Written Answers Nos. 101-118
101. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Taoiseach what topics are to be put to referendum this year; the topics that are planned for referendums in the years ahead; and if tentative dates have been set for each. [16333/23]
View answerAs I announced on 8 March, the Government intends to hold a Referendum in November this year on gender equality as recommended by the Citizens’ Assembly on Gender Equality and the Special Joint Oireachtas Committee on Gender Equality.
The decision to hold one or more referendums on this issue is in line with commitments in the Programme for Government to respond to the recommendations of the Citizens’ Assembly on gender equality.
There are various proposals for further constitutional reforms under consideration; however, no final decisions have been made as yet on the timing for holding of other referendums. Some of these reforms arise from the Programme for Government, others, such as the EU Agreement on a Unified Patent Court, arise from legal requirements.
The recent establishment of the Electoral Commission will help streamline the conduct of referendums.
102. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Taoiseach the number of staff within his Department who are based and working with the European Union in Brussels; their present roles and responsibilities; and the posts and responsibilities presently vacant; the corresponding figures on 23 June 2016. [16568/23]
View answerThe Department of the Taoiseach does not have any roles based in the European Union in Brussels. However, staff of the Department regularly avail of the opportunity to work in the European Commission under the National Experts in Professional Training (NEPT) and the Seconded National Experts (SNE) programmes. At present two officers of the Department are working in Brussels, both on the SNE programme. As at 23 June 2016, no staff of the Department were working in Brussels.
103. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Taoiseach the volume of snus imported into the State in 2020, 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form; and the monetary value of the imports. [17004/23]
View answerThe data requested by the Deputy is not available in the trade statistics as there is no separately identifiable product code for snus and the product cannot legally be imported by commercial operators.
It can be imported by private individuals from other EU Member States, but this information is not captured in trade in goods statistics.
104. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Taoiseach the amounts in grant aid or funding awarded by his Department, or through schemes administered by it, to an organisation (details supplied) in each year from 2010 to 2022; and the projected funding for 2023. [17698/23]
View answerNo funding or grant aid has been awarded by the Department to the organisations in question nor is it anticipated any funding will be made to them in 2023.
105. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Taoiseach the number of Departmental staff currently on sick or stress leave; and the number who took stress or sick leave in each of the past five years and to date in 2023, in tabular form. [17787/23]
View answerThe details requested by the Deputy in respect of the period 2018 to date are set out in the table below.
|
Year |
Number of staff who took sick leave |
|
2018 |
90 |
|
2019 |
108 |
|
2020 |
64 |
|
2021 |
38 |
|
2022 |
80 |
|
2023 (to date) |
33 |
106. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Taoiseach the number of allegations of bullying made by departmental staff against departmental staff in each of the past five years and to date in 2023, in tabular form; and if he will detail what actions are being taken by his Department to investigate the allegations or if they are being investigated. [17805/23]
View answerNo bullying allegations have been made by staff of the Department in the past five years.
107. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Taoiseach the number of departmental staff dismissed in each of the past ten years and to date in 2023, in tabular form. [17823/23]
View answerNo employees of the Department were dismissed in the past ten years. However, during the period in question, four employees were not retained following completion of their probationary contracts.
108. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Taoiseach the number of meetings that have taken place of the Strategic Foresight and Strengthening Policy Development research project, jointly overseen by his Department. [18103/23]
View answerAn ongoing joint project between the Department of the Taoiseach and the Department of Public Expenditure NDP Delivery and Reform is ‘Strengthening Policy Development and Strategic Foresight’ which was initiated to enhance overall policy development and strategic foresight capabilities across the Civil and Public Service.
A range of meetings between different groups have taken place under the project, including advisory and steering group meetings, OECD-led workshops, and regular updates between project teams in both departments and the OECD.
To inform the outputs of the project, the OECD conducted a research mission in Ireland in May 2022.
This mission consisted of multiple interviews with Government ministers, senior civil servants, and members of the Oireachtas, including members of the opposition.
Between these groups, workshops, and the research mission, there have been 35 meetings and more are scheduled to take place before the project concludes. This is in addition to regular check-in meetings between the project teams involved.
Outputs under the project include:
· an assessment report which examines the current state of policy development and elements of strategic foresight in the Irish civil service;
· workshops on how best to advance policy development and strategic foresight across the civil and public service; and
· the development of pilot capacity building programmes on strategic foresight.
109. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the non-statutory public service modernisation, development and reform functions for which his Department is responsible. [18104/23]
View answerThe main responsibility for the public service modernisation, development and reform functions is vested in the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform.
The Public Service Reform Plan aims to make the work of the public service more transparent, decision-making more accountable and service delivery more effective. From its inception in 2011 two reform plans have been delivered. The current reform plan “Our Public Service 2020” is built on the three pillars below:
· Delivering for Our Public
· Innovating for Our Future
· Developing Our People and Organisations
Progress of this plan can be found at our website www.gov.ie.
110. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is developing proposals on international security following the Russian invasion of Ukraine; his plans for a consultative forum to address Ireland’s broader foreign policy, including our traditional policy of military neutrality; if Members of the Houses of the Oireachtas will have a role in respect of this proposed forum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16078/23]
View answerThe security situation in Europe has changed fundamentally. The changed geopolitical context and wider threat environment in Europe calls for consideration of the State’s approach to international security policy issues.
Against this backdrop, a Consultative Forum on International Security Policy will be convened with a view to initiating an open and evidence-based discussion on the State’s foreign and security policy. The Consultative Forum is designed to build public understanding and generate discussions on the link between the State’s foreign, security, and defence policies.
The Consultative Forum will discuss these issues in a broad policy context, including a focus on Ireland’s work to protect the rules-based international order, through engagement in peacekeeping, conflict prevention and peacebuilding; the lessons from our UN Security Council membership in this regard; global strategic stability and international arms control and proliferation challenges, as well as the challenges posed by new and emerging threats. It will examine the threat landscape in relation to cyber, hybrid and critical infrastructure. It will also look at Ireland's current and future engagement in the EU Common Security and Defence Policy, as well as our relationship with NATO through the Partnership for Peace.
The Consultative Forum will take place in three different locations across four days in June 2023; on 22 June at University College Cork, on 23 June at the University of Galway, and on 26-27 June at Dublin Castle. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Department of Defence will work alongside the Chairperson, Louise Richardson DBE, on planning and delivering the Consultative Forum and associated events. The Oireachtas will be kept fully informed and involved through the relevant Committees.
Attendance at the Forum will consist of invited guests, from Ireland and internationally, with expertise and experience in the areas to be discussed. There will also be space reserved for attendance by the general public. Discussions will be live-streamed and there will be an option for online submissions. Anyone interested in engaging in the process will be able to do so.
111. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of Irish citizens living in illegal settlements built by Israel on Palestinian land in the West Bank and East Jerusalem; the number of Irish passports issued or renewed for Irish citizens living in these settlements in the past ten years, and the procedure for the issue of Irish passports in this instance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16436/23]
View answerIrish citizens travelling or living overseas are encouraged to voluntarily register their contact details using the Citizens' Registration platform of the Department of Foreign Affairs, but there is no requirement to do so. No authoritative records are maintained by Government of the number of Irish citizens living in any given place abroad.
Irish passports can be renewed from anywhere in the world using Passport Online. Irish citizens can apply for first time passports via the Embassy in Tel Aviv. Whichever application channel is chosen, all passports are issued via the Irish Embassy in Tel Aviv. The Passport Service has issued 1,889 passports to applicants via the Embassy in Tel Aviv since 2013.
Ireland has consistently and strongly opposed illegal settlements, and this Government will continue to do so.
112. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if additional tougher sanctions will be issued by the EU on Iran due to its role in providing weapons and-or ammunition to Russia for its war against Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16689/23]
View answerThe sanctions adopted in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine are the most expansive and hard-hitting sanctions in EU history. Ireland has consistently supported strong sanctions in response to Russia’s illegal actions in Ukraine.
A number of Iranian individuals and entities are subject to restrictive measures in relation to the use of Iranian drones in Russian aggression under the EU’s Ukraine Territorial Integrity sanctions regime. Iranian individuals and entities listed include government representatives as well as security force members, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
In all, the EU has adopted ten sanctions packages in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. These sanctions include asset freezes, travel bans, trade restrictions, the de-Swifting of Russian banks, broadcasting bans and other extensive measures. Further restrictive measures will be considered in the coming months as the situation continues to develop. Ireland works with our EU partners to ensure that all sanctions are targeted and, where necessary, contain clear exemptions for humanitarian actors.
Since 2011, the EU has also applied sanctions against individuals and entities responsible for human rights violations in Iran. The Department of Foreign Affairs will continue to monitor developments in Iran and Ukraine, and to raise our concerns consistently and directly with the Iranian government. We will maintain close coordination with our partners in the EU to ensure there is a joint, coordinated, and clear response to the actions of the Iranian authorities.
113. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the assistance that his Department has given to an Irish citizen (details supplied) imprisoned in Iran since October 2022 without charge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16895/23]
View answerI remain extremely concerned about the continued detention of this Irish citizen, especially given his ill health. I can assure the Deputy that the citizen's release remains a strong priority for me and my Department.
To that end, there continues to be extensive engagement by the Government with the authorities in Iran on the case, including through my own discussions with the Foreign Minister of Iran.
In our engagement we are stressing the urgent importance of the citizen being released from prison on humanitarian grounds, in light of his deteriorating medical condition.
My Department is providing ongoing consular support and assistance to the citizen, and to his family - with whom I have been in direct contact. We are liaising with the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the matter.
As with all consular cases, it would not be appropriate to discuss the specific details of the case.
114. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if a child renewal passport (details supplied) can be expedited as it was lodged on 10 March 2023, and the family are hoping to travel on 5 April 2023. [16947/23]
View answer126. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if a passport application by a person (details supplied) will be reviewed and expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17185/23]
View answer148. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if passports applied for in January for children (details supplied) will issue in time for travel in early April; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16058/23]
View answer151. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if passports for children (details supplied) applied for in January 2023 will issue in time for travel in early April; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16092/23]
View answer152. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if a passport renewal for a child (details supplied) will be processed in time for intended travel date of 1 April 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16375/23]
View answer153. Deputy John Brady asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of passport applications by a family (details supplied) given that the applications have exceeded the target issue date and date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16401/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 114, 126, 148, 151, 152 and 153 together.
With regard to the specific applications about which the Deputies have enquired, the Passport Service has issued passports to the applicants.
115. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 355 of 31 January 2023, his views on the need to use the International Criminal Court and International Court of Justice to investigate and, if necessary, prosecute reported crimes against humanity. [17023/23]
View answerI remain gravely concerned by the deteriorating situation in Myanmar. The escalation in violence, displacement of people and the dire humanitarian and human rights situation are appalling.
During our time on the United Nations Security Council and through our bilateral and EU engagement, including at the Human Rights Council, Ireland has consistently condemned the coup, calling for an urgent end to violence and for full respect for human rights and compliance with international law, including international humanitarian and human rights law. Ireland is committed to supporting international efforts to hold the perpetrators of the coup to account. We proactively supported the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2669 last December.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) was established as the first permanent international court charged with dealing with the most serious crimes of concern to the international community. It has jurisdiction over genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and the crime of aggression committed on the territory of a State Party, committed by a national of a State Party or referred to the Court by the UN Security Council.
Myanmar is not a State Party to the ICC. Therefore, any crimes that are committed solely on Myanmar territory are not subject to the jurisdiction of the Court. However, the Prosecutor of the ICC is investigating alleged crimes against humanity, such as deportation and persecution, committed against the Rohingya minority by the authorities in Myanmar. That investigation was authorised by the Pre-Trial Chamber of the Court in November 2019. The Court only has jurisdiction as a portion of these crimes were allegedly committed on the territory of Bangladesh, which is a State Party to the ICC.
As a State Party to the ICC, Ireland is a strong supporter of the independent and impartial work of the Court. Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the Government made a voluntary contribution of €1 million to the Office of the Prosecutor, in order to help him meet the increased demands on his Office. This voluntary contribution will be made available for the benefit of all country situations in trial or under investigation, including the situation in Bangladesh/Myanmar.
The international Court of Justice (ICJ) is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations. It has a dual role to settle, in accordance with international law, the legal disputes submitted to it by States, and to give advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by duly authorised international organs and agencies. The ICJ does not have jurisdiction to investigate or prosecute international crimes. Ireland is a firm supporter of the ICJ.
In 2019, The Gambia instituted proceedings against Myanmar alleging violations of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (the Genocide Convention), with respect to Myanmar’s treatment of the Rohingya. Proceedings are currently focused on substantive arguments over whether Myanmar has breached its obligations under the Genocide Convention, after the ICJ ruled it had jurisdiction to hear the case in July 2022.
We will continue to follow the work of the ICJ in this regard, and to advocate more widely for accountability for the people of Myanmar.
116. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of passports that issued to first-time applicants in 2022 and to date in 2023. [17055/23]
View answer117. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of foreign birth passport applications made in 2022 and to date in 2023; and the number foreign birth passports that issued in the corresponding timeframe. [17056/23]
View answer118. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of passport applications made outside of this jurisdiction in 2022 and to date in 2023; and the number of passports that issued outside of this jurisdiction in the corresponding timeframe. [17057/23]
View answer119. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide a schedule, by embassy and or consulate, in respect of passport applications and documents issued in 2022 and to date in 2023. [17058/23]
View answer120. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of passport applications in the system as of 10 April 2023; the number of these that are on hold pending receipt of additional information; and the number of passports overdue for issuing to the applicant. [17059/23]
View answer121. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of passport applicants that had to resubmit photographs in 2022 and to date in 2023. [17060/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 116 to 121, inclusive, together.
The Passport Service is successfully meeting the current high demand for passports. All turnaround times are at their target level and there are no backlogs. Over 322,000 passports have been issued to date in 2023. The busy season for passports in 2023 is underway, and demand forecasts indicate that the Passport Service will issue just under 1.1 million passports this year.
The Passport Service has implemented operational and staffing plans for 2023, which aim to ensure that excellent customer service is maintained during periods of peak demand. The Passport Service Customer Service Hub is responding to 100% of customers who call the Passport Service.
Following a strategic media and communications campaign that was rolled out in December, the Passport Service received over 148,000 applications in January, the second highest monthly figure on record. Over 92% of these applicants applied online. Passport Online is the quickest, easiest and most cost effective way to apply for a passport. It is accessible for passport renewals from every country in the world, and for first time applicants in over 50 countries worldwide. The expansion of Passport Online for first time applicants worldwide continues to be rolled out.
As of 12 April 2023, there were 81,110 fully complete applications under processing by the Passport Service. There were a further 67,646 applications which were awaiting further action by the applicant. As of 12 April 2023 there were 1,570 applications which were past their issue by date. The vast majority of these applications relate to very complex or sensitive cases that may involve citizenship, guardianship or legal issues. These require very thorough examination by experienced staff and can take longer to process.
The number of passports that issued to first-time applicants who applied in 2022 and to date in 2023 are outlined below in tabular form.
|
Year |
Passports issued to first time applicants |
|
2022 |
242,238 |
|
2023 (to 11 April) |
61,505 |
The number of passport applications received and passports issued to applicants who provided a Foreign Birth Registration (FBR) certificate in 2022 and to date in 2023 are outlined below in tabular form.
|
Year |
Passport applications received from applicants who provided an FBR certificate |
Passports issued to applicants who provided an FBR certificate |
|
2022 |
29,206 |
26,398 |
|
2023 (to 11 April) |
8,199 |
8,321 |
The number of FBR applications received (with supporting documents) and FBR applications approved in 2022 and to date in 2023 are outlined below in tabular form.
|
Year |
FBR applications received (with supporting documents) |
FBR applications approved |
|
2022 |
27,694 |
20,418 |
|
2023 |
8,420 (to 11 April) |
11,284 (to 7 April) |
The number of passport applications received and passports issued for applicants residing outside the island of Ireland in 2022 and in 2023 to date are outlined below in tabular form.
|
Year |
Passport applications received from applicants residing outside the island of Ireland |
Passports issued to applicants residing outside the island of Ireland |
|
2022 |
208,434 |
180,294 |
|
2023 (to 11 April) |
75,855 |
52,550 |
The number of passport applications received and passports issued for applicants residing in Northern Ireland in 2022 and in 2023 to date are outlined below in tabular form.
|
Year |
Passport applications received from applicants residing in Northern Ireland |
Passports issued to applicants residing in Northern Ireland |
|
2022 |
112,370 |
102,865 |
|
2023 (to 11 April) |
45,794 |
32,648 |
The number of requests for photo resubmissions made by the Passport Service in 2022 and to date in 2023 are outlined below in tabular form. The number of requests for photo resubmissions in 2022 represents just 6% of the total 1,085,000 passports that were issued by the Passport Service last year.
|
Year |
Requests for photo resubmissions |
|
2022 |
63,450 |
|
2023 (to 11 April) |
30,089 |
The Passport Service was unable to compile the requested figures in relation to applications received and passports issued via Irish embassies and consulates in time for the Parliamentary response. The Passport Service will share these figures directly with the Deputy.
