Below are replies by An Taoiseach and the Minister for Foreign Affairs to Parliamentary Questions I tabled in Dáil Éireann regarding the need to implement the New Decade, New Approach Agreement.

Reports in British Newspapers today in relation to the possible introduction of an amnesty for people who committed very serious crimes is very disturbing and breaches the Stormont House Agreement.

Again no consideration for the victims and this is not acceptable.

ENDS 6/05/2021

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For Written Answer on : 22/04/2021
Question Number(s): 67 Question Reference(s): 21029/21
Department: Foreign Affairs
Asked by: Brendan Smith T.D.
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QUESTION

To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his plans to strengthen North-South and British-Irish political institutions following the commitments made in the New Decade, New Approach agreement and following Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

REPLY

It is vital that we continue to work closely on a North/South and East-West basis in support of the power-sharing institutions in Northern Ireland and the full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement and successor agreements.

North/South cooperation is a central part of the Good Friday Agreement and will remain a core priority for the Government. We welcome that meetings of the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) resumed last year.  Regular Ministerial meetings are now taking place across the Council’s twelve policy sectors, advancing areas of practical cooperation to our mutual benefit. The most recent plenary meeting of the NSMC took place 18 December 2020.

We are engaging within the NSMC to find new ways of working in the areas where the underlying EU law no longer applies in Northern Ireland. We are committed to this work, and will be taking it forward with urgency.

In implementing the Protocol, the conditions necessary for continued North South Cooperation will be maintained in a range of areas.  The Protocol also recognises that new arrangements building on the Good Friday Agreement, and other areas of North South cooperation, can continue to be made on the island of Ireland.

The Government commitments that were made at the time of the NDNA are focused on working with the Executive through the North South Ministerial Council to deliver projects that benefit people across the island. The first implementation review meeting took place in January of this year. We reaffirmed our shared commitment to the implementation of the NDNA and it is hoped that a second meeting will take place in the period ahead.

The Shared Island Initiative and Shared Island Fund are also very important new dimensions of our work here, with a focus on how we can work together, North and South, to meet major strategic challenges and further develop our shared island economy.

In terms of East-West cooperation, we look forward to enhanced roles for the British Irish Council and British Irish Intergovernmental Conference (BIIGC), as set out in the Programme for Government.

During last week’s programme of bilateral engagements in London, I reaffirmed the importance of the role of the BIIGC, and my officials are now engaging with the British Government with a view to setting an early date in the period ahead for its next meeting.  I joined the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste at the British Irish Council Summit last autumn which was hosted by Scotland, and I look forward to the next Summit meeting to be hosted by Northern Ireland in June.  

We are also taking new steps to strengthen the East-West relationship in the post-Brexit context. We are implementing joint action plans with the devolved administrations in Wales and Scotland, and will open a Consulate General for the North of England in July.

We will continue to engage intensively with the British Government and all parties in Northern Ireland, as we work in support of the full implementation of the New Decade, New Approach agreement.

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For Written Answer on : 01/04/2021
Question Number(s): 193 Question Reference(s): 18049/21
Department: Foreign Affairs
Asked by: Brendan Smith T.D.
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QUESTION

To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress to date in implementing New Decade, New Approach; if he has had any recent discussions with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and with members of the Northern Ireland Executive in relation to outstanding issues pertaining to the agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

REPLY

The New Decade, New Approach  (NDNA) agreement was a significant shared achievement by the parties in Northern Ireland together with the two Governments, and its full implementation is a key priority for the Irish Government.

The important work of the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) has resumed, to develop cooperation on an all-island basis. Two successful NSMC plenary meetings have now taken place, as well as the full range of Sectoral meetings at Ministerial level, and progress continues across the breadth of North-South areas of cooperation.

The Irish Government commitments that were made at the time of the NDNA are focused on working with the Executive through the North South Ministerial Council to deliver projects that benefit people across the island, including greater connectivity between North and South; investing in the North West region and in border communities; supporting the Irish language in Northern Ireland; and supporting reconciliation as an integral part of the Peace Process.

As part of the NDNA, it was also agreed that there would be regular review meetings involving the two Governments at Ministerial level and the parties to monitor progress on its implementation, and the delivery of commitments by each Government.  On Monday 11 January, I participated by video-conference in the first Implementation Review Meeting alongside the First Minister, deputy First Minister, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and party leaders in Northern Ireland.

During that meeting, we discussed the progress that has been made over the past year on the implementation of our respective commitments, and the shared challenges we face in the context of both the Covid-19 pandemic and Brexit. We reaffirmed our collective commitment to the ongoing implementation of the NDNA. It is hoped that we can arrange a second implementation review meeting in the period ahead.

I will continue to engage closely with the Secretary of State, and the Executive, as we work in support of the full implementation of the New Decade, New Approach agreement.

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For Oral (Taois.) Answer on : 31/03/2021
Question Number(s): *39 Question Reference(s): 13244/21
Department: Taoiseach
Asked by: Brendan Smith T.D.
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QUESTION

QUESTION NO:  *39
To ask the Taoiseach the arrangements to have further discussions with the UK Prime Minister and members of the Northern Ireland Executive on the need to implement the New Decade, New Approach in full.

REPLY

The New Decade, New Approach Agreement reached in January 2020 was a very significant shared achievement, for the British and Irish governments and for the political parties in Northern Ireland  in restoring the power-sharing institutions of the Good Friday Agreement to operation.  

The New Decade New Approach agreement sets out priorities on health, education, infrastructure, welfare, language and culture and aims to address the issues that are of importance to the people in Northern Ireland.

For our part, the Government published a series of commitments, at the time of NDNA, focused on working with the Executive through the North South Ministerial Council to deliver projects that benefit people across the island, including greater connectivity between North and South; investing in the North West region and in border communities; supporting the Irish language in Northern Ireland; and supporting reconciliation as an integral part of the Peace Process.

The second plenary of the North South Ministerial Council took place on 18 December, and progress is underway with respect to these commitments that come under its remit – we look forward to this progress being continued and seeing these commitments implemented in full.

In January, the first Implementation Review meeting of the NDNA took place virtually, attended by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Secretary of State, the First and deputy First Ministers and the leaders of the parties in the Executive. All the participants reaffirmed their shared commitment to the ongoing implementation of the New Decade, New Approach agreement.

The Government continues to work with the UK Government, with the Northern Ireland Executive and through the North South Ministerial Council to ensure that the New Decade, New Approach  agreement is implemented in full.

“I am glad that the Minister for Health has approved the proposal by the HSE for a walk-in self referral covid-19 Testing Centre in Cavan Town.

This Centre, to be located at the Swimming Pool and Leisure Complex, Drumalee, Cavan Town will be open from this Friday, 7^th May until Monday, 10^th May from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

You can get a free covid-19 test at a walk in Test Centre if you do not have symptoms. You do not need an appointment or a referral from a GP.

A person will need to bring photo ID and provide a mobile phone number in order to provide test results.

IF YOU HAVE SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19 DO NOT GO TO A WALK-IN CENTRE. SELF ISOLATE AND PHONE A GP STRAIGHT AWAY”, stated Brendan Smith TD.

5^th May 2021

HSE Media Release

HSE COVID-19 ‘Walk-in’ Test Centre to open in Cavan Town

A ‘walk-in, no appointment necessary’ COVID-19 test centre for people with no symptoms will open at Cavan Swimming Pool & Leisure Centre, Drumalee, Cavan, Co. Cavan (Eircode: H12 Y9W4) on Friday (May 7) for four days.

The free service is located at a central and accessible location in the town, and will operate from 11am to 7pm daily, from Friday May 7 to Monday May 10 inclusive.

The HSE’s Department of Public Health North East and Community Healthcare Organisation (CHO) Area 1 are working with the National Ambulance Service to identity asymptomatic cases of COVID-19 and reduce further transmission in the community.

The temporary walk-in test centre will allow people, who don’t have symptoms of COVID-19, to get a free COVID-19 test.We urge members of the public who have symptoms of COVID-19 to consult with their GP to arrange a COVID-19 test, and to not avail of the walk-in facility. Anyone who has already scheduled a COVID-19 test is asked not to attend the walk-in centre.

You should use this free, walk-in COVID-19 testing service if you:
• are aged 16 years and over
• do not have symptoms of COVID-19, but would like to be tested
• have not tested positive for COVID-19 in the last six months

Members of the public will need to bring photo ID and provide a mobile phone number in order to provide test results.

Dr Augustine Pereira, Director of Public Health North East said, “Increased community testing is vital to help identify those who are infected and infectious, but unaware that they might be spreading the virus. We want to make testing as accessible as possible and I would urge local people to get a free test and help us take control of this situation.”

Mr John Hayes, Chief Officer, HSE Community Healthcare Organisation (CHO) Area 1, explained “Testing people with no symptoms will help find positive cases earlier and allow these people take the necessary action to protect others. This will help us break chains of transmission.”

Cathaoirleach of Cavan County Council, Councillor Sarah O’Reilly added “We are pleased to cooperate with the HSE on the opening of this walk-in test centre which will allow people in Cavan Town and surrounding areas to get a free COVID-19 test without an appointment. I want to thank everyone for playing their part in tackling the spread of the virus and would urge you to continue to follow public health advice and adhere to the government guidelines.”  

Up to date information on the location and opening days and times of COVID -19 walk-in test centres is available at COVID-19 walk-in test centres: https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus/testing/covid-19-walk-in-test-centres.html

ENDS

Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan Monaghan, Brendan Smith has welcomed the Government’s commitment to reopen third level education. 

As announced last week, a plan is to be published in June for an enhanced campus experience for third level students for the next academic year, starting in September. 

Deputy Smith commented, “Students and parents need this commitment so they can plan for the upcoming academic year. As we know, there are very substantial costs involved for parents when it comes to renting accommodation and other important expenses as part of their child’s third level education.” 

Under Level 5, third level has remained online with exceptions made for practical and time critical work. As part of the Government announcement, it was confirmed there would be a significant increase in on-site third level activity in September. 

Deputy Smith added, “While we know that due to the pandemic, most learning had to be done online, we simply cannot have an academic year like the last one. It is so important now that we plan to get our students back on campus in September. This has been an incredibly tough year for all students, but there will be better days on the horizon, and the planning for that starts now.” 

ENDS

An open letter to those who’ve been vaccinated on what comes next – from Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer

This pandemic has dealt each and every person in Ireland an unfair hand, in many different and diverse ways. Everyone has made difficult sacrifices; everyone has had one of the most uniquely challenging years of their lives. In that sense, we are all in this together.

However, there are some of us who were faced with more difficulties than others: firstly, those of you who have been bereaved by this disease and have experienced loss in a way that has been cruelly constrained by this disease and the restrictions it imposes on us. I would like to express my sincere condolences to each of you.

There are also those of you who at the outset were told you were medically vulnerable to the severe effects of this virus, either due to your underlying condition or your age. This pandemic has asked significant sacrifices from you and you have risen to this unprecedented challenge.  By protecting yourselves and staying at home, you also undoubtedly helped to suppress this disease which protected other people and saved many lives.

Those of you who are at lower risk of the disease have also followed the public health advice to a very high standard to keep the spread of cases low and to get cases numbers back under control quickly when necessary.  

We all know the impact that living life to the full – in terms of socialising, exercise, family, work and travel – has on our physical and mental health. It is important to remember that basic individual behaviours that protect us all, individually and as a community, remain the most important and effective contribution that we can all make to preventing transmission of the disease, even when vaccinated. These behaviours will continue to be a core feature of our ongoing response to COVID-19 as we begin to socialise more and look forward to seeing loved ones who we may not have seen for a very long time.

The COVID-19 Vaccination Programme offers great hope. Vaccination has enabled those most at risk to regain many freedoms that were taken from you by this virus. As more people are vaccinated, we are in a position to recommend some increases in lower risk social opportunities including family visits, personal services, non-essential retail and a return to religious services, in a safe and controlled manner.

Those of you who are vaccinated thus far are mostly those we recommended to cocoon at the outset of the pandemic. You can now get back out there and restart many things you used to do, once restrictions ease from May 10^th. That might be visiting the seaside, a trip to a museum, a visit with a friend, or a trip to see your grandchildren at long last. It’s important that you look out for the public health advice that is relevant to you and to plan to do it safely – but it’s important to get on and do it!

I know that those of you who remained indoors, cut social contacts and continue to do everything to protect yourself from COVID-19 may be anxious at the idea of re-opening your social circle, even in a safe and controlled way and even though you have been vaccinated. While this anxiety is understandable, you can have confidence in your vaccine, no matter which one you received. And you can have confidence that the simple measures we recommend really do help to reduce your risk of picking up this disease.

A way to help manage anxiety is to plan your trip including what transport you will use, ensure you have a mask and hand sanitiser available to you, leave yourself additional time so you can avoid crowds, practise social distancing and make your way to and from your destination safely and comfortably. Risk assess your choices and your environments – if you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, feel empowered to walk away and come back another time. Encourage loved ones to feel similarly about prioritising their own safety.

For many people, the last year will not have allowed you to be as active as you were previously. This has likely negatively impacted on mobility and fitness, as well as on confidence. It is important to be aware of this and give your body time to readjust to being more active.

Now is the time to move forward, to go outdoors and to see one another again. As spring turns to summer, we should all take advantage of the bright evenings and warmer weather. Exercising outdoors is an important tool to protect our mental and physical health.

This is not a signal that the pandemic is over. We have all come a long way and things will improve further but there remains a risk that too much social mixing especially indoors, in houses and other settings will lead to a further surge of this disease. It is important that we keep up compliance with the restrictions and the public health advice. The more we do so the more we can avoid a dangerous surge in cases, which would require us to slow down the progress of easing of measures that is planned for the coming weeks and months. 

ENDS

Cavan/Monaghan Fianna Fáil TD Brendan Smith has been informed by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Michael McGrath, T.D., that a contract for refurbishment and upgrading works to facilitate the re-opening of Bawnboy Garda Station will be placed shortly.

The Minister in his reply to Deputy Brendan Smith stated that the programme for the works will take about 12 weeks to complete.

“For some-time I had called on the Minster for Justice & Equality to have this Station reopened and I asked the Minister with responsibility for the Office of Public Works to ensure that there are no undue delays in having this Station re-opened”, stated Deputy Brendan Smith.

Reply to my Parliamentary Question below –

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For Written Answer on : 28/04/2021
Question Number(s): 319 Question Reference(s): 21894/21
Department: Public Expenditure and Reform
Asked by: Brendan Smith T.D.
______________________________________________


QUESTION

To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the projected timeline for the commencement and completion of refurbishment and upgrading of Bawnboy Garda station, County Cavan; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

REPLY

It is expected that a contract for works to facilitate the re-opening of Bawnboy Garda Station will be placed shortly. The programme for the works will take about 12 weeks to complete.

Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan Monaghan, Brendan Smith is calling on the Minister for Tourism to prioritise funding for the development of a Shannon Pot Discovery Centre at the source of the River Shannon at Derrylahan, near Glangevlin.  

Speaking to Minister Catherine Martin, Deputy Brendan Smith commented, “This project, when delivered, will be a key tourism attraction for the Upper Shannon region. I am very anxious for this project to be advanced without delay as it will add considerably to the tourism product in the Upper Shannon region.  

“This is right in the heart of the UNESCO-recognised Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark and in the Cavan Burren area”.

The project is currently being considered under Fáilte Ireland’s Platforms for Growth programme. Deputy Smith was informed by the Minister that Fáilte Ireland is evaluating applications which made it through to stage 3 of the five-stage overall assessment process and the successful projects are likely to be notified of a decision before June.  

The Cavan Monaghan TD continued: “Cavan County Council did excellent work in preparing this application. Councillor John Paul Feeley has strongly advocated for the development of such facilities, and I am glad to have supported his work on this project.   

“The overall cost of the project is €6.6 million, with the Council providing €1.7 million of that cost. This Discovery/Interpretative Centre will promote history and culture and, notably, the importance of the River Shannon, the country’s longest river at 360 km.   

“Visitor displays, walking trails through the forest and a major viewing point will all dovetail very well with the amenities developed already as part of Cavan Burren Park”.

Deputy Smith concluded by urging the Tourism Minister to see the overwhelming merits in getting this project greenlit.  

“The source of the River Shannon, a river that is central to so much of our national tourism industry, needs this amenity. I sincerely hope the Martin will be able to speak to the officials in Fáilte Ireland, who are assessing the application, about its merits and the need for such investment in this part of the Hidden Heartlands of Ireland”.

See attached Dáil debate on issue –

Up to date position regarding the Help-to-buy scheme per reply to my Parliamentary Question in Dáil Éireann

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For Written Answer on : 22/04/2021
Question Number(s): 23 Question Reference(s): 21071/21
Department: Finance
Asked by: Brendan Smith T.D.
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QUESTION

To ask the Minister for Finance if the timeframe for applicants to meet the conditions for the help-to-buy scheme will be extended by the number of weeks that construction was closed down; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

REPLY

The Help to Buy (HTB) incentive is a scheme to assist first-time purchasers with obtaining the deposit they need to buy or build a new house or apartment. The scheme gives a refund on Income Tax and Deposit Interest Retention Tax (DIRT) paid in the State over the previous four years, subject to limits outlined in the legislation. Section 477C of the Taxes Consolidation Act (TCA) 1997 outlines the definitions and conditions that apply to the scheme.

In summary, the process for a first-time buyer to claim HTB involves two stages, application stage and claim stage. At the application stage, the claimant notifies Revenue of his/her intention to make a HTB claim and checks are carried out to ensure the applicant satisfies certain conditions of the scheme. Once confirmed Revenue notifies the applicant with the potential HTB refund available.

 An application for HTB will remain valid until one or more of the following occurs:

(a) if it is discovered that the individual did not satisfy a condition of HTB,

(b) an individual’s tax clearance is rescinded, or

(c) 31 December (in the tax year in which the application is made).

In respect to point (c) above, for example where an application is made during the period 1 October to 31 December 2021, and a claim is made on foot of such an application in the period 1 January to 31 March 2022, the claim will be deemed to have been made in  2021.

With regard to the claim stage, Section 477C(3) TCA provides that a first time purchaser may make a claim for a HTB refund following the signing of a contract to purchase a home or, in the case of a self-build, following the drawdown of the first tranche of the relevant mortgage.

Revenue Tax and Duty Manual Part 15-01-46 outlines further guidance on the conditions and operation of the HTB scheme.

More generally, the future of the HTB scheme, beyond its current sunset date of 31 December 2021, is a matter that will fall to be considered in the context of Budget 2022 and the subsequent Finance Bill.

Cavan/Monaghan Fianna Fáil TD Brendan Smith welcomes the allocation of substantial government funding towards the restoration of the Ulster Canal.  This particular funding gives this project much needed impetus and enables Phase 2 to be undertaken and also preparatory work on Phase 3.

“€5.57 million from the Government’s Rural Regeneration Development Fund and €6 million from the recently announced Shared Island Fund has been allocated for Phase 2 and a further €1 million from the Shared Island Fund is being provided towards preparatory work on Phase 3. 

The restoration of the Ulster Canal is a major cross border project which will enhance considerably our tourism product at a local level, providing a new amenity for local residents and visitors, will generate economic activity and assist in job creation. This waterway will also be an integral part of our All Ireland navigable inland waterways network which is a powerful natural resource and such a key part of our national tourism infrastructure and attraction.

In this area we have all seen the benefits of developing the Erne/Shannon Waterway and linking up these waterways will be a further welcome tourism attraction bringing benefits to many parts of our island.  This funding being allocated under the Shared Island Fund, recently announced by An Taoiseach, demonstrates clearly the potential of this initiative to develop cross-border and all Ireland projects for the benefit of all the people of this country.  The border region can be a major beneficiary of such projects”, stated Brendan Smith TD.

Ends 28/04/21

Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan Monaghan, Brendan Smith has called for strong state financial support for small and medium enterprises as they emerge from the uncertainty of the Covid-19 restrictions.  

Speaking in the Dáil, Deputy Brendan Smith commented, “We need to ensure we help maintain viable business and employment and provide businesses with certainty to the maximum extent possible.  

“The Covid restrictions support scheme, CRSS, is a good and essential support to businesses that have witnessed a major reduction in their turnover. Again, the EWSS supports employment and supports employers to maintain the link with the employee.”  

The Cavan Monaghan TD continued: “I welcome the fact the small business assistance scheme, SBAS, was introduced last month. In quarter 1, that will allow a maximum payment of €4,000 to companies, the self-employed, sole traders and partnerships. I have raised a number of queries with regard to this particular scheme.   

“I am aware of a number of business owners who were deemed ineligible for this new scheme due to having claimed under the CRSS. The amount received was much lower than what they would receive under the SBAS.” 

Deputy Smith added: “I would like the Minister to look at this again with his colleagues across Government. Such businesses, which will struggle to remain open in the future, should be allowed to avail of the SBAS. Some of the applicants availing of a very small CRSS payment were not aware of the small businesses assistance scheme when claiming under the other schemes. They are small traders and one-person enterprises. Those are the types of business that populate the main streets in our smaller towns and villages.  

“I appeal for Government to place a particular emphasis on and give particular assistance to the smaller-scale businesses in order that they can develop an online presence and help in protecting employment,” concluded Deputy Smith.  

ENDS  

Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan Monaghan, Brendan Smith has welcomed a commitment by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to advance the Peace Plus Programme which will bring further investment to communities North and South. 

Deputy Brendan Smith commented, “Minister McGrath confirmed to me in Dáil Éireann that the public consultation on the draft Peace Plus Programme is nearing a conclusion and it is intended to bring the draft programme for approval by both the Government and the Northern Ireland Executive and then submit it to the European Commission for final approval. 

“I have consistently outlined in Dáil Éireann and through parliamentary committees the need to have a well-funded Peace Plus Programme to build upon the good work of the PEACE and INTERREG Programmes.  Those programmes brought much needed investment in social and economic terms to many disadvantaged communities in the border region and in Northern Ireland.” 

The Cavan Monaghan TD continued: “We need well-resourced and robust programmes to deal with social and economic deprivation in different communities. Such investment benefits society and provides educational and employment opportunities particularly for young people.” 

Deputy Brendan Smith added: “Recent weeks demonstrated to us again the absolute need to build on the great progress achieved through the Good Friday Agreement.  I have also asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs to continue to work closely with the Northern Ireland Executive and with the British Government to resolve outstanding issues arising from Brexit and to implement in full the Ireland/Northern Ireland Protocol. Disruptions to trade and business in any part of our island impacts negatively on all of the country. 

“Communities and businesses will also have the opportunity to avail of funding through the recently announced Shared Island initiative. We need to continue to build the all-island economy which has the potential to bring further benefits and a much stronger economy both North and South,” concluded Deputy Brendan Smith. 

https://brendansmith.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Brendan-Smith-PQs.docx

ENDS