Pa Daly
Ceist:41. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Taoiseach the increases that have been made to funding to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for each of the years 2020 to 2024. [28602/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraDepartmental Data
Ceisteanna (41)
Freagraí scríofa
From 2020 to 2024, there has been an increase of 39% in Voted allocation for the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. The below table details the net Annual Funding provided for Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions 2020–2024:
|
Year |
Estimate Provision €’000s |
|
2020 |
43,968 |
|
2021 |
44,704 |
|
2022 |
51,277* |
|
2023 |
59,818** |
|
2024 |
61,279 |
* The figure for 2022 includes a Supplementary Estimate of €3.445m
** The figure for 2023 includes a Supplementary Estimate of €4.5m
Cross-Border Co-operation
Ceisteanna (42)
Seán Haughey
Ceist:42. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will engage with his UK counterpart regarding the condition of Lough Neagh; if this issue can be raised at the North-South Ministerial Council and the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference; if the problem can also be examined in the context of the shared island initiative; if the Government will offer practical assistance to clean up this major natural resource and amenity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28433/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am conscious of the very challenging situation in relation to managing and reversing the poor water quality in Lough Neagh.
Lough Neagh has been discussed in North South Ministerial Council meetings.
At the NSMC plenary meeting in April 2024, which included the Government and the Northern Ireland Executive, Ministers discussed environmental challenges including those facing watercourses such as Lough Neagh and agreed both jurisdictions would share learning, expertise and research. This discussion was followed by the 10 June meeting of the NSMC in Environment Sectoral format, when the Council noted the significant issue of blue-green algae and its impacts on water quality/safety of water use, and the new approaches needed to address its causes and how to best manage monitoring. The Council noted the current position in relation to the particular challenges surrounding Lough Neagh and that that officials and wider stakeholders across both jurisdictions are actively sharing knowledge and expertise on water quality issues including through the North South Water Framework Directive Coordination Group.
The Government has indicated its willingness to cooperate with the Northern Ireland Executive on this issue on a cross-border basis, including through the sharing of relevant research. The question of resourcing, whether through the Shared Island initiative or otherwise, has not arisen but any request would need to be considered by the relevant Ministers and environmental authorities, North and South.
A meeting of the BIIGC took place on 29 April and although the specific issue of Lough Neagh did not arise at that meeting, I remain in regular contact with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on a range of issues of mutual interest.
International Protection
Ceisteanna (43)
Paul Murphy
Ceist:43. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to publish his Department’s feedback to the International Protection Office on the potential designation of Algeria as a safe country for the purposes of the International Protection Act 2015. [28440/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In November 2023, my Department received an invitation from the Department of Justice to provide observations on a review of the Safe Country of Origin list for applications from Algeria under the International Protection Act 2015.
My Department provided comments on a number of potential factors including, domestic stability; security challenges; the asylum and protection framework; freedom of the media; women’s rights; and rights of minority groups. My Department drew on internal information and reports by partners on the ground to inform our analysis of the situation.
Foreign Birth Registration
Ceisteanna (44)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:44. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a foreign birth register application for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28441/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department is responsible for processing Foreign Birth Registration (FBR) applications for people who are born abroad and claim Irish citizenship through a grandparent born in Ireland or through a parent who has claimed citizenship also through FBR or Naturalisation.
Foreign Birth Registration, by its nature, is a detailed and complex process, often involving official documentation relating to three generations and issued by several jurisdictions. Such documents take considerable time to validate.
FBR applications are currently being processed within the normal turnaround time of 9 months from receipt of all required supporting documents, a decrease in turnaround time of 75% from over two and a half years in 2022. Applications that require further supporting documents will take longer to process.
With regard to the specific FBR application about which the Deputy has enquired, supporting documents were received for the application on 23 February 2024.
The Passport Service Customer Service Hub has dedicated agents to deal with Foreign Birth Registration application queries. The contact number for urgent Foreign Birth Registration queries is +353 1 568 3331. This number is also available on the Department's website.
Energy Policy
Ceisteanna (45)
Darren O'Rourke
Ceist:45. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the position regarding the energy security review; if and when the proposal from Gas Networks Ireland will be published; when he expects that a final decision will be made; if it will be forthcoming in advance of the Dáil Éireann summer recess; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28378/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Government approved and published the 'Energy Security in Ireland to 2030' report last November which concludes that Ireland’s future energy will be secure by moving from a fossil fuel-based energy system to an electricity-led system, maximising our renewable energy potential, flexibility and being integrated into Europe’s energy systems. With regard to gas, the report determines that as a transitional measure, we will examine the introduction of a Strategic Gas Emergency Reserve to address security needs in the medium-term, to be used only if a disruption to gas supplies occurs.
As a final part of the review of Ireland’s energy security, my Department, in consultation with Gas Networks Ireland (GNI) will complete a detailed examination of the optimal approach to deliver the strategic emergency gas reserve.
This work is continuing as a matter of priority, with detailed analysis being undertaken on the optimal approach unlikely before the summer recess.
Inland Fisheries
Ceisteanna (46, 47, 48)
Mairéad Farrell
Ceist:46. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his views on species categorisation policy (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28452/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMairéad Farrell
Ceist:47. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his views on species categorisation policy (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28453/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMairéad Farrell
Ceist:48. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his views on species categorisation policy (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28454/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 46 to 48, inclusive, together.
As the Deputy is aware, Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) the national authority for the protection, conservation and development of the inland fisheries resource in conjunction with my Department is carrying out a review of relevant inland fisheries bye-laws in force for 10 years or more and their continued application. The Conservation of and Prohibition on Sale of Coarse Fish Bye-Law No. 806 of 2006 will be examined as part of this extensive work programme.
To provide for the most robust, modern, comprehensive and sustainable management of SAC designated waters, I had requested Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) to prepare and submit to me a comprehensive draft management plan for all waters within the Great Western Lakes including the Corrib. This Plan aims to address some of the many factors that impact on the ecological well-being and the status of native fish stocks in the catchments of the Great Western Lakes. Following a lengthy public consultation process, this plan was advanced through the Strategic Environmental Assessment and Appropriate Assessment processes and a series of recommendations will be presented by IFI for my approval soon. Any legislative change that may be considered for SAC-designated waters, will be done in the context of this plan.
As indicated by the special themed session at the recent North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organisation (NASCO) conference the threat posed to native Atlantic salmon by the invasive pink salmon is significant. Inland Fisheries Ireland is closely monitoring the occurrence of pink salmon in Ireland's rivers. My Department’s policy and that of Inland Fisheries Ireland is that pink salmon is an invasive alien species. Officials from the Environmental Protection Division within my Department and Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) are continuing to consider the position regarding the regulation of pink salmon in this jurisdiction.
Question No. 47 answered with Question No. 46.
Question No. 48 answered with Question No. 46.
Waste Management
Ceisteanna (49)
Josepha Madigan
Ceist:49. Deputy Josepha Madigan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if it is possible to implement the levy on coffee cups, cigarette packs, plastic vapes and cartons and takeaway soft drink cups, including lids and straws to reduce litter on streets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28488/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Legislative powers are in place, through the Circular Economy Act 2022, to implement environmental levies on a range of single use products including single-use cups, single-use containers and other forms of single-use packaging.
Levies are implemented through secondary legislation, with the consent of the Government. My priority is on the introduction of a levy on single-use cups for hot drinks (the Coffee Cup Levy).
My Department has been working with the Revenue Commissioners on designing a new collection model for environmental levies. This will require changes to primary legislation and the relevant Heads of Bill have been approved. Once this legislation is in place, a commencement date will be agreed to allow the appropriate preparations be made by the sector before the levy goes live. I aim to bring this levy into force as soon as is possible.
Further levies will be introduced over time but only after consultation and analysis has been completed and where there is clear evidence that more sustainable reusable alternatives are readily available.
Defence Forces
Ceisteanna (50)
Holly Cairns
Ceist:50. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of serving members of the Defence Forces who have ever been issued with a serving order, a protection order, or a barring order, in tabular form. [28485/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I wish again to express my unequivocal condemnation of any form of gender-based violence. Such behaviour has no place in a modern society or in the Defence Forces.
It is also important that I note at the outset the pride we share in the vast majority of the men and women of the Defence Forces who serve the nation so admirably at home and on peacekeeping missions abroad. The actions of a minority completely go against the values of the Defence Forces and have no place in a modern workplace, particularly an organisation which is there to protect.
As the Deputy will be aware, family law cases are held in-camera due to the nature of these proceedings and the confidentiality applied to the parties involved in such cases.
Defence Forces
Ceisteanna (51)
Holly Cairns
Ceist:51. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of serving members of the Defence Forces who have, through internal Garda investigations, been found to have engaged in domestic, sexual or gender-based violence, in tabular form. [28486/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Tánaiste has been very consistent in his messaging that allegations or complaints of a potentially criminal nature should be reported to An Garda Síochána without delay.
Further to the clarification provided by the Deputy, I have asked the military authorities to provide the details in respect of internal military investigations where members have been found to have engaged in domestic, sexual or gender-based violence. I will revert to the Deputy with a reply as soon as possible.
Defence Forces
Ceisteanna (52)
Holly Cairns
Ceist:52. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of members of the Defence Forces who have been dismissed from the force due to domestic, sexual or gender-based violence, from 2016 to date, in tabular form. [28487/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I have asked the military authorities to provide the details requested by the Deputy and understand that work has commenced on collating that information. I will revert to the Deputy with a reply as soon as possible.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51.
I refer to the above mentioned Parliamentary Question for answer on 3 July 2024: “To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of members of the Defence Forces who have been dismissed from the force due to domestic, sexual or gender-based violence, from 2016 to date, in tabular form.”
I was previously advised by the Military Authorities that it was not possible to collate the required information in the time available. This information has now been obtained and I am advised that 3 members of the Defence Forces have been dismissed for reasons of domestic, sexual or gender-based violence in the period in question.
|
Year |
Number |
Type |
|
2017 |
1 |
Sexual |
|
2023 |
1 |
Domestic |
|
2024 |
1 |
Domestic |
I wish again to express my unequivocal condemnation of any form of gender-based violence. Such behaviour has no place in a modern society or in the Defence Forces. The Defence Forces is not a place where someone who has been convicted of serious offences, including sexual offences or domestic or gender-based violence, can continue to serve.
It is also important that I note the pride we share in the vast majority of the men and women of the Defence Forces who serve the nation so admirably at home and on peacekeeping missions abroad. The actions of a minority completely go against the values of the Defence Forces and have no place in a modern workplace, particularly an organisation which is there to protect.
I trust this is of assistance to you.
Defence Forces
Ceisteanna (53, 54)
Patrick Costello
Ceist:53. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of people who have joined the military medicine training scheme in each of the past ten years; the number that qualified in each of the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28533/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraPatrick Costello
Ceist:54. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of people who have left the military medicine training scheme early in each of the past ten years; the amount they paid to leave; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28534/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 53 and 54 together.
It has not been possible to collate the requested data in the time allocated for PQs. I will revert to the Deputy when this has been done.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51.
I refer to the above-referenced Parliamentary Questions and my original reply stating that it was not possible to provide the required information within the timeframe available. I am now in a position to do so. The Military Medicine Training Scheme is one of two entry streams for the induction of Medical Officers into the Defence Forces. The Scheme is a five-year training programme leading to dual specialisation in both Military Medicine and General Practice. Trainees are appointed on an eight-year short service commission, with specialised training completed over a five-year period followed by a three-year service undertaking, with the opportunity to apply for a commission without limitation as to time at the end of this period.
On joining the Scheme, trainees are commissioned as Lieutenants and spend two years working in HSE hospitals while being paid by the HSE. At the start of their third year, trainees are promoted to the rank of Captain and become Medical Officers. The final three years are spent alternating between six-monthly Defence Forces and General Practice placements while being paid by the Department of Defence.
I am advised by the military authorities that a total of six personnel have entered into the Military Medicine Training Scheme since its inception, with two doctors initially inducted on the first intake in 2017 and subsequently in each of the years 2018 and 2020. Of these:
• one doctor qualified from the Scheme, in 2023;
• one doctor is currently undertaking the Scheme and is due to qualify in 2025;
• three individuals left the scheme one in each of the years 2019, 2020 and 2022, before, or shortly after, entering the Defence Forces training period, and therefore were not required to refund the cost of their training
• the process in relation to finalising matters in respect of a further individual is ongoing.
Question No. 54 answered with Question No. 53.
Defence Forces
Ceisteanna (55, 56)
Patrick Costello
Ceist:55. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of court cases in which the Defence Forces were a party in each of the past ten years; the length of time the cases have taken to be resolved; and if his Department has a policy of delaying cases as a legal strategy. [28535/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraPatrick Costello
Ceist:56. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of court cases in which his Department was a party in each of the past ten years; the length of time the cases have taken to be resolved; and if his Department has a policy of delaying cases as a legal strategy. [28536/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 55 and 56 together.
The Department's Litigation Branch manages the administration of litigation claims taken against the Minister for Defence. In doing so, the Branch works closely with both the State Claims Agency (SCA) and the Chief State Solicitor’s Office (CSSO). It should be noted that Civil claims arising from incidents involving the Defence Forces are brought against the Minister for Defence and not the Defence Forces.
Personal injury cases taken against the Minister for Defence are managed on behalf of the Minister for Defence by the SCA, and Employment Law matters taken against the Minister for Defence are managed on behalf of the Minister for Defence by the CSSO.
The Table below sets out the number of cases opened in each year from 2014 up to 28 June 2024.
|
Year Received |
Total |
|
2014 |
167 |
|
2015 |
158 |
|
2016 |
130 |
|
2017 |
135 |
|
2018 |
248 |
|
2019 |
179 |
|
2020 |
95 |
|
2021 |
104 |
|
2022 |
61 |
|
2023 |
71 |
|
2024 (up to 28th June) |
36 |
There are numerous factors outside the Department’s control which may impact the length of time it takes to bring a case to conclusion.
This includes matters such as:
• the Courts’ scheduling priorities,
• the level of engagement of the plaintiff’s legal teams,
• the complexity of individual cases,
• the legal advices received,
• the requirement for the retention of external expert witnesses,
• requirements in respect of Discovery and other Motions brought within the case,
• the exploration of and engagement in Mediation to resolve the proceedings by agreement between the parties,
• the availability of Judges on assigned hearing dates,
• the length of trials,
• delays in the receipt of judgments from the courts following the hearing,
• the consideration of appeals following judgments.
The above list is non-exhaustive but is indicative of the kinds of issues that arise in litigation cases, each of which will impact on the speed with which cases are brought, through the court system, to conclusion.
The information required to determine the duration of each litigation case, over the period in question, is not readily available.
However, it is important to state definitively and without any qualification, that the Department of Defence does not delay any litigation case as a ‘legal strategy’. On the contrary, each case is managed on its individual merits, with a view to either defending against the allegations raised or seeking a mutually acceptable resolution of the proceedings with the Plaintiff, as the case may be.
Question No. 56 answered with Question No. 55.
Defence Forces
Ceisteanna (57)
Jim O'Callaghan
Ceist:57. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the action taken to improve retention levels in the Defence Forces since July 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28645/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Retention is not influenced by a single factor, but rather that there are multiple, interconnected factors, which are responsible for retaining people in any organisation.
In common with other international militaries, the Defence Forces is facing a challenging environment at present.
As Minister for Defence, in addition to a programme of cultural transformation, my focus has been on stabilising the numbers of personnel and facilitating the capacity for further increases.
In light of the Commission on the Defence Forces (CoDF) Report and the Report of the Independent Review (IRG) Group, I have prioritised a significant programme of reform and culture change within the Defence Forces to ensure that it is an equal opportunities employer, reflective of contemporary Irish society and providing a work-place underpinned by dignity, equality and mutual respect.
The Strategic Framework for the Transformation of the Defence Forces, which I published last September, sets out clear targets for the vital work that is underway relating to the transformation of the Defence Forces and outlines the necessary actions to be delivered by the end of 2024.
A number of specific actions in the area of retention have already been delivered:-
• Significant progress on pay in recent years;
• Increase in the mandatory retirement age to 60 years of age for all personnel with a retirement age of under 60;
• Increase in the maximum recruitment age to 39;
• Increases to Patrol Duty Allowance to incentivise sea-going in the Naval Service;
• The extension of a Naval Service personnel tax credit for this year;
• The extension of private healthcare to all ranks in the Defence Forces;
• Access to free medical, physiotherapy and dental care;
• Provision of fitness, training and sports facilities across its installations;
• Provision of fully funded opportunities to continue education to gain professional and academic qualifications;
• Progress on the 2023-2027 Defence Forces Infrastructure Development Plan (IDP) with the highest level of financial resources in the State’s history;
• A revised policy on maternity and associated protected leave which is fully aligned with national legislation;
• A new policy on personal appearance standards;
• Significant progress on the removal of the blanket exemption for the Defence Forces, from the provisions of the Organisation of Working time Act. Following my approval of a final management position, formal engagement has commenced with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE) who will lead on the development of the appropriate legislative mechanism;
• The implementation of a range of work-life balance and 'harmony' initiatives.
Further measures that are also being progressed include:-
• A Review of Medical Services in the Defence Forces, with the review itself being progressed during 2024;
• Associate membership of ICTU for the Representative Associations to be underpinned by legislation;
• Following a competitive tendering process, Deloitte have been selected to support the Defence Forces in changing and developing a number of strategic HR processes, including targeted retention practices.
I would like to assure the Deputy that the recruitment and retention of Defence Forces Personnel continues to be a key priority for me and this is demonstrated by the priorities I have set out in the Strategic Framework.
Defence Forces
Ceisteanna (58)
Jim O'Callaghan
Ceist:58. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence for an update on capital investment undertaken in defence since July 2020; the major improvements provided by this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28646/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Capital investment in Defence is primarily directed at providing sufficient military capabilities, across land, air, maritime and cyber domains, to meet specific roles assigned to the Defence Forces. In the main, this investment is for the acquisition of defensive equipment and the construction or upgrade of barracks infrastructure.
Defence Equipment capital expenditure projects are often atypical, with long lead-in times and usually pursued over a multi-annual timeframe. The availability of comprehensive, internal capital planning frameworks, in the form of the Equipment Development Plan (EDP) for Defence Forces equipment acquisitions and the Infrastructural Development Plan (IDP) for Defence Forces Infrastructural projects, along with the establishment of a joint Civil-Military Capability Development Branch are key enablers within Defence capital planning processes.
Defence can point to a very strong capital expenditure spending record over recent years, with overall capital investment of €674 million incurred over the period from July 2020 to end-June 2024.
This level of capital investment has delivered significant improvements to Defence Forces capabilities over this timeframe, and has facilitated the progression of, inter alia, the following major Defence Forces Equipment & Infrastructural Projects –
• The acquisition of two new C295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft;
• The upgrade of the Defence Forces Armoured Personnel Carrier Fleet;
• The supply of a Software Defined Radio capability to the Defence Forces;
• The acquisition of a C295 W Military Transport Aircraft;
• The acquisition of four new PC-12 Utility Aircraft;
• The acquisition of two Inshore Naval Patrol Vessels;
• The upgrade of the Defence Forces Transport Fleet;
• The upgrade & refurbishment of accommodation at McKee Barracks;
• The upgrade of the former USAC Student Accommodation Block, Renmore, Galway;
• The upgrade of the Cadet School, DFTC;
• The upgrade of accommodation at Collins Barracks, Cork;
• The upgrade of accommodation at Naval Base, Haulbowline.
Under the 2021-30 National Development Plan (NDP), the Defence capital allocation will rise from its 2024 level of €176 million to €215 million in 2025 and €220 million in 2026, a level of increase which will bring the Defence allocation to its highest ever level. It will also ensure that the Defence Forces continue to undertake the roles assigned by Government, while also enabling the transformation of the Defence Forces in line with the objectives and timeframes set out in the Detailed Implementation Plan for the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces.
Greenways Provision
Ceisteanna (59)
Matt Shanahan
Ceist:59. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Transport if he will make a feasibility study public (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28400/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to Greenways. Project-level funding is administered through the Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) who, in partnership with local authorities, have responsibility for the selection and development of specific projects in each local authority area.Noting the role of the TII in the matter, I have referred your question to that agency for a more detailed answer. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days, please contact my private office.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.
Tax Code
Ceisteanna (60)
Paul Donnelly
Ceist:60. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport the reason the motor tax office is charging more for the motor tax if it is paid quarterly or twice a year, while we are still in a cost-of-living crisis. [28467/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Motor tax is charged in accordance with the law and the rates are a Budgetary matter for the Minister for Finance. In relation to motor tax paid for 3 months or 6 months the charges are set out in S.I. No. 385/1992, as amended.
Regulation 26(1) of that S.I. reads as follows:
26 (1) A licence may be taken out under section 1 of the Act of 1952 for a period of three months or six months ending on the last day of any month in respect of a vehicle (not being a vehicle on which duty is chargeable at an annual rate which is less than €114) on payment of an amount equal to 28.25 percent or 55.5 percent, respectively, of the full annual rate of duty.
These additional changes for motor tax paid for 3 or 6 months have remained generally consistent for many years.
It is not unusual for additional charges to apply when paying for a smaller quantity of something or conversely for a reduction to be applied when paying for a longer period up front. Each half-yearly or quarterly renewal of motor tax involves the same administrative costs as the annual renewal process.