James Lawless
Ceist:43. Deputy James Lawless asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to expedite a passport application (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15516/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraPassport Services
Ceisteanna (43)
Freagraí scríofa
With regard to the specific applications about which the Deputy has enquired, these are paper applications which were received on 12 February 2024. The turnaround time for paper applications is 8 weeks. These applications are within the current turnaround times and have not yet reached their issue by date.
The 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. Passport Online is now available to 99.9% of all applicants across the world.
I would ask the Deputy to encourage his constituents to apply online for the quickest, cheapest and most efficient service.
Middle East
Ceisteanna (44)
Matt Carthy
Ceist:44. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will support the efforts of Palestine to secure full membership of the United Nations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15542/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Ireland is wholeheartedly supportive of Palestinian efforts to secure full membership of the United Nations.
On 2 April 2024, the Permanent Observer of the State of Palestine wrote a letter requesting that the Security Council give renewed consideration to Palestine’s application for UN membership as originally submitted in 2011.
Admission to UN membership is a substantive issue and therefore requires the agreement of at least nine of the Council’s 15 members and the veto applies. This follows a vote in November 2012 in the UN General Assembly during which members were asked to support or reject a resolution to accord Palestine ‘Non-member Observer State’ status at the UN. Ireland voted in favour of this resolution in 2012.
The Government is clear that the way to achieve lasting peace and stability in the region is through implementation of a two-State solution, with Israeli and Palestinian states living side-by-side, in peace and security.
Humanitarian Aid
Ceisteanna (45)
Pearse Doherty
Ceist:45. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his assessment of the deteriorating situation in Haiti and if he will support the humanitarian efforts in Haiti through both the Irish Aid programme and pooled funds such as the UN Central Emergency Response Fund. [15544/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The ongoing security crisis in Haiti, and its impact on human rights together with the deteriorating humanitarian situation, is extremely concerning.
I echo the support expressed by the UN Secretary General for the establishment of a Transitional Council for Haiti, in line with the 11 March agreement brokered by the Caribbean Community. A Haitian-led political process will help address this multifaceted problem. The next step is for the Transitional Council to nominate an interim Prime Minister and Cabinet, which in turn would help define a pathway to free and fair elections. Swift deployment of a multinational security support mission, as requested by the Haitian government, remains essential. Ireland supported the establishment of such a mission during the final months of our term on the UN Security Council.
Last month's Foreign Affairs Council and European Council both expressed the EU's concern at the deteriorating situation in Haiti, in particular the impact on the people of Haiti. This concern was also manifest in the EU’s Item 4 statement at the 2 April session of the Human Rights Council.
My Department, through the Irish Aid programme, provided over €2.8m in humanitarian and civil society funding to Haiti in 2023. This was in addition to the Irish Aid contribution to pooled funds such as the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), which allocated over $US26 million to Haiti in 2023. Ireland provided €14.5 million to the CERF last year. On 4 April, the CERF announced an allocation of $US12 million to support people impacted by the violence in Haiti. This allocation will go towards providing food, water, protection, healthcare, sanitation and hygiene support to displaced people and host communities.
Haiti is the main recipient of EU humanitarian assistance in Latin America and the Caribbean, with at least €470.5 million allocated since 1994 and €20 million in humanitarian assistance allocated in response to the current crisis. In addition, €120 million has been allocated for EU development funding to Haiti for the period 2021-24.
Official Engagements
Ceisteanna (46)
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:46. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has met formally with the Malaysian Ambassador to Ireland to date in 2024. [15565/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Ireland and Malaysia enjoy positive diplomatic relations, supported by resident Embassies in each other’s countries. The Ambassador of Malaysia to Ireland presented credentials to President Higgins in November 2023. Although I have not met the Ambassador so far in 2024, my officials have excellent ongoing engagement with the Ambassador and his team.
As set out in the Government’s Asia Pacific Strategy, we are committed to strengthening and deepening Ireland’s relations with the countries of South East Asia. I engage regularly with officials in my Department with responsibility for bilateral relations, and I am briefed on developments in Malaysia, and in the South East Asia region more broadly, when necessary.
Cooperation between Ireland and Malaysia continues to grow, particularly in the areas of education, trade, investment and tourism. Ireland has long-standing people-to-people links with Malaysia, including an active Irish community, and it is estimated that approximately 1,000 Malaysian students are studying in Irish institutions. Two-way trade in goods reached over €2 billion in 2023 and trade in services was €2.5 billion in 2022.
I look forward to continued engagement with Malaysia over the coming period.
Telecommunications Services
Ceisteanna (47)
Seán Haughey
Ceist:47. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has engaged with ComReg regarding the need to introduce additional retail price regulations in respect of electronic communications service providers in order to better protect consumers who are the subject of price increases on their contracts; if he is aware of complaints about alleged price gouging by mobile and broadband providers; if he is considering introducing legislation to deal with this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15582/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The pricing levels set by telecommunication services providers, including for mobile phone and broadband services, is a matter for those relevant service providers operating in a fully liberalised market regulated by the Commission for Communication Regulation (ComReg). ComReg is statutorily independent in the exercise of its functions in accordance with Section 11 of the 2002 Act and is directly accountable for the performance of its functions to Committees of the Oireachtas in accordance with Section 34(2) of the same Act.
I am aware that a number of providers of broadband, mobile and television services have increased their prices for existing customers recently. The use of price-adjustment clauses by most (but not all) providers of mobile and broadband services has, in recent years, become more common in Ireland. These clauses generally operate by providing for annual automatic price increases during the lifetime of the contract.
In 2015, the European Court of Justice ruled that an increase in telecommunications charges in accordance with a consumer price index (CPI) does not allow subscribers to withdraw from their contract.
My officials are currently assessing the use of these clauses and are engaging with the regulator and other relevant stakeholders. Officials are examining possible options and will be guided by legal advice, but any proposal to legislate to prevent retail providers from offering variable priced contracts – based on the CPI – would require careful consideration.
Defective Building Materials
Ceisteanna (48)
Alan Dillon
Ceist:48. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to provide an update on the DCB scheme, specifically regarding the reimbursement of costs associated with SEAI; when is the proposal expected to be presented to Cabinet as homeowners affected by mica and pyrite are seeking clarity on the Government's timelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15637/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Homeowners eligible for works under the Defective Concrete Blocks (DCB) scheme may apply for energy upgrade grants administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). Homeowners’ whose applications comply with the existing SEAI Scheme criteria and guidelines can access SEAI grants in line with the usual application processes that apply. Further information in that regard is available at Home Energy Upgrades | Home Energy | SEAI.
My Department and SEAI are aware however of the particular issues arising for DCB homeowners that do not currently comply with the SEAI scheme terms and conditions. Examples of such situations include homeowners that previously received SEAI grant support to upgrade a home which now needs to be demolished due to defective concrete block and wish to avail of further SEAI grant supports for their new home.
The Department is working with SEAI to develop an approach to address these matters. The Department is actively engaging with SEAI in relation to the proposals which are expected to be finalised in the coming weeks.
SEAI continues to engage directly with impacted homeowners on a case by case basis to discuss their particular circumstances. A specific page on the SEAI website provides further information for DCB affected homeowners (Defective Concrete Blocks Affected Homeowners | Individual Energy Upgrades | SEAI). Homeowners can also contact the SEAI at a dedicated DCB phone number 01-8082004 or by email at dcb@seai.ie.
Defence Forces
Ceisteanna (49)
Patrick Costello
Ceist:49. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will outline, in light of the news that former members of the Defence Forces, operating as a company (details supplied) are training private militias, what actions are being taken by his Department to prevent such a situation reoccurring in future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15715/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Recent press reports regarding the training of members of the Libyan National Army by an Irish-based company and the possibility that such activity is in breach of UN sanctions or EU restrictive measures, are deeply shocking and cause reputational damage to Ireland and our Defence Forces.
No Irish citizen should knowingly be involved in activities that breach these sanctions, least of all former members of the Irish Defence Forces.
In response to these shocking reports, I have spoken with the Chief of Staff to outline my deep concern at the matters alleged, all of which need to be examined further.
On the basis of the information received and given the potential for a breach of UN sanctions or EU restrictive measures, my Department referred these activities to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, which is the competent authority in relation to breaches of trade sanctions. I understand that, having examined the allegations, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment has referred the matter to An Garda Síochána.
In addition, I have asked my officials to give consideration to the need for further legislation to strengthen the safeguards in relation to the activities of both serving and former members of the Defence Forces in regions covered by UN or EU sanctions.
Fines Administration
Ceisteanna (50)
Claire Kerrane
Ceist:50. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider making changes to payment methods for those issued with speeding fines in Ireland but live in a foreign country, including provision of an online payment option; if he will reassess the 56-day limit to allow for postage and potential errors on forms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15519/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The administration of speeding offences, including payment methods for same, is a matter for An Garda Síochána and accordingly, falls under the remit of the Minister for Justice.
Flood Relief Schemes
Ceisteanna (51)
Willie O'Dea
Ceist:51. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Transport when funding will be provided for the proposed flood relief scheme at Ballycar on the Limerick to Ennis railway line, where flooding has occurred on a number of occasions in recent years, including recently, resulting in the closure once again of the rail line. [15520/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy may be aware I previously met with my colleague the Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, Patrick O’Donovan, to discuss the complex issues in relation to flooding in the Ballycar area. At this meeting the OPW Chair advised he would reconvene the steering group behind a December 2020 Report on Ballycar to continue discussions.
The steering group in question includes Iarnród Éireann, the OPW, Clare County Council and the Geological Survey Ireland. Officials from my Department will engage with the OPW on reconvening the group with a view to progressing the matter.
Road Tolls
Ceisteanna (52)
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:52. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the plans, if any, that TII has in respect of an advertisement campaign on both social media and national radio reminding drivers to ensure that they pay their tolls before 8 p.m. the following day in order to avoid other fines and penalties that may issue. [15546/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the operation and maintenance of individual national roads, including tolling, is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
Bus Services
Ceisteanna (53)
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:53. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the progression made by NTA regarding the installation of a bus shelter at a location (details supplied); and when these works will commence at this location. [15547/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the provision of bus stops/shelters nationally.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
Public Transport
Ceisteanna (54)
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:54. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the number of Revenue protection officers within Iarnród Eireann; and the amount collected in 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024 in respect of fares recovered and fines. [15548/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.
The number of revenue protection officers; and amount of fares recovered and fines from 2019 to date, by year, are operational matters for Iarnród Éireann.
I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's questions to Iarnród Éireann for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
Rights of Way
Ceisteanna (55)
Brendan Griffin
Ceist:55. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport if permission is required from a local authority to close a public right of way linking two public roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15661/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
A public road is a public right of way and each local authority is the statutory road authority responsible for public roads within its administrative area. The following provisions referencing public rights of way are included in the Roads Act 1993, as amended:
Section 11 sets out procedures whereby road authorities can declare a road, over which a public right of way exists, a public road and the road authority then becomes responsible for its maintenance;
Section 12 sets out the procedures to be followed where a road authority proposes to abandon a public road. The Section specifies that the abandonment of a public road shall not affect any public right of way over such a road and that a road authority shall not do anything to interfere with such right of way save as is provided for in law.
Section 73 sets out procedures to be followed where a local authority proposes to extinguish a public right of way (for the purposes of the Section "a local authority" means a road authority when the right of way in question is over a public road and otherwise a planning authority). Where a public right of way is extinguished by a road authority it will no longer be responsible for the maintenance of the road.
Subsection 73(11) states that it shall be a function of a local authority to protect the right of the public to use public rights of way in its administrative area.
Fuel Prices
Ceisteanna (56)
Danny Healy-Rae
Ceist:56. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Finance if consideration will be given to the recent fuel price increase and future planned increases in the cost of petrol and diesel, and the impact this will have on motorists and businesses. [15419/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
At the outset, the Deputies should note that both I and the Government are conscious of the implications of fuel costs for all sectors of society.
This is reflected in the fact that in 2022 in light of the acute impact rising prices were having on households and business, the Government provided for excise rate reductions in the order of 21, 16 and 5.4 cent per litre on petrol, auto diesel and Marked Gas Oil (MGO) respectively. These temporary reductions were due to end initially on 31 August 2022 but following review and monitoring of fuel prices they were extended until February 2023 with a phased restoration beginning in June 2023, followed by a second restoration in September 2023. A final restoration of excise rates was due to take place on 31 October 2023 but in Budget 2024, I provided for a further extension until 31 March 2024 with a phased restoration occurring in two stages: on 1 April 2024 and 1 August 2024.
The first stage of this final restoration of Mineral Oil Tax rate increases came into effect on 1 April 2024. Inclusive of VAT the Mineral Oil Tax rates on petrol, auto-diesel, and marked gas oil increased by 4, 3 and 1.7 cents per litre respectively. The amounts due as part of the final restoration scheduled for 1 August 2024 are similar in size , i.e. 4, 3 and 1.7 cents per litre respectively.
In addition to rate increases related to reversing the 2022 Mineral Oil Tax cuts, increases to the carbon component rates of Mineral Oil Tax on marked gas oil are legislated to come into effect on 1 May 2024 when the amount charged per tonne of carbon dioxide emissions from non-auto fuels increases from €48.50 to €56.00. This increase, inclusive of VAT, will add 2.3 cents per litre to marked gas oil.
Increases to carbon component rates of Mineral Oil Tax on petrol and auto-diesel are legislated to come into effect on 9 October 2024 when the amount charged per tonne of carbon dioxide emissions increases from €56 to €63.50. The 9 October 2024 rate increases will add, inclusive of VAT, 2 cents per litre to petrol and 2.5 cents per litre to auto-diesel.
While I recognise that households and business continue to face challenges, the Government must strike the appropriate balance between providing support and avoiding fuelling cyclical inflationary trends.
A number of factors affect the final retail price of fuels including energy market dynamics, wholesale pricing, individual retail pricing policy, transport costs, exchange rate fluctuations and taxation. While taxation affects the final retail price, amendments to tax rates cannot fully absorb price shocks given the larger impacts of energy markets, embedded costs as well as pricing policy at wholesale and retail level. The Government has provided relief to consumers and businesses since 2022 through a number of support measures including temporary reductions in excise. However, these measures were introduced as temporary support measures and involve an ongoing cost to the exchequer while they are retained.
Finally, Deputy should note that I will continue to monitor and review the position in the coming months in the context of the final phase of excise rate restorations due to take place in August 2024.
Departmental Schemes
Ceisteanna (57)
Paul Murphy
Ceist:57. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Finance if he will ensure that a response is provided to an email in relation to the disabled drivers scheme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15540/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My officials have been in contact with the individual in question many times, through written and telephone correspondence.
They have advised the individual that the Department and I share concerns that the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme (DDS) is no longer fit-for-purpose. The Government is considering proposals to replace the DDS.
They have also advised the individual that the Department of Finance has oversight of the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme only. I do not have responsibility for disability policy. It will be a matter for Government to decide on any new scheme to replace the DDS.
The final report of the National Disability and Inclusion Strategy Transport Working Group's review of mobility and transport supports including the DDS, endorsed proposals for a modern, fit-for-purpose vehicle adaptation scheme in line with international best practice that would replace the DDS.
The Working Group was chaired by Minister Anne Rabbitte and led by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY).
Access to transport for people with disabilities is a multifaceted issue that involves work carried out by multiple Government departments and agencies. Under the aegis of the Department of Taoiseach officials from relevant Departments and agencies are meeting to discuss the issues arising from the NDIS report and to map a way forward.
Department of Finance officials are proactively engaging with this Senior Officials Group's work as an important step in considering ways to replace the DDS, as one specific personal transport response, in the context of broader Government consideration of holistic, multifaceted and integrated transport and mobility supports for those with a disability. Four meetings of the group have been held, in July, November, December 2023; and March 2024.
The Department of Finance submitted a note to the group with my approval in mid-January 2024. This note outlines a proposal for a replacement scheme for the DDS which would be a needs-based, grant-led approach for necessary vehicle adaptations that could serve to improve the functional mobility of the individual. This proposal is in line with what the National Disability Inclusion Strategy Transport Working Group Report endorsed. The note was considered at the March 2024 meeting.
In that context, any further changes to the existing DDS would run counter to NDIS proposals to entirely replace the scheme with a modern, fit-for-purpose vehicular adaptation scheme.
It also important to note that I have no role in relation to the granting or refusal of PMCs and the HSE and the Medical Board of Appeal must be independent in their clinical determinations.
Departmental Data
Ceisteanna (58)
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:58. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the names of external security/steward companies currently on the Office of Government Procurement Muti-Supplier Framework for the provision of Security/Steward Services for Public Bodies. [15564/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Office of Government Procurement has a multi-supplier Framework for the Provision of Security Services. The arrangement's scope does not provide for steward services. There are twenty two (22) service providers appointed to the arrangement, listed below.
- Ailesbury Services
- Bidvest (ROI) Noonan
- Blackberry Computing Ltd t/a Goldeneye Security
- Cairborne Trading Ltd t/a Secure-All Security
- G4S Secure Solutions (Ire) Ltd.
- ICTS (IRELAND) LTD
- Kennedy Security and Consultancy Limited
- Key Guard Security
- Manguard Plus Limited
- Maps Security Limited T/A 1Plus Security Limited
- Momentum Property Support Services Limited
- Newtown Business Support services limited T/A Outsource Support Services
- OCS One Complete Solution Limited (OCS Ireland)
- Securitas Security Services Ireland Limited
- Securway at Risk t/a SAR Group
- Sharp Alarms Ltd t/a Sharp Group Fire and Security Services
- SRMI Risk Management Ltd (Sentinel Risk)
- S-Security Group Ltd
- Synergy Security Solutions
- The Grosvenor Cleaning Services Limited T/A Grosvenor Services
- Top Security Limited
- Watch It Security Services (Monaghan) Limited
Departmental Expenditure
Ceisteanna (59)
Chris Andrews
Ceist:59. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the total cost of the development of the National Children's Science Centre at Earlsfort Terrace, Dublin 2; and which Department will be providing the funding for this centre. [15711/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am advised by the Office of Public Works that the conditions attached to the An Bord Pleanála planning decision are currently being reviewed. Arising from this review, the programme and costings will be updated.
State Bodies
Ceisteanna (60)
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:60. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of site visits hosted by the IDA in County Kildare in 2023 and for the first two months of 2024. [15560/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Regional development is a key element of Government's enterprise policy, as set out in the White Paper on Enterprise and is the key focus of my Department's work on developing and implementing Regional Enterprise Plans. Moreover, IDA Ireland is also committed to the pursuit of balanced, compact regional development and is targeting that at least half of all investments - that is 400 of 800 - from 2021 to 2024 to regional locations and to maintain the same high level of investment as targeted in IDA’s previous strategy for each region of the country.
IDA Ireland results for 2023 showed that total employment in IDA client companies in Ireland stands at 300,583, holding above 300,000 jobs for the second consecutive year. Of 248 investments in 2023, 132, 54%, went to regional locations.
The Mid-East Region comprises counties Kildare, Louth, Meath and Wicklow. There are 113 IDA client companies in the Mid-East Region, employing 21,861 people. 39 of these are located in Kildare employing 12,174 people. In this regard, the Mid-East has a significant ecosystem of well-established companies across Technology, Life Sciences, International Financial Services and Engineering and Industrial Technologies as well as significant investment in the Food and the Film sub-sectors. Counties in the Mid-East also benefit from direct and indirect employment generated by IDA client companies located in Dublin.
Investment by IDA Ireland through its property programme aims to ensure the supply of land, buildings and infrastructure in regional locations as required by current and prospective clients to remain competitive in attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to the regions including the Mid-East. IDA Ireland continues to engage with new and existing companies on promoting Ireland as a location for their business and the Agency will continue to promote Kildare for virtual and in-person site visits to prospective companies throughout 2024 and beyond. Over 2023 there were 4 site visits to Kildare, all of which were in-person. Figures for Q1 2024 are currently being verified and will be available later this month.
Employment Rights
Ceisteanna (61)
Louise O'Reilly
Ceist:61. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if a second pay increase will be commenced under the Employment Regulation Order for workers in the security sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15666/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
On 25 August 2023, I signed the Employment Regulation Order for the Security Sector which came into force on 4 September 2023. The ERO provided for a wage increase to €12.90 per hour from that date. The full details of the ERO are available here: enterprise.gov.ie/en/legislation/legislation-files/si-no-424-of-2023-employment-regulation-order-security-industry-joint-labour-committee-2023.pdf
I have not to date received a proposal from the Labour Court in relation to any other ERO for the Security Sector.
Joint Labour Committees (JLCs) are independent in their functions. If a JLC adopts proposals for an ERO for a sector, it will submit them to the Labour Court for consideration. The Labour Court will then make a decision on the adoption of the proposals. If the Court decides to adopt the proposals, a copy is presented to me and, if I consider it appropriate to do so, I will make an ERO giving effect to the proposals.
Health and Safety
Ceisteanna (62)
Louise O'Reilly
Ceist:62. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he is aware of health and safety issues in the fishing sector (details supplied); the steps he is taking to ensure that the health and safety of fishers is prioritised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15687/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
There is a comprehensive suite of occupational safety and health legislation in place in Ireland designed to protect the health and safety of workers and to mitigate against work related injuries, ill-health and fatalities.
Under the Safety Health and Welfare at Work Act, 2005 employers have an obligation to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the safety, health and welfare of employees at work. Employers have a duty to undertake a risk assessment to identify the hazards in the workplace and to put in place appropriate controls to protect employees.
In relation to the regulation of occupational safety and health in the Fishing Sector, the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) and the Irish Maritime Administration (IMA) enforce the Irish legislation with regard to safety and health on board fishing vessels. In general, the HSA enforce occupational health and safety legislation whilst the IMA enforce maritime safety legislation.
The purpose of occupational health and safety law is to reduce the number of workplace deaths, injury and ill-health at work, the vast majority of which can be prevented by adequate risk assessment, established safety procedures, following published guidance, and taking safety precautions.
The specific occupational health and safety legislation enforced by the HSA and applicable to the fishing sector includes:
- The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005
- The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Applications) Regulations 2007 to 2023
- The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Fishing Vessels) Regulations 1999
To help workers in the management of fishing safety, the HSA has a published guidance titled Managing Health and Safety in Fishing which is available free of charge on its website at hsa.ie. This guidance was developed by the HSA in consultation with a wide range of industry stakeholders as listed within the document.
The Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing unit within the Occupational Health Division at the HSA regulate the sector, enforce compliance with the regulations and provide advice to the sector.
Specific complaints can be made directly to the Health and Safety Authority using the online complaints form on the HSA’s website at www.hsa.ie/eng/customer_service/make_a_complaint/
All complaints about workplace safety, health and welfare issues are important and treated confidentially. Complaints will initially be reviewed to assess the most appropriate course of action.
All relevant Regulations are updated, as necessary, on a regular basis to ensure the highest standards regarding safety at work are maintained and in accordance with EU Directives as appropriate.
Any employer or employee with a query or concern about workplace safety should contact the HSA at contactus@hsa.ie or by LoCall 0818 289 389.
Separately, I would highlight that the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) provides a free information service for anyone seeking to obtain information about their employment rights and how to pursue them at Tel: 0818 808090. Further information is available on the WRC’s website www.workplacerelations.ie.