Written Answers Nos. 140-161
140. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the total costs incurred by his Department from 2019 to date relating to the placing of advertisements in print media; the names of the print media publications involved, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21863/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department uses advertising to promote a range of services, supports and initiatives for people and communities across Ireland. As the media landscape has evolved over the past number of years, advertising expenditure has grown to address the diverse needs of different audiences, including costs associated with achieving national reach for important public messages. For example, my Department has run a significant national campaign on reducing energy use in 2022, 2023 and 2024. This “Reduce Your Use” campaign was designed to assist every household in Ireland in dealing with rising energy costs. In recent months, advertising expenditure has also grown to ensure that we are meeting our Irish language advertising requirements under the Official Languages (Amendment) Act 2021.
My Department utilises both digital and traditional media on a national and regional level, recognising that traditional media is an integral part of Ireland’s communications landscape and a crucial tool for us to connect with communities and regional audiences across Ireland.
All Department advertising is procured via a media buying agency, and the weighting assigned to regional media is determined by best practice, securing value for money, and target audience, particularly at a regional level.
My Department is unable to provide the Deputy with advertising spend by title, as this is commercially sensitive information. The table below sets out overall advertising expenditure in print media in my Department from 2019 to date in 2024.
All figures are exclusive of VAT.
|
TOTAL Advertising spend in print media |
|
|
2019 |
€67,182 |
|
2020 |
€41,296 |
|
2021 |
€104,129 |
|
2022 |
€806,986 |
|
2023 |
€634,497 |
|
2024 |
€57,876 |
141. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of the Government’s clean air strategy. [21908/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe first national Clean Air Strategy was published in April 2023. This provides an overarching policy framework within which clean air policies can be formulated and given effect in a manner consistent with national, EU and international policy considerations and priorities.
• It complements the National Air Pollution Control Programme, which sets out a pathway based on a comprehensive cross-Government programme of policies and measures that will tackle all sources of air pollution, including those from the transport, agriculture and residential sectors.
• The Strategy incorporates, as appropriate, broader policy developments that impact on plans to improve the quality of our air.
• In addition, a number of other national frameworks are in development or already in place, across a number of Departments, which are also key in helping to reduce pollutant emissions and improving air quality. The strategy sets out how synergies between these plans can be maximised.
• In terms of the 2021 WHO air quality guidelines, the strategy commits us to achieving the interim IT3 target by 2026, the IT4 target by 2030, and the achievement of final IT4 values by 2040.
• This will be a major challenge, but the new governance structure and legislative approach described in the strategy will ensure that responsibility for the policies, measures and actions required across Government to meet these targets is assigned to the relevant stakeholders and that they are implemented in a timely manner.
The implementation of the strategy is underway and a report on progress will be presented to Government in the coming months.
142. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will make a statement on the waste and circular economy action plan. [21909/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn line with the evolution of EU and UN environmental policy, the Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy was published in September 2020. The first Circular Economy Strategy and the Circular Economy Programme were published in November 2021, and in July 2022 the Circular Economy Act completed its passage through the Oireachtas.
Over the past 2 years Government have put in place the necessary policy and regulatory framework required for a successful circular transition. The National Waste Management Plan for a Circular Economy which was published by the Regional Waste Management Offices in April further enhances this regulatory framework by setting out the specific targets and actions which need to be taken over the period 2024 to 2030 to achieve this transition. With that policy and regulatory framework in place, Government intends to build on that momentum.
143. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will make a statement on the circular economy unit in Government. [21910/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Circular Economy Unit within my Department was established to ensure a whole of government approach to the circular economy. It has responsibility for the development of the current and future iterations of Ireland’s Circular Economy Strategy and supporting policy coherence across government in Ireland’s continued transition to a more circular economy.
The Unit works closely with the Environmental Protection Agency in the delivery of the Circular Economy Programme with the objective of ensuring our society uses less resources and prevents waste to achieve sustainable economic growth and with the Regional Waste Management Planning Offices in the design and implementation of the National Waste Management Plan for a Circular Economy.
Other key responsibilities include promoting Green Public Procurement through the recently published Green Public Procurement Strategy and Action Plan, Buying Greener, realising the potential of Circular Manufacturing through its support of CIRCULEIRE and the development of Circular Economy Sectoral Roadmaps for priority waste streams including food waste and construction and demolition waste.
144. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if the St. Bricin's military hospital in Stoneybatter, which is currently lying idle, could be readied in case of emergency or surge capacity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21260/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt the outset, the Deputy will appreciate that this is an active military installation. The Land Development Agency (LDA) have confirmed a future interest in acquiring the St. Bricin's medical facility in Dublin City. Department officials and the Defence Forces have scoped out the implications of accommodating the services currently provided at St. Bricin's to an alternative location elsewhere in the Defence Forces property portfolio.
In that regard, the Defence Forces Built Infrastructure Programme includes provision for the relocation and development of a new purpose built medical facility. When completed, the relocation will maintain the provision of the existing comprehensive range of medical care currently provided to all serving personnel of the Permanent Defence Forces.
In addition, Department officials have progressed pre-contract matters, relating to Title and other formalities in advance of the formal transfer of the property to the LDA. These pre-transfer matters have largely been concluded and the Department are now awaiting the formal commencement by the LDA of the transfer.
The Department of Defence will continue to liaise with the LDA in accordance with the Government’s decision on the establishment of the LDA.
145. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if his Department would consider increasing the size of the 'bambi buckets', the collapsible bags that hang from a helicopter assisting with firefighting and so on (details supplied); if he will provide an update on this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21261/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe current certified and max rated loading (capacity) for the Bambi buckets operated by the Air Corps at present is 1,225 litres.
The only underslung container of the size described in the Parliamentary Question (240 - 270 litres approximately) is one that is used by No. 3 Operations Wing of the Air Corps from time to time, for the transport of contaminated materials during underslung loads/ cargo operations.
There are currently no plans to replace the present system.
I trust this answers the Deputies query, however please revert should I be of any further assistance.
146. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he is aware of any personnel not discharged from the Defence Forces operating as private military contractors in Libya; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21339/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhen the Defence Forces uncovered allegations that individuals may have engaged in training activities in Libya while still serving in the Defence Forces, the Military Police opened an investigation, which is being conducted in close coordination with An Garda Síochána.
While that investigation is ongoing, it is inappropriate for me to comment further at this time.
147. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if his Department has ever engaged with companies (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21340/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy department has not engaged either of the two companies referenced and no payments have been made to either company.
148. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will report on the contribution of the Defence Forces to missions enforcing a United Nations mandated arms embargo on Libya; if he is aware of any activities by any Irish citizens in breach of the arms embargo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21341/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraOperation Irini is the UN mandated EU Naval mission in the eastern Mediterranean aimed at enforcing an arms embargo on Libya. Its primary task is the implementation of the arms embargo on Libya using aerial, satellite and maritime assets. The mission was launched on 31 March 2020 with the aim creating the conditions for a permanent ceasefire in Libya by stemming the flow of weapons into the country.
Ireland currently has three members of the Defence Forces deployed to the Operational Headquarters of the Operation Irini mission in Rome in staff officer posts and a further officer is assigned to the Floating Headquarters. Government approval was secured for these appointments on 18 May 2020.
Additionally, in 2023, following Government and Dáil approval, the L.É. William Butler Yeats and a crew of 58 personnel deployed as part of Operation Irini for a period of six weeks in the summer of 2023 demonstrating Ireland’s support for the important role the EU can play in support of international peace and security.
In terms of any activities of Irish citizens in breach of the embargo, recent reports that former members of the Defence Forces may be involved in training members of the Libyan National Army, in breach of this embargo, are deeply shocking and cause reputational damage to Ireland and our Defence Forces. No Irish citizen should knowingly be involved in activities that breach UN sanctions or EU restrictive measures, least of all former members of the Irish Defence Forces.
In response to these claims, I initiated three immediate actions.
• I spoke with the Chief of Staff about these matters, which need to be examined further;
• I asked my officials to review the legislation relating to the activities of both serving and former members of the Defence Forces in regions covered by UN or EU sanctions; and
• following reference of the claims by my Department to the Department of Enterprise, Trade & Employment, An Garda Síochána are now investigating the allegations in relation to possible breaches of trade sanctions.
The Military Police have opened an investigation in relation to the allegations that individuals had engaged in this training activity in Libya while still serving were uncovered by the Defence Forces. This investigation is being conducted in close coordination with An Garda Síochána .
149. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence his response to claims that former members of the Defence Forces, including from the elite Army Ranger wing, have provided training to a Libyan military group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21532/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraReports that former members of the Defence Forces may be involved in training members of the Libyan National Army are deeply shocking and cause reputational damage to Ireland and our Defence Forces. No Irish citizen should knowingly be involved in activities that breach UN sanctions or EU restrictive measures, least of all former members of the Irish Defence Forces.
In response to these claims, I initiated three immediate actions
• I spoke with the Chief of Staff about these matters, which need to be examined further;
• I asked my officials to look at further legislation relating to the activities of both serving and former members of the Defence Forces in regions covered by UN or EU sanctions; and
• following reference of the claims by my Department to the Department of Enterprise, Trade & Employment, An Garda Síochána are now investigating the allegations in relation to possible breaches of trade sanctions.
Specifically, in relation to the question of further legislation, I have instructed my officials to prepare a policy position to encompass an immediate review of the current legislative provisions pertaining to parallel employment; permissions for annual and special leave outside the State; and proposals for making the regulatory underpinning, and subsequent sanctions for any such breaches, more robust. This reflects my view that the current legislative underpinning around external employment for members of the Defence Forces requires an immediate review.
The Chief of Staff has been asked to prepare Military Advice on the matter, which will, inter alia, identify any gaps from his perspective, as Chief of Staff, in the current regulatory provisions and the practical application thereof and any recommendations he might have to address any such gaps.
My officials are also examining the arrangements that are currently in place across the Public Service relating to parallel employment and related matters.
The Military Advice, coupled with the work my officials are undertaking, will form the basis of a policy proposal for consideration by me, along with an assessment of any regulatory underpinning required, to support the policy proposal.
I’ve asked for this body of work to be completed without delay.
Finally, I want to recall that, when the allegations that individuals had engaged in this training activity in Libya while still serving were uncovered by the Defence Forces, the Military Police opened an investigation. This investigation is being conducted in close coordination with An Garda Síochána.
150. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence when the two recently acquired Naval Service inshore patrol vessels will enter service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21533/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince their arrival further physical works were completed on both vessels together with familiarisation works, including these works and transportation costs, these vessels were acquired at a cost of €32m. A final comprehensive programme of familiarisation works and pre-sailing exercises with the assistance of reserve members of the Royal New Zealand Navy will commence on the 16 May 2024 in the Naval base. This 3 week programme will ensure that the Naval Service crew designated for this Ship will be ready to deploy the first IPV on operation duties in June.
151. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence for an update on the implantation of the strategic framework to support the transformation of the Defence Forces into an organisation that is fit for the purpose of defending the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21534/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing the publication of the Report of the Independent Review Group on Dignity and Equality issues in the Defence Forces in March 2023, I set out my priority to develop one Strategic Framework for the transformation of the Defence Forces, fully understood by everyone, that has the appropriate governance and reporting mechanisms, and is properly resourced.
The purpose of the Strategic Framework is to bring together into one overarching document, from the multiplicity of plans developed, the immediate actions to be taken to support the transformation of the Defence Forces into a fit for purpose organisation to defend the State and meet the challenges of today and the future.
My priority within this transformation is cultural change above all else. The end goal of this cultural change is to ensure that the Defence Forces is an equal opportunities employer, reflective of contemporary Irish society and that is providing a safe workplace where self-worth is actively promoted, mutual respect becomes a dominant feature and all members are treated with dignity in an organisation that continuously evolves to deliver positive change.
I published the Strategic Framework for the Transformation of the Defence Forces in September 2023, and this document clearly sets out the actions to be delivered before the end of 2024 to implement the recommendations of the Commission on the Defence Forces (CoDF) and the Independent Review Group (IRG) Report. The Strategic Framework also sets out the actions to be delivered to support the recruitment to and retention of personnel to our Defence Forces, to enhance the physical working environment and equipment of our personnel and to make the legislative changes to underpin the transformation agenda.
While all the actions outlined in the Strategic Framework are important, my core priorities, as Tánaiste and Minister for Defence, up to the end of 2024 are:
The specific actions to support cultural change within the Defence Forces are made. This will be implemented through a well-designed and expertly led culture change programme, led and driven convincingly from the leadership of the Defence Forces, and including initiatives grounded in the vision of the future Defence Forces. This will be monitored closely by the External Oversight Body.
That the numbers of personnel in the Defence Forces are stabilised, and thereafter increasing the strength towards the level of ambition arising from the CoDF.
The implementation of an agreed policy for the application of the Working Time Directive within the Defence Forces.
To progress specific projects to enhance the physical working environment and equipment of our personnel including specific capability enhancements across all Services as set out in the CoDF.
To set up a new independent, external complaints service for serving members of the Defence Forces and a new complaints process for civilians and civil servants.
To introduce the legislative changes to support the transformation of the Defence Forces including the statutory underpinning for;
• The new high-level structures within the Defence Forces, and the consequential re-design of the governance and oversight framework for the new command structure;
• The new independent complaints mechanism; and
• The External Oversight Body.
To set up the Judge led Tribunal of Inquiry to examine the effectiveness of the complaints processes in the Defence Forces into workplace issues relating to discrimination, bullying, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual misconduct.
The actions set out in the Strategic Framework are being actively progressed and monitored. I am pleased with the progress made on each of the core priorities, further details of which will be outlined in the first update report of the Strategic Framework which will be published imminently. This will be followed by the publication of a Revised Strategic Framework for 2025 and beyond, which is due to be published at the end of this year.
152. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence how many members of the Defence Forces are receiving counselling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21535/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt has not been possible to provide the required information within the timeframe available. I shall provide the information to the Deputy once it becomes available.
153. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence how many members of the Defence Forces are receiving support for education courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21536/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraEducation and training is key to the development of military capability. Defence Forces education programs contribute to military capabilities by developing personnel who are capable of dealing with the demands of increasingly complex operational environments. Defence Forces Education and Training also aims to develop personnel who can create the knowledge required to enhance and transform the Defence Forces.
In addition to conducting training through numerous Defence Forces schools and training centres, the Defence Forces funds a number of education schemes and works closely with a number of education providers and third level institutions. A number of Defence Forces run courses are also externally accredited and Defence Forces students attend specialist training both in Ireland and abroad. Defence Forces funding for education and training is managed by the Training and Education Branch under the Defence Vote Subhead A16.
In 2023, the Defence Forces spent €1.328 million on External Training (Military education courses, workshops and seminars) and €1.996 million on Military Education (Graduate, Post Graduate, accreditation and Continuous Professional Development courses). In total, 2,337 personnel availed of courses which ranged from one (1) day continuous professional development training courses to nine (9) month Masters Level 9 accredited programs. It is projected that in 2024, the Defence Forces will spend circa €2.0 million on External Military Training and circa €2.0 million on Military Education, in support of a projected number of 2,856 personnel.
154. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence how many members availed of paternity parental leave in 2023 and to date in 2024; if he would provide a breakdown, by rank, across all three services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21537/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraDetails of the number of members of the Permanent Defence Force, as advised by the Military Authorities, who availed of Paternity and Parental Leave in 2023 and to 31 March 2024, the latest date for which figures are available, are set out below in tabular format, broken down by rank and by service.
|
Paternity Leave |
||||
|
Year |
Rank |
Army |
Air Corps |
Naval Service |
|
2023 |
Commandant |
6 |
1 |
1 |
|
Captain |
5 |
3 |
1 |
|
|
Lieutenant |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
|
Company Quartermaster Sergeant |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
|
Company Sergeant |
2 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
Sergeant |
10 |
1 |
1 |
|
|
Corporal |
27 |
1 |
2 |
|
|
Private 3* |
65 |
6 |
2 |
|
|
2024 |
Commandant |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Captain |
3 |
0 |
1 |
|
|
Lieutenant |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
Sergeant |
4 |
0 |
1 |
|
|
Corporal |
4 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
Private 3* |
10 |
0 |
0 |
|
Parental Leave |
||||
|
Year |
Rank |
Army |
Air Corps |
Naval Service |
|
2023 |
Lieutenant Colonel |
2 |
0 |
0 |
|
Commandant |
9 |
0 |
3 |
|
|
Captain |
12 |
5 |
0 |
|
|
Company Sergeant |
0 |
2 |
0 |
|
|
Sergeant |
14 |
12 |
0 |
|
|
Corporal |
38 |
3 |
4 |
|
|
Private 3* |
32 |
1 |
6 |
|
|
2024 |
Commandant |
1 |
3 |
1 |
|
Captain |
2 |
2 |
0 |
|
|
Sergeant |
2 |
1 |
0 |
|
|
Corporal |
8 |
0 |
1 |
|
|
Private 3* |
11 |
2 |
1 |
155. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of applications to join the Defence forces that have been received since the start of 2023; how many applicants were interviewed; how many were offered employment; how many accepted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21538/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe military authorities have advised that the strength of the Permanent Defence Force, as at 31 March stood at 7,510.
The military authorities have provided the requested recruitment processes details in the table below and advise that applications made in one year may not complete the recruitment process within the same calendar year.
|
2023 |
2024* |
Total |
|
|
Applications |
9,479 |
2,165 |
11,644 |
|
Attended Interview |
1,229 |
317 |
1,546 |
|
Offered Employment |
484 |
148 |
632 |
|
Inductions |
415 |
148 |
563 |
*31 March 2024
The military authorities further advise that the reasons for high attrition rates within the recruitment process include a high percentage of applicants who submit their applications but do not engage with the process thereafter, or do not present at the various stages of the induction process. Additionally applicants can be ineligible, be unable to achieve security clearance, or fail at the various stages of the recruitment process.
156. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will outline the training that the Defence Forces have provided to Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21539/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraTo date the Defence Forces have delivered 11 modules of training to Ukrainian Armed Forces (UAF) personnel via EUMAM Ukraine, the EU's Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine. A total of 455 UAF personnel have been trained to date, via these training modules.
All training delivered by the Defence Forces has taken place on the territory of other EU Member States; Germany, Cyprus and Poland.
The modules delivered by the Defence Forces to date are as follows:
|
Module |
Location |
From |
To |
|
|
1 |
Demining & Clearance |
Cyprus |
16-Apr-23 |
12-May-23 |
|
2 |
Combat Lifesaver |
Germany |
18-Jun-23 |
02-Jul-23 |
|
3 |
Drill Instructor |
Germany |
17-Sep-23 |
01-Nov-23 |
|
4 |
Combat Lifesaver |
Germany |
18-Sep-23 |
03-Oct-23 |
|
5 |
Demining & Clearance |
Cyprus |
09-Oct-23 |
16-Nov-23 |
|
6 |
Drill Instructor |
Germany |
29-Oct-23 |
13-Dec-23 |
|
7 |
Combat Lifesaver |
Germany |
08-Dec-23 |
17-Dec-23 |
|
8 |
Mine Flail Operators Course |
Poland |
06-Feb-24 |
16-Feb-24 |
|
9 |
Combat Lifesaver |
Germany |
08-Feb-24 |
16-Feb-24 |
|
10 |
Drill Instructor |
Germany |
21-Feb-24 |
26-Mar-24 |
|
11 |
Combat Lifesaver |
Germany |
26-Apr-24 |
05-May-24 |
157. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if any State, semi-State or commercial semi-State agency under the aegis of their Department is aware of any cases of bogus self-employment in any bodies under their remit from 2020 to 1 May 2024; if they will outline if there are currently any cases from such agencies or bodies currently before the SCOPE section of the Department of Social Protection for investigation or determination; if there are any SCOPE findings and recommendations relating to any agencies or bodies under their remit where SCOPE has found in favour of the worker, and where they recommended the reclassification of the workers’ employment status to that of direct employee between 2020 and 1 May 2024; if they will provide information on the numbers involved and the names of the individual agencies and bodies in all cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21687/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe only State body under the aegis of my Department is the Army Pensions Board. The Board is an independent statutory body established under the Army Pensions Act 1927. The Act specifies that the Board shall consist of a chairman and two ordinary members. The secretary to the Board is provided from my Department’s staff.
Therefore, I can confirm that there have been no cases of bogus self-employment nor any cases currently before the SCOPE section of the Department of Social Protection for investigation or determination relating to the Army Pensions Board.
158. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if a pathway could be provided for new members of the Defence Forces who are foreign born in passport or citizenship applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21766/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn applicant to the Defence Forces must either be a citizen of the State or be any other person who has a lawful entitlement to reside and work within the State for the period of time required for the purpose of any such appointment.
I believe it is critically important that the Defence Forces reflects the modern demographics of today’s Irish society. To that end, the Defence Forces is committed to supporting a diverse workforce through its various policies and strategies. I fully welcome and support these policies to promote diversity.
Although, there is no overall data to capture data in this regard, I am aware that there are non-Irish passport holders currently serving in the Defence Forces.
The Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces provides for the delivery of a range of diversity and inclusion enhancements which will achieve impactful change and ensure Defence Forces membership is more reflective of the diversity of Irish society. Among these recommendations is the adoption of measures to enable easier access to Irish citizenship for those who serve in the Defence Forces. An assessment of this proposal is set to commence in 2025 which will require, a inter-departmental approach, as issues of citizenship are a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Justice.
159. Deputy John Lahart asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary No. 165 of 9 April 2024, if eligibility requirements for a particular post may be considered to have been met when the applicant has acted successfully in the post over a reasonable period of time.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21820/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAll civilian employee vacancies are filled in accordance with the agreed approach for appointment to positions in the Civil and Public Service; circulars from the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform; and central agreement(s) at National Joint Industrial Council for State Industrial Employees (under the auspices of the Workplace Relations Commission).
Competitions for vacancies, including promotion, are open to any civilian employee provided they fulfil the eligibility requirements of a competition, which are set having regard to the context outlined above which applies across the state industrial sector.
160. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the total costs incurred by his Department from 2019 to date relating to the placing of advertisements in print media; the names of the print media publications involved, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21860/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that the total costs relating to the placing of advertisements in print media incurred by my Department from 2019 to date are as follows, as requested in tabular form.
|
Year |
Type |
Amount Paid |
|
2024 |
Independent Newspaper. Be Winter Ready Campaign |
€7,995 |
|
2023 |
Independent Newspaper. Be Summer and Be Winter Ready Campaigns. |
€15.990.00 |
|
2023 |
An Seachtain. Be Summer and Be Winter Ready Campaigns. |
€4,132.80 |
|
2022 |
Newspaper ad seeking expressions of interest for the provision of canteen services in DOD Newbridge and Galway offices were placed in the Galway Advertiser, Connaught Tribune, Kildare Nationalist and the Leinster Leader. |
€1,147.45 |
|
2022 |
Independent Newspaper. Be Summer and Be Winter Ready Campaigns. |
€15.990.00 |
|
2021 |
Independent Newspaper. Be Summer and Be Winter Ready Campaigns. |
€15.990.00 |
|
2020 |
Independent Newspaper. Be Winter Ready Campaign |
€7,995 |
|
2019 |
Independent Newspaper. Be Winter Ready Campaign |
€7,995 |
161. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport if he has plans to reduce the age for obtaining a HGV licence which is currently at 21; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21193/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn Ireland, a person must be 18 to obtain a C1 or C1E licence (trucks under 7,500kg) and 21 to obtain a C or CE licence (trucks over 3,500kg). The minimum age of 21 for C and CE may be lowered to 18 where the driver holds a certificate of professional competence (CPC). I have no plans at present to change this position.
