Written Answers Nos. 248-258
248. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when a person (details supplied) will quality for a Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland grant or local authority grant in respect of heat insulation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5521/23]
View answerIn accordance with section 58 of the Housing Act 1966, local authorities are responsible for the management and maintenance of their housing stock including carrying out pre-letting repairs to vacant properties, the implementation of a planned maintenance programme and carrying out responsive repairs. Local authorities also have a legal obligation to ensure that all of their tenanted properties are compliant with the provisions of the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2019.
Separate to the local authorities' legal obligation to manage and maintain their own housing stock, my Department provides annual funding support for the implementation of a national Energy Efficiency Retrofitting Programme (EERP).
A breakdown of the funding provided and the output per local authority from 2013 to 2022 can be found on the Department website below:
www.gov.ie/en/publication/668c1-energy-efficiency-retrofitting-programme-expenditure-output/
The Programme for Government contains a commitment, led by the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, to ensure that 500,000 homes are retrofitted to a B2/Cost Optimal energy performance by 2030. In response to this commitment, my Department has undertaken the delivery of 36,500 retrofits by the local authority sector through the newly revised ten year EERP for local authority owned housing, launched in 2021. This extensive programme focuses on ensuring that the fabric of the home is upgraded and an energy efficient heating system is provided, namely a heat pump.
The selection of dwellings for inclusion in the EERP, and the retrofitting measures to be implemented in each home, is a matter for each individual local authority in their administration of the programme.
249. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of housing units that have been delivered under the long-term social housing leasing scheme in each of the years since 2018, by local authority, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5523/23]
View answerThe Social Housing Current Expenditure Programme (SHCEP) supports the delivery of social housing by providing financial support to local authorities for the leasing of houses and apartments.
Long term lease arrangements, including the enhanced lease, of privately owned dwellings can be entered into by either local authorities or Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs). Under these arrangements the local authority or AHB acts as the landlord to the tenant. The terms of these agreements are set out in standard template agreements provided by my Department which must be used by all local authorities and AHBs. Agreements may be entered into for periods of between 10 to 25 years in duration.
A breakdown by local authority of the total number of long-term leases delivered from 2018 to Q3 2022 can be found in Table 1 below:
Table 1 - Total number of long-term leases delivered by local authority from 2018 to Q3 2022:
|
LA |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
Q3 2022 |
Total |
|
Carlow |
2 |
4 |
26 |
30 |
5 |
67 |
|
Cavan |
11 |
2 |
0 |
6 |
4 |
23 |
|
Clare |
38 |
13 |
16 |
20 |
0 |
87 |
|
Cork City |
41 |
27 |
43 |
112 |
33 |
256 |
|
Cork County |
0 |
15 |
18 |
12 |
2 |
47 |
|
DLR |
1 |
82 |
4 |
93 |
3 |
183 |
|
Donegal |
11 |
38 |
3 |
38 |
0 |
90 |
|
Dublin City |
37 |
92 |
225 |
489 |
284 |
1,127 |
|
Fingal |
20 |
45 |
92 |
145 |
107 |
409 |
|
Galway City |
0 |
0 |
0 |
9 |
3 |
12 |
|
Galway County |
0 |
46 |
5 |
3 |
11 |
65 |
|
Kerry |
35 |
46 |
28 |
0 |
13 |
122 |
|
Kildare |
19 |
3 |
36 |
287 |
4 |
349 |
|
Kilkenny |
17 |
5 |
3 |
5 |
0 |
30 |
|
Laois |
0 |
0 |
5 |
7 |
4 |
16 |
|
Leitrim |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
Limerick |
44 |
30 |
36 |
71 |
10 |
191 |
|
Longford |
9 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
10 |
|
Louth |
4 |
15 |
5 |
63 |
11 |
98 |
|
Mayo |
0 |
0 |
1 |
4 |
22 |
27 |
|
Meath |
0 |
19 |
49 |
27 |
3 |
98 |
|
Monaghan |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Offaly |
0 |
3 |
10 |
4 |
6 |
23 |
|
Roscommon |
1 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
0 |
4 |
|
Sligo |
15 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
18 |
|
South Dublin |
18 |
35 |
100 |
158 |
38 |
349 |
|
Tipperary |
15 |
15 |
16 |
10 |
2 |
58 |
|
Waterford |
52 |
38 |
22 |
145 |
2 |
259 |
|
Westmeath |
2 |
10 |
3 |
26 |
7 |
48 |
|
Wexford |
14 |
35 |
18 |
25 |
0 |
92 |
|
Wicklow |
0 |
2 |
5 |
6 |
65 |
78 |
|
Total |
406 |
624 |
769 |
1,799 |
639 |
4,237 |
This data includes LA direct leasing, enhanced leasing, and AHB private leasing.
250. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of staff employed in each fire service delivery unit in each of the years since 2018, by grade and station, in tabular form. [5526/23]
View answerThe fire service is operated at local authority level by 27 Fire Services. There are 218 fire stations throughout the country and as of November 2022 there were 3,245 serving fire service personnel, of whom 1,206 are full-time and 2,039 are retained (on a 24 hour basis).
As the Local Authority/Fire Service is the direct employer, detail as to specific numbers of fire fighters in each authority/station would be a matter for them in the first instance. This information is not held by my Department.
251. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the Irish Embassies that are scheduled for refurbishment in 2023; the nature of these works; the timeframe for when these works will commence, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5289/23]
View answerThe goal of my Department’s Property Strategy 2022-25 is to deliver a network of high quality, safe, secure and sustainable workplaces to double Ireland’s global impact and influence to 2025 and beyond. That network comprises 101 diplomatic and consular missions around the world, of which 70 are Embassies.
Global Ireland: Ireland’s Global Footprint to 2025 is a strategy that envisages the most ambitious expansion of Ireland’s international presence and influence that will strengthen Ireland’s engagement with our global diaspora and service to our citizens. To date, implementation of this strategy includes the establishment of 17 new missions, of which 8 are Embassies and 9 are Consulates General, with the Government committed to open a further 9 new missions by the end of 2025.
When initially established the new missions operate from temporary premises. Planning is under way to establish new mission premises in Manila, Frankfurt, Rabat, Manchester, Toronto, Miami, Lyon, Tehran and Kyiv.
The upkeep of our 172 official premises overseas, of which 37 are State-owned and 140 are leased, requires constant review and investment in order to ensure that appropriate standards are maintained for staff and visitors, including meeting security and health & safety requirements. From time to time, this will require a mission to move to a new premises. For example, the embassies in Mexico and Ottawa are moving to new locations this year. Planning is also underway to develop new Ireland Houses in Shanghai, Chicago, Singapore and New York.
In accordance with the National Development Plan 2021-2030, the Department is at an advanced stage in awarding a contract to construct a new chancery building in Abuja inside the secure EU compound and construction began on a new Ireland House in Tokyo late last year, which is scheduled to be completed by 2025. In addition, preparatory assessments are underway on property options for the Embassies in Washington DC and London.
252. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will raise the case of a missing Irish citizen (details supplied) with the Spanish authorities; if he is aware that the family of this Irish citizen who disappeared 15 years ago in Spain are seeking to have this case upgraded to a murder investigation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5319/23]
View answerI appreciate that the circumstances of this case have been very difficult for the family.
The Department of Foreign Affairs has had significant engagement on this case in the years since the citizen's disappearance, including with the Spanish authorities.
As with all missing person cases, the responsibility for investigation lies with the relevant policing authority. The Embassy of Ireland in Madrid and An Garda Síochána have had close contact with the Spanish Police, who have advised that they stand ready to consider any new information which can assist in their investigations.
As with all consular cases, it would not be appropriate to comment on the specific details of the case.
Consular officials in my Department have been in touch with the family and will continue to provide consular support, where possible and as appropriate.
253. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide an update on the work of the cross-departmental international sanctions committee, CDISC, which is chaired by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5338/23]
View answerThe Cross-Departmental International Sanctions Committee (“CDISC”) monitors, reviews, and coordinates the implementation, administration and exchange of information on EU and UN sanctions in Ireland.
CDISC is chaired by the Department of Foreign Affairs and comprises officials from the various Departments and agencies that are responsible for Ireland's sanctions policy and domestic implementation. The members include the Departments of Agriculture; Enterprise, Trade & Employment; Environment, Climate & Communications; Finance; Justice; Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media; Taoiseach (National Security Analysis Centre) and Transport, as well as An Garda Síochána; the Central Bank of Ireland; the Financial Intelligence Unit; the Office of the Attorney General; and the Office of the Revenue Commissioners. Officials from other Departments and agencies join CDISC meetings on an ad hoc basis.
CDISC meets monthly. These meetings provide an opportunity for updates on new sanctions developments. They also provide a forum for CDISC members to coordinate and discuss solutions to implementation questions. Committee members lead on different areas of sanctions implementation (e.g., the Central Bank of Ireland leads on asset freezes, the Department of Justice on travel bans, and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, in conjunction with the Revenue Commissioners, on import and export controls).
Ireland recently undertook a review of the domestic implementation of sanctions to identify and address any gaps. This work continues, with a regular agenda item on monthly CDISC meetings to ensure continued progress in improving sanctions implementation in Ireland. In addition to the monthly meetings, smaller groups of CDISC members often meet for focused discussions on particular issues, reporting back to the wider Committee as appropriate.
In the past year, CDISC has been strongly focused on the development and implementation of EU sanctions introduced in response to Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine. These sanctions are the most extensive in the history of the EU and have required an unprecedented level of coordination both among EU Member States and at national level. The European Commission set up a “Freeze and Seize Task Force” in March 2022 to ensure harmonised implementation of sanctions on Russia among Member States. The Task Force and its four sub-groups are serviced by CDISC members, who in turn report to the Committee and discuss the positions Ireland takes on various proposals, where necessary. The volume and variety of sanctions imposed on Russia have resulted in a hugely increased workload for all EU Member States. As such, CDISC’s activity has increased considerably in the last year.
254. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5345/23]
View answerIreland has made clear its concerns on an ongoing basis about the overall human rights situation in Türkiye. It is an issue which I will continue to raise wherever the opportunity arises.
As a member of the Oireachtas delegation to its Parliamentary Assembly (PACE), the Deputy will be aware of the Council of Europe’s extensive engagement in this area. The Council of Europe Committee for the Prevention of Torture, in a 2019 report, stated that the restrictions imposed on Abdullah Ocalan in the prison on the island of Imrali, from the time of his arrest up to November 2009, including lengthy periods in solitary confinement, were not acceptable. This forms part of a wider deterioration of the Human Rights situation in Türkiye.
The EU has continually highlighted these issues through public statements, Council Conclusions, and the Commission’s Annual Reports, and has raised them bilaterally with Türkiye. The lack of progress, and indeed backward steps, in these areas has meant that Türkiye’s EU Accession negotiations have now effectively stalled.
As a candidate country for EU membership and long-standing member of the Council of Europe, there is a strong need for the Turkish authorities to follow-up on the recommendations of the European Commission and the Council of Europe and on the rulings of the European Court of Human Rights. Türkiye urgently needs to demonstrate concrete progress on the rule of law and fundamental freedoms which are a critical element in determining the overall state of EU-Turkish relations. Continued engagement with and by the EU will be vital for the sake of human rights and rule of law in Türkiye.
Ireland, alongside our European counterparts, will continue to monitor all aspects of the EU-Türkiye relationship, with a particular focus on Human Rights. We will continue to voice our concerns bilaterally and multilaterally wherever possible.
255. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the efforts he and his Department officials are making to resolve the jurisdiction conflict over Lough Foyle with the British Government; if he is aware that this unresolved conflict has led to a large and unregulated aquaculture sector along the Inishowen banks of the lough; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5466/23]
View answerThe UK Government assertion of jurisdiction over the whole of Lough Foyle has never been accepted by Ireland and this position remains unchanged.
In 2011 the then Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade agreed with the British Foreign Secretary that the British and Irish Governments would seek to resolve the jurisdictional issues relating to both Lough Foyle and Carlingford Lough.
Since 2011 there have been a number of meetings at official level between the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office. My Department has also consulted with other relevant Departments on specific issues and concerns relating to Lough Foyle. This includes the licensing of aquaculture in the Lough.
The issues involved in these discussions are complex and involve a range of different stakeholders and actors in both the UK and Ireland. Nevertheless, the Government remains committed to resolving the jurisdictional issues related to the Lough.
256. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the matters he discussed recently with other EU foreign affairs ministers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5204/23]
View answerThe 23 January Foreign Affairs Council on addressed a number of important issues, in particular the ongoing war in Ukraine, human rights violations in Iran, and the EU’s relationship with the Palestinian Authority. We took a number of decisions in relation to these issues and others.
The Council was addressed by Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, who updated us on Ukraine’s needs. The Council endorsed the provision of a seventh €500 million package of support for Ukraine under the European Peace Facility. As before, Ireland’s contribution of €11 million will go towards non-lethal elements. This will bring Ireland’s total contribution to Ukraine under the Facility to €77 million. We also agreed to continue coordination of our work on ensuring accountability for war crimes. We also agreed to support implementation of Ukraine’s ten step initiative for a just peace.
The Council met with the Palestinian Prime Minister to discuss how the EU could build its relationship with the Palestinian Authority at a critical moment. I reaffirmed our support for a two-state solution and the need to undertake action in support of it. I also underlined our full support for work towards an Association Agreement between the EU and the Palestinian Authority and recalled that Ireland is urging Israel not to impede upon the critical human rights, humanitarian and development work of Civil Society Organisations in the occupied Palestinian territory. Ministers agreed to set up an annual high-level political dialogue between the EU and the Palestinian Authority.
We discussed the repression of protestors in Iran, as well as the transfer of weaponry to Russia. The Council has responded to these unacceptable Iranian actions by adopting a fourth package of EU restrictive measures, sanctioning a further 18 individuals and 19 entities. We also discussed the issue of Iran’s practice of arbitrary detention of foreign citizens, including dual nationals.
Over the course of the Council, we also discussed the EU’s engagement in the Sahel and coastal countries of West Africa, established a civilian CSDP Mission in Armenia, exchanged on how the EU can contribute towards implementation of the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement in Ethiopia, and discussed the EU response to unacceptable actions by the Taliban in Afghanistan, amongst other issues.
257. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the current position with regard to investigations into the death of and injury to Irish soldiers in Lebanon in recent times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4390/23]
View answer267. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the extent to which investigations into the killing and wounding of Irish soldiers in Lebanon are progressing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5491/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 257 and 267 together.
On 14th December 2022, eight personnel from the 121st Infantry Battalion were involved in an incident resulting in the death of Private Seán Rooney and injuries suffered by a number of others, including Trooper Shane Kearney who suffered critical injuries.
This tragic event has brought home to all of us the fragility of peace in Lebanon and the tragedy that war and conflict can bring to so many innocent people.
In addition to a Defence Forces multi-disciplinary team investigation into the operational circumstances of the fatal incident, Private Rooney's death is also the subject of a number of parallel investigations, in particular the criminal investigation being carried out by the Lebanese authorities as well as the standard UNIFIL investigation that arises in relation to such situations. An Garda Síochána, pursuant to the provisions of the Coroners Act 1962 (as amended), are carrying out an investigation for the purposes of preparing report for the Coroner.
The House will appreciate that it is not appropriate for me to comment further in relation to any of these investigations at this time.
During my recent trip to Lebanon, I met with United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, Mr Jean-Pierre Lacroix, and he indicated to me that, upon completion of the investigation, Ireland will be informed of the findings, which is likely to be some time later in February.
I also met with the Lebanese Minister for Defence Mr Maurice Sleem, and the Minister for Foreign Affairs & Emigrants Dr Abdullah Bou Habib during by recent visit. I underlined to the Lebanese Ministers the need to ensure that the ongoing Lebanese investigation into Private Rooney's death, is as thorough as possible. I reiterated the Irish Government's determination that all of the facts and circumstances of the incident in which Private Rooney was killed are fully established and that those responsible are brought to justice.
While these investigations are underway, I don’t propose to speculate on the circumstances of the incident and nor would it be helpful for me to do so.
As I said when I was in Lebanon last week, the Government is absolutely determined that all of the facts and circumstances of the incident are fully established and that no stone will be left unturned to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
The tradition of UN Peacekeeping, in which we have participated for over 60 years, is about saving lives and ensuring others can enjoy the gift of peace. This is the ultimate sacrifice in the pursuit of that noblest of objectives – the pursuit of peace.
258. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of vacancies by rank in the Defence Forces school of music as of 23 January 2023; the timeframe within which each of these vacancies will be filled, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5288/23]
View answerThe military authorities have provided the following details in relation to the strength and vacancies in the Defence Forces School of Music, as at 23 January 2023:
|
Rank |
Lt Col |
Comdt |
Captain |
Lt |
CS |
CQ |
Sgt |
Cpl |
Pte |
|
Strength |
1 |
1 |
3 |
0 |
3 |
1 |
32 |
26 |
43 |
|
Vacancies |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
6 |
6 |
4 |
Vacancies will be filled in line with promotional arrangements and by recruitment. Such recruitment will be considered as required.
