Written Answers Nos. 81-100
81. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the Government's position and policy in respect of liquefied natural gas (LNG) proposals, and the remarks of a judge (details supplied) about not being convinced that the Government has a clear policy against LNG terminals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41442/24]
View answerAs set out in the Government’s ‘Policy Statement on the Importation of Fracked Gas' the government does not support the importation of fracked gas. Ireland is committed to halving greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and becoming carbon neutral by 2050. In future, most of our energy needs will be met by renewable energy which will be the anchor of our energy security.
The sole consideration by this Government of Liquified Natural Gas facilities is in the context of energy security. The Government does not support the commercial import of LNG as the development of infrastructure for the commercial import of LNG would be inconsistent with the decarbonisation trajectory established under the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act, as amended.
The Government policy in relation to energy security is set out in 'Energy Security in Ireland to 2030' report which was approved and published in November 2023. The report determines that Ireland’s natural gas supplies and infrastructure are adequate to meet our demand projections. However, Ireland does not have adequate resilience in case of a major disruption to our sub-sea gas imports pipelines and does not currently meet minimum EU standards in this area.
It is in this context only that a state-led Liquified Gas Facility was recommended in the Report.
A state-led strategic gas emergency reserve, operating on a non-commercial basis for use only in the event of an emergency, would provide resilience to the gas system and mitigate against the major consequences for our society and our economy that would arise from a significant gas supply disruption in Ireland.
As a final element of the energy security review, Gas Networks Ireland are undertaking a detailed analysis of the strategic gas emergency reserve.
In parallel my Department are developing the appropriate policy and legislative measures to ensure the facility provides the resilience to our energy system in a manner that:
• does not inadvertently increase gas demand by increasing the supply available on the market;
• is compatible with the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act and
• does not support the Importation of Fracked Gas www.gov.ie/pdf/?file=https://assets.gov.ie/135271/3226a65b-c49c-458e-9ab9-83b2d1196af2.pdf#page=null.
Work to conclude the final element of the energy security package is continuing as a matter of priority; however, it requires additional analysis before returning to Government.
One of the issues on which further research and information is necessary, relates to the timeline for introducing such a facility and the timelines within which gas demand may fall to reduce the risk. That has to be examined very closely. We know that, in this decade, we are at risk and are exposed. Given the likelihood that delivery of a strategic gas reserve facility may not happen until early in the next decade, analysis is required as to whether the planned dramatic reduction in gas use, particularly in the electricity generation sector, means that an alternative way to meet the energy security risk might be better. For example, further electricity interconnectors with the UK or France or what is fast-evolving long term storage capability. This further research is something I have called for and that the Department is looking at before going back to the Government and Oireachtas with detailed analysis.
82. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his attention has been drawn to the widespread concern of businesses trading in household energy products due to smoky coal products being imported illegally into the State; the resources that he is providing to local authorities to counteract such illegal trade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41390/24]
View answerThe Air Pollution Act 1987 (Solid Fuels) Regulations 2022 (S.I. No. 529 of 2022), which took effect from 31 October 2022, introduced minimum quality standards that apply to all solid fuels distributed throughout the State. This is to ensure that the most polluting fuels can no longer be made available on the Irish market and to assist the public in transitioning to less polluting alternatives.
The primary focus of these regulations is on improving air quality and improving people’s health, by restricting the retail, online and commercial sale of smoky fuels, including smoky coal, turf and wet wood.
Local Authorities are responsible for the enforcement of the solid fuel regulations, identifying unauthorised fuels placed on the market and taking measures to counteract any illegal trade. They are also responsible for the allocation of appropriate resources to ensure that they can fulfil their air quality enforcement obligations.
I and officials from my Department have been engaging with key stakeholders from the retail sector on this matter and continue to do so. While they have raised concerns, inspections carried out across the country by Local Authorities have not identified significant levels of non-approved fuel for sale in commercial settings. The sector have also noted concerns regarding non-tax compliant fuels and my officials are working with Revenue on this matter as they are the responsible enforcement body.
My Department is working with the Local Government Management Agency to develop a business case for an enhanced enforcement structure to support the provision of improved co-ordination, expertise and advice to underpin consistent implementation of all air quality legislation across the country. I have made funding of up to €3m available to support this enforcement structure. This process has been delayed but we hope to have progress in the coming months.
In the interim, officials from my Department have been engaging directly with enforcement personnel on the ground, developing guidance and training, holding workshop and supporting the sharing of best practice in relation to a range of air quality legislative obligations that are under the remit of the Local Authorities.
I have also made over €1m available to Local Authorities to directly support action in this area since the introduction of the new regulations. The Air Pollution Act is also being amended to ensure enhanced enforcement tools are available to the Local Authorities to take action on non-approved fuels.
83. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when the National Broadband plan rollout will be complete in Cavan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41391/24]
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.
These targets will be achieved through a combination of commercial investments and through the State investment in National Broadband Ireland (NBI).
The Digital Connectivity Strategy will lead to more balanced regional development, supporting the green transition, facilitating greater access to regional talent and skills and will assist with the implementation of the Government’s Remote Working Strategy, Our Rural Future: Rural Development Policy 2021-2025, and Project Ireland 2040.
Commercial operators’ fibre rollouts are progressing at pace. Open eir have already passed over 21,380 homes and businesses in Cavan with gigabit services, with plans to pass a further c.4,919 homes and businesses over the next 2 – 3 years. Other commercial operators are also continuing to increase their network footprint right across Cavan, with SIRO recently passing over 4,400 premises for full fibre.
Along with the progress made by commercial operators’ in expanding their next generation networks throughout the State, the National Broadband Plan intervention contract provides for the roll out of a high speed and future-proofed broadband network to primarily rural areas. The intervention area covers over 1.1 million people living and working in over 560,000 premises, including almost 100,000 businesses and farms along with some 679 schools.
I am advised by NBI that, over 300,180 premises are passed across 26 counties and available for immediate connection. Over 99,583 premises are already connected to the NBP high-speed broadband network.
In the Deputy’s own county of Cavan, over 9,725 premises are passed with a high-speed fibre broadband network and 9,744 available to order/pre-order, with 3,119 premises now connected. A further 7,725 premises within Cavan will be passed by NBI’s high speed fibre broadband by the end of the contract.
Further details are available on specific areas within County Cavan can be monitored via https://nbi.ie/reps. NBI has a dedicated email address, reps@nbi.ie , which can be used by Oireachtas members for specific queries.
84. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which broadband provision throughout the country is progressing as intended; if efforts continue to bridge communication gaps that have become obvious; if he can see a means whereby the provision of broadband throughout all the regions can be maximised in early date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41440/24]
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.
National Broadband Ireland (NBI) is currently rolling out a high speed and future-proofed broadband network through its Contract with the Minister.
NBI are connecting circa 4,200 homes each month. NBI remain ahead of contractual targets having passed 205,638 premises by the end of 2023 and the end of 2024 target has been met with over 300,000 passed, which is over half of the premises in the intervention area.
I am advised by NBI that over 300,180 premises are passed across 26 counties and available for immediate connection. Over 99,583 premises are already connected to the National Broadband Plan’s high-speed broadband network.
My Department has engaged with NBI at every opportunity to explore options that might increase the pace of rollout and has been working with Directors of Service and Broadband Officers from all Local Authorities, the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA), the County and City Management Agency (CCMA), the Road Management Office (RMO) and other Government Departments, to ensure that any possible barriers that might delay the rollout are addressed as soon as possible. Engagement with other bodies such as Transport Infrastructure Ireland, Irish Rail and ComReg has also been undertaken.
I understand that NBI are in regular discussions with eir, who are responsible for the remediation of eir poles, to increase the rate of pole replacement each month. NBI have also procured the necessary subcontractors, materials, and equipment to support the programme into the foreseeable future to ensure there are no bottlenecks in the supply chain that could interfere with the rollout.
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.
Identified barriers are dealt with through the Mobile Phone and Broadband Task Force, which comprises State actors and industry representatives and is tasked with identifying and overcoming barriers to improved connectivity.
85. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his views on how best to establish a new collective quantified goal on climate finance at COP29; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41335/24]
View answerCOP29, scheduled to take place next month in Baku, Azerbaijan, is expected to deliver an agreement on a New Collective Quantified Goal to replace the current annual $100 billion goal for globally provided and mobilised climate finance from developed countries.
The design of the new Goal must ensure that it is fit for purpose, ambitious and achievable and responds to the challenge at hand, a swift global transition towards net zero and climate-resilient societies and economies.
The overall amounts required to do this, and respond to the impacts of climate change, far exceed what can be provided by public financing alone and so will necessitate the leveraging of public, private, philanthropic and innovative sources of finance, as well as the alignment of all financial flows with the Paris Agreement.
As well as an outcome on finance, it is crucial that COP29 builds on the momentum on mitigation action that was started at COP28, as we move to implement the UAE Consensus.
In the lead up to and at COP29, I am taking on a role as part of the Ministerial Pairing focusing on adaptation, with my colleague, Minister Tattenbach, of Costa Rica. I am conscious of the responsibility it involves to help find agreement at a global level on this important issue, as part of an overall agreement, including in relation to the finance goal.
86. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his efforts to address the ongoing high cost of energy in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41378/24]
View answerThroughout the period of high energy prices, the Government has continued to support energy consumers to stay warm and well.
Budget 2025 has introduced a total €2.6 billion suite of once-off cost-of-living measures to assist families, pensioners, carers and people with disabilities this winter.
This includes a new electricity cost emergency benefit scheme through which €250 (including VAT), is being credited to each domestic electricity account in two payments of €125, again inclusive of VAT. These payments will take place between November 2024 and February 2025.
This follows three previous Electricity Costs Emergency Benefit Schemes which were introduced to support households between March 2022 and April 2024. In total, €1,250 has been provided to households in direct, on-bill support.
87. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Taoiseach if he has conducted a capacity review of his Department’s ability to deliver services that they are responsible for in the past ten years to date; the same of State bodies and agencies under his Department’s aegis; if he published those reviews; the number of recommendations implemented arising from the reviews, and same for State bodies and agencies under his aegis; if the capacity review was outsourced; and if so, to whom and at what cost. [40848/24]
View answerThe Department of the Taoiseach’s purpose is to help the Taoiseach and the Government to ensure a sustainable economy and a successful society, to pursue Ireland’s interests abroad, to implement the Government’s Programme and to build a better future for Ireland and all her citizens.
The National Economic and Social Development Office (NESDO) is the only body under the aegis of the Department and is the corporate body of the National Economic and Social Council (NESC) who advise the Taoiseach on strategic policy issues relating to sustainable economic, social and environmental development in Ireland. Both the Department and NESDO publish an Annual Report which documents progress in delivering the objectives set out in their Statements of Strategy.
The Department of the Taoiseach is primarily a policy Department and does not have a direct role in delivering services to the public. While a capacity review has not been undertaken in the period specified, the resources assigned to the various Divisions of the Department are reviewed on an ongoing basis to ensure optimal resource deployment in line with Government priorities and to ensure that the Department is agile and responsive to emerging priorities.
88. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Taoiseach the status of the Covid inquiry and its terms of reference; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41129/24]
View answerA comprehensive evaluation of how the country managed COVID-19 will provide an opportunity to learn lessons from our experiences in dealing with a pandemic.
It will include a review of the whole-of-government response to the pandemic and how we might do better and be in a stronger position if another pandemic or other similar type event were to occur.
It will include a consideration of the health service response covering hospitals, the community and nursing homes, along with the wider economic and social response.
It is intended to have a public element to hear the lived experiences of all society. The review should be undertaken by those independent of the national response and with relevant expertise.
A consultation with opposition parties and stakeholders has taken place on draft terms of reference.
The process of identifying a Chair is currently underway and thereafter, it is intended to bring the terms of reference to Government.
89. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Taoiseach the number of staff that worked in his Department’s communications and press office in each of the years 2019 to 2024; and the grade of each staff member. [41170/24]
View answerThe business unit in the Department of the Taoiseach whose function specifically relates to communications is the Government Information Service (GIS). The staff assigned to GIS come under the management of the Assistant Secretary, Corporate Services Division, while respecting the role of the Government Press Secretary and the Deputy Government Press Secretaries in day-to-day management of press and communications activities.
GIS works on a cross-functional and collaborative basis to:
· provide the Taoiseach, the Government and the Department with press office and communications services;
· ensure strong collaboration and coordination among press and communications officials in other government departments and agencies;
· coordinate, amplify and create communications around government priorities;
· lead the development of government communications, facilitate, and encourage capacity-building in the area of communications and engagement across the civil and public service; and
· manage the ‘Government of Ireland’ identity and unified web presence and social media channels.
The current staffing complement of GIS is outlined in the table below.
|
Grade |
Number of staff (whole time equivalent) |
|
Principal Officer |
1 |
|
Assistant Principal Officer |
4.6 |
|
Administrative Officer / Higher Executive Officer |
9 |
|
Executive Officer |
2 |
|
Clerical Officer |
2 |
The number of staff working in GIS fluctuates due to normal staff turnover but the staffing complement in any given year between 2019 and 2024 has generally been aligned to the levels above.
90. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Taoiseach the frequency and duration of the publicity, marketing or advertising campaigns conducted by his Department to date in 2024; the purpose of these campaigns; the cost of these campaigns; and the agencies that conducted these campaigns, in tabular form. [41188/24]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy is below.
|
Campaign |
Purpose |
Frequency/duration |
Cost |
Agencies involved |
|
1916 Easter Sunday Commemoration event 2024 |
Public information and awareness. |
One-off print advertising |
€6,447 |
PHD Media |
|
Nominations of persons by the Government to the Office of the President of the Court of Appeal |
Public information and awareness. |
One-off print advertising |
€7,201 |
Spark Foundry |
|
Future Takes |
Online advertising of Future Takes series as part of the Shared Island Dialogues. Purpose is to support viewing of and engagement with 15 new civil society interview contributions on achieving a more reconciled future for all communities on the island of Ireland. Future Takes interviews can be viewed at: gov.ie/sharedisland/futuretakes. |
Single campaign – 10th – 31st October. |
€68,797 (video production and advertising costs - invoices pending) |
PHD Media and Javelin |
91. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Taoiseach the international events and engagements he has attended at which members of the media were also in attendance as part of the Government delegation, since the formation of the Government; the media organisation they represented; the cost involved to the taxpayer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41610/24]
View answerMembers of the media have not been part of the Taoiseach’s delegation for international events and engagements during the lifetime of the current Government. The question of costs therefore does not arise.
The Department of the Taoiseach works closely with the Department of Foreign Affairs, Ireland’s overseas Missions and with the authorities of receiving countries and international organisations on all aspects of the arrangements for the Taoiseach’s international engagements.
This can include facilitating members of the Irish media who travel to cover a specific event or engagement.
92. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Taoiseach the first- and full-year cost of the full implementation of the Report of the expert group on conveyancing and probate, broken down by recommendation. [41624/24]
View answerThe Report of the Expert Group on Conveyancing and Probate was approved by Government on 16th July last. The recommendations in the report aim to make conveyancing and probate more efficient for the consumer.
The Government also approved the establishment of an Implementation Group, tasked with beginning the implementation of short-term recommendations, as well as developing a detailed programme, including assigned ownership and committed timelines, to deliver the full set of recommendations, and to report on progress within 6 months to the Housing for All Delivery Group.
The Implementation Group on Conveyancing and Probate has now been established, with an independent Chair, Dr. Conan McKenna, alongside key stakeholders as well as relevant Government departments, agencies and statutory bodies.
The Implementation Group met on 23rd September for the first time.
The programme is therefore in the very early stages of implementation. The list of recommendations comprises a diversity of actions, ranging from small, straightforward updates to more substantive changes.
The recommendations are not costed at recommendation level. Many of the recommendations of the expert group do not have major cost implications and require what are, in effect, procedural changes, small legislative changes and a requirement for certain institutions and organisations to increase efficiency and priority in terms of their inputs to conveyancing and probate processes. Where costs arise, they will be developed and assessed as appropriate as the work of the Implementation Group is advanced .
93. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if RTÉ received funding from the Global Ireland Media Challenge Fund to boost media coverage of major geo-political developments and the changing nature of Ireland’s role in the world; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40998/24]
View answerThe purpose of the Global Ireland Media Challenge Fund is to support the provision of information about major geo-political developments, and the changing nature of Ireland’s role in the world, to the public in Ireland. It aims to do this by helping build the capacity of Irish media outlets to undertake international reporting.
A core principle of the Fund is editorial independence. Following the allocation of funding to organisations to support their coverage of international issues, the Department does not direct the organisations in terms of the projects selected, the tone of the coverage, or the allocation of staff to carry out this work.
The organisations that are currently in receipt of funding are RTÉ, Reach Media, The Business Post, Bauer Media, The Examiner, The Journal and Virgin Media Television. All funding decisions and the recipient media outlets are publicly available on gov.ie website to ensure full transparency on the scheme. To date, RTÉ has received €720,000 from the scheme.
94. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of first-time paper passport applications received in 2024; the number for which additional documentation was not sought; the average number of working days processing in such instances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41055/24]
View answerTo date this year, the Passport Service has issued over 900,000 passports. Virtually all complete passport applications are being processed within or before advertised turnaround times, with the majority of adult online renewal applications issuing within two working days.
The Passport Service has received 71,329 paper applications up to 9th October 2024, including 24,762 first-time applications. 61.5% of these first time applications were approved without any additional engagement with the applicant as they were fully complete and correct when they were submitted.
The turnaround time for Passport Applications by Paper is 40 working days, if all is in order. If an application is rejected due to missing documentation or issues with the photo, it is Passport Service policy to process the application within 15 working days from when the missing documentation is received. In cases where further supporting documents are required from the applicant, every effort is made to let the applicant know as soon as possible.
The Passport Service remains committed to offering a range of application channels, including a paper-based service for citizens who are not eligible or do not wish to use the Passport Online service. Paper applications, by their nature, will always be a slower process.
I encourage everyone to apply through the Passport Online service, which offers citizens the ability to apply for their passport 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It is a user-friendly, efficient service that consistently offers processing times over four times faster than paper-based passport adult renewal applications. The online service is now available to 99.9% of all applicants around the world, including babies, children and first time applicants.
I would ask the Deputy to encourage their constituents to apply online, well in advance of their travel date, for the quickest, cheapest and most efficient service.
95. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 38 of 18 September 2024, the intended form and timeline of consultation he intends to conduct in relation to Ireland’s fourth National Action Plan (2025 – 2030) on Women, Peace and Security; the composition of the oversight group; the manner in which members of oversight group were appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41056/24]
View answerIreland’s National Action Plan (NAP) on Women, Peace and Security (WPS) is an important vehicle for Ireland to contribute to the WPS agenda at a domestic and international level. Ireland is currently implementing its third NAP. The NAP commits various government departments to implement policies, domestically and internationally, that promote the full, equal and meaningful participation of women in decision-making, protection against gender-based violence, and the integration of gender perspectives to different policy areas. These commitments are developed around the four WPS pillars: Prevention, Participation, Protection and Promotion.
Membership of the Oversight Group consists of experts from civil society organisations. academics and other independent experts with experience relevant to WPS, and representatives of government departments, units and agencies. Civil society and academia representatives comprise 50 percent of the group. Civil society and academic members of the Oversight Group were invited by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, following an open call for expressions of interest with due regard for representativeness and balance in the Group’s composition. These members serve in an individual rather than representative capacity. For statutory representatives, members were nominated by the Secretary General, or equivalent, of their respective Department or agency. The Peace and Stability Unit of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), is the Secretariat of the Oversight Group.
A Subcommittee of the Oversight Group has been established to guide the development of Ireland’s fourth National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security 2025–2030. Membership of the Subcommittee is comprised of government, civil society and external expert members. The Subcommittee provides guidance and advice to the process of developing the next NAP, and will report back to the Oversight Group chaired by Ms Nora Owen.
The Subcommittee is working to ensure that the fourth NAP reflects government inputs, and civil society contributions from the Oversight Group and the public consultation. The public consultation process will ensure that experiences and views of civil society actors in the WPS space are documented and, where relevant, incorporated into the NAP. Consultations will include representatives from both domestic and international constituencies.
It is intended to publish the next NAP in early 2025.
96. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is aware of the statement by an organisation (details supplied) reporting on evidence of the use of depleted uranium munitions; his response to such; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41057/24]
View answerThere is no international regulation specifically governing munitions containing depleted uranium. However, general rules of international humanitarian law prohibit weapons, means or methods of warfare of a nature to cause excessive injury or unnecessary suffering, which have indiscriminate effects or which cause widespread, long-term and severe damage to the natural environment.
We continue to urge all actors to ensure that their means and methods of warfare are compliant with international humanitarian law.
The Government is very concerned about the scale and intensity of Israeli airstrikes in densely populated areas of Lebanon, which are causing a high level of civilian deaths and damage to civilian property. We need to see urgent de-escalation, an immediate ceasefire, and a surge of humanitarian assistance into Lebanon.
97. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he can provide an update on the passport application of a person (details supplied). [41066/24]
View answerWith regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, further supporting documents for this application were received on 07 October 2024. Turnaround time from the receipt of further supporting documents is 15 working days.
98. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of staff that worked in his Department’s communications and press office in each of the years 2019 to 2024; and the grade of each staff member. [41162/24]
View answerThe Communications Unit in the Department of Foreign Affairs comprises the following teams: Press Relations, Public Diplomacy and Content, Multimedia and Digital, Internal Communications, Irish Aid Communications, and Digital Ireland House (Ireland.ie). Unique to the Department of Foreign Affairs is that, in addition to servicing the communication needs of DFA headquarters, the Unit also provides communications guidance and support for more than 100 embassies, consulates and multilateral missions globally. This includes areas such as crisis communications, social media management, graphic design, website management and press relations support. DFA and its mission network manage over 305 social media channels across multiple platforms.
The number of staff working in the Department’s Communications Unit as at 31 July for each year requested is presented below in tabular form. A small number of staff work part-time.
|
Grade |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
|
Clerical Officer |
2 |
3 |
4 |
4 |
2 |
3 |
|
Executive Officer |
4 |
4 |
6 |
6 |
5 |
5 |
|
Administrative Officer/Third Secretary |
7 |
4 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
6 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
5 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
6 |
6 |
|
Assistant Principal/First Secretary |
5 |
4 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
4 |
|
Counsellor/Principal Officer |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Total |
24 |
21 |
26 |
28 |
25 |
25 |
99. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the frequency and duration of the publicity, marketing or advertising campaigns conducted by his Department to date in 2024; the purpose of these campaigns; the cost of these campaigns; and the agencies that conducted these campaigns, in tabular form. [41180/24]
View answerThe Department of Foreign Affairs uses public awareness campaigns and advertising to promote essential services to citizens at home and abroad, such as passport and consular services, and to promote Irish interests and values internationally. In recent years, public awareness campaigns in relation to COVID-19 travel restrictions and Brexit have formed a significant part of advertising costs.
Successfully communicating Ireland’s values and interests to global audiences, including through a range of online and social media channels, is integral to implementing our foreign policy objectives as set out in the Programme for Government and the Department’s Statement of Strategy.
The focus, duration, purpose, costs and outcome of the publicity, marketing and advertising campaigns conducted by the Department of Foreign Affairs in 2024, as of 8 October 2024, is outlined below in tabular format. These costs relate to multi-day campaigns where our promotional costs exceeded €1,000 and one-off sponsored posts are not included. A third-party media agency (PHD Media Ireland), retained under a cross-Government procurement process, was engaged for the purpose of progressing these campaigns, including the placing of advertisements across online, digital, press and print media platforms, while creative input in different instances was provided by ‘big O Creative’ (retained under a DFA-specific procurement process) and ‘Javelin Advertising’ (retained under a cross-Government procurement process).
|
Campaign Focus |
Dates |
Purpose |
Creative and Promotional Costs |
Headline Outcomes |
|
EU Jobs |
23/08/24 – 03/09/24 |
• To promote opportunities for Irish citizens interested in pursuing financial career opportunities in the EU institutions• To highlight the supports available for Irish citizens to assist applying for various EU Career opportunities. |
€1904.00 |
The campaign achieved almost 250,000 impressions on DFA social media channels, with particularly strong engagement on LinkedIn. |
|
Ireland at World Expo 2025 |
01/08/24 – 08/08/24 |
• To promote Ireland’s participation at World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, particularly among Japanese audiences. • To highlight the strong political, economic and cultural connections between Ireland and Japan. |
€54,965.14 |
This campaign achieved more than 4 million impressions and a reach of 2.26 million on DFA social media channels. |
|
Olympics and Paralympics |
23/07/24 – 01/08/24 |
• To engage the global Irish diaspora, highlight Irish values to international and French audiences, and celebrate the contribution of Ireland to international sport.• To drive traffic to the relevant Ireland.ie website. |
€42,108.50 |
This campaign achieved almost 6.8 million impressions and a reach of almost 4.6 million on DFA HQ social media channels. [Versions with translated subtitles and issued by Embassies and Consulates are not included within this number.] |
|
Consular (“Make the Right Memories!”) |
27/05/24 – 30/06/24 |
• To provide young people celebrating exam results abroad - or who may be travelling without parents or guardians for the first time - with safety tips for themselves and their friends.• To reduce the numbers of consular incidents impacting Irish young people overseas. • To promote TravelWise, the Government’s travel advice service. |
€136,539.50 |
This campaign achieved 14.1 million impressions across all social media platforms, with a specific targeting of platforms of interest to key 17-25 year-old demographic. |
|
St Patrick’s Day 2024 |
14/03/24 – 19/03/24 |
• To promote Ireland around the world as a location to invest, visit, study and do business.• To showcase the vibrancy of Irish young people and our broader diaspora around the world to key international markets through the promotion of our signature St Patrick’s Day video.• To activate a search campaign using keyword-based targeting to reach a global audience interested in St. Patrick’s Day. • To drive traffic to the relevant Ireland.ie website. |
€157,296.33 |
This campaign achieved more than 17.7 million impressions and almost 10 million video plays on DFA social media channels. |
|
Passports (“Don’t be That Person!”) |
26/12/23 – 24/03/24 |
• To encourage citizens to check their passports before booking travel and to apply for their passports via Passport Online – the quickest way to renew or apply. This, in turn, helps to balance passport demand throughout the year and reduce wait times. • This major campaign blended a mix of offline and online media channels to deliver relevant messaging to our target audience. • To drive traffic to the relevant Ireland.ie website, where citizens can apply for passports and receive more information about the process. |
€436,523.83 |
This campaign achieved more than 22.7 million impressions and a reach of 10.2 million across DFA social media platforms. Digital advertisements achieved an additional 26.4 million impressions. |
|
Exporter (UK Border Target Operating Model import controls) |
25/09/23 – 04/02/24 |
• To inform Irish exporters of new UK Border Target Operating Model import controls in relation to UK Customs and sanitary and phyto-sanitary (SPS) requirements. • To drive traffic to the relevant Gov.ie website, where more information on the issues has been available. |
€119,356.84 |
This campaign was a multi-channel campaign and achieved 7.4 million impressions and a reach of almost 3.6 million on DFA social media channels. Digital advertisements on websites such as the farmersjournal.ie, Tuarisc, and Agriland, the campaign achieved 3.5 million impressions. On radio, the campaign reached 53% of the target audience with listeners hearing campaign ads an average of 6 times. In print, it reached 27% of the target audience with readers seeing campaign ads an average of 1.35 times. |
100. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will examine an issue regarding the issuing of an Irish passport under a name legally changed by deed poll and where proof of usage for two years is not available, as specifically prescribed by Section 10(5) of the Passports Act 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41274/24]
View answerAll passport applications are subject to the terms of the Passports Act, 2008, as amended (“the Act“). The Act provides a legal basis for the various policies and procedures that are applied by the Passport Service in the issuing of passports.
The Passport Service cannot offer definitive advice in the absence of a specific passport application. Speaking in general terms, Section 10 of the Act provides that a passport will issue in the name of a citizen as it appears on a person's birth certificate or naturalisation certificate. However, a name change for a passport from that which appears on a person's birth certificate is permitted under the Act in situations such as marriage, civil partnership etc., where civil or legal documents are available to verify this change.
In cases where a name change arises, other than by marriage or civil partnership etc., the Passport Service requires evidence in respect of the constant and sustained use of the new name and identity over a two year period. Evidence of this, for at least two years, through documentation such as photo ID, bills, bank statements, and official correspondence in the new name is required as a deed poll is not adequate evidence of the constant use of a new name.
Applicants who wish to have their birth certificate name added as an observation on their passport can do so.
Further details on what is required to facilitate a name change and/or an observation on a passport is available on my Department's website here - www.ireland.ie/en/dfa/passports/documentary-requirements/adult
This policy seeks to protect the integrity and security of the Irish passport against identity fraud, while at the same time balancing the wishes of those citizens, who may wish to change their name for a variety of reasons. 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 currently ranks third in the Henley Global Passport Index as it provides our citizens with visa-free access to 191 countries.
