet in 2025. [26104/24]
View answerThe Airbus C295W aircraft is a new generation tactical airlift with advanced avionics technology in the light and medium segment. The military transport aircraft will provide a dedicated asset to support the Defence Forces military airlift transport requirements and provide a wide contingent capability.
The principal role of the aircraft is for air transport missions. It will enable the Air Corps to provide a wide range of services including logistics support and transport of troops and equipment, medical evacuation and air ambulance, Special Operations Forces operations and a general utility role. The Airbus C295W aircraft is highly versatile and has the ability to conduct operations under all weather conditions. It is fully certified and can routinely operate in day and night missions in all weather extremes, from desert to maritime environments, from extremely hot to extremely cold temperatures.
The award of the contract follows a robust analysis of the options that would meet the identified capability requirement as set out in the Public Spending Code and is an extension of an existing contract with Airbus Defence and Space. The aircraft is scheduled for delivery in 2025. The aircraft will be built in the company’s production facility in Seville, Spain.
The cost of the contract, including equipment fit-out and ancillary support, is approximately €72 million including VAT, of which approximately €50 million has already been paid on foot of an agreed contract payment schedule, a percentage of approximately 69% of the total overall budget for the project.
98. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to provide a breakdown of the fines issued against his Department by the Court of Justice of the European Union for the period 2010 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26129/24]
View answerMy Department has not incurred any fines from the Court of Justice of the European Union for the period specified.
