Written Answers Nos. 252-265
254. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if domestic violence victims are prioritised for transfer in local authority housing; if so, the way in which they are prioritised; if other protocols are in place to assist those fleeing domestic violence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5632/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhere a victim of domestic violence applies for social housing support in their own right while still a joint tenant, it is a matter for the relevant local authority to address issues arising in relation to the joint tenancy agreement. Accordingly, the household may transfer out of their existing tenancy and into a new tenancy agreement with the local authority or they may access an independent tenancy in the private rented sector utilising the various housing supports offered by the State.
Where a victim of domestic violence presents to local authority overseen homeless services the authority should ensure the case is referred to a specialist domestic violence service so any care needs can be considered and addressed. Victims may have needs beyond what can be provided via local authorities by way of emergency accommodation, and specialist legal or medical assistance may be required. As an immediate and short term response, a local authority may provide short-term emergency housing to persons forced to leave their homes because of domestic violence, without having to assess their eligibility for social housing support.
My Department issued policy and procedural guidance to local authorities on the role they can play to assist victims of domestic violence. The guidance is also a useful reference for service providers, highlighting where they can be of greatest assistance to their clients, covering a range of scenarios that may arise for victims of domestic violence currently in receipt of social housing support and those seeking social housing supports.
255. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 396 of 2 November 2021, the progress made on the review of Part M guidelines (detailed supplied); the status of the review; if the public consultation has occurred; the level of engagement achieved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5674/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn December 2020, in support of Government policy on advancing the rights and inclusion of people with disabilities, I established a Working Group to examine the provision of a changing places toilet in certain buildings. The Working Group has now recommended the types and sizes of buildings where a changing places toilet should be required, along with the technical requirements (equipment, room size and layout) of a changing places toilet.
My Department is currently finalising preparations for the launch of a public consultation in the coming weeks which will seek submissions, observations and comments on a proposed amendment to the Building Regulations and associated Technical Guidance Document M – Access and Use to make provision for a changing places toilet in certain buildings.
256. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if local authorities are mandated to conduct surveys on wildlife, flora and fauna. [5735/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraLocal authorities may undertake surveys on wildlife of their own accord and from their own resources. Additionally, my Department's National Parks and Wildlife Service, since 2018, provides funding to local authorities through the Local Biodiversity Action Fund.
This grant scheme is open to all local authorities where there is a biodiversity officer, or a heritage officer, and is intended to support locally led biodiversity projects in their areas. Applications for funding under the scheme are a matter for the individual local authorities but may include wildlife survey work.
In 2021, I allocated an amount of €1.35 million to this scheme to assist local authorities in the vital work they do to support the implementation of the National Biodiversity Action Plan and to tackle invasive alien species. The Local Biodiversity Action Fund is now open to applications from local authorities with an increased budget of €1.5m for 2022.
257. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of wildlife surveys conducted in counties Longford and Westmeath in 2019, 2020 and 2021; and the basis of these surveys. [5736/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraDetails of the wildlife surveys undertaken by my Department in counties Longford and Westmeath, for each of 2019, 2020 and 2021 are contained in Table 1 below:
Table 1: Wildlife Surveys conducted by NPWS in counties Longford and Westmeath (2019, 2020 & 2021)
|
Year |
Survey |
Location |
Purpose |
|
2019 |
Countryside Bird Survey |
Nationwide (incl Longford & Westmeath) |
Conservation management purposes including Art 12 Reporting |
|
. |
Irish Wetland Bird Survey |
As above |
As above |
|
. |
Curlew Conservation Programme |
Core areas (Including Longford & Westmeath) |
As above |
|
. |
BSBI Aquatic Plants Project 2019 (part funded by NPWS) |
Nationwide (incl Longford & Westmeath) |
To improve aquatic plant identification skills and increase recording |
|
. |
National Bat Monitoring Programme – car transect surveys |
Nationwide (incl Longford & Westmeath) |
Habitats Directive Article 17 reporting |
|
. |
National Bat Monitoring Programme – Daubenton’s bat surveys |
As above |
As above |
|
. |
National Bat Monitoring Programme – brown long-eared roost surveys |
As above |
As above |
|
. |
National Hare Survey |
As above |
As above |
|
. |
National Squirrel and Pine Marten Survey |
As above |
As above (for Pine Marten) |
|
. |
Garriskil Bog SAC (Westmeath) - Marsh Fritillary monitoring transect |
Westmeath |
Monitoring survey as part of Living Bog LIFE Project |
|
. |
Scragh Bog SAC (Westmeath) – Habitat Survey |
Westmeath |
Fen monitoring survey as part of the pilot National Fen Survey |
|
. |
Lough Garr NHA (Westmeath) – Habitat Survey |
Westmeath |
As above |
|
. |
Lough Owel SAC (Westmeath) – Habitat Survey |
Westmeath |
As above |
|
. |
Marsh Fritillary National Monitoring Scheme (NBDC) |
Westmeath |
Carried out by NBDC for NPWS |
|
. |
Greenland White-fronted Goose Census |
Westmeath |
Undertaken by NPWS Regional Management |
|
. |
|||
|
2020 |
Countryside Bird Survey |
Nationwide (incl Longford & Westmeath) |
Conservation management purposes including Art 12 Reporting |
|
. |
Irish Wetland Bird Survey |
As above |
As above |
|
. |
National Survey of Breeding Common Scooter |
As above |
As above |
|
. |
Curlew Conservation Programme |
Core areas (incl Longford & Westmeath) |
As above |
|
. |
BSBI Aquatic Plants Project 2020 (part funded by NPWS) |
Nationwide (incl Longford & Westmeath) |
To improve aquatic plant identification skills and increase recording |
|
. |
National Bat Monitoring Programme – car transect surveys |
Nationwide (incl Longford & Westmeath) |
Habitats Directive Article 17 reporting |
|
. |
National Bat Monitoring Programme – Daubenton’s bat surveys |
As above |
Habitats Directive Article 17 reporting |
|
. |
National Bat Monitoring Programme – brown long-eared roost surveys |
As above |
Habitats Directive Article 17 reporting |
|
. |
Crosswood Bog SAC (Westmeath) - Cutover Bog habitat survey |
Westmeath |
To establish baseline conditions prior to implementation of restoration measures |
|
. |
Mount Hevey Bog SAC (Westmeath) - Cutover Bog habitat survey |
Westmeath |
To establish baseline conditions prior to implementation of restoration measures |
|
. |
Cloncrow Bog NHA (Westmeath) – High bog and cutover bog surveys |
Westmeath |
To establish baseline conditions prior to implementation of restoration measures |
|
. |
Garriskil Bog SAC (Westmeath) - Marsh Fritillary monitoring transect |
Westmeath |
Monitoring survey as part of Living Bog LIFE Project |
|
. |
Ardagullion Bog SAC (Longford) – High bog and cutover bog habitat surveys |
Longford |
Monitoring survey as part of Living Bog LIFE Project |
|
. |
National Rare Plant Monitoring Scheme (NBDC) |
Westmeath |
Carried out by NBDC for NPWS |
|
. |
Marsh Fritillary National Monitoring Scheme (NBDC) |
Westmeath |
As above |
|
. |
International Swan Census |
Westmeath |
Undertaken by NPWS Regional Management |
|
. |
International Whooper Swan Census 2020 |
Westmeath |
As above |
|
. |
|||
|
2021 |
Countryside Bird Survey |
Nationwide (incl Longford & Westmeath) |
Conservation management purposes including Art 12 Reporting |
|
. |
Irish Wetland Bird Survey |
As above |
As above |
|
. |
National Breeding Curlew Survey |
As above |
As above |
|
. |
Curlew Conservation Programme |
Core areas (incl Longford & Westmeath) |
As above |
|
. |
Woodland bat pilot survey |
Nationwide (incl Longford & Westmeath) |
Habitats Directive Article 17 reporting |
|
. |
National Bat Monitoring Programme – brown long-eared roost surveys |
As above |
As above |
|
. |
National Bat Monitoring Programme – Daubenton’s bat surveys |
As above |
As above |
|
. |
National Bat Monitoring Programme – car transect surveys |
As above |
As above |
|
. |
Carn Park Bog SAC (Westmeath) - Cutover Bog habitat survey |
Westmeath |
To establish baseline conditions prior to implementation of restoration measures |
|
. |
Miltownpass Bog NHA (Westmeath) - Cutover Bog habitat survey |
Westmeath |
As above |
|
. |
Carn Park Bog SAC (Westmeath) - Cutover Bog habitat survey |
Westmeath |
As above |
|
. |
Miltownpass Bog NHA (Westmeath) - Cutover Bog habitat survey |
Westmeath |
As above |
|
. |
Lough Forbes Complex SAC (Longford) - Cutover Bog habitat survey |
Longford |
As above |
|
. |
Garriskil Bog SAC (Westmeath) - High bog and cutover bog habitat surveys |
Westmeath |
Monitoring survey as part of Living Bog LIFE Project |
|
. |
National Rare Plant Monitoring Scheme (NBDC) |
Westmeath |
Carried out by NBDC for NPWS |
|
. |
Marsh Fritillary National Monitoring Scheme (NBDC) |
Westmeath |
As above |
|
. |
Greenland White-fronted Goose Census |
Westmeath |
Undertaken by NPWS Regional Management |
258. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will ensure that no person in the employment of a local authority will be transferred to a utility provider (details supplied) without their consent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5804/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Policy Paper on Water Sector Transformation (February, 2021) sets out clearly the approach planned by Government to proceed with the integration of public water services within the organisational structure of the utilily referred to in the question - Irish Water - and thereby deliver a publicly owned, stand-alone, regulated, national water utility tasked with modernising and transforming the delivery of water services in Ireland.
There are significant issues for the workforce to be addressed in integrating the day-to-day operation and delivery of water services within Irish Water. To resolve these, I asked the Workplace Relations Commission to engage with all parties aimed at reaching a collective agreement on a Framework for the future delivery of water services. In order to address the interests and concerns of each party to the transformation process, any such Framework must seek to accommodate:
a. The need to ensure Irish Water is given direct control of water services to provide for the safe and effective delivery of water services for citizens and to provide water services that meet the needs of a modern society and economy;
b. The union position that there is no forced transfer of the workforce; and
c. The need for local authorities to cease their involvement in public water services while also ensuring that they retain their capacity to continue to deliver on the full range of their vital statutory local government services and fulfil their social and economic development roles.
In the context of such a wider overarching agreement on water sector transformation, it is recognised that local authority staff who transfer to Irish Water would do so on a voluntary basis. Engagement at the WRC is ongoing at present. The Government believes it will be possible to reach a collective agreement which addresses the interests and concerns of all parties.
259. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when primary legislation will be introduced to underpin the enhanced defective concrete blocks grant scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5805/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI brought a Memorandum to Government on an enhanced Defective Concrete Blocks Grant Scheme on the 30 November 2021. It included an unprecedented suite of improvements to the current scheme. Government approved the enchanced scheme which it is estimated will cost approximately €2.2 billion. The comprehensive changes include:
- The current 90% maximum grant will be increased to a 100% grant for all remediation options 1-5.
- The maximum grant cap for option 1 (demolition and rebuild) will be increased from €247,500 to €420,000.
- The grant calculation methodology in respect of option 1 remediation will be based on a cost per square foot with grant costings to be set by my Department following receipt of information on up to date construction costs from the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI). An indicative rate of €145 per square foot for the first 1,000 sq foot with a sliding scale thereafter has been announced by my Department and this will be subject to review as required in line with construction cost changes. In the case of remediation options 2-5 a similar but necessarily different approach will be taken to inform the appropriate grant rate for blockwork removal and replacement following receipt of advice from SCSI. The SCSI will be completely independent in their engagement with my Department on construction costs.
- A revised application process will be introduced which will only require the homeowner to submit an initial ‘Building Condition Assessment’ at minimal cost recoupable on entry to the Scheme. The Housing Agency will take over testing, sampling and categorisation of homes on behalf of homeowners and local authorities and will thereafter recommend the appropriate remediation option and grant amount for each home.
- Alternative accommodation and storage costs are to be included, subject to a maximum of €20,000.
- In relation to works carried out under remediation options 2-5, a second grant option, will be available for such a home in the future if blockwork which was not removed as part of the initial remediation work subsequently proves defective in accordance with the IS;465 standard.
- A new independent appeals process will be introduced.
- €5,000 will be available for esssential immediate repair works recommended by a building professional as part of the Building Condition Assessment process.
- The Scheme will be extended beyond the current scope of Principal Private Residences only, to also cover Residential Tenancies Board registered rental properties, subject to the introduction of a clawback mechanism upon re-sale within a set time period depending on the remediation option used. Opportunities for the State to acquire such rental properties for social housing purposes will also be examined.
Full details in relation to the changes announced are available at the following link;
www.gov.ie/en/press-release/e365e-minister-obrien-announces-enhancements-to-the-defective-concrete-block-scheme/
I aim to bring the required primary legislation to give effect to the enhanced scheme before the Oireachtas as soon as possible with Spring 2022 being the indicative target timeline.
260. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress to date in the determination of an application for dual citizenship in the case of a person (details supplied); when the application will be finalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5775/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn order to apply for Foreign Birth Registration, applicants must complete a two step process.
Firstly, the applicant must complete an online form. Secondly, the applicant must print, sign and submit that form along with the supporting documentation that is required to the Department of Foreign Affairs or to their closest Irish Embassy if applying from overseas. The application cannot be registered by the Department until the second step is completed.
While this applicant completed the online form more than one year ago, the signed application form and supporting documentation were not received by the Department until 25 January 2022. It has been registered and is awaiting processing. All documentation received is being stored in a secure environment.
Due to the complex nature of the Foreign Birth Registration process, the large increase in applications received following the Brexit vote in the UK, and the pause in the Service due to necessary Covid-19 restrictions, applicants should allow approximately 2 years from the receipt of supporting documentation for processing of Foreign Birth Registration applications at this time.
My Department is fully committed to allocating additional resources over the coming period to assist with the processing of the high volume of new applications anticipated, and the 32,000 Foreign Birth Registration applications currently on hand.
261. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps he has taken to ensure that Irish citizens and their families in Ukraine are at all times safe and can avail of consular services; the steps he has taken to protect Ireland’s services there; and his plans to update advice in respect of Ukraine (details supplied). [5531/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is closely monitoring the situation in Ukraine, drawing on reports from our recently opened Embassy in Kyiv and our co-ordination with EU and other like-minded partners.
The Department of Foreign Affairs advises against all non-essential travel to Ukraine at this time. We continue to keep this advice under constant review so that citizens can make informed decisions on travel. It is up to each individual to carefully consider their travel plans and citizens are advised to monitor the Department’s Travel Advice, at www.dfa.ie/travel , as well as our social media pages for the latest information.
My Department has also been engaged in contingency planning for possible developments in relation to Ukraine, and preparations are being made accordingly.
At this stage, it is strongly recommended that Irish citizens travelling to or resident in Ukraine, including those travelling for the purposes of a commercial surrogacy, register with the Embassy of Ireland in Kyiv. This will allow our Embassy to provide them with consular assistance should the need arise. Anyone requiring consular assistance or support, can contact the Embassy of Ireland in Kyiv at any time.
There are no plans to withdraw or evacuate staff from the Embassy of Ireland in Kyiv at this time or to reduce the level of service provided to citizens. My Department will, of course, continue to monitor the security situation in the country in line with our procedures on ensuring the security and safety of Embassy personnel.
262. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to reports of migrants that are eligible for international protection and are seeking refuge in Europe being abandoned in the desert in the south east of Libya by the Libyan authorities without access to water; if he will make contact with the European Union authorities regarding the situation in Libya pertaining to asylum seekers; if he will support an end to the European Union funding of the Libyan state for interception of migrants given the human rights abuses that are well documented there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5532/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is aware of the reports referenced by the Deputy. Ireland is deeply concerned by the human rights abuses against civilians in Libya, including migrants and refugees. An important area of EU support to Libya remains migration management, including support to Libyan communities that host a particularly high number of migrants as well as to refugees and migrants themselves, and the protection of vulnerable groups. In strengthening the capacity of the relevant Libyan authorities, the focus of the EU is on training in Search and Rescue as well as in Human Rights.
In March 2022, the EU launched EUNAVFOR MED Operation IRINI to contribute primarily to the implementation of the UN arms embargo on Libya, however it also contributes to the disruption of the business model of human smuggling and trafficking networks through information gathering and patrolling by planes. Ireland currently has three Defence Forces personnel deployed in staff office posts at the Operational Headquarters (OHQ) of EUNAVFOR MED Operation IRINI in Rome. In addition, the European Union Integrated Border Management Assistance Mission in Libya (EUBAM Libya) was established in 2013. The protection and promotion of human rights is a central principle of EUBAM.
As well as support for migration and border management, important areas of EU assistance to Libya include protection of vulnerable populations; strengthening capacity for resilience; and recovery, stability and socio-economic development, including support to Libyan communities that host a particularly high number of people on the move as well as to refugees and migrants themselves. Key EU partners in Libya include UNHCR, the International Organisation for Migration and UNICEF.
Ireland condemns all human rights violations and abuses against refugees and migrants. At the 2019 Global Refugee Forum, Ireland undertook a number of pledges to help improve the situation of refugees and migrants, including yearly funding to the International Organisation for Migration, who are a key partner in the Libyan migrant response. We continue to work closely with our EU partners on issues related to migrants and asylum seekers in Libya and elsewhere, and to ensure that the lives, welfare and rights of migrants are protected.
263. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the circumstances surrounding an investment by a number of Irish citizens in a beach resort in Morocco; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that the developer having procured substantial deposits from Irish investors has never proceeded with the resort and has failed to refund investors in this project over the past 14 years; if his Department has had contact either with the UK or the Moroccan authorities on this matter; if he will arrange for the Irish Ambassador to liaise with his UK counterpart in terms of increasing diplomatic pressure on the Moroccan authorities to resolve this issue given that Moroccan courts have in recent times sanctioned the sale of the lands involved back to the bank on the premise of refunding investor deposits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5539/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is aware of the issue raised by the Deputy. Most recently, officials in the new Embassy of Ireland in Rabat have been in contact with a number of the affected Irish citizens. My officials will engage directly with the individuals concerned.
While I share the Deputy’s concern about this long-running matter and regret that a number of Irish citizens have found themselves in difficult situations relating to it, I must note that my Department cannot intervene directly in private legal or property contractual disputes. I have however asked our Ambassador in Rabat to make contact with the British Ambassador, as very many British citizens are also affected by this case, to urgently discuss if any appropriate assistance can be provided by either their Embassy or ours to our respective affected citizens.
264. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the expected start and completion dates for implementation of the new passport system in the passport office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5540/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere is an ongoing process of reform within the Passport Service. This process has already delivered a number of transformational improvements for citizens at home and abroad, in particular, the rollout of the Passport Online service. Passport Online can now be accessed by first time applicants, both children and adults, in Ireland, Northern Ireland, Great Britain, Europe, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the USA. All Irish citizens, including children, can use the online system to renew their passports from anywhere in the world. In 2021, approximately 90% of all applications were made online.
The next major reform underway is the replacement of the core technology underpinning the Passport Service. The current system, the Automated Passport System or APS, was launched in 2004 and will be replaced by a more modern, integrated system. An extensive procurement process, overseen by the Office of Government Procurement (OGP), concluded in April 2021 with the award to a consortium led by HID Global. The Passport Issuance and Processing System (PIPS) contract was signed in September 2021 and the project officially commenced in November 2021. This complex project is currently at an early stage and officials from my Department are actively working with the vendor to outline the high level design of the new system. Extensive detailed design, testing and phased implementation is to follow over the remainder of this year and much of 2023. It is intended that the new system will be substantially operational by the end of 2023.
This will ensure the Passport Service benefits from a standard, scalable and resilient technical platform, capable of handling increased application volumes, while maintaining the high standards of security that are a hallmark of the Irish Passport. The Passport Online Service will remain in place as the fastest, easiest and safest way for citizens to apply.
265. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Passport Office is presently unable to issue online applicants with the necessary links to forms they must complete to progress renewals and first-time applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5541/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Passport Online service offers Irish citizens the ability to apply online for their passport 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It is a user-friendly, efficient service that consistently offers processing times up to 4 times faster than paper-based passport renewal applications. Over 90% of all passport applications are received through Passport Online.
All Irish citizens, including children, can use the online system to renew their passports from anywhere in the world. Passport Online can also be accessed by first time applicants, irrespective of age in Ireland, Northern Ireland, Great Britain, Europe, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the USA.
The Passport Service regrets that Passport Online was experiencing some technical issues over the course of last week. During this time a small number of customers experienced difficulties with the links required to complete their online passport application. Despite this over 32,000 applications were submitted via Passport Online last week.
A scheduled system upgrade that has improved the responsiveness and efficiency of the system was completed on Friday, 28 January 2022. This upgrade has addressed the issues experienced by some customers. Since the upgrade was completed, Passport Online has been fully functional and operating smoothly.
Any customers who still require a link to complete the forms necessary to submit their application can use the following online portal to request their resubmission link - passportresubmissions.dfa.ie/resubmission/
