Wednesday, 12 Jun 2024

Written Answers Nos. 101-124

• Díospóireachtaí
• Aimsigh díospóireacht
  • Díospóireachtaí na Dála
  • Díospóireachtaí an tSeanaid
  • Díospóireachtaí Coiste
• Aimsigh vótáil
  • Vótálacha na Dála
  • Vótálacha an tSeanaid
  • Vótálacha Coiste
• Ceisteanna Parlaiminte
  • Ceisteanna scríofa
  • Ceisteanna ó bhéal
• Leideanna cuardaigh
• Nuair a bhíonn tionchar tromchúiseach ag aithrisí

Cross-Border Co-operation

Ceisteanna (101)

Frankie Feighan

Ceist:

101. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide an update on the Ulster canal project; how many phases of the project have been completed to date; the total spend on each phase of the project to date; the total amount committed by Government for the next phase of the project; if negotiations with landowners have started in respect of future phases of the project; the expected completion date for the overall project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25725/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage

The Ulster Canal restoration is a flagship North-South project, supported by the Shared Island Fund, managed by Waterways Ireland and overseen by my Department.

The project is a 13km restoration from Clones in Co. Monaghan to Upper Lough Erne, and includes a new canal basin and harbour at Clones, a new canal, 5 access bridges, 4 minor road bridges, 3 masonry arc bridges, a new aqueduct at Clonfad; many kilometres of towpaths and an extensive dredging programme.

The project is being delivered in 3 Phases. 

Phase 1, which linked Lough Erne to Castlesaunderson is complete. The final cost of Phase 1 was just over €4m. 

I am delighted to say that Phase 2, Clones to Clonfad is also on the point of completion. This section of the works, which includes the new marina at Clones, has been funded jointly by my Department, the Shared Island Fund and the Department of Rural and Community Development. The cost of Phase two is just over €20m plus VAT. This cost has been shared between my Department, the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Shared Island Fund.

Phase 3 is the  longest phase of the project at approximately 10km and will connect Castle Saunderson to Clonfad and link the town of Clones by navigable waterway to the Erne System and onward to the wider waterway network of the Shannon-Erne Waterway, the Shannon Navigation, the Royal and Grand Canals towards Dublin and further south along the Barrow Line and Barrow Navigation.

With planning permission in place, it is now possible to progress three of the four sub-phases of Phase 3 which have strong synergies with Phase 2 of the project. These works will bring the restored canal south of the border from Fermanagh and extend it further to the West from Clones. In 2023, the Government approved €40m in funding from the Shared Island Fund towards this aspect of the project.

The Ulster Canal project is a long standing commitment of successive Governments and is transformative, not just for the areas that the canal traverses, both north and south of the border, but also for Waterways Ireland and for tourism and recreation along our inland waterways nationally.

Tourism Industry

Ceisteanna (102)

Cian O'Callaghan

Ceist:

102. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if traditional bed and breakfasts (details supplied) will be impacted by the Registration of Short-Term Tourist Letting Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25773/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage (Deputy Darragh O'Brien)

On 7 December 2022, the Government approved the publication of the General Scheme of the Registration of Short-Term Tourist Letting Bill (STTL Bill) and the priority drafting of the Bill providing for the establishment of a new registration system for short-term lettings to be operated by Fáilte Ireland in line with the commitment in this regard under Housing for All - A New Housing Plan for Ireland. The work on the Bill is being led by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media (DTCAGSM). The proposed STTL Bill remains the subject of ongoing engagement with the EU Commission in accordance with the requirements of EU Directive 2015/1535 on the Technical Regulation of Information Society services (the TRIS Directive).

I am informed that Fáilte Ireland maintains tourist accommodation registers as provided for under the Tourist Traffic Acts. These include accommodation types such as hotels, guest houses and youth hostels but do not include a number of tourism accommodation types, including bed and breakfast accommodation. Bed and breakfast accommodation has played a key role in welcoming visitors from around the world to Ireland for more than 50 years and this accommodation type is a unique part of the Irish tourism offering.

The proposed Registration of Short Term Tourist Letting (STTL) Bill will provide the statutory basis for the establishment of a register for those tourism accommodation types not currently provided for under the Tourism Traffic Acts. Once the STTL register is established, bed and breakfasts will be required to register with Fáilte Ireland. At present, registration with Fáilte Ireland is done on a voluntary basis only. 

Under the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended (the Act), all development, unless specifically exempted under the Act or associated Regulations, requires planning permission. This includes a material change of use of a property such as for short term letting. Where a person owns a second property which is not their principal private residence and lets it, or intends to let it, for short-term letting purposes, they will require the appropriate planning permission to do so unless the property concerned already has planning permission to be used for tourism or short-term letting purposes, or is otherwise exempted under legislation.

Any development which falls outside the scope of an exemption and the conditions and limitations attached to it is subject to planning permission to allow for consideration of the impacts of the specific proposal on a case by case basis by local planning authorities. While planning history and established use may be relevant for continuation of that use, it would have no bearing on the requirement for a valid planning permission to be in place for registration for STL purposes. 

Article 10 of the Planning and Development Regulations provides that certain changes of use, with regard to particular classes of use, are also exempted from the requirement to obtain permission. Any such exemptions are subject to compliance with any general restrictions on exemptions set out in the Act or the Regulations and to the specific conditions set out in each class of exempted development in Schedule 2 of the Regulations.

Article 10(4) of the Regulations provides that:

“Development consisting of the use of not more than 4 bedrooms in a house, where each bedroom is used for the accommodation of not more than 4 persons as overnight guest accommodation, shall be exempted development for the purposes of the Act, provided that such development would not contravene a condition attached to a permission under the Act or be inconsistent with any use specified or included in such a permission.”

My Department is currently developing Planning Guidelines for the Short-Term Letting sector to supplement the introduction of the STTL Bill. This guidance will provide clarity and certainty on the planning permission requirements in respect of short-term letting properties. It is intended that a draft of the guidelines will be published simultaneously with the publication of the STTL Bill by DTCAGSM in order that property owners can have a greater understanding of the planning requirements well in advance of the final enactment of the STTL Bill.

Housing Policy

Ceisteanna (103)

Violet-Anne Wynne

Ceist:

103. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of the national rightsizing policy; when his Department plans to have that published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25779/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage (Deputy Darragh O'Brien)

Housing for All commits to increasing the housing options available to older people to facilitate ageing in place with dignity and independence, including the development of a policy on rightsizing. The Housing for All policy objective to make more efficient use of existing housing stock includes tasking my Department with the development of a national policy on rightsizing and to explore options to support and incentivise rightsizing on a voluntary basis.

Work continues to be advanced in my Department to inform and progress the development of national policy on rightsizing with the objective of bringing forward a draft national policy as soon as possible.

Social Welfare Payments

Ceisteanna (104)

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

104. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Social Protection the current status of the carer's allowance application for a person (details supplied); when a decision will issue from the appeals office following an oral hearing in January 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25661/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Social Protection

The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an Office of the Department of Social Protection which is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements. Appeals Officers are independent in their decision making functions.

The Appeals Officer dealing with this appeal held an oral hearing in January 2024 at which the appellant attended along with her late husband. A number of documents of a detailed nature were submitted to the Appeals Officer at this hearing.

As was explained and agreed at the oral hearing, a response to the submission at the hearing was requested from the deciding officer. A response was received and further clarification was required.

The Appeals Officer is conscious that some time has elapsed since the oral hearing. However, the Appeals Officer points out that this is a very complex appeal which is taking a considerable amount of time to ensure that all points raised by the customer are appropriately considered and addressed.

It is hoped that a decision on this appeal will be available shortly.I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

EU Meetings

Ceisteanna (105)

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

105. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of formal and informal Council of the European Union meetings that have been held since 27 June 2020 under the remit of her Department; and the number of formal and informal meetings, respectively held virtually and the corresponding number held in person; if she or his predecessor attended each meeting, or a Minister of State or ambassador represented the Government; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25677/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Heather Humphreys)

My Department, the Department of Social Protection is one of a number of departments that participate in the formulation of Irish positions for the EPSCO (Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs) Council of the European Union. 

Prior to the change of departmental responsibilities following the establishment of the current Government in 2020, my predecessors as Ministers for Employment Affairs & Social Protection would generally have led the Irish delegation. 

Since that time the lead Department coordinating Ireland's representation at EPSCO councils is the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE).   Therefore Ministerial representation at EPSCO Council is normally provided by DETE, unless the associated agenda is predominantly of interest to another Irish department. In which case, DETE liaise with that Department to agree on the necessary representation. 

Over the period in question, there has been no EPSCO council meeting where the agenda has been of predominant interest to my Department or, required my attendance as Minister for Social Protection, I did attend the informal EU Social Forum Summit in May 2023 -which discussed and reinforced the European Pillar of Social Rights. 

I understand a similar question has been asked of the Minister for Enterprise, Trade & Employment, and he will be able to supply details regarding the number of meetings held and attended by that Department over the said period.

I trust this clarifies the position.

Flexible Work Practices

Ceisteanna (106)

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

106. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Social Protection if her Department and each body and agency under the remit of her Department has achieved the Government-mandated public sector remote working target of 20%; when this was achieved in each instance; the current percentage of staff working remotely; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25695/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Heather Humphreys)

On 12th September 2022, my Department implemented a formal Blended Working Policy under which staff members were invited at that time to apply for a blended working arrangement and annually thereafter via the annual application process. The mandated public sector remote working target of 20% was achieved on implementation of this policy. My Department's formal Blended Working Policy offers a varied attendance model from the minimum office attendance being one day per week, right up to full-time office attendance, in line with business requirements, individual suitability and workstation requirements. Approved blended working arrangements under the 2024 application process became operational on the 29th January 2024. 

The percentage of Departmental staff who work from home at least one day a week was 58% at end of year 2022, 58% at end of year 2023, and 59% as of 29th January 2024.

The Citizens Information Board formally introduced a blended working policy in January 2023. The mandated public sector remote working target of 20% was achieved on implementation of this policy. As of the 1st of January 2024, 95% of Citizens Information Board employees avail of a blended work pattern.

The Pensions Authority introduced a hybrid-working model from March 2022 and has achieved the Government mandated public sector remote working target of 20% since this time. Currently, 100% of employees can work remotely to some extent, and with most employees currently attending in person in the office two days a week.

Victim Support Services

Ceisteanna (107, 111)

Seán Haughey

Ceist:

107. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Justice if she will amend current legislation as a matter of urgency to ensure that a victim of a serious assault has the right to information about the release date of their convicted attacker in circumstances where the attacker is being detained in the Central Mental Hospital for a different crime; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25647/24]

Cian O'Callaghan

Ceist:

111. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice if her Department has made any progress in relation to a situation (details supplied) where a victim of a crime has not been given the release date of the convicted person; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25762/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

I propose to take Questions Nos. 107 and 111 together.

The case referred to by the Deputy relates to an individual convicted for attempted murder, who has served the sentence handed down for that crime, but is now being separately detained, for a concurrent, but longer period of detention in the Central Mental Hospital on foot of an unrelated criminal offence.

This means that while the victim in the attempted murder case is entitled to be informed of the release date of the perpetrator in relation to that criminal conviction, that right is essentially moot. This is because the perpetrator will not be released at the end of that sentence but will remain in the Central Mental Hospital for a longer period as a result of the concurrent, but longer period of detention for the unrelated offence.

Given the unique and complex nature of this case, senior officials from my Department met with the victim to discuss the particular circumstances of their case.

On foot of that meeting, my officials have committed to examining how we can ensure that a person’s right to information about the release date would continue to operate where the actual date of release from detention is deferred due a separate detention in the CMH on an unrelated matter. This examination will include looking at whether amending legislation is required.

EU Meetings

Ceisteanna (108)

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

108. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice the number of formal and informal Council of the European Union meetings that have been held since 27 June 2020 under the remit of her Department; and the number of formal and informal meetings, respectively held virtually and the corresponding number held in person; if she or his predecessor attended each meeting, or a Minister of State or ambassador represented the Government; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25674/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

The Justice and Home Affairs (JHA) Council is made up of Justice and Home Affairs Ministers from all EU Member States. In general, Justice Ministers deal with judicial cooperation in both civil and criminal law and fundamental rights, while Home Affairs Ministers are responsible for migration, border management and police cooperation, among other matters. In Ireland, as Minister for Justice, I am responsible for both Justice and Home Affairs matters.

I can inform the Deputy that since 27 June 2020, there have been 31 meetings of the Justice and Home Affairs Council, 9 of which were held virtually and 22 in-person. This information is further broken down in the table below.

DATE	JUSTICE / HOME AFFAIRS	ATTENDEE	TYPE
2020
6 & 7 July 2020	Informal Justice & Home Affairs	Minister Helen McEntee	Video Conference
8 & 9 October 2020	Formal Justice & Home Affairs	Minister Helen McEntee	Video Conference
13 November 2020	Formal Home Affairs	Minister Helen McEntee	Video Conference
2 December 2020	Formal Justice	Minister Helen McEntee	Video Conference
14 December 2020	Formal Home Affairs	Dr. John Laffan, Director of European Affairs, Department of Justice	Video Conference
2021
28 & 29 January 2021	Informal Justice & Home Affairs	Minister Helen McEntee	Video Conference
11 & 12 March 2021	Informal Justice & Home Affairs	Minister Helen McEntee	Video Conference
15 March 2021	Informal Home Affairs	Minister Helen McEntee	Video Conference
7 & 8 June 2021	Formal Justice & Home Affairs	Ambassador Tom Hanney, Permanent Representative of Ireland to the European Union	Video Conference
14-16 July 2021	Informal Justice & Home Affairs	Assistant Secretary Doncha O’Sullivan, European Affairs, Department of Justice	In person Brdo, Slovenia
31 August 2021	Extraordinary Justice & Home Affairs Meeting	Minister James Browne	In person Brussels, Belgium
7 & 8 October 2021	Formal Justice & Home Affairs	Minister Helen McEntee	In person Luxembourg
9 & 10 December 2021	Formal Justice & Home Affairs	Minister Helen McEntee	In person Brussels, Belgium
2022
3 & 4 February 2022	Informal Justice & Home Affairs	Minister Helen McEntee	In person Lille, France
27 February 2022	Extraordinary Home Affairs Meeting	Minister Helen McEntee	In person Brussels, Belgium
3 & 4 March 2022	Formal Justice & Home Affairs	Minister Helen McEntee	In person Brussels, Belgium
28 March 2022	Extraordinary Home Affairs Meeting	Minister Helen McEntee	In person Brussels, Belgium
9 & 10 June 2022	Formal Justice & Home Affairs	Minister Helen McEntee	In person Luxembourg
11 & 12 July 2022	Informal Justice & Home Affairs	Dr. John Laffan, Head of European Affairs, Department of Justice	In person Prague, Czechia
13 & 14 October 2022	Formal Justice & Home Affairs	Minister James Browne	In person Luxembourg
25 November 2022	Extraordinary Home Affairs Meeting	Ambassador Tom Hanney, Permanent Representative of Ireland to the European Union	In person Brussels, Belgium
8 & 9 December 2022	Formal Justice & Home Affairs	Minister James Browne	In person Brussels, Belgium
2023
26 & 27 January 2023	Informal Justice & Home Affairs	Minister Simon Harris	In person Stockholm, Sweden
9 & 10 March 2023	Formal Justice & Home Affairs	Minister Simon Harris	In person Brussels, Belgium
8 & 9 June 2023	Formal Justice & Home Affairs	Minister James Browne	In person Luxembourg
20 & 21 July 2023	Informal Justice & Home Affairs	Minister Helen McEntee	In person Logroño, Spain
28 September 2023	Formal Home Affairs Meeting	Minister Helen McEntee	In person Brussels, Belgium
19 & 20 October 2023	Formal Justice & Home Affairs Meeting	Minister Helen McEntee	In person Luxembourg
4 & 5 December 2023	Formal Justice & Home Affairs	Ambassador Aingeal O’Donoughue, Permanent Representative of Ireland to the European Union	In person Brussels, Belgium
2024
24-26 January 2024	Informal Justice & Home Affairs	Minister Helen McEntee	In person Brussels, Belgium
4 & 5 March 2024	Formal Justice & Home Affairs	Minister Helen McEntee	In person Brussels, Belgium

Flexible Work Practices

Ceisteanna (109)

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

109. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice if her Department and each body and agency under the remit of her Department has achieved the Government-mandated public sector remote working target of 20%; when this was achieved in each instance; the current percentage of staff working remotely; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25692/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

My Department’s Blended Working Policy was introduced in 2022 following extensive consultation and was developed in line with the Blended Working Policy Framework for Civil Service Organisations issued by the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform.

The Blended Working policy supports my Department’s objective to be a dynamic, agile and responsive organisation, in terms of where, when and how teams work, while sustaining high standards of service to the public, performance and productivity. It is important to note that many of the services provided by bodies and agencies within the Justice sector are offered by dedicated staff on a national 24/7/365 basis.

The Blended Working policy, which promotes a team-based approach, provides for attendance in the workplace for a minimum of two days a week.

The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the table below.

	20% Remote Target Achieved Y/N	Date Achieved	% of Staff Operating Blended Working(June 2024)
Department of Justice	Y	May-22	62%
Agency/Aegis Body
Dublin Coroner’s Service	Y	May-22	45%
Forensic Science Ireland	Y	May-22	33%
Garda Síochána Inspectorate	Y	May-22	100%
Insolvency Service of Ireland	Y	May-22	97%
International Protection Appeals Tribunal	Y	May-22	83%
Irish Film Classification Office	Y	May-22	40%
Office of the Inspector of Prisons	Y	May-22	58%
The Parole Board	Y	May-22	62%
Private Security Authority	Y	May-22	66%
Probation Services	Y	May-22	71%
Property Services Regulatory Authority	Y	May-22	95%
Office of the State Pathologist	Y	May-22	50%
Legal Services Regulatory Authority(includes Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal staff)	Y	Mar-22	100%
Policing Authority	Y	Mar-22	100%
Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission	Y	Sep-22	98%
Criminal Assets Bureau	Y	Feb-23	32%
Courts Service	N	N/A	11% - Courts sit in person and require on site working. Those working in non-court operational roles can avail of remote working.
Legal Aid Board	Y	Dec-22	69%
Data Protection Commission	Y	Mar-22	98%
An Garda Síochána	N	N/A	An Garda Síochána’s policy on blended working is nearing completion. Garda civilian personnel are currently availing of blended working; however, the nature of the work carried out by the majority of employees does not allow for the Government mandated public sector remote working target of 20% to be met.
Irish Prison Service (Civil Service Admin Staff)	Y	May-22	61%
Judicial Council	Y	Mar-22	83%

Work Permits

Ceisteanna (110)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

110. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the status of an application for EUTR1 application in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25701/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

I can advise the Deputy that the person referred to originally made a visa application, on 5 January 2024 which was granted on 30 January 2024. They then entered the State on 25 March 2024 and were given a 90 day permission to make an application for permission to remain in the State on the basis of EU Treaty Rights.The person referred to by the Deputy applied for permission to remain on 8 April 2024, however, they left the State shortly after submitting their application.

The person concerned applied for a further visa which was received in the Ankara Visa Office on 13 May 2024. This visa application has been granted and the sticker was placed in the applicant’s passport on 10 June 2024.

Their application for permission to remain is amongst many to be considered at present and, as such, at this point in time, it is not possible to provide a specific indication as to when their case will be finalised. However, they can be assured that there will be no avoidable delay in having their case brought to finality.

It should be noted that the person concerned is required to notify the EU Treaty Rights Unit of my Department of any absence from the State which exceed one month. Such notifications may be notified in advance of travel, however are required no later than 7 days after the period of one month has elapsed.

Question No. 111 answered with Question No. 107.

An Garda Síochána

Ceisteanna (112)

Violet-Anne Wynne

Ceist:

112. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Justice if she is aware of elder abuse; if there are data collated by an Garda Síochána in respect of incidents reported of elder abuse; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25781/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

I can assure the Deputy that the Government is committed to ensuring that people, especially the most vulnerable, across Ireland are safe and feel safe.

Elder abuse causes great harm to the victim, and violates their human and civil rights. The Health Service Executive leads the government’s approach to tackling elder abuse. Through the establishment of Safeguarding Ireland, the HSE has published a range of information to help those who may be at risk of elder abuse identify that they are a victim and access the supports they need.

If anyone believes they are the victim of elder abuse, or suspect that someone they know may be a victim, they should contact their nearest HSE Safeguarding and Protection Team. Alternatively, they should contact their local health centre, GP, public health nurse or An Garda Síochána and talk to someone about what has been happening.

The Department of Social Protection will also act on any reports it receives of alleged abuse of its pension/benefit recipients, consulting or involving as appropriate other relevant agencies such as the HSE or An Garda Síochána. Investigations of alleged abuse are coordinated by the Safeguarding Unit in that Department.

I am committed to ensuring that there is strong, visible and effective An Garda Síochána who can assist those in need of support.

This is reflected in the unprecedented allocation of over €2.35 billion in Budget 2024 which is enabling sustained, ongoing recruitment of Garda members and staff.

In addition to supporting the work of the HSE, An Garda Síochána has also proactively sought to raise awareness of crimes specific to older people, with campaigns headed by the Garda National Diversity and Integration Unit such as the ‘Don’t Turn Your Back Campaign’ highlighting the issue of elder abuse.

An Garda Síochána, last year, published their National Older Persons Plan 2023-2025 which outlines how they are committed to ensuring the policing needs of older people in Ireland are met.

There are numerous crime prevention information campaigns published by An Garda Síochána that are of assistance in providing older people with valuable information to assist in combatting and preventing crimes such as ‘Personal Safety – Security for the Older Persons’ and ‘Personal Safety - Bogus Traders/Callers’ as well as Community Policing based initiatives such as the Community Text Alert scheme which was designed in consultation with Community Alert, Neighbourhood Watch and the Irish Farmers Association.

An Garda Síochána assigns a Crime Prevention Officer to each Division and officers are available to assist people with any crime prevention advice and assistance they might require. These officers are highly trained and will offer help and specific advice to vulnerable groups.

Community Policing Units in each Division also take on the responsibility to build and develop positive relationships within the community and for that reason are invaluable in reaching older people to offer advice and be a trusted support if required.

I have been advised by the Garda authorities that there is no incident type on PULSE specific to ‘elder abuse’ and as such it is not possible to collate data in relation to incidents of elder abuse.

Domestic Violence

Ceisteanna (113)

Violet-Anne Wynne

Ceist:

113. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 522 of 16 April 2024, when a response will issue to an organisation (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25782/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

As the Deputy is aware, Cuan, the new statutory agency with a dedicated focus on Domestic Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, was established earlier this year.

The agency has a specific mandate to drive the implementation of the Zero Tolerance: Third National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence across Government, bringing the expertise and focus required to tackle this complex social issue.

As part of its remit, the agency has responsibility for the provision of DSGBV services, including the provision and funding of refuge spaces.

I referred the previous question posed by the Deputy to Cuan for direct reply, and have now flagged this further question with the agency.

Agriculture Industry

Ceisteanna (114)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

114. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there is a licence required from his Department for the selling of vermicast (the processing of organic wastes through earthworms) in Ireland; what is being done by the Department to promote this industry here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25654/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The practice of vermicast where the earthworms are being commercially farmed falls under the EU Animal By-Products regulations and as such operators are required to register with my Department.  I am aware that my Department has recently met with and are actively engaging with potential operators from this sector.

EU Meetings

Ceisteanna (115)

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

115. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of formal and informal Council of the European Union meetings that have been held since 27 June 2020 under the remit of his Department; and the number of formal and informal meetings, respectively held virtually and the corresponding number held in person; if he or his predecessor attended each meeting, or a Minister of State or ambassador represented the Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25663/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I wish to advise the Deputy that the information requested is set out in the attached table.

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Flexible Work Practices

Ceisteanna (116)

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

116. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department and each body and agency under the remit of his Department has achieved the Government-mandated public sector remote working target of 20%; when this was achieved in each instance; the current percentage of staff working remotely; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25681/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

My Department is committed to embracing opportunities for remote and blended working, to build a more dynamic, agile and responsive Civil Service, while sustaining strong standards of performance and high levels of productivity. I believe that blended working can increase flexibility, improve health and well-being, and add to the range of work-life balance initiatives the Civil Service can offer to staff, thus contributing to our ambition to ensure we are an employer of choice.

The table below shows the recorded percentage of staff directly employed by my Department who currently work from home as part of their working work;

Do not work from home	56.80%
Work from home for part of the week	43.20%

This percentage shows that my Department has exceeded the Government mandated public service remote working target of 20%.

On remote days staff in my Department are required to work their 7 hrs per day and must be on duty during core hours. My Department is committed to facilitating blended working where practical, however, not all roles may be suitable for blended working due to the nature of the work.

As regards the 13 State Bodies under the aegis of my Department, the information requested is an operational matter for the State Bodies themselves. I have referred the Deputy’s question to the Agencies and have requested that a response should issue within 10 days.

Agriculture Schemes

Ceisteanna (117)

Michael Ring

Ceist:

117. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payment under the low-emissions slurry spreading scheme will issue to a person (details supplied) given that their payment claim was submitted several months ago and the delay is causing undue financial hardship; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25721/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The person named received approval to proceed with an investment under the Low Emission Slurry Spreading Scheme (LESS), which is a measure under TAMS 3. A claim for payment was submitted on 25th March 2024.

My Department has commenced the processing of all payment claims submitted under TAMS 3, and it is anticipated that payments will issue later this month where there are no issues with the claim.

Health Services

Ceisteanna (118)

Seán Crowe

Ceist:

118. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the options available to the family of a person (details supplied) who requires urgent access to a dietician when there is currently none in post for the CHO7 area. [25650/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

As this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

EU Meetings

Ceisteanna (119)

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

119. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of formal and informal Council of the European Union meetings that have been held since 27 June 2020 under the remit of his Department; and the number of formal and informal meetings, respectively held virtually and the corresponding number held in person; if he or his predecessor attended each meeting, or a Minister of State or ambassador represented the Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25664/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

Since I assumed office in 27 June 2020, I have regularly represented Ireland at various formal and informal Council of the European Union meetings.

As Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, my Department’s remit is to lead on the Youth aspect of the Education, Youth, Culture and Sport Council (EYCS).

In addition, issues under my remit can appear on the agenda the Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council (EPSCO). While this Council is led and coordinated by the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, where appropriate I have also attended meetings under this formation. Some Presidencies have taken a focus on Equality and Gender Equality issues in the EPSCO Council, and I have highlighted in my response EPSCO meetings that have had a specific equality focus.

My Department’s remit can also appear as an item on the Justice and Home Affairs Council, but these have been covered by the Minister for Justice.

In addition to the work directly at Councils, I want briefly to highlight the value of Ministerial engagement at EU conferences. Last month I was delighted to attend the High-Level Conference on the Human Rights of LGBTQI+ people hosted by the Belgian Presidency. As we look forward to Ireland’s own Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2026, we are deepening our engagement with counterparts across the EU.

Meetings held since 27 June 2020	Virtually	In Person	Total
Formal Meetings of EYCS (Youth)	0	7	7
Informal Meetings of EYCS (Youth)	1	1	2
Formal Meetings of EPSCO (Equality or Gender Equality)	0	2	2
Informal Meetings of EPSCO (Equality or Gender Equality)	2	2	4

Attended by	Minister	Ambassador or Official	Total
Formal Meetings of EYCS (Youth)	2	5	7
Informal Meetings of EYCS (Youth)	0	2	2
Formal Meetings of EPSCO (Equality or Gender Equality)	1	1	2
Informal Meetings of EPSCO (Equality or Gender Equality)	3	1	4

Flexible Work Practices

Ceisteanna (120)

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

120. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if his Department and each body and agency under the remit of his Department has achieved the Government-mandated public sector remote working target of 20%; when this was achieved in each instance; the current percentage of staff working remotely; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25682/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

My Department has introduced a blended working policy which provides for staff to apply for blended working. Under this policy staff are required to attend the office 2 days per week, as agreed with head of unit and remote working is not available on a 100% basis.

Direct Provision System

Ceisteanna (121)

Eoin Ó Broin

Ceist:

121. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth how many letters have been issued to date to people with status/leave to remain in direct provision centres giving them dates by which they would have to leave the direct provision centre or be moved to another centre; the criteria for issuing such letters; the number of people who have been moved on foot of these letters; to provide a breakdown of these moves, including information on from where; and the location to which they have been moved. [25734/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

Under the European Communities (Reception Conditions) Regulations 2018, those who have had their application determined are no longer entitled to Material Reception conditions. However, the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) continues to accommodate those with status, until such time that they progress into the community.

All those with International Protection/Permission to Remain are written to once status has been granted and are advised they must now seek alternative accommodation. They are also advised that the supports of the Peter McVerry Trust/Depaul Ireland are available to them.

Those with status for the greatest length of time are currently being offered a transfer to alternative emergency accommodation, currently singles/couples with status over 9 months and families with status over 18 months. In the past 18 months, over 4,100 people with status have left IPAS accommodation and progressed into the community. This process began in September 2022 with single people with status.

IPAS has a specific Transition team who work in collaboration with Depaul Ireland, the Peter McVerry Trust, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and Local Authorities to support residents with status to exit IPAS accommodation and access other housing options. Those with status have the same housing entitlements as Irish Citizens and are supported to register with a Local Authority and, if required, to avail of the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) to secure alternative accommodation. In addition, those with status have the same social welfare entitlements as Irish Citizens.

As the Deputy will be aware, despite tireless efforts of my Department, there is currently an accommodation shortfall for arriving International Protection (IP) applicants. This shortfall is currently in respect to single adult males but my Department is now experiencing increasing pressure in its efforts to secure accommodation for arriving families, including those with children.

Given this and Ireland's legal obligation to provide accommodation to IP applicants, those who have had held permission to remain in Ireland for a considerable length of time may be transferred to alternative emergency. This policy is in place to help ensure accommodation in non-emergency settings is available to newly arrived persons seeking International Protection.

To date, 3,004 households have been written to and advised of this transfer to alternative emergency accommodation. These households have been accommodated in various counties all over Ireland. The Department does not aggregate information on move on locations.

Emergency Accommodation

Ceisteanna (122)

Pa Daly

Ceist:

122. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if there are any further plans to audit emergency accommodation beds to identify vacancy after the audit carried out in mid-March of this year. [25749/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

The Deputy will be aware that there is an acute scarcity of accommodation in the State for international protection applicants – particularly, for single males. 

Currently, there are over 31,000  people accommodated in the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) system as a whole (of whom 7,680  are children) compared with approximately 8,700 people at the end of February 2022.

The Department engages intensively and proactively on a continuing basis with providers of contracted accommodation on any available spaces at locations as well as carrying out a programme of in person inspections of centres which includes checks to ensure bed usage is maximised.

International Protection

Ceisteanna (123)

Pa Daly

Ceist:

123. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to provide a breakdown of the spread of the 13,000 bed capacity among Reception and Integration Centres and Accommodation Centres in the Comprehensive Accommodation Strategy for International Protection Applicants. [25750/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

On the 27th March 2024 Government agreed a new Comprehensive Accommodation Strategy (CAS) for International Protection applicants. The strategy seeks to address the current accommodation shortfall, while reforming the system over the longer term to ensure the State will always be able to meet its international commitments.

Accommodation in the new strategy will be delivered through the following multi-strand approach:

1. Use of State land for prefabricated and modular units

2. Conversion of commercial buildings

3. Targeted purchase of medium and larger turnkey properties

4. Design and build of new Reception and Integration Centres

5. Upgrading of IPAS Centres

The table below details the composition of accommodation from 2028 onwards

Accommodation Type	Bed Capacity	Ownership
Reception and Integration Centres and Accommodation Centres, at national standards	Up to 13,000	State Owned
In-Community Accommodation for vulnerable persons, at national standards.	Up to 1,000	State Owned, operated in partnership with NGOs.
Contingency Accommodation, at national standards	Up to 11,000	Commercial Providers
Emergency Accommodation	Up to 10,000	Commercial Providers

As detailed in the strategy, accommodation will be delivered through a blended approach of purchasing, turnkey deliverable and delivery on State owned sites. The breakdown of dedicated state owned Reception and Integration and Accommodation Centres will be dependent on the opportunities that arise from the multi-strand approach. 

An Expression of Interest (EOI) process was launched on the 30th April by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth for the sourcing of suitable properties. The EOI seeks to identify properties for acquisition under the following criteria:

• 150+ beds;

• Bedrooms in line with National Standards;

• existing properties/buildings in turnkey condition;

• existing properties that require upgrading/refurbishment/renovation.

Work is ongoing to assess the submissions received under the EOI.

Home Help Service

Ceisteanna (124)

Violet-Anne Wynne

Ceist:

124. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No. 1168 of 9 April 2024, the reason only two additional hours were granted for the person; the reason the additional two hours had to be organised as one additional hour on two separate days; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25775/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

As this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

• Written Answers Nos. 81-100
• Written Answers Nos. 125-147