Written Answers Nos. 3-25
3. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Taoiseach the persons the Government requested be invited to the White House this year for the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations; and to provide a list of guests put forward by the Government. [14496/25]
View answer4. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Taoiseach for a list of all public servants, civil servants and Irish political party representatives who were part of the Government delegation to the White House for this year’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. [14497/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 3 and 4 together.
I was accompanied to my meeting with President Trump in the White House on 12 March by my Chief of Staff, the Secretary General of my Department, an Assistant Secretary General, a Principal Officer, the Government Press Secretary as well as by Ireland’s Ambassador to the US and the Deputy Head of Mission of the Irish Embassy. I was also accompanied by my Private Secretary and two security officers.
Also on 12 March, the President also hosted a reception, at which I presented him with the traditional bowl of shamrock. I was accompanied to this by my wife and by my delegation.
The President invites the guests to this reception, and it is not the practice for the names of those invited to such events to be made public. In keeping with custom on previous occasions, I was invited by the White House, as a courtesy, to propose a number of guests to attend the reception at the President’s invitation. I proposed 45 such guests.
5. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Taoiseach if additional funding is being provided to his Department this year due to additional expenditure arising following storm Éowyn; if additional funding is provided, the programmes and schemes that will benefit from this additional expenditure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14590/25]
View answerNo additional funding is being provided to the Department of the Taoiseach this year in respect of expenditure arising following storm Éowyn.
6. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to provide an update on the outcomes of recent discussions between Ireland and the United Nations concerning the facilitation and delivery of food aid to Gaza, especially in light of the severe restrictions reported by humanitarian organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14389/25]
View answer7. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the specific measures has Ireland advocated for at EU level to ensure the unimpeded flow of humanitarian aid, including food and medical supplies, into Gaza, considering the blockades preventing the delivery of much needed supplies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14390/25]
View answer13. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if there is continuous contact at political and official level with international organisations, including the United Nations and the European Union, concerning the appalling atrocities inflicted on innocent people in Gaza; and also concerning the blocking of essential aid from delivery into Gaza taking into account recent comments of a UN Official where it was stated “for two weeks now, our food supplies are rotting at the borders, the medicines are expiring, the water’s been cut off, the power’s been cut off - and all that to punish civilians further”; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14601/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 6, 7 and 13 together.
We have condemned the resumed Israeli airstrikes and ground operation which are bringing fresh suffering to civilians in Gaza. We urge all parties to return to talks aimed at implementing the second phase of the ceasefire and hostage release deal. All commitments should be implemented in full.
The Government has called on Israel to facilitate the immediate, full resumption of rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian access into and throughout Gaza. The scale of humanitarian need and the level of destruction is enormous and has been accentuated by the interruption in the flow of aid. The UN has set out its Flash Appeal for Palestine for 2025, estimating that at least $6.6 billion is required to address just the humanitarian needs of 3.3 million people across the Occupied Territory.
Since October 2023, Ireland has contributed over €72 million in support to the Palestinian people, including funding to UNRWA, the UN's Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the World Food Programme and others. We have provided €58 million to UNRWA alone since the beginning of 2023. Ireland’s support also includes the delivery of over 116 tonnes of relief supplies through our rapid response initiative and direct support to the Jordan Hashemite Charitable Organisation for the deployment of aid in to Gaza.
The EU has also significantly increased humanitarian assistance to Gaza since 2023, including the latest aid package from the European Commission in January, amounting to €120 million.
Ireland’s engagement on Palestine is guided by the need for respect for international law, respect for the equal right to self-determination, peace, security and dignity for Israelis and Palestinians alike, and unwavering support for the two-State solution. Across all our bilateral and multilateral engagement, Ireland has consistently underlined the need for all parties to comply with international law, including international humanitarian law.
The Government is engaging actively at Ministerial and official level with the EU and with UN partners, focusing on the need to continue to press for unhindered humanitarian access. At the EU-Israel Association Council in February, the Tánaiste expressed grave concern about the catastrophic situation and underlined the EU’s call for full access for humanitarian aid. He also emphasised that UNRWA is indispensable to the provision of services to Palestinian refugees and expressed concern about Israeli legislation that has the effect of preventing UNRWA from fulfilling its vital mandate and undermining fundamental rights and freedoms.
8. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs given Ireland’s recent pledge of €20 million to UNRWA to provide additional humanitarian aid to Gaza, to outline how this funding will be effectively implemented in light of the growing difficulties in delivering aid to Gaza; the steps being taken to ensure that this aid reaches those most in need, given the obstacles and blockages to the delivery of aid into the region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14391/25]
View answerWe continue to witness appalling scenes in Gaza. We have called on all parties to respect the ceasefire and hostage release deal, and for an immediate end to hostilities, and a return to talks aimed at implementing the second phase of the deal. All parties should implement their commitments in full.
Renewed hostilities are disastrous for the people of Gaza, and for the hostages and their families. UN premises have again been affected with the loss of life of a UN worker last week. UNRWA has had 284 of its staff killed since the start of the conflict and 311 of its facilities damaged. Attacks on UN facilities are a violation of international humanitarian law.
UNRWA has been the backbone of the humanitarian response in Gaza since October 2023. The €20 million in core support which we are providing for 2025, brings our support to UNRWA to €58 million since 2023.
UNRWA has 13,000 staff in Gaza and it continues to deliver assistance in accordance with its mandate from the UN General Assembly. By mid-March, UNRWA had opened 130 temporary schools, returning 47,000 children to education. Ireland’s funds have supported psychological support to over 300,000 children, and 16,000 health consultations per day. During the ceasefire, our funds supported UNRWA to deliver food parcels across Gaza, and shelter material for more than half a million people. In the West Bank UNRWA has continued to deliver education and health services despite the restrictions of the Knesset Bills and the massive displacement of Palestine refugees since Israel’s offensive started there on 21 January.
Support to UNRWA has been a priority of the Government. If it were to be unable to operate because of lack of funding, thousands of lives would be imperilled and a dangerous vacuum created across the region, where Ireland's assistance also supports Palestinian refugees in Syria, Lebanon and Jordan. We are in contact with the Commissioner General of UNRWA and continue to urge the European Commission and others to make their planned payments to the organisation, so that it is not operating on a month to month basis.
We will continue to call for the repeal of Israel’s legislation against UNRWA, the immediate resumption of humanitarian aid into Gaza, and the protection of the UN and other humanitarian workers as they carry out their life saving work.
9. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs when his Department officials last met with the Data Protection Commissioner to ensure the highest standards are being met by the Department, and all agencies under its remit, in terms of compliance with data protection legislation. [14441/25]
View answerMy Department is committed to compliance with Data Protection legislation and all staff are required to undergo periodic training to ensure that they are fully aware of their obligations in this regard.
Officials engage with the Data Protection Commission on a regular basis. In addition, yearly review meetings are held at a senior management level. The latest such meeting took place on 22 January 2025, when the Data Protection Commission expressed satisfaction that the Department is in compliance with its obligations under the Act.
10. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if a passport will issue for a person (details supplied). [14551/25]
View answerWith regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, the application is within the current turnaround time and has not yet reached the issue by date.
11. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if changes will be made to the processing of passport applications where there is a requirement for the Passport Office to contact a Garda station to verify documentation submitted as part of the application; if he is aware that in many instances officials are calling Garda stations and getting no reply as many stations are not open on a regular basis or taking phone calls and this is delaying the processing of applications and at times causing delays for applicants in having their applications processed in a timely manner; if he will accept that this system is not adequate to ensure a proper service for the public; when the system will be amended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14556/25]
View answerThe Passport Service has issued over a quarter of a million passports to date this year. The Passport Service is currently experiencing a high level of demand for passports, as citizens prepare for upcoming summer travel. Thanks to my Department’s operational and staffing plans, the Passport Service is successfully responding to the current level of demand.
The Irish Passport has a strong international reputation and currently ranks third in the Henley Global Passport Index as it provides our citizens with visa-free access to 189 countries. As such, the Passport Service takes seriously its responsibility to protect the integrity of the Irish passport.
Since the introduction of Passport Online in 2017, adults renewing their passports through Passport Online are not required to submit a witnessed identity form. Online child renewal applications can be witnessed by members of a wide range of professions including school teachers, doctors, elected representatives and Gardaí.
There are certain passport applications for applicants resident in Ireland that require forms to be witnessed by a member of An Garda Síochána. These include:
- All Post Passport applications;
- First time adult online applications;
- First time child online applications.
The witnessing of these forms is an important 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 presenting to submit the passport application form.
In the case of a first time application for a minor, the witnessing of this form provides evidence that guardians have given their consent for a passport to be issued to the child. To protect the rights of parents or guardians and children, it is important that forms are correctly completed and verified by the Passport Service by calling the Garda station to confirm the Garda’s signature.
It is the responsibility of the witnessing Garda to ensure that the signature is correctly recorded in the Garda station logbook so that, when the Passport Service calls at a later date, the signature can be verified.
For each application that requires a Garda witness, the Passport Service calls the relevant Garda station to confirm that the Garda recorded the form in the station logbook. There is no requirement for the Passport Service to speak to the witnessing Garda directly. Passport Service staff will call the Garda station up to three times to verify the Garda's signature. Passport applications are checked by experienced entitlement officers who endeavour to maintain up-to-date records of the opening hours of Garda stations.
Where the Passport Service cannot reach the Garda station after three attempts, there is a system in place whereby the relevant Superintendent’s Office can be contacted to verify the details. If the Passport Service is unable to verify the witness after these steps have been taken, a new witnessed form will be requested from the applicant.
The Passport Service is continuously looking at ways to make the application process easier for applicants, including the enhancement of digital services. My Department would welcome the digitisation of the records maintained by An Garda Síochána when witnessing applications.
The policy on the use of witnesses is currently under review, as part of a general update of Passport Service policies, which will further enhance the service for customers.
The Passport Service maintains a close working relationship with An Garda Síochána and offers guidance of the Gardaí on the correct completion of the required identity and consent forms. My Department will continue this engagement to discuss how we can work together to improve the service for citizens.
I encourage the Deputy to urge anyone travelling overseas this year, particularly families with young children, to check the validity of their passports before booking travel and to apply online for their passports in plenty of time. Online passport renewal applications do not require a Garda signature for adults or children. Passport Online is the best option for all of our citizens as it is the quickest, most convenient and cost effective way to apply for a passport.
12. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if additional funding is being provided to his Department this year due to additional expenditure arising following storm Éowyn; if additional funding is provided, the programmes and schemes that will benefit from this additional expenditure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14582/25]
View answerThe Department of Foreign Affairs is not being provided with additional funding associated with expenditure arising following storm Éowyn.
16. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has met with officials from energy companies (details supplied) since taking up his post; and if so, to provide details of any discussions held with them. [14374/25]
View answer14. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has met with officials from energy companies (details supplied) since taking office; and if so, to provide details of any discussions held with them. [14289/25]
View answerI have not yet had the opportunity to meet with any of the companies listed since taking office, but I have had a range of engagements with other stakeholders in the energy sector, including ESB, Eirgrid and CRU.
15. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he, or his predecessor, discussed the construction of data centres with a company (details supplied); and if so, to provide details of this discussion regarding planning, locations of potential data centres, and state funding or subsidies. [14292/25]
View answerNeither I nor, I am advised, my predecessor Eamon Ryan have met with the mentioned company to discuss the construction of data centres.
17. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he is aware of the ongoing issues faced by PhD researchers funded by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) regarding the implementation of the recommended stipend increase from €18,500 to €25,000; the steps being taken to ensure that the necessary additional funding is allocated to support this increase; if the SEAI has received any additional funding to support the stipend increase; the measures that are being taken to ensure that all eligible PhD researchers receive the increased stipend as recommended; if he will commit to addressing this funding shortfall to support young researchers and promote research and innovation in Ireland; if he will take immediate action to resolve the financial difficulties faced by researchers due to rising living costs and inflation, given the importance of supporting research and innovation for Ireland’s future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14427/25]
View answerFollowing the outcome of the independent “National Review of State Supports for PhD Researchers”, directed by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (DFHERIS), SEAI announced in 2023 that the eligible research stipend budget contribution for SEAI-funded PhD students was increasing from €18,500 to €25,000 per annum effective from 1 January 2024.
Following this announcement, all PhD stipends funded by SEAI since the 2023 call have received the increased €25,000 per annum in budget contributions.
SEAI also engaged with universities that are hosting SEAI funded projects awarded prior to 2023 with active PhD students. The universities then confirmed that in some cases the original awarding value was sufficient to apply this increase to their PhD students, but for others was challenging.
For these cases, SEAI is now progressing through the necessary internal review and approvals processes to progress a solution, with a decision expected by this Friday 28 March.
18. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when his Department officials last met with the Data Protection Commissioner to ensure the highest standards are being met by the Department, and all agencies under its remit, in terms of compliance with data protection legislation. [14439/25]
View answerI can inform the Deputy that my Department meets with officials from the Data Protection Commission (DPC) on specific matters, when required, but does not meet with the DPC in relation to overall standards of compliance with the GDPR. The role of the DPC is that of an independent supervisory authority and they may contact any department at any time should they have any concerns. Agencies under the remit of my Department appoint their own Data Protection Officers to advise on data protection compliance.
My Department oversees its obligations of compliance with data protection legislation by having a full suite of policies and procedures in place relating to data protection. My Department’s Data Protection Officer (DPO) contacts the DPC whenever necessary in relation to all high risk data breaches that may occur from time to time and liaises with relevant units and the DPC on relevant legislative consultations.
The DPO and her team promote robust annual training to all staff, which is mandatory, engage in regular data protection awareness-raising campaigns and advise all staff on data protection queries.
19. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if additional funding is being provided to his Department this year due to additional expenditure arising following storm Éowyn; if additional funding is provided, the programmes and schemes that will benefit from this additional expenditure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14580/25]
View answerThere has been no additional expenditure incurred by my Department to date as a result of Storm Éowyn, therefore there is no requirement for additional funding.
20. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question No. 216 of 4 March 2025, to detail the potential legislative solutions being considered; the timeframe for their evaluation; and when proposed legislation to address this issue is likely to published. [14593/25]
View answerMy Department has explored and continues to explore multiple approaches to tackling nuisance communications, the unsolicited communications, whether via voice calls or Short Messaging Service (SMS) text messages generally directed at large groups of the population.
It is necessary to explore a myriad of solutions as there is no one panacea for phone or SMS fraud. Instead, we must look to layer multiple protections together to truly mitigate the risks and safeguard consumers.
The majority of solutions explored, including the 6 interventions launched in 2024 by ComReg, are available to execute without the need for any new enabling legislation.
One intervention area that my Department has been considering, in conjunction with ComReg, is content inspection on carrier messaging, often referred to as an 'SMS Filter', akin to an email spam filter. There are a number of ways content inspection on carrier messaging could be applied, most of which can be executed within our existing legislative framework.
One application would see the filter applied to all customer’s contracts by default. My Department is currently assessing the merits of this approach including any necessary legislation that would be required to implement it and the impact it would have on existing protections of end user rights in relation to interception and data protection, as provided in the ePrivacy Directive and the General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”).
My Department's ongoing deliberation includes a weighing of the proportionality of such a response and the impact on consumer's privacy rights; against the scale of the problem and the potential positive benefits of this course of action.
Any solution pursued to tackle nuisance communications, legislative or otherwise, must be considered and weighed carefully against privacy and data protection concerns. I expect that this evaluation process being conducted by my officials will be concluded shortly and until the outcome of this process is known, it is not possible to determine whether legislation will be drafted and when it would likely be published.
My colleague, Minister Donohoe, may also wish to update on the revised Payment Services Directive, which aims to ensure a more secure payments market for consumers by increasing security requirements.
21. Deputy John Lahart asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he is aware that in previous times, the Defence Forces used to make available marquee community organisations for family and community day events, and also erected and removed such marquees for the group; whether such a facility remains in place; and if so, how a community group in the constituency of Dublin South West can go about availing of this [14348/25]
View answerThe Deputy is referring to the Community Support process, which is facilitated, subject to capacity, by the Defence Forces. Marquees are not available as part of this service, but some tentage may be available. Should a member of the community wish to submit a request, they may do so by sending an email to communitysupport@defence.ie. Following receipt of this email, my Department will issue a template to be completed to provide the necessary information to support the processing of the request.
22. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence when his Department officials last met with the Data Protection Commissioner to ensure the highest standards are being met by the Department, and all agencies under its remit, in terms of compliance with data protection legislation. [14436/25]
View answerMy officials met with the Data Protection Commission on two occasions in 2024 with regard to the Department’s obligations under Article 36 - Prior Consultation of the General Data Protection Regulation.
My Department takes its data protection responsibilities very seriously and the Data Protection Office engages with staff on a regular basis and with the Data Protection Commission as necessary in order to fulfil our obligations under data protection legislation and to ensure the highest standards are being met.
23. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if additional funding is being provided to his Department this year due to additional expenditure arising following storm Éowyn; if additional funding is provided, the programmes and schemes that will benefit from this additional expenditure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14564/25]
View answerThe Defence Forces are not a primary response agency for non-security related emergencies. However, where requested the Defence Forces provide the fullest possible assistance to the appropriate Lead Department in the event of a natural disaster or an emergency situation, as part of their Aid to Civil Authority (ATCA) role.
In relation to Storm Éowyn, the Defence Forces accommodated requests for assistance under Government Task Force (GTF) mechanisms from a number of agencies. This assistance included for example, air patrols of electricity lines by the Air Corps, support to the National Ambulance Service, providing accommodation for prison staff during the red warning phase and the provision and transportation of equipment and supplies (including generators) to affected areas.
In addition, Civil Defence units were extremely active during this period and provided excellent support to local communities.
However, no additional funding was provided to meet these costs, with all related expenditure met from within existing resources on the Defence Vote.
24. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to clarify matters raised in correspondence regarding the purchase of military jets (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14631/25]
View answerMy priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the Defence Forces’ operational capability is maintained and developed to enable it to carry out the roles assigned by Government.
Equipment priorities for the Defence Forces are considered in the context of the established Capability Development and Equipment Development Planning processes. This is underpinned by significant increases in funding, with Budget 2025 providing a record allocation of €1.35 billion for the Defence Sector, an increase of €100 million over the 2024 allocation. The Programme for Government commits to increased investment in Defence, providing the funding and political support necessary to achieve Level of Ambition 2 (LOA 2) Enhanced Capability, and move as quickly as possible to Level of Ambition 3 (LOA 3).
In that respect, the civil/military staffed Capability Development Unit, established in 2023 in response to a recommendation in the Commission on the Defence Forces to implement a top down Capability Development Planning Process, are currently preparing a Capability Development Programme, that will identify and cost, at a high level, the capability requirements for the Defence Forces. This ongoing piece of work will then inform further work and analysis needed in terms of personnel and infrastructure requirements.
The Commission on the Defence Forces recommended that under LOA 3 "As part of a national Air Defence Plan, the Air Corps would develop an air combat and intercept capability through the acquisition of a squadron of jet combat aircraft, allied to the development of associated operational, infrastructure and support arrangements". As such, the work that is underway to develop the Capability Development Programme will give consideration to that recommendation.
In terms of LOA 2 capabilities for the Air Corps, a number of projects are currently being progressed under the Air Corps Aircraft Renewal and Replacement Programmes. The delivery of a third Airbus C-295 aircraft (in Military Transport specification) is scheduled for September 2025; and a contract was also awarded in 2024 for the provision of four Airbus H145M light-utility multi-role helicopters, with deliveries due to begin in 2027. In addition to these procurements, further rotary wing capability will be the subject of a future procurement process beginning in the near term.
Also related to LOA 2 for the Air Corps is the Military Radar Programme which was established in response to the recommendation for the establishment of a Recognised Air Picture for Ireland. This Programme which is made up of Long Range Primary Radar, Ground Based Air Defence Systems and Maritime (ship-borne) Radar is of significant importance and has been prioritised. Work is ongoing and good progress is being made.
This crucial body of work will be progressed in a phased manner. In the interim the priority continues to be progressing to LOA 2, which will provide the foundations necessary for the step up to LOA 3.
25. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he will supply a breakdown of the number of drivers disqualified in court each year from 2020 to 2024; the number of those drivers who surrendered their licence to the Road Safety Authority’s national driver licence service PO box to have the conviction of disqualification endorsed on their driving licence record; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14628/25]
View answerThe table below detail the number of court disqualifications notified to the Department in each of the years 2020-2024 and the details of those licences that were surrendered.
A notification of disqualification is issued by the Courts Service for drivers convicted of a court disqualification, the notification includes the requirement to surrender the driving licence or learner permit to the Road Safety Authority within 14 days of commencement of disqualification.
It is important to note that, while the non-surrender of licences is of concern, the more important issue from a road safety perspective is that the disqualification from driving is observed. The individuals in question are fully aware of the Court's decision and the disqualification from driving is in effect regardless of whether their licence is surrendered.
An Garda Síochána have access to data on the National Vehicle Driver File (NVDF) as part of their Mobility Strategy and therefore can detect and prosecute a driver who continues to drive while disqualified. This is the case whether or not a licence has been surrendered.
|
Years |
Driver Disqualifications and Surrenders 2020-2024 |
|
|
Disqualifications |
Surrenders |
|
|
2020 |
7,133 |
631 |
|
2021 |
8,503 |
634 |
|
2022 |
7,836 |
592 |
|
2023 |
8,996 |
763 |
|
2024 |
7,814 |
580 |
