Paul Connaughton
Question:13 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the actions he has taken to achieve the millennium development goals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30057/04]
Written Answers.
The following are questions tabled by Members for written response and the ministerial replies received from the Departments [unrevised].
Questions Nos. 1 to 12, inclusive, answered orally.
Debt Relief.
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Priority Question No. 7 which I answered earlier.
Foreign Conflicts.
Brendan Howlin
Question:14 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the action the Security Council of the United Nations, or a delegated organisation on its behalf, should take in relation to the threat to lives in Darfur; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30079/04]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:15 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps he has initiated at EU or UN levels to bring about an improvement of the situation in Darfur; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30263/04]
Brian O'Shea
Question:17 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he intends to supplement the €500,000 pledge for the African Union peace mission in Darfur with further donations; the way in which this money will be spent in the region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30087/04]
Joan Burton
Question:18 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the latest contributions he has made to the international effort to provide assistance to the Darfur region of Sudan; if he has had further meetings with Irish aid organisations working in the region; the latest efforts he has made to highlight the situation in Darfur internationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30086/04]
Eamon Ryan
Question:69 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the actions he has taken to ensure that the worsening situation in Darfur is placed high up on the agenda of both the EU Foreign Ministers meeting and of the EU Council in December 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30271/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 14, 15, 17, 18 and 69 together.
I refer the Deputies to my answer to Priority Question No. 3.
As initiated during the Irish Presidency, the situation in Darfur is addressed on an ongoing basis by the General Affairs and External Relations Council. The most recent discussion took place in Brussels on 22 November at which my colleague, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, attended. The Council adopted conclusions which, inter alia, condemned the forced displacement of internally displaced persons, IDPs, welcomed the expansion of the African Union mission in Darfur, AMIS II, and the recent progress in the AU-mediated peace talks in Abuja, and expressed grave concern at the continuing humanitarian situation. The Council will further discuss the situation in Darfur at its meeting of 13 December while the issue is also expected to feature on the agenda of the European Council next month.
The UN Security Council also remains closely involved and discussed the situation in Darfur during the special session which it held in Nairobi on 18-19 November. The Security Council is performing an important role in maintaining pressure on both the Government of Sudan and the rebels in Darfur to fulfil all the commitments they have made. Further steps such as sanctions will become unavoidable if clear evidence emerges that either side does not intend to comply.
Security Council Resolution 1564 called on the UNSG to set up an international commission of inquiry which will investigate claims of genocide. The commission was established on 7 October and is due to report back to the UN Security Council in three months. The EU has also tabled a resolution on the human rights situation in Sudan at the current UN General Assembly in New York.
Considerable planning support is being offered by the EU and the UN to the expanded AU mission in Darfur, AMIS II, which is currently being deployed and involves an increase in the strength of the mission to 3,320 personnel. The EU and its member states are also providing a substantial amount of logistical support to assist the deployment of AMIS II.
Ireland has provided over €10 million in funding to Sudan to date in 2004. Over €6 million of this has been emergency assistance for Darfur. Overall, Sudan has received the greatest amount of Irish Government humanitarian support in 2004. There has also been generous and sustained support from the Irish people through their private contributions to aid agencies.
The most recent contribution made by Ireland in response to the situation in Darfur is support of €500,000 to AMIS II. This funding will go towards supporting humanitarian and human rights monitors attached to the mission.
I remain deeply conscious of the challenges faced by the vulnerable people of Darfur — challenges to their very survival. Ireland will continue to respond generously and swiftly to their needs in conjunction with our NGO partners working on the ground in Darfur.
Enda Kenny
Question:16 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has raised with the authorities in Burma the continued detention of political activists and representatives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30022/04]
Liz McManus
Question:50 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the benefits he perceives as having flown from the changed position in relation to the Government recognition of the military junta in Burma, in view of the fact that the democratically elected choice of the Burmese people (details supplied) has not been freed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30082/04]
Ruairí Quinn
Question:58 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the efforts he has made to secure the release from house arrest of the democratically elected choice of the people of Burma (details supplied); the position with regard to the decision to establish formal diplomatic relations with the Burmese regime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30095/04]
Liz McManus
Question:72 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the fact that even though the minimum requirement, set during the Irish Presidency of the EU for Burma’s participation in ASEAN was not met, the EU agreed to the participation of the Burmese military junta at the recent meeting in Hanoi of ASEAN; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30083/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 16, 50, 58 and 72 together.
I welcome the announcement by the Burmese Government on 18 November 2004 of the release a number of prisoners, including many political prisoners such as Ko Paw Oo Tun, who has been in jail since he led student protests in 1989, and a member of the central executive of the NLD, Mr. Win Tin. I hope this will lead to the release of other political prisoners in Burma, including Aung San Suu Kyi, who, regrettably, remains under house arrest.
As I have stated to the House on a number of previous occasions, the Government has pursued a strong and consistent line in support of democracy in Burma. Both Ireland, and our EU partners, remain strongly critical of the continued detention under house arrest of Aung San Suu Kyi, other activists and a number of MPs elected in the elections of 1990. We have been critical also of the absence of political progress, serious and persistent human rights abuses and the lack of fundamental freedoms in Burma.
The issue of Burma is raised in all our bilateral political contacts with relevant third countries, particularly Burma's Asian neighbours. Most recently, I raised the issue of Burma with Vice Premier Huang Ju of China during official talks on 16 November 2004. The Taoiseach raised our concerns about Burma at the Fifth ASEM Summit, which took place from 7 to 9 October in Hanoi. The Taoiseach, in his intervention, questioned why Aung San Suu Kyi has not been released, and why there has not been greater progress towards democracy in Burma.
During our EU Presidency, the Government ensured that the issue of Burma was regularly discussed in consultations with interested third countries. I am pleased that this practice has been carried forward by the Netherlands Presidency, which has demonstrated a similar commitment to fostering democracy in Burma.
Burma was high on the agenda at the ASEM Foreign Ministers' meeting, which my predecessor hosted in Kildare in April 2004, as well as at the preceding informal meeting of EU Foreign Ministers held at Tullamore. There was considerable hope at that time that the Burmese regime was about to release Aung San Su Kyi and allow her party, the NLD, to participate in the national convention. Indeed, the Burmese Foreign Minister at the time, since dismissed, announced publicly that Aung San Su Kyi was about to be released. This optimism was reflected in the decision by EU Ministers at Tullamore to indicate that if Aung San Su Kyi were released, the NLD invited to participate in the National Convention and the Convention permitted to operate free from harassment, the EU would be ready to re-examine its engagement with Burma.
Regrettably, the expected positive developments have not been forthcoming. Lack of support from our Asian partners meant that the EU was not able to prevent Burma's participation in the newly enlarged ASEM short of provoking the collapse of ASEM. Nevertheless, the EU used the recent ASEM Summit to make clear its opposition to the actions of the Burmese regime. Immediately following the summit on 10 October, the Union took the decision to reinforce sanctions against the Burmese regime by adopting a revised and strengthened Common Position. The Government has decided, given the lack of progress in Burma, to put the proposed exchange of ambassadors between Ireland and Burma on hold.
The Government's continuing goal, and that of the EU, remains the release and restoration of liberty to Aung San Suu Kyi, the return of democracy to Burma, an end to human rights violations and the realisation of peace andprosperity for the long suffering people of Burma.
Questions Nos. 17 and 18 answered withQuestion No. 14.
Tax Code.
Dan Neville
Question:19 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the manner in which VAT will be repaid to the charity responsible for the DVD and CD of the Live Aid concert; if such a commitment has been given in the past at any time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30064/04]
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:59 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if, in view of the work of the Band Aid Trust to generate funds for development work in Africa, he has made representations to the Department of Finance requesting an exemption on sales of the new Live Aid DVD and CD from VAT; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30088/04]
Michael D. Higgins
Question:155 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the reason €1 million was removed from the DCI allocation in order to facilitate the fulfilling of a commitment in relation to the Band Aid single. [30702/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 19, 59 and 155 together.
The Taoiseach announced in Dáil Éireann on 10 November that the Government will refund the VAT paid on purchases of the Band Aid CD and Live Aid DVD. My Department, the Department of the Taoiseach and the Department of Finance discussed the modalities of implementing this decision. While it is not possible to exempt the DVD and CD sales from VAT, a contribution equivalent in value to the VAT paid on purchases will be paid to the Band Aid Trust from the official development assistance programme based on sales figures, which will be available in early 2005. The proceeds of the Band Aid CD and the Live Aid DVD will be spent on humanitarian assistance, primarily in the Darfur region of Sudan.
European Constitution.
Seán Ryan
Question:20 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the preparations he is making for a referendum on the treaty establishing a constitution for Europe; when this referendum is likely to take place; if there will be a concerted effort to provide information to the public concerning the details of the constitution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30099/04]
Ciarán Cuffe
Question:36 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when there will be a referendum here on the new EU constitution; the way in which this compares with the ratification timetable of other EU member states; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30267/04]
Finian McGrath
Question:75 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding the proposed EU constitution. [28628/04]
Olivia Mitchell
Question:80 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when the constitutional treaty for the European Union will be put to the people of Ireland in a referendum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30024/04]
Pádraic McCormack
Question:102 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if booklets or information leaflets relating to the constitutional treaty for the European Union will be circulated to all persons within the State prior to any referendum on the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30058/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 20, 36, 75, 80 and 102 together.
Following the signature of the treaty establishing a constitution for Europe in Rome on 29 October, it is for all member states of the European Union to ratify the European constitution in accordance with their own constitutional requirements. The European constitution sets a target date of 1 November 2006 for the completion of this process. Lithuania became the first member state to complete its ratification process when its Parliament approved the constitution on 11 November.
It appears that referendums are likely to be held in 11 member states, including Ireland. While Spain will be the first member state to hold its referendum, on 20 February 2005, dates for the others have not yet been set. No decision has yet been made on when a referendum will be held in Ireland. In due course I will be publishing a Bill to amend Bunreacht na hÉireann to allow for ratification by Ireland of the European Constitution, and preliminary work is under way.
The Government is seeking to foster the fullest possible national debate on the European constitution, building on the excellent work done by the National Forum on Europe and the Joint Committee on European Affairs during the European convention and the subsequent Intergovernmental Conference. I welcome the intention of the national forum to focus its work on the European Constitution over the period ahead, and I also welcome the debates and seminars which are being organised by other groups and organisations.
As an initial contribution to the debate, my Department has published an explanatory guide to the European constitution, together with a short pamphlet. Both of these have received wide distribution, and are available free of charge to any member of the public who requests them. Information, including the text of the European constitution, is also available on my Department's website.
The Government will produce further information materials over the period ahead, including a full White Paper. A sum of €150,000 has been provided for in the Estimates for 2005. Information will also be sent to every household in due course. Exactly what form this will take is for further consideration. In this connection, I would also emphasise the role of the Referendum Commission, which, as was the case for the second referendum on the Nice treaty, will be set up in good time and with adequate resources to fulfil its dual mandate of informing the public and encouraging turnout.
Foreign Conflicts.
Brendan Howlin
Question:21 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the failure to publish estimates of civilian deaths in Iraq; if he sought such estimates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30078/04]
The Government does not have any information on casualty figures among civilians in Iraq, other than those estimates by various commentators which are available in the public domain. We have no means of assessing the accuracy of any of these figures. These have usually ranged from 10,000 to 15,000 persons. I am also aware of a recent study in the UK journal The Lancet, which by statistical extrapolation suggested a civilian toll of up to 100,000. The Iraqi Ministry of Health has now estimated that 3,800 civilians have been killed in the six month period to 5 October 2004.
The Government's view, which has been expressed clearly since the outset of the conflict, is that the use of force should be kept to a minimum, and that every possible effort must be made to avoid civilian casualties.
In this context, it is right that we should recognise also that very many Iraqi civilians have been killed or injured in bomb attacks against multi-national forces by insurgents, who seem indifferent to the loss of life they cause.
Question No. 22 answered with QuestionNo. 12.
Iraqi Kidnapping.
Willie Penrose
Question:23 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the efforts made to assist efforts to secure the release of a person (details supplied) in Iraq; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30093/04]
Pat Rabbitte
Question:101 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the outcome of his meeting on 2 November 2004 with relatives of a person (details supplied). [27853/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 23 and 101 together.
I regret that my response to these questions is given in the most tragic of circumstances. Last week, as the Taoiseach informed the House, all reports suggested that Margaret Hassan had been killed by her abductors, despite the hopes and prayers of everyone that she would be released. Deputies were unanimous in their condemnation of this appalling act and in their admiration for Margaret Hassan's life and work. There was unanimous praise also for the courageous and dignified manner in which her husband and family have dealt with their ordeal during recent weeks.
I know that Margaret's family are very grateful for all the efforts made on her behalf since her abduction. Her husband Tahseen has said that he greatly appreciates the support of the Government, the Oireachtas and the Irish people over the past four weeks.
Against this sad background, I will briefly summarise the efforts made by the Government on Margaret's behalf. From the moment we learned of her abduction, we established regular contacts with her family and provided liaison officers to assist them here in Ireland and in the UK. In addition to working closely with the British Government, diplomatic contacts were established and maintained with key Governments and organisations in the Middle East. Appeals were made for her release which secured widespread coverage in Iraq and the region around it. In this regard, I note in particular the Taoiseach's appeal made alongside Margaret's family when he and I met them here in Dublin on 2 November last.
At all times, the Government was guided by Margaret's family and by those on the ground in Iraq, including Care International. It, too, has lost a most special and talented humanitarian, as have her fellow Iraqi people.
Unfortunately, all of these efforts have not brought about a positive conclusion in this case. I repeat what was said in this House last week: if she has been killed, her family have one remaining wish, to have her returned to her family so they can bid her farewell. I join with them in this final appeal.
Foreign Conflicts.
Seymour Crawford
Question:24 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the security situation in Iraq; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30016/04]
Olivia Mitchell
Question:67 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the situation in Iraq; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30055/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 24 and 67 together.
The security situation in Iraq continues to be a matter of serious concern both to Ireland and to the international community at large. There seems to be no reduction in violent incidents, and I am very concerned that the situation may continue to worsen in the run-up to the elections scheduled for 30 January. It is the Iraqi people themselves who are suffering most from the continued instability, both directly and through the frustration of reconstruction work.
Hostage taking continues to terrorise both Iraqis and foreigners. In this country we have been shocked by the reported dreadful murder of Margaret Hassan, following that of Ken Bigley.
The interim Iraqi government is pursuing a three track strategy to try to end the violence. First, to encourage disaffected groups in the community to enter the political process. Second, to push forward reconstruction efforts to relieve the hardships affecting the Iraqi population, especially the poorer elements. Third, to advance as quickly as possible the recruitment and training of Iraqi security forces, not just to contribute to security efforts but also to advance the transfer of responsibility for security from the multi-national force to Iraq's own forces.
The challenge facing the Iraqi government in these areas is very great, but I believe this is the correct approach to meet it. It is clear the elections will mark a crucial stage in giving the Iraqi government the authority it needs to restore stability throughout the country.
Ireland and the European Union will continue to give every support we can to the Iraqi government in these efforts, especially in the areas of reconstruction and preparation for the elections. We will also continue to support the involvement of the United Nations in these efforts, which I believe to be crucial to their success.
As well as these actions, the Iraqi government also recently decided that a military operation was the only way to regain control of the city of Fallujah, a step it regarded as vital if the elections were to be able to proceed. That operation, carried out by US and Iraqi forces, seems now to be at an end. I have commented elsewhere on the implications of that operation for the civilian population and on their resulting humanitarian needs. It is essential that the use of force in such operations be kept to a minimum, and they be brought to an end as soon as possible.
European Commission.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:25 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when it is expected that the new Commission for the European Union will begin its work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30066/04]
Last Thursday, 18 November, the European Parliament voted to approve the appointment of the new Commission headed by President JoséManuel Barroso. On 19 November, the Council adopted a decision formally appointing the Commission. Following the publication of this decision in the Official Journal of the European Union, the new Commission formally took office on 22 November.
The Government's priority throughout the European Parliament's hearings process has been to see the early appointment of an effective Commission which enjoys the support of both the European Parliament and the Council. The Government welcomes the appointment of the new Commission and looks forward to working closely with it.
Foreign Conflicts.
Pádraic McCormack
Question:26 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the political situation in Uganda; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30027/04]
Uganda's track record in poverty reduction and economic management over the past 18 years stands up favourably to comparison with much of Africa. The country has seen the development of key institutions of governance and earned a good reputation in some areas such as press freedom. The announced intention to move to a multi-party system offers the possibility of greater democratic change in future. However, notwithstanding many positive developments, there are concerns about some current trends in governance. On the economic front, macroeconomics stability is being maintained, although recent trends have indicated a fall in the levels of growth and some inequities in the distribution of its benefits.
Continuing insecurity in the northern region of Uganda has caused widespread disruption and loss of life. The 17-year civil conflict, caused by the brutal campaign of the Lord's Resistance Army, LRA, involving atrocities against the civilian population and large-scale abduction of children, intensified in 2003, resulting in a humanitarian crisis with approximately 1.5 million people displaced. The ongoing tragedy represents a major challenge to the Ugandan Government, but there are recent indications that the conflict may be entering its final phase. While the Government is pursuing a military campaign against the LRA, it has also indicated willingness to seek a negotiated settlement and has introduced a successful amnesty process. Some indications have been given recently that the LRA is prepared to enter into peace talks aimed at ending the conflict. In response to these signals, President Museveni announced on 14 November a temporary ceasefire in designated parts of northern Uganda to provide an opportunity for the LRA to consult about entering negotiations with the Government. The donor community in Kampala and in Ireland, has been closely involved in supporting these developments which it is hoped can lead to a permanent ceasefire and peaceful resolution of this conflict.
In the meantime, the humanitarian situation in northern Uganda remains fragile. In mid-September 2004, members of the donor community in Kampala, led by Ireland's Chargé d'Affaires, visited northern Uganda to send a message of solidarity to the people on behalf of the international community and to stress the international community's support for the amnesty process and for dialogue and reconciliation as a way to bring finality to the conflict. The chairman and vice-chairman of the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs also visited northern Uganda in late September 2004.
On the domestic political front, Uganda has commenced a process of transition from its current "no party"— but one movement — democratic system to a multi-party system. On 22 September 2004, a White Paper was published on proposals for constitutional change which endorsed the move to multi-party democracy and the necessary changes in legislation required to enable political parties to operate. A referendum will be required to change the constitution and this is expected to take place during 2005. It is hoped that this process will culminate in multi-party presidential and parliamentary elections in 2006. While the move to multi-party democracy is welcome, proposals emerging from some quarters for a change in the Ugandan constitution, which would facilitate a third term by President Museveni, are viewed with concern by donors.
The position of donors, including Ireland, is to continue close engagement with the Ugandan authorities with a view to ensuring that the process of constitutional change and the subsequent elections are transparent and free. It will also be important to ensure that the political space is opened up in sufficient time for an opposition to organise and contest the elections in 2006. An encouraging development in this regard is a ruling by Uganda's constitutional court on 18 November which has cleared the way for political parties in Uganda to take part in the 2006 elections.
Respect for human rights is enshrined in the Ugandan constitution and Uganda has good policies and strong institutions in support of human rights, in particular an active and respected human rights commission. It also has a free press which plays a constructive role in highlighting abuses. An important step to promote press freedom was a ruling by the Supreme Court in February 2004 that journalists could no longer be charged with publication of false news. At the same time, donors are concerned about incidents of torture and illegal detention by security forces in 2003 and have kept the Government under pressure in this respect. In July 2004, the security agencies agreed to work together with the Uganda human rights commission and the director of public prosecutions to fight torture. This is a positive development, although concrete results will have to be awaited.
In response to donor pressure, Uganda established the Porter Judicial Commission of Enquiry into allegations of illegal exploitation of natural resources and other forms of wealth in the DRC. The Government has underlined its commitment to following up on the commission's findings and bringing to account those implicated in such activities. While there is still unresolved business, action has been taken against key people whom the commission found to be involved, including the army chief of staff, General Kazini, who was dismissed from his post, and the president's brother, Salim Saleh, who was removed from Parliament. In mid-September 2004, a number of donors, including Ireland, met with President Museveni to stress the need for the Government to reconfirm its political will to fight corruption and act accordingly.
Uganda has also been playing a more constructive role of late in relation to the peace processes in both the Democratic Republic of the Congo, DRC, and Burundi. An agreement was concluded in Kampala on 26 October 2004 between the DRC, Rwanda and Uganda to establish a tripartite commission aimed at resolving outstanding political and security issues, including completing disarmament of armed groups in eastern DRC with former links to both Rwanda and Uganda. The Ugandan Government has also participated constructively in the preparations for the Great Lakes Conference which took place in Dar-es-Salaam on 19-20 November 2004 and where agreement was reached on a declaration which it is hoped will provide the basis for a regional peace and security pact, to be adopted at a second Summit in 2005.
Proposed Legislation.
Olwyn Enright
Question:27 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his legislative programme for the remainder of the term of this Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30062/04]
As the Deputy may be aware, the Department of Foreign Affairs is not a Department which brings forward a significant body of legislation. Nonetheless, there are two areas where legislation is envisaged at present.
The first of these relates to the ratification of the European constitution. Under the terms of the European constitution, signed in Rome on 29 October 2004, member states have agreed to complete the ratification process by 1 November 2006. In due course, the Minister for Foreign Affairs will introduce a Bill to amend the Constitution of Ireland to enable ratification of the European Constitution. The proposed amendment of the Constitution of Ireland will be subject to referendum. If the referendum result indicates approval of the European constitution, it will be necessary, before it enters into force, to amend the European Communities Act 1972, as amended, to reflect the changes which the European constitution will make to the legal instruments of the European Union.
In addition, a Bill to amend the Diplomatic Relations and Immunities Acts 1967 and 1976 is currently being drafted. Under the 1967 Act, the Government may, by order, make provision for international organisations and bodies and related persons to have privileges and immunities in the context of international relations. It is proposed to amend the 1967 and 1976 Acts in a way which would define these provisions, while not impinging upon the general prerogative of the Government to make orders. It remains possible that other legislation may become a priority in the coming years.
EU-US Summit.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:28 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if an agenda for the next EU-US summit has been set; the date and location for this summit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30034/04]
The next EU-US summit will take place in the first half of 2005 during the upcoming Luxembourg Presidency of the European Union. The exact date for the summit has still to be decided but I understand it will take place in Washington DC. No firm agenda has been decided as yet.
The Washington summit will follow on from the successful EU-US summit in Dromoland Castle in June this year which demonstrated the continuing strength and depth of the transatlantic partnership.
The Deputy may also be interested to know that President Bush has indicated that he plans to visit Europe in early 2005, possibly in February, with the aim of deepening transatlantic ties with European nations.
Human Rights Issues.
Paul Connaughton
Question:29 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the political situation in Zimbabwe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30026/04]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:143 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the situation in regard to democracy and human rights in Zimbabwe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30685/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 29 and 143 together.
The political situation in Zimbabwe continues to deteriorate and remains a cause of serious concern for Ireland and our EU partners. The decline in respect for human rights and the rule of law persists. Arbitrary arrests and political violence continue. Inflation now stands at over 600% and it is likely that a substantial proportion of the Zimbabwean population will require food aid in the coming months, notwithstanding the predictions of the Zimbabwe Grain Marketing Board, GMB, and the decision on the part of the Zimbabwean Government not to request international general food aid.
A particularly worrying development in recent months has been the decision of the Zimbabwean Government to introduce new legislation to govern the operation of non-governmental organisations, NGOs. This repressive legislation, which is currently going through the Zimbabwean Parliament, will impose severe restrictions on the operation of NGOs, particularly those in the human rights and humanitarian fields, by requiring them to register formally with the Zimbabwean Government and prohibiting any foreign assistance to NGOs concerned with human rights. The European Union has made known its concerns about the new NGO Bill and has formally raised the issue with SADC, the South African Development Community, of which Zimbabwe is a member. The Government will be asking our ambassador to Zimbabwe to make clear to the Zimbabwean authorities Ireland's concerns over the possible implications of this new legislation on humanitarian organisations operating in Zimbabwe.
The political dialogue initiated between the EU and Zimbabwe to address ongoing concerns was closed in February 2002 when it became clear that the Government of Zimbabwe was not willing to engage on any meaningful level. The lack of progress by the Government of Zimbabwe on these issues is reflected in the EU's common position on Zimbabwe, which was renewed in February 2004. The Council renewed sanctions on those individuals whom the EU regards as bearing the main responsibility for serious violations of human rights in Zimbabwe. The sanctions are targeted exclusively against the political elite and include a travel ban and assets freeze, as well as an arms embargo.
Attention in Zimbabwe is increasingly focusing on the parliamentary elections which are scheduled to be held in March 2005. The Zimbabwean Government has publicly committed itself to abide by the principles and guidelines governing democratic elections, which were adopted by the SADC Summit in Mauritius on 17 August 2004. The Movement for Democratic Change, MDC, the main opposition party in Zimbabwe, has endorsed these principles as the basis for free and fair elections next March. So far, however, the level of political reforms signalled by the Zimbabwean Government does not in any way match up to what will be required if it is to comply fully with the SADC guidelines. This has resulted in a decision by the MDC last August announcing that it will not participate in any elections which are held outside the provisions of the SADC framework. The European Union will continue to press for and encourage full compliance by the Zimbabwean Government with the SADC principles so that free and fair elections can take place next March.
One encouraging development which could help to improve the political environment in the run up to the parliamentary elections next March was the acquittal of the MDC leader, Morgan Tsvangirai, on charges of treason by the Zimbabwean high court on 15 October. The EU issued a declaration welcoming this development and remains supportive of all efforts aimed at mediating and encouraging a resumption of direct political dialogue between President Mugabe's ZANU-PF party and the MDC.
Ireland and our EU partners have continued to take the lead in drawing attention to the serious human rights situation in Zimbabwe. The EU has tabled a resolution at the current session of the UN General Assembly which underlines its deep concern at serious human rights violations by the Zimbabwean Government, including torture, unlawful detention and extra-judicial executions, and urging the Government to take all necessary measures to safeguard and protect human rights and the rule of law in Zimbabwe. The resolution also urges the Zimbabwean Government to make all the necessary legislative changes to enable free and fair elections, in full accordance with the SADC guidelines, to take place.
Northern Ireland Issues.
Michael Noonan
Question:30 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the potential for agreement in Northern Ireland before the end of November 2004; if agreement that would see the resumption of the work of the Assembly will be reached; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30063/04]
Pat Rabbitte
Question:100 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position with regard to resolving the outstanding issues from the Leeds Castle talks; if he has presented a document co-authored by the British Government concerning the way forward to the political parties in the North; the steps, in the event of this document being rejected, which he will take towards restoring the institutions created under the Good Friday Agreement and suspended since October 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30096/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 30 and 100 together.
In the past two months, the Government has been working intensively with the British Government and political parties in Northern Ireland in an effort to resolve the difficult issues remaining from Leeds Castle. Considerable progress has been made, the outstanding issues are few and the differences between the parties are, in my view, not insurmountable. If the remaining gaps can be successfully bridged, we will then have reached a comprehensive agreement on all of the key issues.
Last week, the Governments outlined to the political parties a set of proposals we believe have the capacity to address all outstanding issues and thereby secure the required comprehensive agreement. We are confident that agreement on these proposals can bring about stable, partnership government within Northern Ireland; the resumed operation of all of the political institutions of the Agreement; an end to IRA paramilitarism; definitive, verifiable decommissioning of paramilitary weapons; and completion of the Patten project on policing. If accepted, they represent the best path forward for peace and political stability in Northern Ireland. We have urged the parties, therefore, to reflect very carefully on them.
We have now reached a critical juncture and the time frame for agreement is narrow. Both Governments are convinced of the importance of securing agreement now and have emphasised this to the parties. All of our efforts are focused on making the current engagement work and conjecture regarding an alternative to a comprehensive agreement would not be helpful at this point. Whatever the end result in the short term, both Governments are committed to the Good Friday Agreement as the mandated framework for political progress in Northern Ireland.
Middle East Peace Process.
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:31 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has had meetings with representatives from the Palestinian Authority following the death of President Yasser Arafat; his position on the road map for peace in the Middle East following the death of President Arafat; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30089/04]
Ciarán Cuffe
Question:79 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the contacts he has had with the Palestinian Authority following the death of the Palestinian President Yasser Arafat; his views on the impact which the president’s death will have on the Middle East peace process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30266/04]
Tom Hayes
Question:99 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his attendance at the recent funeral of Palestinian leader, Yasser Arafat; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30040/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 31, 79 and 99 together.
I represented the Government at the funeral service for the late President Arafat. The funeral service was a major and solemn occasion, held in Cairo. The burial itself took place in Ramallah. The Palestinian leadership indicated that its preference was for the international community to be represented at the Cairo ceremony, and for the burial itself to be an occasion for the Palestinian people. As might readily be understood, the Palestinian leadership was under considerable time pressure in attending the service and proceeding directly to the burial in Ramallah. In consequence, it did not prove possible for it to hold substantive discussions with the representatives of the international community during its limited time in Cairo.
I have been in correspondence, however, with the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Palestinian Authority, Dr. Nabil Shaath. Dr. Shaath wrote to me this week extending his deepest thanks to the Irish Government and people for the condolences offered to the Palestinian people on the death of President Arafat. He also informed me of the determination of the Palestinian leadership to pursue a smooth political transition and legal succession, including the holding of presidential elections on 9 January next.
The House will know that I recently met Dr. Nabil Shaath here in Dublin. While the programme in Cairo did not permit me to follow up on this meeting with Dr. Shaath or his colleagues, I intend to avail of opportunities to keep in touch with him and other leaders as the situation develops. The Euro-Mediterranean ministerial meeting later this month will provide an opportunity.
It is clear that the implications of President Arafat's death could be very significant. He was the leader of his people for more than a generation. He has been a unifying figure of unique importance. The loss of such a figure poses a challenge to the Palestinian people to maintain their unity. Hopefully, all factions will realise that the alternative would mean a further blow to Palestinian aspirations for a State of their own and could result in the spread of instability. The signs so far are good that the Palestinian leadership will be successful in handling the situation. Equally, I would expect that the Israeli Government will see the importance of easing the transition to a new, empowered and legitimate leadership and will facilitate the elections for President Arafat's successor.
Looking at the future development of the peace process, my hope is that the death of President Arafat will lead to a refocusing of minds on the imperative need to get the peace process back on track. The road map offers the best opportunity of arriving at a two-state solution based on Israeli and Palestinian states living side by side in peace within secure and agreed borders. Ireland and our partners in the EU will continue to work for progress on the road map.
John Deasy
Question:32 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the action being taken at European level to progress the Middle East peace process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30041/04]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:52 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he and his colleagues at EU or other levels intend to influence the current situation in the Israeli and Palestinian conflict with particular reference to the need for a positive intervention; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30262/04]
Gay Mitchell
Question:63 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the efforts being made at national and at European level to progress the Middle East peace process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30056/04]
Breeda Moynihan-Cronin
Question:68 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will ask his colleague Ministers in the European Union to take the initiative in seeking talks with the interim Palestinian administration and Israel towards advancing the road map for peace; if he has discussed this matter with his colleague Ministers in the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30085/04]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:145 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he intends through the EU or UN to assist in the search for a settlement to the Arab-Israeli conflict; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30687/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 32, 52, 63, 68 and 145 together.
The Government, both bilaterally and within the framework of the EU and UN, is seeking to encourage progress in the Middle East peace process.
On Monday, 22 November, the General Affairs and External Relations Council again considered the current situation in the Middle East, with a particular emphasis on the role which can be played by the EU in advancing efforts to resolve the conflict. The conclusions of the meeting re-emphasised that the EU will spare no effort to promote peace and security in the Middle East, both in the short term and in the longer term, within the broader political perspective. The Union is determined to co-ordinate its efforts with the parties involved and with its partners, in particular the Quartet members.
In its conclusions, the Council began by expressing its condolences to the Palestinian people on the occasion of President Arafat's death. The Council commended the approach of the current leadership in organising a smooth transition. The conclusions reaffirmed the EU's goals and policies with respect to the Middle East peace process. We called upon all parties to abstain from any provocative or violent action and to demonstrate the necessary courage and leadership in order to advance the peace process, as well as for an end to terrorism and hostilities.
The Council reiterated the EU's commitment to the programme of short-term concrete actions endorsed by the European Council earlier this month. We concluded that immediate action is required to support the presidential elections, to improve the security situation and to provide financial support to the Palestinian Authority.
We called on the Palestinian Authority to organise elections in accordance with international standards under the authority of an independent electoral commission and upon Israel to facilitate these elections. The Union is ready to assist the Palestinian Authority financially, technically and politically. We welcomed the Commission's intention to launch an election observation mission.
Palestinian institutions and the economy should be strengthened. Israel and other members of the international community have a shared responsibility to facilitate this. The EU called on all donors and the parties directly concerned to meet their commitments and, where possible, to step up their efforts.
I would hope the Euro-Mediterraean ministerial meeting next week in the Hague, at which I will represent Ireland, will provide a further opportunity for contacts both between the parties and with the EU.
At the UN, Ireland and the EU have repeatedly reaffirmed their support for efforts to resolve the conflict, most recently through my predecessor's address to the UN General Assembly on 22 September 2004, and in the Presidency's statement on behalf of all member states including Ireland at the UN Security Council on 5 October, in which the EU deplored the disproportionate nature of Israeli military actions in the Gaza Strip and called upon Israel to fully respect the Fourth Geneva Convention.
The UN has adopted a very large number of resolutions on these issues over the years, and Ireland has consistently supported those resolutions which reflected the EU's commitment to a peaceful resolution of the conflict. I would note in particular our support for the UN General Assembly resolution adopted in July this year by an overwhelming majority in response to the International Court of Justice advisory opinion on the separation barrier.
Human Rights Issues.
Jimmy Deenihan
Question:33 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the Amnesty International report detailing violence against women in the Congo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30028/04]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:144 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the situation in regard to democracy and human rights in the Democratic Republic of the Congo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30686/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 33 and 144 together.
The recently issued report by Amnesty International, entitled Democratic Republic of Congo: Mass Rape — time for remedies, highlights the continuing and serious problem of human rights violations in that country and the extent to which women and young girls have been particular victims of the conflict in the DRC. While there has been a considerable measure of political progress in the DRC since the signing of the Sun City peace accords in 2002, state institutions and the administration of justice still remain critically weak, contributing to the country's continuing poor human rights record.
The Amnesty International report has drawn attention to the way the existence of a culture of impunity in the DRC is contributing to the crime of rape being committed on an unacceptable scale. There is no doubt that more needs to be done "by all involved" to tackle impunity and to ensure that those responsible for human rights violations are brought to account. The transitional national government has a particular responsibility in this regard. Greater progress needs to be made in accelerating the transition process and particularly in establishing an effective national justice system and an integrated national police force, both of which are essential in bringing to justice human rights violators.
The European Union is making a major contribution in support of security sector reform in the DRC. The EU, in particular, has helped to establish an integrated police unit in Kinshasa which is currently undergoing training. Ireland has contributed €75,000 towards the costs of establishment of this unit. Further assistance with police training and assistance to the Congolese ministries in charge of security is also under consideration. It is also important to acknowledge the valuable role being performed by the UN peacekeeping operation, MONUC, in monitoring and reporting on those human rights violations which are occurring.
The European Union has remained active in ensuring that international attention continues to be focused on the need for improvement in the human rights situation in the DRC. The Irish EU Presidency successfully pursued an initiative at this year's session of the UN Commission on Human Rights in Geneva, which resulted in adoption of a consensus resolution on the human rights situation in the DRC and provided for appointment of an independent UN expert to continue monitoring and reporting on the situation. The European Union has also tabled a resolution on the human rights situation in the DRC at the current session of the UN General Assembly in New York. This resolution, inter alia, specifically calls on the transitional national government to do more to tackle impunity and to carry out an urgent and comprehensive reform of the judicial system in the DRC. The draft resolution also condemns the widespread use of sexual violence and urges all parties in the DRC to take special measures to protect women and children from such violence.
The efforts to end the culture of impunity in the DRC have also been greatly assisted by the decision of the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court last June to launch an investigation into alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in the DRC. This is a development I very much welcome. It is also encouraging to note that the ICC investigation is being undertaken at the specific request of the transitional national government and is both a welcome demonstration of renewed commitment on the DRC's part to improving their human rights situation as well as a warning to all those who may have been involved in serious human rights violations in the DRC that they cannot expect impunity for their crimes. An investigating team from the Office of the ICC Prosecutor visited the DRC at the end of July and further visits will take place in the coming months as the investigation process develops.
EU Accession.
Michael Ring
Question:34 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has held discussions with his Cypriot counterpart with regard to the possible accession of Turkey to the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30021/04]
Joe Sherlock
Question:43 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position with regard to Turkey’s application for membership of the European Union; the further position with regard to EU negotiations with Turkey for membership; his position on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30101/04]
Simon Coveney
Question:46 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the consideration that is being given to opening formal discussions with Turkey on accession to the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30020/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 34, 43 and 46 together.
The Helsinki European Council in December 1999 decided that Turkey is a candidate country "destined" to join the European Union on the basis of the same criteria applied to other candidate states. The Copenhagen European Council in December 2002 made the clear commitment that if the European Council meeting in December 2004 decides that Turkey has fulfilled the Copenhagen political criteria, the EU will open accession negotiations without delay. This commitment was reaffirmed most recently by the European Council on 18 June 2004, under Ireland's Presidency. The political criteria require a candidate country to achieve stability of institutions guaranteeing democracy, the rule of law, human rights and respect for and protection of minorities.
The June European Council welcomed the significant progress made to date by Turkey in the reform process, including the important and wide-ranging constitutional amendments adopted in May. It also welcomed the continued and sustained efforts of the Turkish Government to meet the Copenhagen political criteria and emphasised the importance of concluding the remaining legislative work and accelerating efforts to ensure decisive progress in the implementation of reforms at all levels of administration and throughout the country. Legislative work has continued in Turkey in recent months. I welcome in particular the adoption by the Turkish Parliament in September of a comprehensive new penal code.
On 6 October, the European Commission presented its regular report for 2004 on Turkey's progress towards accession, together with its recommendation, for consideration by the December European Council. The Commission noted that Turkey has made substantial progress in its political reform process, particularly in the past two years. It drew attention to a number of reforms which have been legislated for, but which have not yet entered into force. The Commission concluded that in view of the overall progress of reforms, and provided Turkey brings into force the key outstanding legislation, it considers that Turkey sufficiently fulfils the political criteria and recommends that accession negotiations be opened. The issue of the timing of any negotiations would be a matter for decision by the European Council.
In its recommendation, the Commission noted that the irreversibility of the reform process in Turkey, and, in particular, its implementation with regard to fundamental freedoms will need to be confirmed over a longer period of time. It suggested a detailed strategy for the pursuit of negotiations, which would reinforce and support the reform process, and noted that accession negotiations with Turkey would be, by their very nature, part of an open-ended process whose outcome cannot be guaranteed beforehand.
The Government has welcomed the very comprehensive report and recommendation from the Commission. Turkey has made remarkable progress in recent years in the adoption of essential constitutional and administrative reforms. I expect the Turkish Government will maintain its efforts over the coming weeks to ensure that the conditions are in place for a positive decision by the December European Council, leading to the opening of accession negotiations.
The question of Turkey's accession has been the subject of political debate in all member states. Obviously, Cyprus has particular concerns which have been explained by Foreign Minister Iacovou at meetings of the General Affairs and External Relations Council, which we have both attended since the presentation of the Commission report and recommendation. The EU has welcomed the positive contribution of the Turkish Government to the efforts of the UN Secretary General earlier this year to achieve a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem. However, Turkey still does not recognise the Republic of Cyprus, which has been a member state since 1 May. It is important to note that any accession negotiations will be held in the framework of an Intergovernmental Conference consisting of all 25 member states of the EU. I hope the Turkish Government will respond without further delay to the invitation from the June European Council to conclude negotiations with the Commission, on behalf of the Community and its 25 member states, on the adaptation of the Ankara agreement on the establishment of the customs union to take account of the accession of the new member states.
Ireland-China Trade.
John Perry
Question:35 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the value of trade between Ireland and China for each year since 2000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30052/04]
The Central Statistics Office records the following levels of total trade with mainland China: In 2000, total trade was worth €1.066 billion; in 2001 it was €1.424 billion; in 2002 it was €2.031 billion; and in 2003 it was €2.798 billion. These figures do not include trade with Hong Kong, Macao or Taiwan. The growth in trade between us is a clear indication of the success of the Government's Asia strategy.
Question No. 36 answered with QuestionNo. 20.
World War I Executions.
Emmet Stagg
Question:37 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has had further meetings with the Irish branch of the Shot at Dawn Campaign; if he has made representations to the British Prime Minister to persuade him and the British Government to grant pardons to the 26 Irish born soldiers in the British Army who were executed during World War I for various military offences which ceased in 1929 to be punishable by death; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30103/04]
The Embassy of Ireland, London, submitted a report on 27 October 2004 to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on my behalf which was entitled Shot at Dawn; A report into the courts-martial and execution of twenty-six Irish soldiers by the British Army during World War I. This report was the culmination of extensive research into the subject, including in regard to the courts-martial files of the Irish men in question which were provided following a meeting with the British Ministry of Defence in February 2004. Mr. Peter Mulvany, the Shot at Dawn Ireland co-ordinator, has been kept fully informed throughout this period, and remains in regular contact with my officials as matters progress.
The report submitted to the British side discusses in depth the current and contemporaneous grounds in support of our view that these men did not deserve their fate: The public and parliamentary unease on the subject of military executions at the time of the First World War is well documented. As recognised by the Deputy, this unease led to the death penalty being repealed for the particular offences under which each man was shot a mere ten years after the war had ended; there is evidence to suggest a disparity in the treatment of the lower ranks in comparison to officers, and statistics that highlight a harsher disciplinary regime faced by men from Ireland in comparison to men from other countries; and there are also concerns that both medical and mental symptoms apparent in those facing courts-martial were not adequately addressed prior to sentencing, and that convincing mitigating factors in a number of cases were ignored.
When these factors are combined with the obvious practice of the British Army at the time to control discipline through exemplary justice, then our case for retrospective pardons seems very strong. We have therefore asked that the British Government consider our report with a view to restoring the good names of these men. The British response in this regard is awaited.
Nuclear Disarmament Initiative.
Enda Kenny
Question:38 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the work at European level being undertaken to ensure that Iran suspends potential weapons related to nuclear activities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30036/04]
It has been more than two years since Iran's undeclared nuclear programme was first brought to the attention of the International Atomic Energy Agency, IAEA, and the director general of the agency has presented six written reports since June 2003. The latest report is to be discussed at the next meeting of the IAEA board of governors which begins in Vienna on 25 November.
The issue has been followed closely at European level throughout this time. At its most recent meeting on 4-5 November 2004, the European Council underlined the importance it attached to building confidence in the peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear programme and the need for transparency and compliance with IAEA board of governors' resolutions. The Council stressed that a full and sustained suspension of all enrichment and reprocessing activities, on a voluntary basis, would open the door for talks on long-term co-operation offering mutual benefits. The Council also confirmed that the European Union and its member states would remain actively engaged "notably through the efforts of France, Germany and the United Kingdom and the High Representative for the CFSP" with the objective of achieving progress on the Iranian nuclear issue before the IAEA board of governors' meeting later this month.
These efforts have since resulted in an agreement with Iran on nuclear issues and future co-operation. Under this agreement, Iran, inter alia, reaffirmed that it does not and will not seek to acquire nuclear weapons and committed itself to full transparency and co-operation with the IAEA. Iran, moreover, decided to voluntarily suspend all enrichment and reprocessing activities and to invite the IAEA to verify and to monitor the suspension. The agreement further provides for negotiations to begin in the first half of next month on a long-term agreement which will cover political and security issues, technology and co-operation, and nuclear issues. Iran’s commitment to sustaining the suspension, while these negotiations are under way, is stated in the agreement to be essential for the continuation of the overall process.
The General Affairs and External Relations Council, earlier this week, welcomed Iran's decision to suspend fully all enrichment and reprocessing activities and to sustain this suspension while negotiations on long-term arrangements are under way. The Council underlined the importance of these arrangements which will have to provide for objective guarantees that Iran's nuclear programme is exclusively for peaceful purposes and affirmed its willingness to work towards a positive outcome.
Emigrant Services.
Gerard Murphy
Question:39 Mr. Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the level of funding that will be allocated to Irish emigrant groups for 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30050/04]
I am delighted that the funds available to emigrant services will once again rise substantially next year. The Estimates for Public Services include an overall allocation of €8.267 million to support our emigrants in 2005. This is a doubling of the 2004 Estimates figure. Even allowing for the additional funding which was made available to emigrant services in late 2004, this figure of €8.267 million represents an overall increase of 63%.
We have, therefore, increased very substantially funding to the voluntary organisations that assist our emigrants. The funding will in large part go to groups providing front line services to our emigrant communities in Britain, and especially the most vulnerable Irish people there. There will also be significant increases for emigrant groups providing similar services in the United States and Australia.
This very significant increase reflects in the clearest possible way the strength of the Government's firm and sustained commitment to our emigrant communities. Our commitment is both immediate and long-term, and the very substantial allocation for 2005 will be built on progressively over the coming years. Our commitment is also reflected in the establishment of a new dedicated unit — the Irish abroad unit — which has been warmly welcomed at home and abroad.
Petersberg Tasks.
Dan Boyle
Question:40 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the provisions in the new EU constitution, Article 313(3), which provide for the establishment of a start-up fund made of member states’ contributions to finance preparatory activities for the Petersberg Tasks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30264/04]
In Article III — 313, paragraph 3, of the European constitution, provision is made for a start-up fund for the urgent financing of initiatives in the framework of the common foreign and security policy and, in particular, for preparatory activities in respect of the Petersberg Tasks.
The provision arises from the fact that operations having military or defence implications are not financed from the Union budget. Such operations are therefore financed by contributions from member states. This is currently the case under the provisions of the Nice treaty and will remain so after the entry into force of the European constitution.
The procedures for establishing, financing and administering the start-up fund are not elaborated in the constitution. It remains for the Council, once the constitution has entered into force, to adopt decisions establishing such procedures, on foot of a proposal by the Union Minister for Foreign Affairs.
Foreign Conflicts.
Phil Hogan
Question:41 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the security and political situation in Afghanistan; the action being taken by the Government to secure the release of hostages taken in Afghanistan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30015/04]
The recent kidnapping of three UN workers, among them a dual Irish-British national, Ms Annetta Flanigan, gave cause for serious concern. Happily, they were released yesterday and I conveyed the sense of relief and delight of the Irish people to Annetta's family. The positive outcome to this difficult case is itself a tribute to the Afghan Government and to the United Nations, with whom my Department was in regular contact during these recent weeks. We also discussed the situation on a number of occasions with Archbishop Eames, who has been a great source of support to her family.
The presidential election in Afghanistan — the first election to be held since the 1960s — took place on 9 October 2004. On 3 November 2004, Mr. Hamid Karzai, leader of the Afghan Transitional Authority, was declared elected. His inauguration will take place on 7 December 2004. The presidential election constitutes the penultimate step in the implementation of the Bonn Agreement of December 2001 on arrangements for the re-establishment of permanent government institutions in Afghanistan. The holding of parliamentary elections, scheduled for April 2005, will complete this process.
The fact that millions of Afghan nationals turned out to vote was most encouraging, and bodes well for the future stability of Afghanistan. President Karzai won 55.4% of the vote and secured support across all ethnic groups and in all areas of the country. The election day also passed without a major security incident, which is a tribute to both the Afghan police and armed forces, as well as to the international security forces in Afghanistan.
In the aftermath of the presidential election, the UN, the EU, the OSCE and other relevant bodies are continuing to work with the Afghan authorities to facilitate the peaceful and successful holding of parliamentary elections next year. The parliamentary elections present a considerable political and logistical challenge. The possibility that there will be thousands of candidates cannot be ruled out.
Much attention will also be focused on the formation of President Karzai's cabinet, which will be appointed after Mr. Karzai's inauguration on 7 December 2004. It will be important that President Karzai forms a strong and broad-based cabinet which will foster the social and economic development of the country and tackle the many challenges ahead.
Looking ahead, it is important that the international community remains focused on how best to support Afghanistan. The decision of the UN Security Council on 17 September 2004 to extend the mandate of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan for a further 12-month period beyond 13 October 2004 is an important development in this regard. The agreement by NATO, at its summit in Istanbul in June 2004, to provide an additional 3,500 NATO troops to supplement ISAF for the election period together with the deployment of a number of new provincial reconstruction teams in recent months were also positive developments.
To ensure a secure environment in Afghanistan, it is important that all irregular forces are disarmed and demobilised, or integrated into the national army. I welcome the steps already taken towards this end, but much more needs to be done so that the future Afghan Government has unified armed forces at its disposal. To this end, I strongly urge all concerned to make a full commitment to the vigorous implementation and intensification of the disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration process.
The House will be aware of the grave problems that flow from the resurgence of poppy cultivation in Afghanistan. On 18 November 2004, the UN Office on Drugs and Crime released a survey on opium production in Afghanistan in 2004. The survey found that opium cultivation has increased by 64% compared to 2003. Afghanistan is now the largest drug cultivating country in the world. Counter-narcotics will be a priority for the new Afghan Government. Ireland, together with our EU partners, fully supports the Afghan authorities' uncompromising stance on the illicit cultivation of and trafficking in drugs. Over the past three years, Ireland has contributed €500,000 per annum to the UNODC, €300,000 of which per annum has been channelled into counter-narcotics projects in the region.
Afghanistan will continue to face many serious challenges in the period ahead and will therefore continue to need extensive support from the international community. Ireland and our partners in the European Union are determined to continue to play our part in this process.
Question No. 42 answered with QuestionNo. 12.
Question No. 43 answered with QuestionNo. 34.
Official Engagements.
David Stanton
Question:44 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his overseas travel arrangements for the next six months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30048/04]
A list of my confirmed overseas engagements for the next six months is set out below. Consideration is being given to further travel priorities for the first half of next year.
|
Date |
Meeting |
Venue |
|
29 — 30 November, 2004 |
Euro-Mediterranean Partnership (EUROMED) Mid-term Ministerial Meeting |
The Hague |
|
13 — 14 December, 2004 |
General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC) |
Brussels |
|
16 — 17 December, 2004 |
European Council |
Brussels |
|
31 January — 1 February, 2005 |
General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC) |
Brussels |
|
21 — 22 February, 2005 |
General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC) |
Brussels |
|
16 — 17 March, 2005 |
General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC) |
Brussels |
|
22 — 23 March, 2005 |
European Council |
Brussels |
|
15 — 16 April, 2005 |
Informal Meeting of Ministers for Foreign Affairs (Gymnich) |
Luxembourg |
|
25 — 26 April, 2005 |
General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC) |
Luxembourg |
|
23 — 24 May, 2005 |
General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC) |
Brussels |
Hostage Releases.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:45 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the efforts made to assist efforts to secure the release of a person (details supplied) and two colleagues in Afghanistan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30094/04]
I know that all Members of the House were delighted to learn yesterday of the release of Ms Annetta Flanigan and her two fellow UN workers in Afghanistan. I conveyed the enormous sense of relief felt by all the people of Ireland to Annetta's family yesterday.
I wish to take this opportunity to record my appreciation for the work of the Secretary General of the United Nations and his staff, as well as that of the Afghan Government. Their great efforts have been rewarded with the return of Annetta to her husband José and to her family in Armagh, with whom my Department has been in contact during these difficult weeks.
The Government followed this case very closely since learning of the abduction on 28 October last. My Department was in ongoing communication with the United Nations, both in New York and Kabul. We also liaised with Archbishop Robin Eames, who has been a great source of support to the family.
This happy event brings to mind the tragic outcomes of other recent hostage cases. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of Ken Bigley and Margaret Hassan at this time.
Question No. 46 answered with QuestionNo. 34.
Irish Language.
Brian O'Shea
Question:47 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position with regard to the Government’s policy of seeking official working status for the Irish language in the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28071/04]
Dinny McGinley
Question:77 D’fhiafraigh Mr. McGinley den Aire Gnóthaí Eachtracha cad iad na hiarrachtaí atáá ndéanamh ag a Roinn maidir le stádas oifigiúil a bhaint amach don Ghaeilge san Aontas Eorpach. [30146/04]
Joe Sherlock
Question:103 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress made to date in negotiations with the European Commission regarding the status of the Irish language in the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30100/04]
Dinny McGinley
Question:141 D’fhiafraigh Mr. McGinley den Aire Gnóthaí Eachtracha cad é an dul chun cinn atá déanta maidir le stádas oifigiúil a bhaint amach don Ghaeilge san Aontas Eorpach. [27953/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 47, 77, 103 and 141 together.
Following the Government's decision in July to initiate a process of discussions with the other EU member states and EU institutions with a view to seeking official and working status for the Irish language in the EU, a number of bilateral discussions have taken place with representatives of other member states and EU institutions.
In undertaking these discussions, on what is a complex and sensitive matter, we have sought to identify the issues arising and the practical options open to the Government in pursuing the objective of obtaining official and working status for the Irish language.
The progress of these discussions was recently reviewed at political level and the final details of our approach on this issue have been agreed. Ireland is today tabling a formal proposal in Brussels requesting that official and working status in the EU be accorded to the Irish language and I am arranging for a copy of the proposal to be forwarded to the Deputies.
Amendment of Regulation 1 of 1958, which governs the Union's language regime, requires the unanimous approval of partners.
Irish Immigrants in the US.
Jimmy Deenihan
Question:48 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the recent contacts there have been with the American President and the State Department regarding undocumented Irish immigrants who are working illegally in the USA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30292/04]
Mary Upton
Question:97 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he plans to raise with either the US Ambassador or the US President the issue of the estimated 500,000 undocumented Irish immigrants in the United States; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30105/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 48 and 97 together.
The Government's concern regarding the situation of the undocumented Irish people in the United States is raised on an ongoing basis in our bilateral contacts with the US authorities, including when the Taoiseach and my predecessor met with President Bush at the EU-US Summit in Dromoland Castle in June 2004.
The number of Irish people who may be resident in the United States without the appropriate authorisation is difficult to estimate. While the US authorities have estimated that the number may have declined to 3,000 in the year 2000, I know that many of the organisations working on the ground with our emigrants would regard this figure as a very low estimate.
I welcome comments made in recent weeks by senior members of the US Administration that immigration reform will be a high priority during President Bush's second term in office. As the Deputy may be aware, various proposals on immigration reform have been made by President Bush and by members of the outgoing Congress. These initiatives reflect an awareness of the importance of addressing the situation of the undocumented in the US in a constructive and sympathetic way. Proposals for reform will have to be considered in detail by the incoming US Congress. Realistically, there is unlikely to be any movement until after the presidential inauguration in the New Year. I will be monitoring closely developments and will raise this issue in my contacts with figures in the US Administration and Legislature.
The Deputy can be assured that through the ongoing efforts of our embassy and my own contacts and those of my cabinet colleagues with political leaders in the US, we will continue to encourage and support all measures that benefit Irish citizens in the US.
Human Rights Issues.
Denis Naughten
Question:49 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has raised with the US Administration aspects of the recently published Amnesty International report, Human dignity denied; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30033/04]
The recent Amnesty International report, Human dignity denied: Torture and Accountability in the War on Terror, details reported abuse of detainees held by US forces, particularly at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba and at Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq. It calls for a full commission of inquiry into US detention and interrogation practices and policies during the war on terror. The report also includes a series of recommendations to the US Government under Amnesty International's 12 point programme for the prevention of torture by agents of the State. This extensive Amnesty report builds on earlier reports from the same organisation in relation to its concerns about the treatment of those detained by US forces.
The US authorities are well aware of the Government's concern regarding the treatment of detainees in both Guantanamo Bay and Abu Ghraib. These concerns had been made known to the US Administration well before the publication of Human dignity denied on 27 October 2004. Such concerns have been raised on a number of occasions both by the Taoiseach and my predecessor and also through the Embassy of Ireland in Washington and with the US Embassy in Dublin.
During the recent Irish Presidency of the European Union, the Government also ensured that the wider European concern on these issues was expressed. For example, on 17 May 2004 the EU Council of Ministers, acting on the initiative of the Irish Presidency, expressed its abhorrence at recent evidence of the mistreatment of prisoners in Iraqi prisons and condemned any instances of abuse and degradation of these prisoners. I might add that in the Declaration on Combating Terrorism issued at the EU-US Summit in Dromoland Castle on 26 June 2004, both sides reiterated their determination to work together to combat terrorism while sharing a commitment to protect and respect human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law on which our societies are founded and which terrorism seeks to destroy.
I can assure the Deputy that in my own future contacts with the US Administration I will raise human rights issues when appropriate. While I have not had the opportunity to visit Washington yet in my role as Minister for Foreign Affairs, I look forward to meeting with Secretary of State-designate Dr. Condoleezza Rice in the period ahead and I have already conveyed my warm congratulations to her on her nomination.
Question No. 50 answered with QuestionNo. 16.
Official Engagements.
Breeda Moynihan-Cronin
Question:51 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the reason it was decided to accede to a request from the representatives of the People’s Republic of China, that no press conference be held, and coverage be confined to photo opportunities during the official visit of Mr. Huang Ju; the way in which he proposes to indicate to the public such matters as have been discussed with the distinguished visitor; if his attention has been drawn to the consequences by way of precedent for such treatment of an official visit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30084/04]
Eamon Ryan
Question:78 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his meeting in Dublin with the Chinese Vice-Premier, Huang Ju; the issues discussed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30270/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 51 and 78 together.
My Department prepares official visits in close co-operation with representatives of the incoming delegations. Each element of the visit must be acceptable to the parties. As the House will appreciate, it is not possible to oblige anybody to give a press conference if he or she decides not to do so.
I delivered one formal speech on Ireland's bilateral economic relations with China in the course of the visit. The speech followed a lunch meeting with the Vice-Premier on 17 November. This has been made available publicly on my Department's website.
The official talks with the Chinese delegation covered two main areas: bilateral relations and EU-China relations. On our bilateral relations, we discussed the number of high-level visits between our two countries in recent years, human rights issues, the question of Tibet, the rapid expansion in trade since the launch of the Government's Asia strategy, the growth in the number of Chinese students in Ireland and the recent exchange of cultural festivals. The areas of investment, education, culture, health, technology, telecommunications and agriculture were also raised, as were the situations in Burma and North Korea.
In the context of EU-China relations, we reviewed current political relations between the EU and China, including the human rights issue. Vice-Premier Huang Ju paid tribute to Ireland's recent EU Presidency and the progress which had been made in EU-China relations during our Presidency. At his request, I updated the Vice-Premier on the current state-of-play regarding discussions on whether to lift the EU arms embargo on China.
Question No. 52 answered with QuestionNo. 32.
Human Rights Issues.
Joe Costello
Question:53 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the Government’s position on the re-imprisonment of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30076/04]
I share the Deputy's concerns about the arrest of this person and the background to the case. I understand that he has since been released from police custody and was placed under house arrest for one week. These steps appear to have been taken because the Israeli authorities believed that he had contravened restrictions imposed on him concerning contacts with the media and with foreign citizens. These conditions formed part of the terms for his release from prison at the end of the prison sentence which he had served.
Peacekeeping Operations.
Michael Ring
Question:54 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the situation with regard to the development of an EU force for rapid deployment in line with requests from the United Nations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30035/04]
The development of the battlegroups-rapid response elements concept has been an important part of the EU's work in developing capabilities for military peacekeeping operations over the past year.
Essentially, the idea is that the Union will have at its disposal a rapidly deployable, robust force that can be deployed in crisis areas for a short period. These units could be deployed at the request of the UN to act as a bridging force, stabilising a crisis situation while the UN establishes a larger, longer-term mission to take over from the EU. They could, for instance, be used to respond to situations similar to the crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo last year when EU troops helped to stabilise the situation there following a request by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan.
The rapid deployment of an EU mission in that country, to which Ireland contributed headquarters personnel, helped save lives and provided space for a UN force to be prepared. Kofi Annan, in his appearance before the National Forum on Europe during his recent visit to Ireland, welcomed the development of EU rapid response capabilities. He noted in particular the important role that regional organisations such as the EU can play in supporting the UN in crisis management and peacekeeping operations.
From an operational perspective, the General Affairs and External Relations Council on Monday adopted a declaration which foresees that the EU will have battlegroups-rapid response elements at its disposal from 2005. Initially, there will be one battlegroup on stand-by from that date, ready to deploy within ten days of a Council decision to launch an operation. From 2007, it is envisaged that two battlegroups will be on stand-by at any one time. This will contribute significantly to the EU's ability to respond speedily to rapid-onset crises, particularly in Africa.
As the Minister for Defence has already outlined to the House, the Government has examined the issue of participation in battlegroups-rapid response elements. We have agreed to consult further with partners on the possibility of Ireland's participation in rapid response elements. The Government will make a final decision based on these consultations and on a detailed analysis of the implications involved.
Diplomatic Representation.
Olwyn Enright
Question:55 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has plans to open diplomatic relations with any new states over the remainder of 2004 and during the course of 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30030/04]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:150 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if it is intended to establish further new embassies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30693/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 55 and 150 together.
Ireland maintains diplomatic relations with more than 150 countries. The opening of diplomatic relations with new states is kept under constant review.
As indicated in the context of the Estimate announcements on 18 November, I hope to be in a position to go to the Government in the near future with proposals for extending our range of diplomatic missions, especially into new member states of the EU where we have not yet established an embassy and also to Bulgaria and Romania. Opening missions in these countries will allow us to take advantage of the very positive profile built up during our Presidency. The aim will be to deliver real added value for the country across all areas, including the further growth of our trade and economic links.
Paul Nicholas Gogarty
Question:56 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the new EU diplomatic service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30268/04]
Article III-296 of the European Constitution provides that the Union Minister for Foreign Affairs shall be assisted by a European external action service. This service shall work in co-operation with the diplomatic services of the member states and shall comprise officials from relevant departments of the General Secretariat of the Council and the Commission as well as staff seconded from national diplomatic services of the member states.
The organisation and functioning of the service are to be established by the Council, acting by QMV, on a proposal by the Union Foreign Minister and with the consent of the Commission.
While the service cannot be established until after entry into force of the European Constitution, for which the target date of 1 November 2006 has been set, a declaration of the Intergovernmental Conference states that, following signature of the European Constitution, which took place on 29 October, the Secretary-General-High Representative, Javier Solana, the Commission and the member states are to begin preparatory work on the service. There have already been some informal discussions and contacts and we look forward to proposals on how preparatory work is to be structured.
Inevitably, the establishment and development of the new service will involve complex organisational issues. Ireland will wish to ensure that it is properly equipped and organised to fulfil its mandate of assisting the Union Minister for Foreign Affairs and that it properly reflects the dual role of the Minister vis-à-vis both the Commission and the Council. We will also want to ensure that the member states collectively, and individual member states, are fully involved in preparatory work and that there is transparency and equity as regards the staffing of the service and access to the information generated by it.
Belorussian Elections.
Kathleen Lynch
Question:57 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the recent elections in Belorussia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30080/04]
Ireland and the European Union are very concerned at the conduct of the parliamentary elections held on 17 October in Belarus. We believe that the elections were not conducted in a free and fair manner and we cannot, therefore, have confidence that the results truly reflect the will of the people of Belarus. We regret that an opportunity for Belarus to move closer to European values was missed.
The referendum outcome changed the state constitution to allow the President, at the next presidential elections in 2006, to seek to remain in power for a third term of office. There will be no representatives of opposition political parties in the new Parliament in Belarus. It now seems likely that President Lukashenko will remain in power for the foreseeable future. This does not bode well for any possible future democratic reform.
In its declaration of 20 October, the European Union expressed deep disappointment at the conduct of the elections and said that it fully agreed with the conclusions of the OSCE monitoring mission. The OSCE mission found that the elections fell significantly short of OSCE commitments for democratic elections and that democratic principles were largely disregarded by the authorities. In its declaration the EU underlined its regret that the Belorussian authorities did not seize the opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to standards to which Belarus freely subscribed when it became an OSCE participating state. Importantly, the European Union confirmed that support will continue to be extended to all remaining democratic forces in Belarus.
Ireland favours a strengthening of contacts with civil society in Belarus with a view to encouraging and supporting democratic reform at the grass-roots level. However, great care must be taken to ensure that EU support does not inadvertently contribute to further repression of civil society and opposition forces.
Dáil Éireann is well aware that Ireland is among the states which have taken a lead in rendering humanitarian aid to Belorussian children in order to relieve the after-effects of the Chernobyl nuclear accident and it is familiar with the exceptional work of the Chernobyl Children's Project. In this context, the Government is concerned about the implications of an announcement by President Lukashenko on 17 November that regulations relating to children travelling abroad for medical treatment and recuperation are to be tightened up considerably, so that each permission to travel will require the approval of the Belarus minister for education. It appears a similar tightening up will apply in respect of adoptions.
In the discussion of Belarus at the General Affairs and External Relations Council on 22 November, I raised the new regulations. I pointed out in particular that, if implemented, they would add a new and worrying dimension to the isolation of Belarus from the rest of Europe. I also asked Secretary General-High Representative Solana and his ministerial colleagues to share any information that might come to light in order to assist Ireland's efforts to clarify what exactly the new regulations will involve in practice. I emphasised that this is an issue which Ireland would wish to see pursued by the EU with the Belorussian authorities on humanitarian grounds with a view to encouraging them to modify their position. I also recommended that the Chernobyl Children's Project, whose experience and expertise equip it to make a very valuable contribution, should be invited to participate in the workshop which the European Commission is to organise in Lithuania to co-ordinate assistance to Belarus.
I and my Department will continue to monitor developments closely, and we are also pursuing it bilaterally with the Belorussian authorities. Ireland believes that Belarus must remain high on the agenda of the European Union and that every opportunity must be taken to raise the issue with Russia, which could play an important role. The European Union remains open to a dialogue with Belarus as soon as the authorities there demonstrate a willingness to respect democratic values and the rule of law.
Ireland sent three observers to the elections on 17 October as part of the OSCE election observation mission.
Question No. 58 answered with QuestionNo. 16.
Question No. 59 answered with QuestionNo. 19.
EU Sanctions.
Pat Breen
Question:60 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the situation in Libya. [30047/04]
Bernard Allen
Question:71 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the European Union proposals to lift sanctions and arms embargo’s imposed on Libya; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30049/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 60 and 71 together.
Wide-ranging sanctions against Libya were imposed by the EU in 1986 and the UN in 1992 in response to evidence of Libyan support for international terrorism. In recent years, Libya has moved to break its links with terrorism and repair its relations with the EU and other countries. In recognition of this, both EU and UN sanctions were suspended in 1999, except for the EU arms embargo, which remained in force. The UN sanctions were finally abolished in September 1999.
This positive development of Libyan policy has continued. In December 2003, Libya renounced and began to dismantle its programmes to develop weapons of mass destruction and has agreed to pay significant financial compensation to relatives of those killed in terrorist attacks which it had supported. Against this background, the EU decided at the General Affairs and External Relations Council in October to lift the last element of the former sanctions regime, the EU arms embargo. The EU's code of conduct on arms sales will continue to apply to the supply of military equipment to Libya.
Ireland is in favour of engaging with Libya and encouraging it to continue on the more positive path it has adopted. The EU still has concerns in relation to Libya, especially in the field of human rights. A key issue is the case of the Bulgarian and Palestinian medical workers convicted and sentenced to death in relation to the infection of children in Benghazi with HIV. The October GAERC conclusions made it clear that the EU looked to the Libyan authorities for early action in this case.
Prevention of Terrorism.
Joe Costello
Question:61 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the detention of a person (details supplied) under the Prevention of Terrorism Act 2002 on 19 October 2004 at Holyhead, Wales; if he or his office has contacted the British or Northern Ireland authorities regarding the operation and future of the Act; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27277/04]
As I indicated in my reply to Parliamentary Question 267 of 17 November, the case to which the Deputy referred is under discussion with the British authorities. My officials have arranged to meet with the British authorities in London on 1 December to discuss this case and the broader issues of concern to which it gives rise.
With regard to the more general question as to the operation and future of the Terrorism Act 2000, the Deputy is aware that the Act allows for all travellers from any country entering the UK to be stopped, searched and examined. The Government understands the necessity for governments, including the British Government, to deal effectively with the threat of terrorism. At the same time, we are concerned that the application of provisions of the Terrorism Act 2000, such as the powers relating to airport and border controls, should be applied sensitively and in such a way that they do not cause undue inconvenience or embarrassment to travellers or discriminate against persons travelling between the two islands. The matter is the subject of regular discussions with the British side.
Emigrant Services.
Willie Penrose
Question:62 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress made to date in implementing the recommendations of the task force on policy regarding emigrants; the latest work of the dedicated unit within his Department to deal with issues concerning Irish persons overseas; the meetings which members of this unit have had with Irish emigrant communities overseas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30092/04]
The task force on policy regarding emigrants contained many detailed recommendations whose implementation can best be brought about on a phased basis. Considerable progress has already been made with action under way on over two thirds of its recommendations. Overall policy is now, as recommended by the task force, the responsibility of my Department and a dedicated unit has been established to drive forward progress in this important area.
I am delighted that the funds available to emigrant services will once again rise substantially next year. The Estimates for Public Services include an overall allocation of €8.267 million to support our emigrants in 2005. This is a doubling of the 2004 Estimates figure. Even allowing for the additional funding which was made available to emigrant services in late 2004, this figure of €8.267 million represents an overall increase of 63%.
This very substantial increase in funding reflects the strength of the Government's commitment to our emigrant communities. Funding is directed to the voluntary organisations that provide critical services to our vulnerable emigrants. These organisations are active in the areas identified by the task force including pre-departure services and front-line advice and counselling to our community living abroad. A particular priority continues to be to reach the most vulnerable Irish abroad such as our older community, Irish travellers and the undocumented Irish people in the United States.
An important policy initiative to facilitate the Government's efforts and relationship with Irish communities abroad has been the creation of the Irish abroad unit within the Department of Foreign Affairs. I am delighted to note that its establishment has been warmly welcomed by our partners in the voluntary sector.
As the task force makes clear, the needs of our emigrant community can best be met by a collective effort that involves statutory and non-statutory agencies. Officials of the dedicated unit are active on the ground in developing contacts with the full range of partners involved in this collective effort. They have to date had meetings with Departments and agencies involved in the provision of services to emigrants in Ireland. Members of the unit have also had meetings with organisations which provide front line services to Irish people in the USA, London, Birmingham and Coventry. Further meetings are being planned in London and Lancashire before Christmas. The development and maintenance of such contacts by the dedicated unit provide the voluntary organisations engaged in the provision of emigrant services with an effective channel of communication to the Government.
The activity of the dedicated unit is already injecting a fresh momentum to drive forward progress on all of the critically important areas identified by the task force. In this way we can ensure that the needs of our emigrants continue to be accorded the highest priority and that our response to their needs is effective and is developed further in the period ahead.
Question No. 63 answered with QuestionNo. 32.
Departmental Estimates.
Trevor Sargent
Question:64 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the Estimates 2005 for his Department. [30273/04]
The Department of Foreign Affairs is responsible for two Votes, Vote 28 — Foreign Affairs and Vote 29 — International Co-operation. The Estimates for Public Services in 2005 which were published last week include a total provision of €166 million for Vote 28 and €460 million for Vote 29. I am extremely pleased at the increased funding made available for both these Votes.
Included in the allocation for Vote 28 is a very substantial increase in the funding for emigrant services, bringing the total amount allocated for emigrants in 2005 to €8.2 million, more than a doubling of the allocation for last year. This very substantial increase reflects the strength of the Government's commitment to our emigrant communities. This commitment is both immediate and long-term and will be built on progressively over the coming years: funding of €19 million to complete work on and to sustain one of the most advanced passport services in the world. Before the end of this year we will produce a new machine- readable passport, capable of incorporating biometric information. The new passport will be produced using the latest technologies and will enable us to meet the highest international standard for travel documentation: an additional €4 million earmarked for the development of our visa system to the highest international standards. Underpinning the development of the new passport and visa services will be the continued upgrading of our telecommunications links: a contribution of €250,000 in 2005 —€1 million over four years — to the European Investment Bank Facility for the Euro- Mediterranean Investment and Partnership, FEMIP, trust fund. This fund has been established by EU member states and the Mediterranean partner countries as part of the process to help meet the challenges of economic and social modernisation and enhanced regional integration in the partner countries: a provision of €150,000 for information material on the European Constitution.
While no decision has been made on when a referendum will be held, we expect to publish a White Paper and possibly other information materials in 2005.
The allocation to Vote 29 next year is €460 million. This represents a large increase of €60 million, or 15% over 2004. Our total ODA commitment in 2005 will reach €535 million when the contributions of other Departments are factored in. This is the highest amount ever allocated in the history of the aid programme, and well above the EU average. A commitment has also been given, as part of a three year programme, that the development aid budget will be increased by an additional €65 million in 2006 and by another €65 million in 2007.
Overseas Development Aid.
Denis Naughten
Question:65 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on whether agencies and charities may have a capacity problem in dealing with a higher allocation of moneys in overseas development aid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30065/04]
The Government's programme of assistance to developing countries is broad-based. It has the capacity to deepen and broaden its bilateral engagement, its co-operative arrangements with the United Nations and EU and its partnership with international and Irish non-governmental organisations, NGOs.
The recently announced increases of €190 million to the overseas aid budget over the next three years will push total spending on aid close to €1.8 billion between 2005 and 2007. The Irish NGOs are key partners in our programme. This has been recognised since the inception of the Government's aid programme by the volume of assistance that has been channelled through these organisations. In general, non-governmental organisations will have the capacity to absorb increases in funding from the programme as it expands over the coming three years and I am confident they will put such funding to effective use.
International Agreements.
Damien English
Question:66 Mr. English asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps being taken to progress the Lisbon Agenda nationally and at European level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30038/04]
The Government attaches priority to implementing the range of sectoral actions and targets which make up the Lisbon Agenda. The Lisbon Agenda covers a wide range of matters which fall within the responsibility of individual Departments. The Department of the Taoiseach has overall responsibility for co-ordinating Ireland's approach. The Government ensures ongoing consultation with the social partners to build consensus on the approach required for effective implementation of the Lisbon Agenda. This is in line with the commitment secured from all member states at the spring European Council during our Presidency to build partnerships for reform involving the social partners.
At European level, the focus is on preparing for the mid-term review of the Lisbon Agenda at the European Council in March next year. During our Presidency, the European Council asked the European Commission to establish a high-level group, chaired by Mr. Wim Kok, the former Netherlands Prime Minister, to prepare an independent assessment of progress to date on the Lisbon Agenda and to make recommendations for future action. The group presented its report on 3 November and its recommendations were discussed by the European Council on 4 and 5 November. It was agreed that the Commission should have regard to the report and to the views of member states when preparing proposals for the mid-term review. The General Affairs and External Relations Council, drawing on the work of a number of other Council formations, will have responsibility for preparing discussions on the mid-term review at the European Council next March.
In the context of the mid-term review, Ireland has already made a national submission setting out our experience in this area as well as a number of recommendations for future action. The March European Council will be critical in giving renewed impetus to the Lisbon Agenda.
Question No. 67 answered with QuestionNo. 24.
Question No. 68 answered with QuestionNo. 32.
Question No. 69 answered with QuestionNo. 14.
Overseas Development Aid.
Joan Burton
Question:70 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has recommitted himself to achieving the 0.7% of GNP target in relation to overseas development aid within the period announced to the UN General Assembly by the Taoiseach in September 2000; his policy on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30091/04]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:146 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when it is expected that Ireland overseas development aid will meet the targets set out in the programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30688/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 70 and 146 together.
The Book of Estimates provides for an increase of €60 million in Government spending on official development assistance in 2005. This will bring total Government aid to the developing world next year to €535 million, which is an all-time record. In addition, the Government has agreed to make increases of €65 million in each of the years 2006 and 2007. This means a total €1.8 billion will be spent by Ireland on development assistance over the coming three years. This is a remarkable package of increases by any standards. It places Ireland among the world's leading aid donors.
To put the package in context, the following are the overseas development aid outturn figures for the period since 1998: 1998, €177 million; 1999, €231 million; 2000, €254 million; 2001, €320 million; 2002, €422 million; and 2003, €446 million. These figures compare very favourably with the outturn in the years up to that period: 1995, €123 million; 1996, €142 million; and 1997 €158 million.
Ireland's contribution will be welcomed by all who are concerned about the developing world. I welcome especially the return to a multi-annual commitment. This aspect of the package ensures predictability for my Department and for our non-governmental organisation partners. It provides a sound basis on which to carry out the long-term planning which is so important for development work. The increases come at a time when there are many competing demands on the Exchequer and are an indication of the commitment of the Government to help the poorest people in the world. Overseas development aid has increased steadily over the past seven years and the latest increases ensure continued strong growth towards the UN target.
The additional funding will facilitate the expansion of the development co-operation programme and consideration of new innovative measures. The Government intends to conduct a broad consultative process over the next year, which will lead to the preparation of a White Paper for Government on development co-operation policy by the end of 2005 or early 2006. Other areas where the increased funding will help to make a greater contribution include the fight against the HIV-AIDS pandemic which will continue to be a major item in our programme. Over 40 million people are living with HIV-AIDS worldwide, more than two thirds of whom live in sub-Saharan Africa. Current spending in this area amounts to approximately €50 million but will increase in 2005. Vietnam will become Ireland's eighth programme country with the opening of a mission and the establishment of a full development programme. The neighbouring countries of Laos and Cambodia will also receive assistance from this programme. A new development office will open shortly in Sierra Leone which will also provide some assistance to Liberia.
Ireland will continue to give priority to our existing programme countries of Ethiopia, Lesotho, Mozambique, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Timor Leste. We provide a significant amount of dedicated funding for non-governmental organisations working in the development field. Support is provided on a multi-annual basis to five such organisations. These are Concern, Trócaire, GOAL, Self Help and Christian Aid. In addition, we provide funding to non-governmental organisations in a number of other areas of the programme including emergency, recovery, HIV-AIDS and human rights activities. Total funding to non-governmental organisations is likely to exceed €100 million in 2005.
Irish people have been extraordinarily generous to people in developing countries over the years. Over the next few years, the Government will seek by way of different grant schemes to support this crucially important grassroots activity and encourage further a spirit of volunteerism. We will continue to provide funding in response to emergency humanitarian crises internationally, whether natural disasters or man-made emergencies. With the large increases announced in funding for development co-operation, the Government has demonstrated the profound importance it attaches to this area. We are achieving real impacts with our aid programme and helping to save many lives in Africa and elsewhere. The Government will continue to give the utmost priority to this crucial aspect of our foreign policy.
Question No. 71 answered with QuestionNo. 60.
Question No. 72 answered with QuestionNo. 16.
Common Foreign and Security Policy.
Trevor Sargent
Question:73 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the lifting of the EU arms embargo on China; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30272/04]
Liam Twomey
Question:85 Dr. Twomey asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent of the embargo against trading with China between Ireland and other EU member states; the goods, services or supplies that such embargoes relate to; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30053/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 73 and 85 together.
An embargo on trade in arms and related materials between EU member states and China has been in place since the events in Tiananmen Square in June 1989. This embargo forbids trade in arms and related material of all types, such as weapons, ammunition, military vehicles and equipment. Deputies will recall that the European Council on 12 December 2003 invited the General Affairs and External Relations Council, or GAERC, to re-examine the question of the EU arms embargo on China. Initial discussion at the GAERC took place on 26 January 2004, when it was agreed to invite the permanent representatives' committee, COREPER, and the political and security committee, PSC, to look into the matter. The issue was further reviewed at the GAERC in April and again in October, where it was decided that the preparatory work should continue to allow all technical issues surrounding it to be fully examined.
The issue was again discussed by the GAERC on Monday last in the context of preparation of the EU-China summit, which will take place on 8 December 2004. Ministers agreed that the EU was ready to give a positive signal to China on lifting the embargo. However, work must be completed on strengthening the EU code of conduct on arms exports, which sets out criteria governing all arms exports from the EU. In addition, the Union hopes for a further demonstration by the Chinese authorities of their good intentions on human rights. The Government will continue to examine this question with its EU partners in view of our overall relationship with China, our ongoing commitment to human rights and the broader regional and international context. The intention to adopt this approach has been conveyed to the Chinese authorities, most recently during talks with Vice-Premier Huang Ju on 16 November 2004, and by the Taoiseach during his discussions with Premier Wen when they met on the margins of the ASEM summit in Hanoi on 9 October 2004.
Foreign Conflicts.
Seán Ryan
Question:74 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the efforts he has made to support better dialogue with Indonesia in order to promote the aspiration of the people of West Papua for independence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30098/04]
As has been stated in the House on many occasions, the view of the Government is that the most productive approach to dealing with the situation of the people of Papua is through contact with the Government of Indonesia. The Government avails of every opportunity to encourage the Government of Indonesia to strengthen its efforts to address the legitimate concerns of the people of Papua. In this regard, I welcome the commitment expressed by President Yudhoyono of Indonesia, prior to his election in September, to implement the special autonomy law for Papua. The law dates from November 2001 but has not yet been implemented. It provides for a greater degree of autonomy for Papua than for Indonesia's other provinces.
My predecessor met with the Indonesian Foreign Minister, Mr. Noor Hassan Wirajuda, on the margins of the UN General Assembly, on 23 September 2004. Deputy Cowen used the occasion to express Ireland's continuing concerns on the situation in Papua. These concerns had previously been raised with Minister Wirajuda in April 2004 during an EU Troika meeting and again in January 2003 on the occasion of the EU-ASEAN Foreign Ministers' meeting. Minister Wirajuda took note of our concerns, and expressed his belief that the special autonomy law will satisfy the aspirations of the overwhelming majority of the people in Papua. He said autonomy remains the settled policy of the Government of Indonesia. My predecessor made it clear that we would carefully monitor the situation in this regard.
The EU General Affairs and External Relations Council of 11 October 2004 adopted conclusions on Indonesia which reiterated the EU's respect for the territorial integrity of the Republic of Indonesia and welcomed President-elect Yudhoyono's intention to implement the special autonomy law for Papua. Officials of my Department regularly discuss the situation in Papua with their counterparts from Indonesia and representatives of various Papuan non-governmental organisations and third countries such as Australia and the United States of America. Ireland, together with our EU partners, will continue to support the development of a strengthened partnership and effective dialogue between the EU and Indonesia. As I have said, the Government sees this as the most effective framework at this time to address our concerns about the situation in Papua.
Question No. 75 answered with QuestionNo. 20.
European Council Meetings.
Phil Hogan
Question:76 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the discussions held with Iraq’s interim Prime Minister during the recent European Council meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30045/04]
The European Council on 4 November met Prime Minister Allawi of the interim Iraqi Government and discussed with him the current situation in Iraq and the prospects for restoring stability to the country especially in the context of the planned elections. The European Council adopted a declaration on Iraq which underlined EU support for the Iraqi Government and Iraqi reconstruction.
The declaration included a package of EU assistance measures for Iraq. These include, inter alia, political support for the interim Iraqi Government, financial and practical assistance for the preparation of the Iraqi elections in January, substantial assistance for reconstruction work in Iraq focusing on basic services and humanitarian work and the preparation of a policing and rule-of-law assistance action to help rebuild and reform the Iraqi criminal justice system. The full text of the declaration is attached as an annexe to the Council conclusions.
Question No. 77 answered with QuestionNo. 47.
Question No. 78 answered with QuestionNo. 51.
Question No. 79 answered with QuestionNo. 31.
Question No. 80 answered with QuestionNo. 20.
EU Presidency.
Emmet Stagg
Question:81 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the Garda investigation into complaints that luxury cars used to transport VIPs during the Irish Presidency of the European Union may not have been licensed as commercial vehicles, is complete; if action has been taken following this investigation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30102/04]
I am aware that a complaint was received by the Garda's carriage office concerning the use of certain vehicles during the course of the Irish Presidency of the European Union. It would be inappropriate for me to comment on the matter until the investigation has been completed and the complainant notified of the outcome.
International Agreements.
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:82 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will propose an emergency meeting of the International Law Committee of the UN with a view to achieving the objective of a UN convention providing protected status for all aid workers who provide humanitarian, political or development assistance overseas. [30106/04]
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:92 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will launch a campaign for a new UN convention to provide protected status for all aid workers who provide humanitarian, political or development assistance overseas. [30107/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 82 and 92 together.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Convention on the Safety of United Nations and Associated Personnel 1994 applies to UN personnel on defined UN operations and "associated personnel" who are personnel provided with the agreement of the UN by Governments, intergovernmental organisations or humanitarian non-governmental organisations to assist in the fulfilment of the mandate of such UN operations. The convention obliges states parties to take all appropriate measures to ensure the safety and security of UN and associated personnel and to protect them from murder, kidnapping or other attack. It also requires states parties to punish the perpetrators of such attacks and to co-operate with one another in any criminal proceedings.
There are two important points which arise in relation to the convention. First, to date only 77 states have become party to it while several states in which aid workers are present, including Afghanistan and Iraq, have not done so. Ireland and its EU partners have consistently called upon all states to become party to the convention. Second, a number of weaknesses have been identified in the legal regime created by the convention. In this regard, I refer the Deputy to my reply to a parliamentary question, reference 26752/04, of 28 October 2004 in which I informed him of the negotiations which have been ongoing in the sixth legal affairs committee of the United Nations General Assembly since 2001. The negotiations involve the strengthening of the legal protections offered under the convention. I am pleased to report that in a number of meetings of the sixth committee held last month significant progress was made. The basic text of a draft optional protocol to strengthen the convention was agreed. A further meeting will be held in April 2005 in which UN member states will discuss whether the term "United Nations operation" in Article 1 of the convention should be widened by the optional protocol to cover all UN operations established "for the purposes of delivering humanitarian, political or development assistance". It should be noted that while Ireland and its EU partners favour this proposal, several other delegations have proposed more restrictive wording.
On 17 November, the sixth committee recommended that the UN General Assembly adopt a draft resolution on the safety of UN and associated personnel. The resolution will urge states to take all necessary measures, in accordance with their international obligations, to prevent crimes against such persons and ensure that the offences do not go unpunished and that the perpetrators are brought to justice.
Human Rights Issues.
Dan Neville
Question:83 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has made contact with the authorities in Lebanon with regard to the detention of persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30032/04]
Ireland has, on a bilateral basis, raised a number of individual cases of serious concern, especially those involving the use of the death penalty, with the Lebanese authorities. Such cases have also been raised in the context of the ongoing implementation of the EU-Lebanon Association Agreement and its relevant provisions in this area. I have asked the Irish Embassy in Cairo, which is accredited to Lebanon, to inquire as to the background to the particular cases raised, and I will communicate further with the Deputy when information is received.
Foreign Conflicts.
Kathleen Lynch
Question:84 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the prospects of democratic elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo; the role of the UN in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30081/04]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:148 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he and his EU and UN colleagues can bring about an improvement in the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30690/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 84 and 148 together.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo peace process remains largely on track, although recent events, such as the assault and capture of the town of Bukavu in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo by rebel forces last June, underlined the fragility of the transition process established under the Sun City peace accords of 2002. There is a need for accelerated progress in implementing the transition if the target of national elections in 2005 is to be met and lasting peace and security are to be achieved in the country and in the wider Great Lakes region.
Recent positive developments at regional level included the initial Summit of the International Conference on the Great Lakes, held in Dar-Es-Salaam on 19 and 20 November, attended by the leaders of 11 countries in the region, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Burundi and Uganda. Agreement was reached at the summit on a declaration of principles which will be elaborated into a series of protocols constituting an overall regional peace and stability pact. It is hoped these will be adopted at a second summit, to be held in Nairobi in 2005. The Great Lakes conference process will build on and provide a framework for a number of earlier regional peace initiatives, including the tripartite commission which the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda and Uganda agreed to establish in Kampala on 26 October 2004. This includes the joint border verification mechanism which the Presidents of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda agreed to establish last June.
The Great Lakes conference was organised under the auspices of the UN and the African Union and fully supported by the EU. The EU's special representative for the Great Lakes has been actively engaged throughout the preparatory process. Ireland and other EU member states have also participated in the conference process through involvement with the Group of Friends of the Great Lakes support group. Ireland has contributed €200,000 towards the costs of holding the conference.
Under the provisions of the Sun City accords signed in 2003, national elections are scheduled to take place in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in June 2005, at the end of the two year transition period. There is, however, provision under the accords for these elections to be deferred, if necessary, for a maximum period of up to one year. In line with the overall need for greater progress in implementing the transition process in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a number of necessary legislative changes still remain outstanding. These must be finalised soon if the desired goal of national elections in June 2005 is to be achieved. In particular, nationality and electoral laws still wait to be finalised by the transitional national assembly. Consideration has also begun of a draft constitution, due to be submitted to a referendum in early 2005. Decisions are also necessary regarding compilation of an electoral register and whether it is feasible for a national census to be carried out in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in advance of any election.
Greater progress will also need to be achieved as regards security sector reform, if the appropriate secure environment is to be created in the Democratic Republic of the Congo for the holding of national elections in 2005. In particular, the process of creating integrated national army and police forces needs to be accelerated and a viable start made to disarming, demobilising and rehabilitating the estimated 300,000 combatants who still carry arms. The EU is actively supporting the process of security sector reform in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, including the establishment of an integrated police unit in Kinshasa. Further support in training integrated army brigades and police is also being considered. Ireland has contributed €75,000 towards the costs of establishment of the integrated police unit. The EU also provides substantial financial support for the process of disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
MONUC, the UN peacekeeping mission, plays a critical role in all aspects of the transition process in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, including security sector reform and creating a secure environment for the holding of elections. In response to proposals from the UN Secretary General, both the strength and mandate of MONUC have recently been extended. This will enable it to focus more on essential tasks such as supporting the transition process and improving the security situation in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Resolution 1565, adopted by the UN Security Council on 1 October 2004, provides for an increase of 5,900 in MONUC's strength. These additional measures are being used to provide an extra battalion in the troubled Kivus region and also a rapid reaction capability. MONUC will also chair a newly established joint commission to oversee the electoral process. The EU has made clear its willingness to assist the UN in the reinforcement of MONUC's capabilities to enable it to carry out its essential tasks.
The overall costs of holding elections as scheduled in 2005 will be substantial, with some estimates ranging as high as $300 million. Donor support for and confidence in the electoral process will therefore be crucial. The EU is committed to supporting the 2005 electoral process and the European Commission has already pledged to provide some €85 million in assistance. Consideration will be given to a possible contribution by Ireland in support of the electoral process. A decision will also be taken closer to the elections as to whether the EU will participate in an electoral observer mission there, which Ireland would strongly support.
Question No. 85 answered with QuestionNo. 73.
Human Rights Issues.
Richard Bruton
Question:86 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if, since assuming his position, he has met with groups active in support of the independence of Tibet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30054/04]
Since becoming Minister for Foreign Affairs, I have been prepared to meet with groups concerned about the situation in Tibet and will consider any request for such a meeting. Officials of my Department regularly discuss the situation there with their colleagues, and representatives of concerned non-governmental organisations.
Ireland established diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China in 1979, and has, from that time, recognised Tibet as an integral part of China. Tibet regularly features in our discussions within the EU, at EU-China meetings, and in our bilateral meetings. I raised the issue of Tibet and recent developments during the official talks with the Chinese Vice-Premier, Mr. Huang Ju, in Dublin on 16 November. In response, the Chinese Vice-Premier said that the channels of communications between the Chinese government and the Dalai Lama were open. Tibetan delegations had visited China since 2002 and met with their relatives. China continues to work to ensure peace and development in Tibet.
At EU level, Ireland, together with our EU partners, encourages the continuation of the dialogue between the Chinese authorities and representatives of the Dalai Lama. In this regard, I welcome the statement issued on 10 March 2004 by the Dalai Lama, in which he expressed the hope that there might soon be a significant breakthrough in relations with the Chinese Government. He also said he has instructed his envoys to continue the process of dialogue with Beijing at an early date. I am pleased that representatives of the Dalai Lama met with the Chinese authorities in Beijing from 12 to 29 September 2004. Previous meetings between China and Tibetan envoys took place in September 2002 and May and June 2003. This third meeting was generally characterised as positive by Mr. Lodi Gyari, the special envoy of the Dalai Lama. For the first time there was a substantive discussion between Chinese and Tibetan representatives on major, sometimes fundamental differences, including the issue of the delimitation of Tibet and the scope of autonomy. It is understood that there may be a further round of talks in February 2005.
Following this meeting, the EU Presidency issued a declaration. The General Affairs and External Relations Council on 11 October 2004 emphasised, in its conclusions on the EU-China dialogue on human rights, the importance of the protection of minority rights in Tibet. Ireland, and its EU partners, hope that this latest round of talks will encourage further meaningful and direct dialogue between Beijing and the Dalai Lama's representatives, leading to a peaceful and sustainable solution for Tibet.
Nuclear Weapons.
Damien English
Question:87 Mr. English asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent of information available to him on the North Korean nuclear programme; the contacts being made with North Korea by the EU to curb this programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30060/04]
There are few sources of reliable and independent information concerning the nature of the nuclear programme in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. The most reliable source of information about a country's nuclear activities is the International Atomic Energy Agency which has the responsibility for carrying out inspections under the safeguards agreements, mandatory for states party to the nuclear non-proliferation treaty. Such an agreement entered into force for the Democratic People's Republic of Korea in April 1992 but the International Atomic Energy Agency was never permitted to verify that the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's initial declaration of nuclear material subject to safeguards was correct and complete.
From November 1994 to December 2002, however, the agency was able to monitor the freeze of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's graphite moderated reactor and related facilities as requested by the UN Security Council and as foreseen in the US-the Democratic People's Republic of Korea agreed framework of 1994. On 31 December 2002, agency inspectors had to leave at the request of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea following its decision to terminate this freeze on its nuclear facilities. Since then, the agency has been unable to draw any conclusions regarding the nuclear activities in that country.
In January 2003 the Democratic People's Republic of Korea announced its withdrawal from the nuclear non-proliferation treaty. The International Atomic Energy Agency board of governors in a resolution of February 2003 confirmed that the agency's safeguards agreement with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea remained binding and in force. The board called upon the Democratic People's Republic of Korea to remedy its non-compliance urgently by taking all steps deemed necessary by the agency to this end.
At the International Atomic Energy Agency general conference in September 2004, a further resolution noted with concern the statements of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea declaring its intention to build up a nuclear deterrent force and its announcement in October 2003 that it had completed the reprocessing of over 8,000 spent fuel rods. The resolution urged the Democratic People's Republic of Korea to reconsider those actions and announcements that ran counter to its international non-proliferation obligations and to completely dismantle any nuclear weapons programme in a prompt, transparent, verifiable and irreversible manner.
At this general conference meeting, the EU expressed concerns that the International Atomic Energy Agency had not been able to carry out its verification activities and was not in a position to confirm that nuclear material had not been diverted to non-peaceful uses. The EU commended the efforts of the agency to seek dialogue with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea to find a solution for the implementation of safeguards. The EU urged the Democratic People's Republic of Korea to come unconditionally into full compliance with all its relevant international commitments. The EU also called for the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's compliance with its safeguards agreement by allowing the re-establishment of the required containment and surveillance measures at its nuclear facilities and the full implementation of all the required safeguard measures, including the return of International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors.
The issue of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's nuclear programme is also being addressed within the framework of the six-party talks process involving China, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Japan, the Republic of Korea, the Russian Federation and the United States. While not directly involved in these talks, the EU has welcomed this ongoing multilateral process and made clear its firm support for the resolution of the situation by peaceful means. We have availed of every opportunity to confirm the EU's willingness to contribute to these international efforts and have indicated our readiness to consider enhanced co-operation with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea if the present difficult situation can be resolved in a satisfactory manner.
An EU Troika, at official level, visited the Democratic People's Republic of Korea from 13 to 16 November 2004, and held talks with senior Korean officials. The question of the six party talks was among issues discussed, and the EU side urged the Democratic People's Republic of Korea to re-engage as soon as possible in the six-party talks. However, the Korean side replied that it was not willing to return to the talks so long as the United States maintains its "hostile" attitude to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. The EU side persisted in encouraging the Democratic People's Republic of Korea to re-engage. The talks also covered human rights, the question of EU-Democratic People's Republic of Korea relations, humanitarian assistance, economic reforms and inter-Korean relations.
OECD Membership.
John Deasy
Question:88 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the manner in which new countries are accepted into the OECD; if Ireland has used its position to support any application for OECD membership; if an application for OECD membership on behalf of a member state of the EU has been vetoed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30059/04]
The OECD convention and rules of procedure do not set out specific criteria or a detailed procedure concerning accession to the organisation. In the past, the accession of new members has been based on pragmatic procedures adapted to the particular case under consideration. Unanimity is the general rule. The OECD is engaged in a fundamental review of the organisation. One issue being considered in this context is the future process of enlargement.
As a member of the OECD since its foundation in 1961, Ireland supported the accession of the ten members which have joined subsequently, including four of the ten new EU member states. Pending the completion of the reflection on future enlargement in the context of the review referred to, the question of formally considering applications for membership does not arise.
However, almost all of the new EU member states that are not already member countries of the OECD participate as observers in many of its subsidiary bodies and committees. Such observer status allows them, as well as other prospective members, to familiarise themselves with the OECD's working methods and to prepare for membership.
Ireland has consistently supported the participation of new EU member states as observers in the activities of the OECD. Equally, we have made clear that we strongly support membership of the organisation for those of our new EU partners that wish to join. The OECD's preparatory work would, of course, need to be completed and applicants would be expected to be able to meet the accession requirements in place at the time of accession. For our part, we are working towards an early resolution of all the issues arising in the context of the preparatory work.
There has been no formal accession procedure under way since the Slovak Republic acceded in 2000. Pending the completion of the review referred to, the question of a vote or a veto on an application for future membership has not arisen.
EU Membership.
David Stanton
Question:89 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the efforts being made by Croatia to meet the Copenhagen criteria for accession to the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30017/04]
Croatia has made substantial progress in the adoption and implementation of reforms in recent years. It concluded a Stabilisation and Association Agreement with the EU in 2001 and applied for membership in February 2003. At the request of the Council, the Commission presented its opinion on the application in April 2004. It assessed Croatia's performance against the criteria for EU membership which were set out for candidate countries by the Copenhagen European Council in June 1993, and the reforms required under the EU's stabilisation and association process for the countries of the western Balkans. The Copenhagen criteria require a candidate country to achieve stability of institutions guaranteeing democracy, the rule of law, human rights and respect for and protection of minorities, the existence of a functioning market economy, and the ability to take on the obligations of membership. On the basis of a positive assessment of Croatia's progress, the Commission recommended the opening of accession negotiations.
On 18 June the European Council in Brussels agreed that Croatia meets the Copenhagen political criteria. It decided that Croatia is a candidate country for membership and that the accession process should be launched. The European Council decided to convene a bilateral intergovernmental conference with Croatia early in 2005 in order to begin negotiations. The negotiations will be based on Croatia's own merits and the pace of progress will depend solely on the fulfilment of the requirements for membership. The European Council also emphasised that Croatia needs to maintain full co-operation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia and to make additional efforts on minority rights, refugee returns, reform of the judiciary, regional co-operation and the fight against corruption.
The Commission presented its annual strategy paper on the enlargement process on 6 October. It sets out suggested principles for a framework for negotiations with Croatia, for consideration by the Council. I hope that the December European Council meeting will be in a position to agree a precise date for the opening of accession negotiations, followed by a decision by the Council on the negotiating framework.
Human Rights Issues.
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:90 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the loss of the benefits of their natural resources, and particularly oil, by the Nigerian people, the reported increase in poverty at a time of increasing oil revenues and the documented concern regarding human rights in areas of oil production; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30075/04]
Michael Noonan
Question:91 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the recently published Amnesty International report on human rights in Nigeria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30031/04]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:142 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the situation in regard to democracy and human rights in Nigeria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30684/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 90, 91 and 142 together.
The Amnesty International report, Nigeria: Are human rights in the pipeline?, refers to the situation in the Niger Delta region. The report contains an overview of the human rights situation of individuals and communities in a region, heavily dependent on its natural resource of oil and where there is a heavy presence of multinational corporations. Amnesty International also examines the role of the Nigerian Federal Government in the region. Amnesty International points to grievances against the federal government and multinational corporations as one of the reasons for continued violence in the region. In the report, Amnesty International urges the Nigerian Government to ensure that all law enforcement agencies respect human rights; that environmental protection legislation is put in place and enforced; and that mechanisms of redress of violations of both civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights are in place.
Recently, developments in the Niger Delta, which produces most of the approximately 2.5 million barrels of crude oil exported from Nigeria on a daily basis, led to warnings in the international media that long-standing tensions in the region could escalate into widespread violent unrest and disrupt the Nigerian oil and gas production. The revenues generated by the activities of multinational oil and gas companies, operating in the Niger Delta in joint ventures with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company, account for roughly 85% of the Federal Government revenues. Unfortunately, the enormous generation of wealth in the region is accompanied by structural socio-economic underdevelopment, few educational and employment opportunities, and violence and insecurity.
The situation in the Niger Delta region is a complex one as it is an area with much inter-tribal violence, criminality and siphoning of oil. Local governance issues also need to be resolved. The Nigerian Federal Government has taken a positive approach in its attempts to resolve the issues in the region, by increasing funding to local governmental institutions and promoting transparency and increased environmental protection. Unfortunately, problems with local governance persist.
The regional security situation again deteriorated on 28 September last, when the Niger Delta Peoples' Volunteer Force warned all foreign oil workers to leave their production facilities by 1 October or risk attack. Following talks, an understanding was reached between the militias and the Nigerian Federal Government on 4 October, with the government promising further talks as well as structural development. The unrest subsided but rivalry between groups continues.
The Government remains concerned by the situation in Nigeria. EU embassies in Nigeria visited the region last month to speak to the government, politicians and other local actors there, including the oil industry. They expressed our deep concern regarding the situation and the urgent need to promote human rights and sustainable development in the area. Together with our EU partners we have agreed to continue to monitor the situation in the Niger Delta and to discuss further with the Nigerian Federal and State Governments, ways in which the local communities can be assured that their rights will be safeguarded and that they will benefit from the great resources of the region.
Nigeria is the most populous democracy in Africa but 70% of the population live below the poverty line. The high turnout and largely peaceful conduct of the elections held in 2003 marked a further important step towards the consolidation of that democracy. However, there is still some way to go. An EU election observation mission, including two Irish observers, monitored the presidential, parliamentary and other elections and regrettably noted some grave irregularities in the voting processes in some states. On 14 May 2003, the EU issued a declaration on the elections which expressed concern at the findings of the observation mission and which urged President Obasanjo to use his mandate to improve the quality of democracy and accountability in Nigeria.
In 2002, the EU adopted a Common Position on Nigeria, which was updated by Council Conclusions approved last November. A key element of the EU's position is to maintain a constructive and regular political dialogue with Nigeria. The Irish Presidency of the EU was the first to initiate EU-Nigeria political dialogue at ministerial level. The former Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Kitt, led an EU Troika which addressed a range of issues including peace and security, governance and development matters. Ireland acknowledges and appreciates the strong leadership role President Obasanjo has played, not only in defusing recent tensions in his own country, but in facilitating the peace process in Liberia and the ongoing peace talks in Abuja on Darfur under Nigeria's current chairmanship of the African Union. Ireland and the EU continue to support and encourage Nigeria's transition to democracy and look forward to maintaining our strong relationship with a most important partner in Africa.
Question No. 92 answered with QuestionNo. 82.
Trade Relations.
Tom Hayes
Question:93 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the level of Irish and EU trade annually with Cuba; his attitude towards the US trade blockade with Cuba; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30029/04]
In 2003, Ireland exported goods worth €521,000 to Cuba whilst €1,265,000 worth of goods were imported from Cuba. The principal exports were cork and wood manufactures, beverages, cereal and cereal preparations. The principal imports were vegetables, fruit, tobacco and tobacco manufactures.
The EU is Cuba's largest trading partner, accounting for approximately 35% of the country's exports and approximately 40% of its imports in 2002. In the following year, 2003, EU exports to Cuba were valued at €1,069 million, while imports from Cuba were valued at €546 million. The main products imported into the EU from Cuba were tobacco and tobacco products, fish products, fruit and sugar. EU exports to Cuba included machinery, motor vehicles and parts, wheat and flour, plastics and various industrial products.
The Government, in common with our partners in the EU, believes that the US economic embargo on Cuba seriously hampers the economic development of Cuba and negatively affects all of its people. We reject unilateral measures against Cuba which are contrary to commonly accepted rules of international trade. On 28 October 2004 in the United Nations General Assembly, Ireland and our EU partners again voted in favour of the annual Cuban-tabled resolution, the Necessity of Ending the Economic, Commercial and Financial Embargo Imposed by the United States of America against Cuba.
EU Membership.
Gerard Murphy
Question:94 Mr. Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the timescale for the accession of Bulgaria to the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30019/04]
The EU's objective, as stated in the European Council Conclusions of 17-18 June 2004, is that both Bulgaria and Romania should conclude negotiations in 2004, sign the accession treaty as early as possible in 2005 and accede in January 2007, if they are ready. Negotiations will be concluded on the same basis and principles which applied to the ten new member states which acceded on 1 May 2004.
On 6 October 2004, the European Commission published its annual report on progress towards the EU accession of Bulgaria, as well as an overall strategy paper on progress in the enlargement process. The Commission makes clear in its report that Bulgaria has made good progress this year in its preparations for EU accession. Bulgaria informally concluded its accession negotiations during the Irish EU Presidency in June 2004. The formal conclusion of negotiations with both Bulgaria and Romania is on the agenda of the European Council in December and the Council should be in a position to take a positive decision.
Northern Ireland Issues.
Gay Mitchell
Question:95 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has had discussions with the re-elected President of the United States with regard to the possible assistance that the US Administration may be able to offer to the Northern Ireland peace process over the next four year period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30025/04]
The Government appreciates the ongoing support of President Bush and his special envoy, Dr. Mitchell Reiss, for the peace process. Dr. Reiss and I have spoken on a number of occasions when I have briefed him on developments in the process on an ongoing basis, including the current intensive round of talks between the two Governments and the parties focusing on the outstanding issues. I have updated Dr. Reiss on the Government's position, in particular our commitment to working closely with all those involved with a view to securing the full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement at an early date. I look forward to further discussions with Dr. Reiss in the near future.
The US has always been a firm and loyal friend of the peace process, which is deeply appreciated by the Government. As the Taoiseach reiterated in his recent message of congratulations toPresident Bush on his re-election, this support is a source of great encouragement as we continue to work together to ensure that the Agreement is implemented in full. This engagement will continue on an ongoing basis with the US State Department and the White House.
EU Constitution.
John Gormley
Question:96 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the implications for Ireland of the solidarity clause in the new EU constitution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28818/04]
The solidarity clause and so-called mutual defence clause are separate issues in the European constitution. The Solidarity Clause, Article I - 43, is for each member state to determine how to respond to a request from another member state in case of terrorist attack or natural or man-made disaster. No member state is bound to take any particular course of action. The European constitution also contains a declaration on the solidarity clause, which clearly states that none of the provisions of the solidarity clause are intended to affect the right of another member state to choose the most appropriate means to comply with its own solidarity obligation towards another member state. Any decisions having military implications under the solidarity clause would be taken by unanimity. The Government has welcomed and supported this provision which is fully consistent with our traditional policy of military neutrality.
Under the mutual defence clause, Article I - 41.7 of the treaty, the European constitution states that if a member state is a victim of armed aggression on its territory, the other member states will have a obligation of aid and assistance by all the means in their power, in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter. Importantly for Ireland, the article makes clear that this obligation shall not prejudice the specific character of the security and defence policy of certain member states.
As the Taoiseach and my predecessor have made clear, in the event of another member state coming under attack, we would continue, as we do now, to determine our own response, consistent with our own constitutional and legal arrangements. Ireland is not bound by any mutual defence commitment and the entry into force of the European constitution will not change this. Our traditional policy of military neutrality is not altered or compromised by this article in the constitutional treaty.
Question No. 97 answered with QuestionNo. 48.
John Gormley
Question:98 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs whether Ireland will be in a position to partake in structured co-operation under the new EU constitution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28816/04]
The European constitution puts in place the new arrangement, permanent structured co-operation, to enable those member states wishing to do so to commit to being able to undertake the most demanding crisis management missions. Structured co-operation is open to all member states, on the condition that they undertake to enhance their defence capacities through the development of national contributions and subject to participation in a number of areas specified in the European constitution. Member states can indicate their decision to take part in structured co-operation once the European constitution comes into force. Alternatively, member states who decide not to participate immediately can decide to do so at a later date, providing they meet the criteria outlined.
Decision-making procedures for structured co-operation are set out in the European constitution. These provide that decisions will be taken by unanimity among the states participating in permanent structured co-operation. The detailed arrangements for the implementation of structured co-operation have yet to be elaborated. Structured co-operation will be possible only upon entry into force of the European constitution, which, subject to national ratification procedures, is envisaged in 2007. The Government will take a decision on whether or not Ireland should participate in structured co-operation in due course, once it becomes clear as to precisely what commitments are involved.
Question No. 99 answered with QuestionNo. 31.
Question No. 100 answered with QuestionNo. 30.
Question No. 101 answered with QuestionNo. 23.
Question No. 102 answered with QuestionNo. 20.
Question No. 103 answered with QuestionNo. 47.
Official Engagements.
Eamon Gilmore
Question:104 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the nature and content of meetings he had during his recent visit to Rome to mark the seventy-fifth anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Ireland and the Holy See; the matters discussed with Pope John Paul II and the Secretary of State during the visit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30090/04]
I visited Rome on 13 November to participate in a programme of events to mark the seventy-fifth anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Ireland and the Holy See. I was honoured to be received by His Holiness Pope John Paul II. I also met with the Secretary of State, Cardinal Angelo Sodano. In both meetings, a number of issues of mutual interest were raised, including the situation in the Middle East following the death of Yasser Arafat, whose funeral I attended in Cairo before travelling to Rome. The question of a possible second papal visit to Ireland was also raised. I assured the Pope that the Government and people of Ireland would warmly welcome such a visit, although I recognise that a decision will not be taken for some time.
In my meeting with Cardinal Sodano, we also discussed the agreement reached during Ireland's EU Presidency on the European constitution. A widely welcomed provision of the constitution is the commitment that the Union shall maintain open, transparent and regular dialogue with churches and philosophical and non-confessional organisations. Cardinal Sodano welcomed the intention of the Government to invite all churches and faith communities to join with us in exploring similar arrangements for dialogue in Ireland.
As Minister for Foreign Affairs, I look forward to continuing the close diplomatic co-operation between Ireland and the Holy See, based on our shared commitment to the central role of the United Nations in conflict prevention and conflict resolution.
Question No. 105 answered with QuestionNo. 12.
Departmental Policy.
John Perry
Question:106 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the advice being given by his Department to Irish citizens who may be seeking to travel to Afghanistan and Iraq; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30039/04]
My Department is advising against all travel to Iraq. Civil unrest is widespread and the risk of violence remains high.
My Department is also advising against non-essential travel to Kabul and against all travel to other parts of Afghanistan. Irish citizens travelling to Kabul are urged to exercise extreme caution and vigilance throughout their visit, as the threat of terrorist violence remains high. The travel advice is available on my Department's website at www.dfa.ie.
Foreign Conflicts.
Paul Kehoe
Question:107 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the political situation in the Ivory Coast; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30043/04]
The current crisis in Cote d'Ivoire arose following a decision by the Ivorian Government, led by President Gbagbo, to launch a military offensive at the start of November to retake the rebel-held northern part of the country. This decision came after an announcement by the rebel Forces Nouvelles, FN, on 28 October that they were recalling their members of the coalition government to the territory under their control and also ceasing their participation in the disarmament process, in protest at what they perceived as failure by the Gbagbo Government to honour earlier political reform commitments. The military offensive launched by the Ivorian Government in early November represented a clear and unjustified breach of the ceasefire in effect since May 2003. The actions of the Ivorian government resulted in widespread civilian casualties in the rebel-held areas as well as the deaths of nine French peace-keepers and one US civilian. In retaliation for what France regarded as a premeditated attack against its troops, the French airforce launched strikes which destroyed virtually the entireIvorian airforce.
This response provoked widespread rioting and attacks against French citizens and property as well as other non-nationals in Abidjan and other Ivorian cities on 7 and 8 November. It is estimated that approximately 30 people were killed and 900 injured in the violence which ensued. In response to the situation, a number of EU member states, for example UK, Netherlands, Spain and Italy sent either military aircraft or small military contingents to Côte d'Ivoire to assist with the evacuation of their citizens as well as other non-Ivorian nationals wishing to evacuate. Some 5,000 non-Ivorian nationals, including one Irish national, are judged to have been evacuated from Côte d'Ivoire since the present crisis began.
The situation in Abidjan and throughout Côte d'Ivoire has stabilised in recent days, though the situation remains extremely tense. Life is described as returning to normal in Abidjan and other major cities while the humanitarian situation in the rebel-held northern part of the country is also slowly improving. However, there is concern over an influx of Ivorian refugees intoLiberia, with the UNHCR estimating that between 5,000 to 10,000 have fled from Côte d'Ivoire into Liberia in recent days.
The UN Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 1572 on 15 November which imposes an immediate 13-month arms embargo against Côte d'Ivoire and also provides for the imposition of further sanctions, an assets freeze and travel ban by 15 December, in the event that either the Ivorian Government or the rebel Forces Nouvelles fail to honour in full their various commitments under the Linas-Marcoussis and Accra III peace accords. The council resolution also condemns the government air strikes of 4 and 6 November and demands that all Ivorian parties to the conflict fully comply with the May 2003 ceasefire. The resolution also reiterates the council's full support for the action undertaken by UNOCI, the UN peace-keeping mission in Côte d'Ivoire, and the French forces.
The General Affairs and External Relations Council discussed the events in Côte d'Ivoire on Monday and adopted conclusions which, inter alia, called on the relevant Ivorian parties to fulfil without delay all their commitments made in the Linas-Marcoussis Agreement and reaffirmed in Accra and making clear that, if they fail to do so, the European Union will apply from 15 December onwards the further sanctions provided for in Resolution 1572. It is clear that there can be no military solution to the problems which face Côte d’Ivoire and that the Ivorian Government and political parties must spare no effort to re-establish political order and security and resume political dialogue. The European Union has also made clear that it fully supports the ongoing mediation efforts being undertaken by the African Union and the sub-regional organisation, ECOWAS, and which offer the best prospect of achieving progress if the 15 December deadline for full implementation of existing political commitments is to be achieved. The clear support offered by the regional AU Summit held in Abuja on 14 November for the imposition of UN sanctions against Côte d’Ivoire in line with those subsequently enacted in Resolution 1572 is particularly to be welcomed.
Human Rights Issues.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:108 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his position on the situation of the Kurdish minority in Turkey; the representations he has made to the Turkish Government in regard to this issue; and his views on the action which needs to take place in relation to this situation before Turkey can become a full member of the European Union. [29989/04]
There are some 15 million people of Kurdishethnic origin living in Turkey. The Government's concerns about the human rights situation in Turkey, including the situation of the Kurdish population, have been raised regularly in official contacts with the Turkish Government and its representatives, and in co-operation with our partners in the European Union.
I have been encouraged by the significant progress which Turkey has made in legislating for human rights reform over the past three years. Legislation has been enacted which is aimed at strengthening the enforcement of human rights and enhancing the cultural rights of all citizens, including those of Kurdish origin. The revised accession partnership with Turkey, which was adopted by the Council in May 2003, provides the framework for an intensive dialogue between the European Union and Turkey on Turkey's preparations for accession, including the implementation of its reform programme. Progress on the introduction and implementation of political and human rights reforms is monitored closely in regular political monitoring meetings between the EU and Turkey.
The Commission's regular report on Turkey for 2004 includes a comprehensive review of developments in the reform process. The Commission notes Turkey has made substantial progress in its political reform process, including in the areas of minority rights, cultural rights and the protection of minorities. It notes a number of important decisions on cultural rights, which had been raised directly with the Turkish Government earlier in the year by Ireland, as EU Presidency. I welcome the implementation in June of a decision to allow radio and television broadcasts by the state broadcasting corporation in languages and dialects other than Turkish, notably in a number of Kurdish dialects. I also welcome the implementation over recent months of a regulation allowing teaching in languages other than Turkish, which has enabled the organisation of the first private courses in Kurdish. The Commission report comments that there has been a greater tolerance over the past year towards the use of the Kurdish language and the expression of Kurdish culture in different forms.
The Commission reports that, overall, the situation in the east and south east of Turkey, where the majority of the Kurdish population live, has continued to improve gradually, both in terms of security and the enjoyment of fundamental freedoms. The state of emergency has been lifted and the return of internally displaced persons has continued, although their situation remains very difficult. The Turkish Government has assured the EU that it is working on plans to promote the economic development of the south east region.
I understand that the Turkish Government is committed to ensuring the full implementation of reforms, including those directly relating to the rights of people of Kurdish ethnic origin. Progress on implementation will be a significant element of the decision to be taken by the European Council in December on Turkey's fulfilment of the Copenhagen political criteria for EU membership. If that decision is positive, the European Council will agree a date for the opening of accession negotiations. In its report and recommendation presented in October, the Commission concluded that, provided certain important legislative changes enter into force, Turkey sufficiently fulfils the political criteria and it recommended that accession negotiations be opened. It noted the irreversibility of the reform process, and its implementation, in particular with regard to fundamental freedoms, will need to be confirmed over a longer period of time. It proposed that the pace of reforms would determine the progress of any accession negotiations, and that the negotiating process would be essential in guiding further reforms in Turkey.
The Government has welcomed the Commission's very comprehensive report and recommendation. I hope that the Turkish Government will maintain its efforts in the coming weeks to ensure that the conditions are in place for a positive decision by the European Council, leading to the opening of accession negotiations. I believe this would contribute to the further strengthening of the reform process in Turkey, and to the continued improvement of the situation of theKurdish population.
Ambulance Service.
Jerry Cowley
Question:109 Dr. Cowley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the progress she has made in the establishment of an all-Ireland helicopter emergency medical service as recommended by the HEMS feasibility study consultants report which was published on 30 April 2004; if she has completed discussions with other Ministers on this matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28637/04]
My Department and the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, Belfast, DHSSPS, commissioned a feasibility study and report on the costs and benefits associated with the introduction of a dedicated helicopter emergency medical services, HEMS, for the island of Ireland.
The decision to commission the study followed a recommendation by a cross-Border working group on pre-hospital emergency care, one of a number of groups established under the North-South Ministerial Council to examine areas of North-South co-operation in the health field.
The report of the consultants appointed to undertake the study was published on 30 April 2004 and is available on my Department's website.
The study concluded the introduction of a dedicated inter-hospital transfer service would be appropriate in an all-island context. The study indicates that this would involve significant capital investment and annual operating costs. The report identified this cost at €12 million capital and €4 million revenue for a single helicopter. Additional helicopters could be added with an additional annual cost for each aircraft of over €3 million.
Inter-hospital air ambulance services are currently provided to the health boards by the Air Corps and the Irish Coast Guard on a request and availability basis. The service is provided subject to the nature of the mission, available aircraft and other operational commitments. Most patient transfers are airport to airport with onward transfer by land ambulance.
My Department and the Department of Defence are currently finalising a service level agreement to formalise arrangements for the future provision of an air ambulance service by the Aer Corps. A significant helicopter fleet replacement programme is being put in place for the Aer Corps. My Department is advised that tenders for six new helicopters have been received and are currently being considered. Each of the new helicopters will have a specific air ambulance capability and will be made available under the terms of the service level agreement.
In addition, my Department has met with the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources who have confirmed that the Irish Coast Guard will continue to provide services on the same basis as heretofore.
My Department is advised that plans are being actively developed within the voluntary sector for the introduction of a dedicated HEMS, primarily in an inter-hospital transfer role and with a view to the service becoming operational in 2005. My Department will closely monitor developments in this regard over the coming months.
Cancer Screening Programme.
Jerry Cowley
Question:110 Dr. Cowley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when the roll-out of funding in the south and west for BreastCheck will take place; the timeframe involved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28638/04]
The roll-out of the national screening programme to the remaining counties is a major priority in the development of cancer services. This will ensure that all women in the 50 to 64 year old age group in every county have access to breast screening and follow up treatment where required. A capital investment of approximately €20 million has been approved to construct and equip two static clinical units, one in Cork and the other in Galway. This investment will also ensure that mobile units are available to screen women in the relevant age group throughout the country.
Detailed planning for the units is progressing as a matter of priority. A design brief will be completed shortly and it is expected that a design team will be in place early next year. The design, construction and commissioning of the units will take approximately two and a half years.
Any woman irrespective of her age or residence who has immediate concerns or symptoms should contact her GP who, where appropriate, will refer her to the symptomatic services in her region.
Hospital Services.
Jerry Cowley
Question:111 Dr. Cowley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo has been waiting since 1 June 2004 for an appointment from the Western Health Board for a cataract operation and could not be seen in Belmullet or Ballina; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28724/04]
The provision of hospital services for people living in County Mayo is a matter for the Western Health Board. My Department has asked the chief executive officer of the board to investigate the position in relation to this case and to reply directly to the Deputy.
Hospital Accommodation.
Jerry Cowley
Question:112 Dr. Cowley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on whether the construction of a community nursing home in south Mayo would help with the trolley overcrowding at Mayo General Hospital’s accident and emergency department and would also help bed congestion and State institution over-crowding and allow older persons to return to reside in their own area; her further views on whether this is really a priority as identified by special needs assessment conducted by the Western Health Board; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28801/04]
As the Deputy will be aware, the provision of health services in County Mayo is, in the first instance, the responsibility of theWestern Health Board. The board has plans for the development of a community nursing unit at Ballinrobe.
My Department is examining the health capital programme to ascertain what new projects can be progressed through either planning or construction stages, taking account of existing commitments and overall funding resources available. It is in this context that my Department will continue to liaise with the Western Health Board regarding the proposed development at Ballinrobe in the light of the board's overall capital funding priorities.
The board has advised that when this facility is built, fully commissioned and staffed, it will obviously have an impact in helping to alleviate the overcrowding situation at Mayo General Hospital.
Health Board Services.
Paudge Connolly
Question:113 Mr. Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the availability of speech and language therapy services in the North Eastern Health Board area on a county basis; her plans to increase the number of speech and language therapists sufficiently to eliminate waiting lists; the timescale involved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30579/04]
Paudge Connolly
Question:114 Mr. Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the availability of speech and language therapy in the various health board areas; if she is satisfied with the level of speech and language therapy provision throughout the country, her plans to increase the number of speech and language therapists to ease waiting lists for this service countrywide; the timescale involved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30580/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 113 and 114 together.
The provision of health services, including speech and language therapy, for people with a physical and-or sensory disability is a matter for the Eastern Regional Health Board and the health boards in the first instance. Accordingly, the Deputy's question has been referred to the chief executive officer of the North Eastern Health Board with a request that he examine the matter raised and reply directly to the Deputy, as a matter of urgency.
The Deputy may wish to note the 200 increase in whole time equivalent terms, 70%, in the number of speech and language therapists employed in the health services between 1997 and 2003.
The continued implementation of the pay recommendations of the public service benchmarking body as well as the report of the expert group on various health professions which included new pay scales and career structures, the availability of the fast track working visa scheme and the streamlining of procedures for the validation of overseas qualifications are designed to help sustain the improvements in staffing levels achieved for speech and language therapy services, both at local and national level.
In addition, as the Deputy may be aware, three new speech and language therapy courses commenced in the 2003-2004 academic year in UCC, NUIG and UL. In total, these courses will provide an additional 75 training places in speech and language therapy. This expansion in training numbers was identified in the Bacon report as necessary to meet the long-term demand-supply balance for speech and language therapists in Ireland.
Hospital Services.
Paudge Connolly
Question:115 Mr. Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when the orthodontic pre-assessment unit in Our Lady’s Hospital, Navan, which has been closed since July 2004, will be reopened; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30581/04]
Responsibility for the provision of orthodontic services in the North Eastern Health Board, NEHB, area is a matter for the board in the first instance. My Department has asked the chief executive officer of the NEHB to investigate the matter raised by the Deputy and to reply to him directly.
Question No. 116 withdrawn.
Health Board Services.
Jack Wall
Question:117 Mr. Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in County Kildare has not received funding from her Department or the health board for their medical condition given that such funding has been available to persons with a similar condition; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30583/04]
Responsibility for the provision of care and treatment of the named individual rests with the Eastern Regional Health Authority. My Department has therefore asked the regional chief executive to investigate the matter raised by the Deputy and reply to him directly.
Medical Cards.
Dan Neville
Question:118 Mr. Neville asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of medical cards which were not renewed in 2003 and to date in 2004. [30584/04]
This information is not routinely kept by my Department. Since responsibility for the administration of the general medical services scheme, including assessment of medical card applications is, by legislation, a matter for the chief executive officer of the relevant health board or authority, the question has been referred by my Department to the chief executive officers of the health boards or authorities for investigation and direct reply to the Deputy.
Health Board Services.
Michael Ring
Question:119 Mr. Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason a subvention application which has been submitted to the Western Health Board, has not been dealt with for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [30585/04]
As the Deputy will be aware, the provision of health services in County Mayo is, in the first instance, the responsibility of the Western Health Board. My Department has, therefore, asked the chief executive of the board to investigate the matter raised by the Deputy and reply direct to him as a matter of urgency.
Mary Upton
Question:120 Dr. Upton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will investigate the huge delays in providing occupational therapy in a community care area (details supplied), for example, for a person in Dublin 8. [30586/04]
As the Deputy will be aware, the provision of health services in the Dublin 8 area is, in the first instance, the responsibility of the South Western Area Health Board acting under the aegis of the Eastern Regional Health Board. My Department has, therefore, asked the chief executive of the authority to investigate the matter raised by the Deputy and reply direct to her as a matter of urgency.
Hospital Staff.
Jimmy Deenihan
Question:121 Mr. Deenihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if the consultant cardiologist, which is a joint appointment in partnership with Kerry General Hospital and the Bon Secours Hospital, Tralee, has been appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30637/04]
Additional funding of €500,000 was allocated to the Southern Health Board under the cardiovascular health strategy in April this year. The funding has allowed the board to begin establishing a consultant-led cardiology service for patients in Kerry. I am advised by the Southern Health Board that interviews to fill a consultant cardiologist post by way of a joint appointment between Kerry General Hospital and Bon Secours Hospital Tralee have taken place this week and it is expected that an appointment will be made shortly.
Nursing Home Subventions.
Richard Bruton
Question:122 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the charges which will be made to patients who occupy the proposed 500 private sector beds offering intermediate care for up to six weeks; and the system which will apply where patients continue to have nursing home needs after the six weeks have elapsed. [30642/04]
The patients to which the Deputy refers are a group of patients awaiting discharge from acute hospitals who have had their application for nursing home subvention or home care grant approved but who are awaiting a bed in the nursing home of their choice or the finalisation of some element of their home care package.
Patients would be accommodated in private nursing home beds for a period of up to six weeks following which they would be discharged to the nursing home of their choice or to their own home, with the support of a home care package. It is envisaged that a minimum of 70 beds will be required by the Eastern Regional Health Authority to support this initiative. It has been estimated that up to 500 people could be accommodated in these beds over a twelve month period under this initiative.
Proposals on the precise details of this initiative are being finalised and it is not possible at this stage to give any indication on what charges, if any, will apply.
Richard Bruton
Question:123 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the charge which will be made to patients who occupy the 100 high depending beds in private nursing homes. [30643/04]
The Eastern Regional Health Authority is currently in discussions with the private nursing home sector to determine the potential for placing patients with high dependency needs in private nursing homes. These patients have completed their acute phase of their treatment and have been listed for public long-term care because of their particular medical care requirements.
Arising from these discussions, proposals will be submitted by the authority to my Department which will outline the extent to which the private nursing sector can cater for any or all of these patients. Proposals on the precise details of this initiative are being finalised and it is not possible at this stage to give any indication on what charges, if any, will apply.
Hospital Services.
Richard Bruton
Question:124 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the proposed budget for the three acute medical units at three Dublin hospitals; the staffing proposals and hours of operation; the same details in respect of the proposed minor injury units; and the proposed number and location of these. [30644/04]
The proposals referred to by the Deputy are part of a package of measures for which funding has been provided in my Department's Estimate for 2005. Details regarding the implementation of these measures will be a matter for the Eastern Regional Health Authority and the incoming Health Service Executive to negotiate with the individual hospitals concerned.
Medical Cards.
Liz McManus
Question:125 Ms McManus asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the estimated cost of extending the medical card scheme to 70,000 persons in one year. [30677/04]
The cost of extending the medical card scheme would depend on the groups to which eligibility were to be extended and the category of card to be issued. On the basis of a standard medical card, the approximate cost of extending the scheme to 70,000 persons in a full year would be in the region of €70 million. This figure includes the costs of payments to GMS general practitioners, drugs and medicines and fees to pharmacists. There would also be other associated costs with a standard medical card, such as the dental and ophthalmic schemes. On the basis of a doctor visit card, as announced by me in the context of the 2005 Estimates, the approximate cost of an additional 70,000 cards would be in the region of €17.5 million in a full year. These are prospective costings based on the implementation of such changes with effect from 2005 onwards. The estimates above assume no change in existing fee arrangements.
Health Board Services.
Billy Timmins
Question:126 Mr. Timmins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position in relation to the physiotherapist service inBaltinglass Hospital; if, in view of circumstances (details supplied), service can be increased to full-time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30682/04]
As the Deputy will be aware, the provision of health services in the Wicklow area is, in the first instance, the responsibility of the East Coast Area Health Board acting under the aegis of the Eastern Regional Health Authority. My Department has, therefore, asked the chief executive of the authority to investigate the matter raised by the Deputy and reply direct to him as a matter of urgency.
National Purchase Treatment Fund.
Richard Bruton
Question:127 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of persons who will be treated under the national treatment purchase fund in 2004; the way in which this compares to 2003; and her estimate of the number who will be treated in 2005. [30711/04]
Richard Bruton
Question:128 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the duration of a public waiting list which now applies to children and adults before they become eligible for treatment by the national treatment purchase fund; and if she expects that this will be reduced in 2005. [30712/04]
Richard Bruton
Question:129 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she is satisfied that patients on waiting lists in all of the Dublin hospitals are being referred for care under the national treatment purchase fund; and the percentage of those waiting at Dublin hospitals treated compared to hospitals in the rest of the country. [30713/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 127 to 129, inclusive, together.
In 2003 the national treatment purchase fund, NTPF, arranged treatment for 7,832 patients. My Department has been informed by the NTPF the total number treated in 2004 is expected to be approximately 13,000. The NTPF has estimated that based on its increased allocation of €64 million for 2005 it expects to arrange treatment for some 17,000 patients.
My Department has asked the chief executive of the NTPF to reply directly to the Deputy in regard to the position regarding the specific information requested on adult and paediatric waiting lists and the referrals to the NTPF from the Dublin hospitals.
Information and Communications Technology.
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:130 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Finance if he will make a statement on the use of open source technology in Government computer systems in view of the vital importance of the development of e-Government. [30613/04]
It is necessary to clarify the distinction between e-Government and open source technology. e-Government is about improving efficiencies in service delivery processes, typically involving the innovative use of information and communications technologies, ICTs, and the transformation of operational processes. The action plan for e-Government and progress reports on its implementation are available in the information society policy section of the Department of the Taoiseach website at www.gov.ie/taoiseach.
Open source software, OSS, is where the source code of software is made available for use or modification under licence. In many instances, this code is available for free or relatively small fees. There is no necessary interdependence between the two. The Irish public service has recognised the value and importance of OSS and the potential it offers for some considerable time. Consequently, OSS is used quite widely and wherever it makes operational and economic sense in Departments and offices, in areas such as operating systems, desktop productivity tools, etc.
In making software choices, the Irish public service operates a procurement policy that facilitates open competition, best value for money and best technological fit to requirements in keeping with public procurement law. Within that approach, different products are evaluated on their merits, including openness in terms of future procurement and, where possible, avoidance of lock-in to a particular supplier. Accordingly, an open view is taken which in practice tends to follow standards emerging from the market. These open standards are critically important to facilitate interconnection of computer systems and exchange of data and information across these systems.
Consequently, with respect to the costs of software, consideration is given to the total cost of ownership which, in addition to the licensing element, also includes the issues and costs associated with development, maintenance, customisation, adherence to open standards, etc. In keeping with this, my Department is engaged in ongoing OSS research to enable it to judge the value of new opportunities as they arise in this area. This research indicates that OSS can form part of viable solutions and my Department has so advised public bodies.
Decentralisation Programme.
Paudge Connolly
Question:131 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Finance the number of jobs to be transferred to towns in County Cavan under the revised decentralisation programme in view of the response from public servants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30573/04]
Under the decentralisation programme, the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources is decentralising 384 staff to Cavan town. Today I published two reports submitted to me by the decentralisation implementation group. One of these reports contains details of the organisations-locations which, in the group's view, should be the first to relocate. The contents of this report have now been accepted by Government. Both of these reports are available from the Departments website at www.finance.gov.ie.
The relocation of the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources to Cavan is not among the first moves. The decentralisation implementation group states in its report that it will submit a further report in spring 2005 containing its recommendations on the remaining moves.
Paudge Connolly
Question:132 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Finance the number of jobs to be transferred to towns in County Monaghan under the revised decentralisation programme in view of the response from public servants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30574/04]
Under the decentralisation programme, 26 jobs are moving to Monaghan town with the Combat Poverty Agency and 85 to Carrickmacross with the Department of Social and Family Affairs. In the case of the Department of Social and Family Affairs in Carrickmacross, there was a total of 74 Civil Service applicants and a further three public servants up to 7 September 2004. There is a total of 34 applications for transfer to Monaghan made up of six public service and 28 Civil Service applications.
The figures from the Civil Service are much better than those for the State agencies. Unlike the State agencies, the Civil Service has considerable previous experience of decentralisation and a long tradition of inter-departmental transfers. I see no reason in principle State agencies should have to remain in Dublin. Clearly, there are particular issues that arise in dealing with the State agencies. This was always going to be the case. The correct approach is to tease out the issues and develop good long-term solutions in consultation with all of the parties involved. This approach is being adopted by the Flynn group.
Child Care Services.
Michael Ring
Question:133 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Finance if he will introduce an exemption from rates for crèches to help alleviate the costs of child care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30577/04]
I have no plans to provide for special treatment of crèches under the Valuation Act 2001. This Act maintained the long-standing position that commercial facilities, including child care facilities such as play schools, pre-schools, crèches and Montessori schools, are liable for rates. Exceptions to this key principle would quickly be followed by demands for similar treatment from the providers of other useful services and products, which would be difficult in equity to resist. The process could thus substantially reduce local authority revenues, which would have to be made good by imposing corresponding increases on the remaining ratepayers.
The rateable valuation of commercial property is based on net annual value, NAV, that is, the rental value of the property. Any ratepayer dissatisfied with the rateability of a property, the valuation assessed on a property or the method of calculation can appeal to the commissioner of valuation in the first instance and subsequently to the independent valuation tribunal. There is a further right of appeal to the High Court and ultimately to the Supreme Court on a point of law.
The core objective of Government policy in the area of child support is to provide assistance which will offer real choice to parents and benefit all children. In that context, our policy has been to increase child benefit by substantial amounts as the main fiscal instrument through which support will be provided to parents with dependent children. Child benefit provides assistance to all parents in whatever caring choices are most appropriate for them and their children. In addition, unlike tax relief, it provides support to parents irrespective of their income status. We have also undertaken measures to favour the supply of child care by tax incentives to set up facilities, relief from VAT and relief from benefit in kind, BIK, for free or subsidised child care provided by employers.
Taken together, these represent substantial measures to assist with the cost of child care. My colleague, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, has overall responsibility for the formulation of national policy on child care. In that context, the establishment of the €449 million equal opportunities child care programme, EOCP, for 2000 to 2006, with funding provided by the European Union and the Exchequer under the national development plan, aims to increase the supply of centre-based child care places by 50%, or some 28,400, by the time the programme ends.
Tax Code.
Michael Ring
Question:134 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider increasing the tax allowances for money spent on college fees for full-time undergraduate courses, particularly for Irish citizens who do not qualify for the free fees initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30578/04]
As the Deputy is aware, all reliefs, including the tax relief available on third level fees, are reviewed in the run-up to the budget. It has been the practice of successive Ministers for Finance not to comment on what may or may not be contained in upcoming budgets and I do not intend to depart from that approach.
Richard Bruton
Question:135 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance when it is intended to issue amended certificates showing credits and standard rate cut-off points to taxpayers to incorporate changes made in the budget for 2005; and the provision which will be made for refund in respect of excessive deductions made before the revised certificates take effect. [30656/04]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that they are making arrangements to issue in excess of 2 million tax credit certificates to PAYE taxpayers in the period 10 to 31 January 2005 which will incorporate any changes made in the budget. Similarly, in early January, they will be issuing certificates to employers, by post or electronically, via the revenue on-line service so that the correct tax credits can be applied in the calculation of employee wages or salaries.
The PAYE system is a cumulative system and all tax credit certificates automatically apply from 1 January of the year of issue. In these circumstances, no specific provisions are required by the Revenue Commissioners to deal with any refunds which might arise. Any adjustments, including refunds, will be made by employers.
Telecommunications Services.
Paudge Connolly
Question:136 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the level of broadband availability in the various towns and villages of County Monaghan; the timescale for completion of the adaptation of the various exchanges in the county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30557/04]
Paudge Connolly
Question:137 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the level of broadband availability in the various towns and villages of County Cavan; the timescale for completion of the adaptation of the various exchanges in the county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30558/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 136 and 137 together.
The provision of telecommunications services including broadband is a matter in the first instance for the private sector companies operating in a fully liberalised market, regulated by ComReg, the Commission for Communications Regulation. The Government set aside an indicative €200 million under the National Development Plan 2000-2006 for broadband infrastructure investment that will, in turn, enable the provision of broadband services regionally by the private sector.
Under my Department's regional broadband programme, metropolitan area fibre trunk networks, MANs, are being built in 26 towns and cities, in association with the local authorities. Cavan, Kingscourt, Monaghan and Carrickmacross are included in the current phase of the rollout. In the second phase, MANs will be built in a further 92 towns, including Clones, Castleblaney, Cootehill and Bailieborough. For smaller towns and rural communities, I have introduced the group broadband scheme, under which Government funding of up to 55% is available to assist the community to come together and, with the service providers, to obtain broadband for their area using the technology that best suits the location, such as wireless, satellite or fibre. The timescale for the adapting of telephone exchanges is a matter for Eircom.
My Department's website, www.broadband.gov.ie, gives full details of the companies offering broadband in all parts of the country. Full details of the regional broadband programme and the group broadband scheme can be found on my Department’s websites, www.dcmnr.gov.ie and www.gbs.ie.
Post Office Network.
Róisín Shortall
Question:138 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if, with regard to An Post, he has taken steps since the publication of the 2001 Flynn report in respect of recommendations that come under his remit; his policy with regard to meeting the cost of public service obligations currently expected of An Post; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30559/04]
The Government is committed to a viable and sustainable nationwide post office network. Arising from this commitment, a number of reports, including the Flynn report, have examined modernisation of the network in order to provide a range of products and introduce service delivery channels which meet consumer needs. In order to show its commitment to post office network, the Government approved an equity injection of €12.7 million for An Post to facilitate the modernisation of the network. The equity injection was paid to the company in 2003.
A number of initiatives are underway to implement necessary restructuring of the post office network. Non-automated sub-post offices are being converted to postal agencies offering a limited range of services, namely social welfare payments and purchase of stamps. An Post continues to pursue new business opportunities for the network. Additional business won includes bill paying facilities for the ESB, telephone top-ups through its postpoint service and a contract with the AIB under which the bank's customers can access their accounts through the network. Further opportunities from both the public and private sectors are being actively explored by the company with a view to bringing on stream additional services at the post office counter, wherever possible.
I have no plans to introduce a subsidy payment to An Post. The long-term future of the post office network can only be secured by meeting the needs of customers. In this regard, I have asked the Postmasters Union and An Post to work in partnership with a view to securing existing business and to pursuing new business opportunities as they arise. As outlined above, that strategy is being followed with some success by the company.
Departmental Staff.
Joe Higgins
Question:139 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the reason temporary sea fishery officers receive 23 days annual leave when they are banded with higher executive officers for the purpose of annual leave whereas appendix 1 to the Department of Finance circular 27/03 on the subject of annual leave states that higher executive officers are entitled to 27 days, rising to 28 days after five years’ service. [30560/04]
The annual leave allowance for the sea fishery officer grade is not linked to that of the higher executive officer grade. The annual leave allowance for the sea fishery officer grade is determined with reference to the salary banding system for determining annual leave allowances in the Civil Service. This salary banding system is set out at appendix 2 of the Department of Finance circular 27/03. The annual leave allowance for the sea fishery officers grade at recruitment is 23 days, rising to 27 days after five years' service and 29 days after ten years' service.
Columbia Three.
Finian McGrath
Question:140 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding the case of persons (details supplied); and if has further plans to contact Foreign Minister Barco on this issue. [30504/04]
As I indicated to the Deputy in my reply to him on 10 November 2004, I have recently written to Foreign Minister Barco to again stress to her the importance of an early decision in the appeal. I observed that when she met my predecessor at the United Nations in New York last September, she indicated that she shared our wish for an early decision and, while emphasising the independence of the courts in Colombia, was hopeful that the appeal would be concluded some time in the autumn.
I assure the Deputy that I will continue to monitor this case closely and provide all possible consular assistance to the three men as well as to their families and representatives.
Question No. 141 answered with QuestionNo. 47.
Question No. 142 answered with QuestionNo. 90.
Question No. 143 answered with QuestionNo. 29.
Question No. 144 answered with QuestionNo. 33.
Question No. 145 answered with QuestionNo. 32.
Question No. 146 answered with QuestionNo. 70.
Human Rights Issues.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:147 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he expects to contribute to the improvement of the human rights situation throughout Africa; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30689/04]
Africa is a continent beset by often seemingly insurmountable problems including conflict, debt, poverty, HIV-AIDS and the abuse of human rights. The European Commission and member states collectively are the largest global donors of development assistance to Africa and the EU is thus in a position to play an important role in helping Africans address the problems of the continent especially in multilateral fora.
The EU conducts a process of political dialogue with African, Caribbean and Pacific countries that are party to the Cotonou Agreement. Human rights are a central theme of political dialogue.
Ireland sought to strengthen political dialogue with African countries and organisations during our recent EU Presidency. To this end, two important meetings took place with the African Union and ECOWAS under Irish chairmanship. The discussions with the African Union troika took place in a very positive and constructive atmosphere and covered peace and security and good governance issues, as well as regional integration and trade and development issues, such as external debt and food security. The discussions with ECOWAS took place in a very positive and open atmosphere, with good discussions on peace and security, conflict prevention, economic integration and trade, institutional matters and political dialogue follow-up as well as the issue of human trafficking.
During the most recent session of the UN Commission on Human Rights the EU was active under the co-ordination of the Irish Presidency in securing a number of initiatives in relation to Africa. These included the establishment of a special EU mechanism on the Sudan, the agreement with the African Union of a resolution on the DRC and the adoption of a resolution regarding assistance on human rights in Somalia. The EU also supported resolutions tabled by the African Union on Chad, Sierra Leone and Burundi. In addition, at the initiative of the Irish Presidency, the EU, for the first time, delivered a strong statement to the Commission, in which the EU reaffirmed its strong commitment to work for the elimination of all contemporary forms of slavery.
Although the EU was not successful in pursuing a resolution on Zimbabwe, the commitment of the Irish Presidency and its promotion of active engagement with the African Union bore fruit in that there is now a clear African concern about the situation in that country which was expressed in Nigeria's explanation of its vote for the no-action motion which caused the EU resolution to fail.
With regard to the situations in countries such as Sudan, Liberia and DRC, Ireland has been actively involved in their discussion at bilateral, EU and UN levels and continues to attach utmost importance to the issue of human rights in Africa. The European Union is tabling draft resolutions in the current session of the UN General Assembly regarding the human rights situations in Sudan, Zimbabwe and DRC, and Ireland will continue to play an active role in the discussion of these resolutions.
Question No. 148 answered with QuestionNo. 84.
Overseas Development Aid.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:149 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he can give an assurance that overseas development aid is directed to those for whom it was intended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30691/04]
To ensure that overseas development aid is directed to those for whom it is intended, it is important that there is a clear policy framework with a well articulated strategy for aid delivery and robust systems of oversight and accountability.
As the Deputy will be aware, the central objectives of the Irish programme of development co-operation continue to be the reduction of poverty and the promotion of sustainable development. Through the bilateral development programme and through our interaction with multilateral institutions and our engagement with non-governmental organisations, we seek to address the basic human needs of some of the poorest people in the world by improving their access to food, water, health services and education.
The main geographical focus of the bilateral programme is sub-Saharan Africa, the poorest region in the world. Development Co-operation Ireland provides long-term development assistance to seven programme countries as well as South Africa. In line with other donors, we operate in partnership with the Governments of these countries supporting the national poverty reduction strategies.
An agreed strategy also directs our engagement with the United Nations agencies and their work is increasingly focused on the millennium development goals which are directly related to poverty reduction. Our relationship with the larger Irish non-governmental organisations is underpinned by a multi-annual commitment and we support them in their work of addressing the needs of the poor. Our relationship with the United Nations agencies and with the non-governmental organisations is also key to the delivery of humanitarian assistance to some of the most vulnerable communities in the world.
Robust systems for oversight and accountability are extremely important especially when working in such a difficult environment. This is provided through a rigorous system of monitoring, audit and evaluation. Monitoring takes place at all levels in the programme. All accounts are subjected to external audit in addition to a well-developed process of internal audit. A series of key evaluations are conducted annually and these examine the relevance and effectiveness of the interventions and identify lessons to improve the programmes. We also work with our partners to strengthen their own audit and evaluation processes.
The Department of Foreign Affairs has an independent audit committee — all members are external to the Department — and this plays an important role in overseeing the audit, evaluation and risk management processes in the Department and in making recommendations to strengthen and improve these processes where necessary.
Question No. 150 answered with QuestionNo. 55.
Partnership for Peace.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:151 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of Partnership for Peace; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30694/04]
I refer the Deputy to the reply to his QuestionNo. 135 on 12 February 2004 and Question No. 42 on 24 June 2004.
The basic principles underlying the Partnership for Peace, PfP, as set out in the PfP Framework Document of January 1994, remain unchanged. This document sets out the political purposes of PfP which include: the protection of human rights; the safeguarding of freedom, justice and peace; the promotion of democracy; the maintenance of the principles of international law; and the fulfilment of the obligations of the UNCharter, and of OSCE commitments.
A key aspect of PfP membership, from Ireland's perspective, lies in the core principle of self differentiation, whereby each country participates according to its own interests and priorities. This principle remains at the core of PfP activity.
PfP has proved itself an important framework for co-operation in areas appropriate to the so-called Petersberg Tasks which include humanitarian, peacekeeping, crisis management andrescue activities.
Ireland's ability to make a meaningful contribution to UN authorised missions is undoubtedly enhanced by its participation in Partnership for Peace activities. Ireland's participation in PfP is aimed at improving the interoperability of the Defence Forces so as to continue to play a meaningful and effective role in appropriately sanctioned multinational peacekeeping operations. Through PfP, the Defence Forces acquire necessary training, familiarity with operational procedures and techniques, as well as peacekeeping methodology. These are essential prerequisites in the new style of peacekeeping and crisis management missions mandated by the UN in recent years. This can also be seen by the participation in PfP of all our EU partners, including the other neutral and non-aligned states.
Overseas Development Aid.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:152 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his plans in conjunction with the EU and UN to tackle the problem of aid in Africa; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30695/04]
Ireland's national aid programme is largely focused on the African continent. Some 85% of our bilateral programme country assistance is spent there. It is our intention to maintain this focus and indeed to expand our assistance to the region as the aid programme grows.
The EU is a major donor to Africa. EU aid to Africa is provided from the Community budget and the European Development Fund, EDF. The majority of this aid comes from the EDF which is the main instrument of Community aid for development co-operation in the African, Caribbean and Pacific States. The current 9th EDF was concluded at the same time as the African, Caribbean and Pacific, ACP-EU Cotonou Partnership Agreement in June 2000. Aid amounting to €13.5 billion was allocated by EU member states over a period of five years. Ireland contributes its proportionate share to the 9th EDF. In 2004, an overall sum of €2.34 billion was contributed to the Ninth EDF. The Commission has indicated that it wishes to raise the level of overall contributions to €2.855 billion in 2005.
Ireland also works closely with the United Nations to assist Africa. The UN Secretary General has highlighted the need for special support from the international community for sub-Saharan African countries if they are to achieve the millennium development goals within the target dates. I share the Secretary General's concerns about the achievement of the millennium development goals in sub-Saharan Africa.
Ireland has substantially increased its voluntary contributions to the UN development agencies in recent years. Slightly more than one third of Ireland's overseas development assistance is disbursed through support to key UN agencies such as the UN Development Programme, the UN Children's Fund, the UN Population Fund and UNAIDS.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:153 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his priorities in regard to the issues of famine and strife in Africa; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30696/04]
Ireland's programme of development co-operation has sub-Saharan Africa as its core focus. The programme concentrates on addressing the key causes of problems relating to poverty, food insecurity and strife in Africa. We use a variety of channels to deliver our development support, including directly through our embassies in a number of African countries and indirectly using experienced and effective NGOs, UN agencies and other international organisations.
There is a strong interrelationship between conflict, food insecurity and poverty. Conflict is exacerbated by poverty, inequality and exclusion. It is undeniably the case that most wars occur in poor countries. Conflicts impact on the poorest and most vulnerable people, particularly women and children. Furthermore, food security is undermined by the effects of conflict.
Ireland responds in two ways to the humanitarian and development needs of Africa. In the short term, we focus on saving lives in the most effective way possible. A recent example of Ireland's humanitarian efforts is our response to the crisis in Darfur, Sudan. We have combined immediate life-saving assistance through a number of key humanitarian NGOs and UN agencies, with pressure at the international political level to bring about an end to the conflict.
In the longer term, Ireland's development programme tackles the structural reasons underlying endemic poverty. One of the main ways in which this is pursued is through our strong development partnerships with six countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Through these partnerships, Ireland fully engages with Governments, local communities, donors, EU and UN agencies on the basis of poverty reduction strategy plans, PRSPs. The PRSP process brings Governments, donors and all interested stakeholders together, with the objective of prioritising a country's resources and expenditures to reduce poverty. They also aim to support democracy and build a culture of respect for human rights and the rule of law. These are enormous challenges. However, they stand the best chance of, at long last, beginning to reverse the decline of social and economic indicators in Africa. The people of Africa deserve no less.
Human Rights Issues.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:154 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the situation in regard to democracy and human rights in Mozambique; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30699/04]
Significant progress has been achieved in Mozambique over the past decade. The end of a long and brutal civil war and the establishment of a multi-party democracy have provided a strong basis for future political development. At the same time, the country's economy has experienced significant expansion. The current overall situation in the country remains stable and the general economic climate is positive, although the country continues to face many problems including war damage, underdevelopment and recurrent natural disasters.
The EU is a major development partner of Mozambique and pursues an active political dialogue with the Mozambican Government which includes encouraging increased respect for human rights, rule of law and good governance, and promoting national peace and reconciliation. The EU has also expressed its willingness to contribute to the development of the judicial system, with €10 million pledged over three years.
Mozambique's second municipal elections were held on 19 November 2003. The EU sent an election observation mission, EU-EOM, to oversee this election and reported many positive aspects. The atmosphere was generally calm, the legal framework adequate and there was a general equitable access to media for all sides. Improvements were suggested by the EU-EOM in a number of areas such as result tabulation and the transparency of the Comissao Nacional deEleicoes, CNEs, dealing with complaints.
Both presidential and legislative elections will take place in Mozambique on 1 and 2 December next. Ireland and the EU consider the 2004 presidential and legislative elections in Mozambique as important for the democratic development of that country. The EU is due to send an election observation mission for the duration of these elections, which will include four members from Ireland.
With a budget of €36 million in 2004, Mozambique is the largest of Development Co-operation Ireland's bilateral country programmes. The current country strategy paper, CSP, runs from 2004 to 2006. The programme has a broad reach and at present DCI is engaged in six areas: general budget support; education; health; HIV-AIDS; governance; and public sector reform. It also runs two area based programmes — in Niassa to the far north of the country and in Inhambane in the south. The Minister of State, Deputy Conor Lenihan, is due to visit Mozambique next month.
Question No. 155 answered with QuestionNo. 19.
Film Industry Development.
Jack Wall
Question:156 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his proposals to meet with Screen Producers Ireland before he visits the US to meet with the film industry there to establish the group’s overview of the film industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30555/04]
I am scheduled to meet Screen Producers Ireland on 26 January 2005.
Traditional Arts.
Finian McGrath
Question:157 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the reason the report of the special committee on the traditional arts was altered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30624/04]
In accordance with section 21 of the Arts Act 2003, the special committee on the traditional arts was established pursuant to a direction from me, as Minister, to offer advice to the council in this matter. I had no role regarding the committee's procedures, including the drafting and approval of the committee's final report. The committee's advice was directed to the council. I therefore cannot comment on the matter raised by the Deputy.
Market Towns.
Billy Timmins
Question:158 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position in relation to market town status; if towns which have this status and do not hold a market before January 2005 will lose this status; if he will reverse this decision in view of the short notice and the fact that this new policy has not been drawn to the attention of many; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30680/04]
I assume the Deputy is referring to the position of markets under the Casual Trading Act 1995. The Casual Trading Act 1995 regulates trading in public places and is operated by local authorities who use their powers to make bye laws under the Act to regulate this activity. Under the Act a "market right" is defined as "a right conferred by franchise or statute to hold a fair or market, that is to say, a concourse of buyers and sellers to dispose of commodities". These rights usually originate in royal charters or statutes from the pre-1921 era. People who sell in a public place are subject to the Act including those who trade by virtue of a market right.
Section 7(4) of the Act states that if a market right remains unexercised for a period of ten years from the commencement of this section that market right shall be extinguished. Section 7 of the Act was commenced on 1 May 1996, which means that section 7(4) will not become operative until 1 May 2006, which gives people and communities nearly a year and a half to activate or reactivate local traditional markets. Also, local authorities have the powers to regulate these markets under the Act by designating them as casual trading areas.
WTO Talks.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:159 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the status of the WTO talks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30692/04]
The Government is particularly pleased with the outcome of the end-July 2004 World Trade Organisation, WTO, general council meeting, which agreed a framework to further progress the Doha Development Agenda, DDA. The framework agreement sets the parameters for the next stages of negotiation of the DDA. Essentially, the DDA negotiations are now back on track.
Over coming months and next year, the WTO members will develop the agreed framework into concrete, detailed and specific commitments under each of the key areas of interest, including in agriculture, non-agricultural products and services. In the case of agriculture, the framework will include negotiations aimed at a substantial cut in trade-distorting supports, the elimination of trade distorting export competition practices and a significant opening of agricultural markets. In the case of industry, a set of precise guidelines to cut tariffs has been adopted. The framework, in addition, pays close attention to the needs and concerns of developing country members of the WTO.
These negotiations will take place with a view to completing the round as soon as possible. When the Doha round was launched in November 2001, negotiations were scheduled to conclude by 1 January 2005. This will now not happen.
Alongside the adoption of the framework agreement, the WTO general council, at end July, agreed that the next WTO ministerial meeting will take place in Hong Kong in December 2005.
Unemployment Statistics.
Charlie O'Connor
Question:160 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the jobless figures for Tallaght, Dublin 24; the way in which they compare with those of ten years ago; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30569/04]
Unemployment is measured by the CSO's quarterly national household survey, QNHS. However, it is devised on a regional basis and does not provide a breakdown for specific areas such as Tallaght. While the live register provides monthly data for specific areas, including Tallaght, it is not a definitive measure of unemployment as it includes part-time workers, seasonal and casual workers.
It should be noted that the exact area covered by each local office is not limited to the immediate locality of the particular office, for example in the Tallaght local office persons from the Blessington area may be registered.
The live register figures for October 2004 in relation to the Tallaght local office were 3,077 whereas the comparable figures for the area for October 1994 were 6,900.
The current overall unemployment rate, QNHS, for the country for the second quarter of 2004 is 4.4% — 84,200 persons. This compares very favorable to the unemployment rate in 1994 of 15% — 209,600 persons. The pattern in the Tallaght area reflects national trends over this period. The prediction for the medium term is that the numbers in employment will continue to grow.
Work Permits.
Joe Higgins
Question:161 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of work permits granted in each of the past five years for workers from outside the EU to work here in the area of domestic service. [30571/04]
The numbers of work permit applications granted in the past five years in the area of domestic service are attached:
|
Year |
Granted |
|
2004 (up to 31/10/04) |
615 |
|
2003 |
944 |
|
2002 |
788 |
|
2001 |
521 |
|
2000 |
200 |
|
1999 |
80 |
Farm Retirement Scheme.
Seymour Crawford
Question:162 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if a farmer who has opted for the EU retirement pension scheme, with land leased to a qualifying farmer, can pay PRSI in their own right, in order to be eligible for contributory old age pension at the age of 66; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30576/04]
The farm retirement scheme, which is administered by the Department of Agriculture and Food, is designed to encourage farmers aged between 55 and 66 years to retire from farming and transfer use of the land to a younger farmer. The objectives of the scheme are: to provide an income for qualifying farmers who decide to stop farming; to encourage the improvement, where necessary, of the economic viability of the remaining agricultural holdings; and to reassign agricultural land to non-agricultural uses where it cannot be farmed economically.
Farmers who retire early under the scheme can draw a pension of up to €13,515 a year for up to ten years. The scheme receives 50% co-funding from the European Union. Persons intending to retire under the scheme must cease commercial farming permanently and the land must be transferred, leased or gifted to an eligible younger farmer. Having entered the scheme, the retiring farmer must not return to farming at any stage in the future unless all monies already received by way of pension are refunded.
Social welfare legislation provides that any payments received by way of pensions are excluded from the definition of reckonable emoluments for the purposes of calculating PRSI contributions. Accordingly, recipients of a farm retirement pension are not liable for PRSI contributions in respect of that payment. In such cases, depending on the circumstances, it may be possible for the farmer to pay voluntary PRSI contribution to maintain or build entitlement to old age contributory pension.
Where a recipient of a farm retirement pension has another source of income, for example from an insurable employment, the earnings are reckonable for PRSI purposes and liable to PRSI at the appropriate class — generally PRSI classes A or J. Contributions paid at PRSI class A can contribute towards the accrual of old age contributory pension.
Recipients of farm retirement pensions with reckonable income, including rental income from land or other property, are liable to PRSI class S on that income, providing the income is above the insurable limit which is currently, €3,174 per annum. Contributions paid at PRSI class S can help to maintain or improve entitlement to old age contributory pensions.
Farmers should also be aware that the amount of the farm retirement scheme pension is reduced if the retired farmer becomes entitled to one of the following social welfare pensions: old age contributory pension; old age non-contributory pension; widow-widowers contributory pension at age 66; widow-widowers non-contributory pension at age 66; retirement pension; invalidity pension; and blind person's pension.
Free Travel Scheme.
Róisín Shortall
Question:163 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will lift the restrictions on the use of free bus passes on Dublin Bus services in view of the fact that no such restrictions operate on the DART or Luas and in view of the reported freeing up of some peak-time capacity in the Dublin Bus fleet operating in Luas areas. [30618/04]
Time restrictions have been a feature of the free travel scheme since its inception. The central issue in regard to time restrictions is that of capacity constraints and the pressure on the transport system from commuters travelling to and from work and school in the morning and evening.
Time restrictions do not apply on any transport services in the case of people with learning disabilities, people attending long term rehabilitation courses or certain work experience programmes and certain other people with disabilities or visual impairment. These people are issued with an unrestricted free travel pass which enables them to travel during the normally restricted travel times. Also, there are no peak time travel restrictions on Luas, DART, suburban rail services, and on services provided by private transport operators in other parts of the country.
I understand that any general lifting of the existing time restrictions at this time could cause capacity problems for transport operators. However, I have requested my officials to keep the matter under regular review. In exceptional circumstances, where hospital appointments cannot be arranged out of peak travel time, my Department can issue a temporary unrestricted free travel pass. Requests for such passes are considered on a case by case basis.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Michael Ring
Question:164 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo is not receiving unemployment benefit. [30599/04]
The person concerned applied for unemployment benefit on 6 October 2004. A deciding officer disallowed her claim on the grounds that she is not genuinely seeking full-time work. The person concerned had not produced evidence from employers where employment is most likely to be available. It is open to the person concerned to appeal this decision to the social welfare appeals office and a form for this purpose was issued to her on 22 November 2004.
Under social welfare legislation, decisions on claims must be made by deciding officers and appeals officers. These officers are statutorily appointed and I have no role in making such decisions.
Departmental Expenditure.
Paul Kehoe
Question:165 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the budgets allocated to each of the different health boards for the area of supplementary welfare in 2004; and the moneys spent by the health boards to date in 2004. [30600/04]
The supplementary welfare allowance scheme is administered by the health boards, subject to general direction and control by my Department. An allocation of €654.83 million was provided in the Vote for my Department in 2004 to meet the estimated overall cost of the scheme and its administration this year. The allocation is not apportioned initially to each health board each year, but is drawn down by health boards to meet individual scheme payments and administrative costs as they arise.
Scheme and administrative expenditure is monitored closely by my Department throughout the year, through data from the computerised claim payment system and regular returns from health boards. Details of total expenditure, comprising both programme and administration expenditure, by health board up to 31 October 2004 are set out in the following tabular statement:
|
Health Board |
Expenditure €000 |
|
Eastern Regional Health Authority |
289,185 |
|
Midland Health Board |
21,594 |
|
Mid-Western Health Board |
37,131 |
|
North Eastern Health Board |
31,699 |
|
North Western Health Board |
20,267 |
|
South Eastern Health Board |
52,514 |
|
Southern Health Board |
73,572 |
|
Western Health Board |
50,452 |
|
Total |
576,414 |
This is the gross expenditure on supplementary welfare allowance before inter-scheme adjustments and refunds are taken into account.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Richard Bruton
Question:166 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will report on the rules under which payment of child dependent allowance will be affected by the earnings of the adult dependant of a social welfare claimant. [30602/04]
Child dependent allowance, CDA, is an additional weekly payment made to social welfare recipients in respect of each qualified child dependent. A full CDA rate of €6.80 is payable to recipients of unemployment or disability benefit together with a qualified adult allowance where the spouse's gross weekly earnings do not exceed €210. Where earnings exceed €210 the qualified adult allowance is no longer payable. Where the spouse's earnings exceed €210 but do not exceed €300 per week, half rate CDA is payable.
Tax and Social Welfare Codes.
Michael Ring
Question:167 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the progress which has been made in consultations between the Revenue Commissioners and his Department to agree mechanisms to refund PRSI to persons on personal pension payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30612/04]
Contributions to PRSAs and other personal pensions may be made in a personal capacity outside the payroll system. Social welfare legislation provides for the return, subject to certain conditions, of PRSI contributions paid in respect of payments made to such pensions by employees and proprietary directors outside the payroll system. The refund process is technically complex involving a number of steps and calculations, requiring both Revenue and social welfare legislation to be taken into account.
My Department and the Revenue Commissioners have been in consultations to devise a mechanism for dealing with these cases. These consultations have now been completed and the Revenue Commissioners have agreed that these refunds will be processed in the Office of the Collector General. The practical arrangements for claiming refunds will be published shortly by the Revenue Commissioners.
Air Services.
Michael Lowry
Question:168 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Transport, further to Parliamentary Question No. 339 of 17 November 2004, if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the EU Commission will allow conditions favourable to the west of Ireland and to Shannon Airport included in any open skies policy and to the bilateral agreement, if requested to do so by the Government; the way in which he intends to capitalise on this opportunity to secure the economy of the west of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30614/04]
Michael Lowry
Question:169 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Transport, further to Parliamentary Question No. 339 of 17 November 2004, if he will approve the Mid Western Regional Authority to conduct a regional economic impact study on the impact of the open skies and changes to the bilateral agreement; if he will approve of the study, the reason therefor; if he will meet representatives of the MWRA as a matter of urgency on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30615/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 168 and 169 together.
I am meeting representatives of the Mid Western Regional Authority later this week, when I will discuss any issues of concern to the authority. As I mentioned in my reply to the Deputy's previous question, on 17 November 2004, it has been Ireland's position at a number of recent Transport Councils, that while we are in favour of an open skies agreement between the EU and the US, Ireland's support would be contingent on an acceptable arrangement on Shannon being agreed between Ireland and the US, and that arrangement being reflected in the EU-US agreement.
I am conscious of the fact that the new board of Shannon Airport is now required to produce a business plan for the airport and that clarity on the open skies issue would be very helpful to that business planning process. I am also conscious that Irish airlines are currently restricted in the routes they can serve under the existing bilateral arrangement, and that expanding scheduled services across the Atlantic is of great importance to the growth of Irish airlines and Irish tourism, as well as for inward investment and trade generally.
Negotiations between the EU and US on an agreement to introduce open skies across the Atlantic are set to recommence early in the new year. Our priority is to keep Irish aviation strong by encouraging the State airports to compete and grow. This is good for Irish jobs and tourism.
Light Rail Project.
Charlie O'Connor
Question:170 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Transport if he has had discussions with the Railway Procurement Agency regarding the clear need to develop the Tallaght Luas line beyond the Square through Oldbawn and Tallaght west to Citywest; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30616/04]
Responsibility for the development of specific proposals for the expansion of Luas services lies with the Railway Procurement Agency. To date, I have had no discussions with the RPA about extending Luas from Tallaght, through Oldbawn and Tallaght west, to Citywest and such a proposal does not form part of the DTO strategy for the greater Dublin area, Platform for Change.
I understand the RPA has received preliminary proposals from the private sector for the extension of the Luas red line from the existing Belgard stop, through Fettercairn and Fortunestown Lane, to Citywest. However, those discussions are at a very early stage. The RPA awaits firm proposals from the parties, which have expressed an interest in supporting this extension.
Taxi Hardship Panel.
Seán Crowe
Question:171 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Transport his views on the excessive administrative costs (details supplied) involved in dealing with the taxi hardship payments by Area Development Management Limited. [30617/04]
The cost of administering the taxi hardship payments scheme to 31 October 2004 was €580,564. In addition to staff salary costs, this figure includes set-up costs in the region of €92,000 and incorporates all advertising, printing, postage and application form distribution costs necessitated by the scheme to that date.
As indicated in my reply to Question No. 210 of 16 November 2004, Area Development Management Limited, which manages and administers the scheme on behalf of the Department of Transport, operates as a not for profit organisation and has to directly recoup all the costs it incurs in administering schemes or projects on behalf of the State. In this regard, only actual costs incurred are charged against administration funding.
Driving Tests.
Willie Penrose
Question:172 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Transport if an application for the driving competency test by a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30619/04]
The applicant is on my Department's waiting list for a driving test. No documentary evidence has been submitted to my Department indicating that an early driving test is required.
Taxi Hardship Panel.
Mary Upton
Question:173 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Transport if he will re-investigate the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12; and if he will respond to correspondence from this person in order that the matter be finally resolved. [30620/04]
The processing and consideration of applications under the taxi hardship payments scheme is being undertaken independently of my Department by Area Development Management Limited and my Department has no details of applications made to ADM under the scheme.
In response to the Deputy's question, I have again had inquiries made with ADM about the application in question. ADM has indicated that it has spoken to the applicant and explained what additional information is required to finalise its consideration of this claim. To expedite the matter it has also requested that the applicant's accountant contact them to discuss the information required.
Public Transport.
Richard Bruton
Question:174 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Transport the number of passengers carried by Dublin Bus in the morning peak hour for each year since 1997 to date. [30621/04]
Bus Átha Cliath has provided the information requested by the Deputy on passenger carryings, as set out in the following table:
|
Year |
Morning Peak (Average) |
|
1997 |
93,000 |
|
1998 |
100,000 |
|
1999 |
101,000 |
|
2000 |
101,000 |
|
2001 |
102,000 |
|
2002 |
103,000 |
|
2003 |
105,000 |
The figures for 2004 have not yet been compiled.
Public Service Vehicles.
Paul Connaughton
Question:175 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Transport if he has plans to introduce a scheme to allow properly trained drivers to drive hired cars for visiting tourists in the event of such tourists not feeling confident to drive on strange roads but who need a hired car for such holidays; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30622/04]
I have no proposals to introduce a scheme such as that envisaged in the question and I have no function in the area.
The public service vehicles regulations already provide for the licensing of small public service vehicles, such as taxis, hackneys or limousines, for the carriage of persons for hire or reward. These regulations also provide that the driver of such vehicles must hold a current small public service vehicle drivers licence. Responsibility for the grant of a licence to drive small public service vehicles rests with the Garda Commissioner.
Irish Aviation Authority.
Olivia Mitchell
Question:176 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the cost to date in 2004 of the payment to the Irish Aviation Authority in lieu of waived income from American aeroplanes involved in the Iraq war; and the estimated cost for 2005. [30701/04]
The Irish Aviation Authority, IAA, provides air traffic control and communications services to aircraft that pass through both sovereign and international airspace which it administers on the north Atlantic. Only a small proportion of military flights through Irish administered airspace actually pass through Irish sovereign airspace. Irish administered airspace covers 135,000 square miles of which 32,000 square miles is sovereign airspace.
Under a Eurocontrol, European Organisation for the Safety of Air Navigation, multilateral agreement to which Ireland is a party, various categories of flights — flights under visual flight rules, flights performed by small aircraft, flights performed for the transport of Heads of State and search and rescue flights — are exempt from paying en-route charges. In the case of other categories — military flights, training flights, flights performed to test air navigation equipment and circular flights — states have the option to exempt such flights from payment of the en-route charge. In common with most Eurocontrol member states, Ireland exempts all such flights, including military flights of member states of Eurocontrol, the United States and Canada, from payment of the en-route charge and this arrangement has applied since Ireland joined the Eurocontrol en-route charging scheme in the early 1970s. Because of this arrangement the IAA costs in relation to military flights are met from my Department's Vote.
Ireland also exempts military aircraft flights from payment of the communications charge and the IAA costs for those charges are also met from my Department's Vote. Efforts to collect this charge in the early 1990s were unsuccessful and, following advice from the Attorney General, debts then outstanding were written off with the agreement of the Department of Finance and a decision taken to cease charging the communications fee to military aircraft.
A total of €2.13 million, excluding VAT, has been paid to the IAA between January and September 2004. US military flights account for approximately 90% of the total amounting to €1.92 million. It is estimated that a further €700,000, excluding VAT, will be paid to the IAA by the end of 2004 with US military flights accounting for €630,000 of that amount. The published Estimate for 2005 for all exempt services is €4 million, including VAT. While it is difficult to predict the expected number of exempt US military flights in 2005, an amount of €2.98 million, excluding VAT, has been estimated based on the outturn in recent years.
Foreign military aircraft using the State airports pay the appropriate airport charge to each airport authority.
Security of the Elderly.
Liz McManus
Question:177 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the extent of the cutbacks in funding in the years 2002, 2003 and 2004 for the community support for older people scheme that provides security for the elderly; if this matter will be addressed in order that the level of funding is maintained; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30556/04]
Since 1997, the scheme of community support for older people has provided in excess of €30 million to supply socially-monitored alarms and other security items to many older people. Over 8,000 individuals benefited from the scheme last year alone. It is a measure of the success of the scheme that a gradual fall-off in demand has been experienced as more people have their security needs met by the scheme and the funding made available for the scheme in recent years is a reflection of that demand. I will continue to monitor the funding available to the scheme in the light of demand.
Beef Carcase Classification.
Denis Naughten
Question:178 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the action she is taking to address the discrepancies with the mechanical grading of beef; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30535/04]
Mechanical beef carcass classification is a new technology and Ireland was the first EU country to approve its introduction on a commercial scale. Three systems were approved following authorisation tests conducted under the terms of EU Commission Regulation (EC) No. 1215/2003 and the system selected by the industry is now installed in 24 meat plants that account for almost 95% of our beef exports. The move to mechanical grading, which was provided for under Sustaining Progress, was achieved with the co-operation of the sector as a whole and it is generally accepted that the move will help the industry become more market orientated and better positioned to exploit the opportunities for Irish beef within the expanded EU.
As the competent authority my Department is required to carry out fortnightly inspections of the machines in the first year of operation and is exceeding that requirement. These inspections involve the selection of carcasses and the recording and analysing of these findings against the classification results determined by the machines. The results are forwarded to the system manufacturer for the purposes of identifying any difficulties being experienced and with a view to bringing about further refinements.
My Department will implement any such refinement if it can be definitely shown that the adjustments would result in a higher level of accuracy.
Beef Imports.
Paudge Connolly
Question:179 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the steps she has taken to ensure the accurate and precise labelling of all foreign-sourced beef, particularly in view of the incident of Ireland’s first recorded case of variant CJD; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30543/04]
Beef imports into the European Union from third countries must have been sourced in countries and in premises that are currently listed and approved by the European Commission and which are subject to veterinary audits by the EU's Food and Veterinary Office. In addition, such imports are subject to checks laid down in the harmonised rules prescribed at European level, and must be accompanied by the prescribed veterinary health certification from the competent authorities in the country of export.
The Community beef labelling requirements, which are compulsory in all member states, apply to beef sold at retail level within the Community, regardless of whether that beef was produced within the Community or in a third country. Where beef is imported into the Community from a third country that beef must, at a minimum, be labelled as "origin: non-EC" along with an indication of the third country in which slaughter took place. There is a gap in these requirements in so far as they do not apply at restaurant and catering sector level. It is my intention to proceed with a legal requirement that country of origin must be displayed in respect of beef served on such premises. The legal options allowing for this development are being examined at present.
Grant Payments.
Paul Connaughton
Question:180 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason the entitlements for a person (details supplied) in County Galway are so low; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30544/04]
My Department has issued provisional entitlements statements to approximately 130,000 farmers in connection with the advent of the new single payment scheme. Each statement includes a detailed breakdown of how the provisional entitlements are calculated. Farmers who are not satisfied with their provisional entitlement statement may seek a review on a form which is available from all local offices of my Department and from my Department's website.
I have made arrangements to have a review form forwarded to the person named who should complete it and return it to the single payment entitlements review section, special beef premium unit, Old Abbeyleix Road, Portlaoise, County Laois. My officials will then be in direct contact with the person named regarding the review. My intention is that definitive entitlements statements will issue early in 2005.
Mayo Landslide.
Michael Ring
Question:181 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo has not yet received payment under the Pullathomas landslide damage relief scheme; if this person is eligible for payment; if not, the reason they were not informed. [30546/04]
The person concerned was an applicant under the Pullathomas landslide damage relief scheme. An on-farm assessment by an official of my Department took place on the applicant's land on 23 September 2004 when it was noted that no damage had occurred under any of the five eligible categories listed in the scheme. No payment was therefore made to the applicant.
The applicant was notified of this decision on 1 October 2004 and was also informed of his right of appeal to the agriculture appeals office.
Grant Payments.
Paul Connaughton
Question:182 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Galway has not been informed of single payment entitlements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30547/04]
Records in my Department show that a provisional single payment entitlement statement issued to the person named on 6 October 2004. As it appears this may not have been received, I have had arrangements made to have a further copy of the statement issued to the person named.
Paul Connaughton
Question:183 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a decision will be given on a force majeure application by a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30548/04]
The person named applied for consideration of force majeure, exceptional circumstances, on 15 January 2004 on the grounds of ill health during the reference period.
Having fully examined the circumstances outlined by the person named, my Department is satisfied that force majeure circumstances should apply in this case. The year 2001 will be excluded and the years 2000 and 2002 only will now be used in the calculation of the provisional single payment entitlements in this case. The person named will be notified shortly of the outcome.
Paul Connaughton
Question:184 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Galway has not received 2003 extensification; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30549/04]
Extensification premium is payable on animals that qualify for payment of suckler cow premium and-or special beef premium on the holding of the applicant during the scheme year in question and where the stocking density of the holding does not exceed 1.80 livestock units per hectare.
Since the person named did not apply for either suckler cow premium or special beef premium in 2003, he is not eligible for payment of 2003 extensification premium.
Paul Connaughton
Question:185 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason the single payment entitlement has not issued to a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30550/04]
The person named applied for consideration of force majeure, exceptional circumstances, on 3 February 2004 on the grounds of ill health during the reference period. Following examination of the case was requested by letter on 11 November 2004 to submit additional medical evidence.
Having fully examined the circumstances outlined by the person named including the additional medical evidence received, my Department is satisfied that force majeure circumstances should apply in this case.
The reference years 2000, 2001 and 2002 will be excluded and the years 1997, 1998 and 1999 will now be used in the calculation of the provisional single payment entitlements in this case. The person named will be notified shortly of the outcome decision.
Tuberculosis Incidence.
Paul Connaughton
Question:186 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the benefit to farmers of the €6.35 insurance levy charges on all tuberculosis and brucellosis reactors at factory level; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that this is in addition to the insurance fee applicable to all clean cattle and that all factories deduct this special insurance levy on reactor cattle; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30551/04]
The deduction of insurance is a non-statutory deduction and is primarily a commercial matter between the factory and the owner of the bovine animals concerned. However, I understand that the insurance costs and arrangements vary from factory to factory and, in general, insurance is designed to cover the salvage price paid to farmers in respect of condemned reactor animals and the cost of the disposal of condemned carcasses as SRM.
Work Permits.
Willie Penrose
Question:187 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to work permits and so on, whereby a Ukrainian citizen living here marries a Lithuanian national also living here; the position in relation to their work status. [30609/04]
Subject to certain tightly defined limitations a Lithuanian citizen has the right, under EU Law, to work and reside in the State and to work without an employment permit. He or she also has the right to be joined by his or her non-EEA national spouse. The spouse is also entitled to work without an employment permit.
Residency Permits.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:188 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8 will be granted to leave to remain in the State; if he has received from the Department of Health and Children a copy of representations from this Deputy in this case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30587/04]
The case in question, for leave to remain, is currently under consideration by this Department. All representations received, including that from the Deputy, will be taken into consideration and a recommendation will issue to the applicant in the near future.
Garda Investigations.
Charlie O'Connor
Question:189 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the Garda authorities will take immediate and effective action in respect of attacks on post delivery staff in Tallaght which jeopardises postal deliveries in the area; if his attention has been drawn to the need to protect postal staff and the need to protect postal staff and the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30588/04]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that there have been three incidents of theft related offences in Tallaght Garda district in respect of postal staff to date this year, none of which involved personal violence against postal staff.
I have been further informed that following a meeting between a Garda liaison sergeant, An Post officials and trade union representatives, additional patrols both on foot and mountain bike have been put in place in areas identified as having specific problems. Advice has also been given to An Post staff by the Garda crime prevention officer. One person has been charged with alleged related offences for theft.
Garda Operations.
Finian McGrath
Question:190 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the Garda response to anti-social activities at a location (details supplied) in Dublin 3; and if the local residents will be given the maximum support. [30589/04]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 1115 of 29 September 2004 on this matter. This is an ongoing operational matter for the Garda authorities and I understand that the area concerned will continue to be regularly patrolled by uniform and plain clothes personnel.
Capital Grant Assistance.
Brian O'Shea
Question:191 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his proposals to provide funding for a centre (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30590/04]
I understand from inquiries I have made that an application for further capital grant assistance under the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme 2000-06 was submitted by the group to my Department in March 2004. The Deputy may be aware that the group in question has already received a total of over €986,700 in capital and staffing grant assistance from the programme.
The EOCP is a seven year development programme which aims to increase the availability and quality of child care to support parents in employment, education and training. The progress of the programme was commented upon very favourably by the mid-term evaluators of both the regional operational programmes and the National Development Plan 2000-06 and, following the mid-term review, additional funding of approximately €12 million was made available for the child care measures. This brings the total funding available for the programme to €449.3 million. This now includes an increased provision for capital developments for which €157 million has been set aside.
Since 2000, my Department, with the technical assistance of ADM Limited, has processed and I have approved 1,271 applications for capital grant assistance of over €118 million and 1,015 applications for staffing grant assistance totalling €104 million. Almost €44 million has been allocated for projects under the quality measure. Much of the remaining current funding is required for ongoing supports to groups providing child care services to disadvantaged families to enable them to participate in employment, education and training opportunities.
A list of outstanding capital applications is now being finalised and my Department will be writing to the applicants in early December. In the interim, it would be premature of me to comment further on this capital grant application.
Garda Stations.
Liam Aylward
Question:192 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will not close the Garda station in Mullinavat, County Kilkenny, to ensure that the present effective Garda service is maintained inMullinavat and the surrounding areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30591/04]
There are currently no plans to close the Garda Station at Mullinavat, County Kilkenny.
In regard to Garda resources generally, I am pleased to say the Government has approved my proposal to increase the strength of the Garda Síochána to 14,000 members on a phased basis, in line with the commitment in this regard in An Agreed Programme for Government. This is a key commitment in the programme for Government, and its implementation will significantly strengthen the operational capacity of the force. The commissioner will now draw up plans on how best to distribute and manage these resources. Additional resources will be targeted at the areas of greatest need, as is envisaged in the programme for Government. The programme identifies, in particular, areas with a significant drugs problem and a large number of public order offences, but it will be possible to address other priorities as well, such as the need to significantly increase the number of Garda allocated to traffic duties. I have already promised that the additional gardaí will not be put on administrative duties. They will be put directly into front-line, operational, high-visibility policing where they will have a real impact.
Dublin-Monaghan Bombings.
Finian McGrath
Question:193 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7 seems not to be treated with respect; and if this person will be given the maximum assistance. [30592/04]
The bombings which took place in Dublin and Monaghan on Friday, 17 May 1974, were among the most tragic occurrences in the history of this island. Once again, I would like to express my deepest sympathies to those injured, their families and the families of those killed.
At all times, my officials ensure that all persons are treated in a respectful manner. While it would be inappropriate for me to discuss individual cases, I am assured that all applicants for assistance from the remembrance fund are being given the maximum support and assistance, in accordance with the scheme of acknowledgement, remembrance and assistance for victims in this jurisdiction of the conflict in Northern Ireland, and are being treated with all due respect, sensitivity and care.
Garda Investigations.
Mary Upton
Question:194 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to a Garda investigation in 1991 or 1992 into a complaint regarding physical abuse at a facility (details supplied) in Dublin 11; the date on which his attention was first drawn to it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30594/04]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that a comprehensive Garda investigation was carried out into a complaint and a file was submitted to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions who did not direct that any prosecution be taken.
The Director of Public Prosecutions, who is independent in the performance of his functions, makes his decision on the basis of the Garda findings viewed against the background of common and-or statute law. In the circumstances it would be inappropriate for me to comment further on this case.
Closed Circuit Television Systems.
Tom Hayes
Question:195 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he plans to increase Garda presence or to install closed circuit television cameras to deal with crime in Clonmel, County Tipperary. [30596/04]
Tom Hayes
Question:196 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he plans to increase Garda presence or to install closed circuit television cameras to deal with crime in Tipperary town. [30597/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 195 and 196 together.
I am informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, that the personnel strengths, including all ranks, of Clonmel and Tipperary town Garda stations as at 23 November 2004 were 38 and 34 respectively.
The number of Garda personnel assigned to Clonmel and to Tipperary town, together with overall policing arrangements and operational strategy, are continually monitored and reviewed. Such monitoring ensures optimum use is made of Garda resources, and that the best possible Garda service is provided to the general public.
In regard to Garda resources generally, I am pleased to say the Government has approved my proposal to increase the strength of the Garda Síochána to 14,000 members on a phased basis, in line with the commitment in this regard in An Agreed Programme for Government. This is a key commitment in the programme for Government, and its implementation will significantly strengthen the operational capacity of the force. The commissioner will draw up plans on how best to distribute and manage these resources.
Additional resources will be targeted at the areas of greatest need, as is envisaged in the programme for Government. The programme identified, in particular, areas with a significant drugs problem and a large number of public order offences, but it will be possible to address other priorities as well, such as the need to significantly increase the number of Garda allocated to traffic duties. have already promised that the additional gardaí will not be put on administrative duties. They will be put directly into front-line, operational, high-visibility policing where they will have a real impact.
As the Deputy is aware, Clonmel is included in phase 3 of the Garda CCTV programme as one of the towns set to receive a town centre CCTV system. Installation of Garda CCTV systems is of necessity a detailed, complex and lengthy process. The Garda authorities are giving careful consideration to a restructuring of the manner in which these Garda CCTV systems go to tender with a view to delivering the implementation of these CCTV systems in a faster, more efficient and cost effective manner.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the Garda CCTV advisory committee which was established by the Garda Commissioner to advise on all matters relating to CCTV systems, has not received an application for the installation of a Garda CCTV system in Tipperary town.
Prisoner Releases.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:197 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason a person (details supplied) incarcerated at the training unit in Mountjoy Prison, who has served 11.5 years for murder, has been repeatedly refused for temporary release to attend a graphic design course; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that this person has been described by the prison review committee as a model prisoner, has never been cited for misconduct, drug or alcohol abuse or self-harm and has a good relationship with all staff and fellow prisoners, has attended all counselling programmes as requested, and has worked diligently to upgrade his skills and training, completing no fewer than nine courses while in prison including his leaving certificate and a diploma from NUI, Maynooth; and in view of the above there could be a reconsideration in his case. [30668/04]
The person referred to by the Deputy was sentenced to life imprisonment for murder. Having carefully and fully considered the circumstances of the offence for which he is imprisoned, I have decided that it would not be appropriate to grant him any form of temporary release until he has served at least 15 years of his sentence. He is scheduled to have his case reviewed by the parole board in or around June 2006.
Garda Operations.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:198 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he will announce the details of his plans for a Garda traffic corps; the other road traffic policingmodels he considered in the course of his plans; and the reasons he will be using fully trained crime fighters for this role. [30669/04]
As the Deputy will be aware, I announced on 23 November the establishment within the Garda Síochána of a traffic corps, in accordance with a commitment in An Agreed Programme for Government. The establishment of the traffic corps follows the completion of a strategic review of traffic policing carried out by the Garda Síochána and published on 23 November by the commissioner.
A key recommendation of the strategic review is that a new position of assistant commissioner in charge of all aspects of road traffic law should be created. On 23 November, the Government, at my request, made a new Garda Síochána ranks order providing for this, and the post will be filled shortly. The holder of the new post will be a member of the top management team in the force and will bring visible leadership to the traffic corps. In addition, following the recent Government approval of the increase of the strength of the force to 14,000, the number of members dedicated to enforcement of road traffic law will progressively increase from approximately 530 now to 1,200 in 2008. The traffic corps will also have a dedicated and identifiable budget, as recommended by the strategic review, and the formal arrangements for this within the Garda budget will now be put in place.
The most appropriate place for a traffic corps to be located is within the Garda Síochána structure. Road traffic offences are serious offences, which too often lead to fatalities and serious injuries. The Road Safety Strategy 2004-2006, recently published by the Minister for Transport, sets out demanding enforcement targets and will set a significant benchmark for the traffic corps.
Members of the Garda Síochána assigned to the traffic corps will remain full police officers and as such continue to be responsible for preventing and detecting crime generally. Similarly, members of the Garda Síochána who are not members of the traffic corps will continue to have general responsibility for enforcing road traffic law.
Garda Strength.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:199 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the Garda has introduced or will introduce a gender action plan similar to that released in October 2004 by the PSNI to increase the participation of women in the service. [30670/04]
I am informed that the Garda authorities are currently considering and evaluating the gender action plan released in October 2004 by the PSNI. The personnel strength of the Garda Síochána as at 23 November 2004 was 12,092. This figure comprises 10,083 male and 2,009 female members and includes all ranks. The figures indicate that female gardaí, of all ranks, represent 16.6% of the personnel strength of the Garda Síochána.
Traveller Programmes.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:200 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has decided to support the proposed Traveller-settled reconciliation programme; and if not, the plans he has for the replacement programme for the citizen traveller project. [30671/04]
The proposal referred to by the Deputy is still receiving consideration within the Department.
Deportation Orders.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:201 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will review his decision in regard to the proposed deportation of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; if adequate consideration has been given to the political, religious and human rights situation in the person’s homeland; if it is likely that the person’s life or welfare might be endangered in the event of deportation; if these circumstances had a bearing on his decision to defer the deportation order; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30700/04]
I refer the Deputy to Question No. 406 of Wednesday, 17 November 2004, and the written reply thereto. The position is unchanged.
Prisons Building Programme.
Damien English
Question:202 Mr. English asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the plans in place for the relocation of Mountjoy Prison; if it is intended to relocate it to County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30714/04]
The group established to examine potential sites for a prison complex to replace that at Mountjoy has identified three or four particular sites as being potentially the most suitable and these are being explored further. I would expect that the exercise will be completed before the end of this year.
Liquor Licensing Laws.
M. J. Nolan
Question:203 Mr. Nolan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of licensed premises in the administrative area of the Kildare Garda station; and the details of any of these premises that has been prosecuted for breach of licensing laws during the past ten years. [30715/04]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that there are 17 licensed premises in the administrative area of Kildare Garda station. This figure does not include registered clubs, off-licences or restaurants. During the past ten years the 17 premises concerned have been convicted of 72 breaches of the liquor licensing laws.
Schools Building Projects.
Jerry Cowley
Question:204 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason for the failure to allow the proposed sports hall for a college (details supplied) in County Mayo to go to tender in view of the fact that all planning stages were completed earlier in 2004; when she expects this to proceed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28894/04]
The PE hall project for the school referred to by the Deputy is at advanced architectural planning and my Department's officials have received a combined stage 4-5 — detail design/bill of quantities — submission from the school authorities.
My officials are nearing completion of a review of all projects that did not proceed to construction as part of the 2004 school building programme, including the school referred to by the Deputy. All projects are being assessed against the published prioritisation criteria, agreed earlier this year with the education partners. Each project will be assigned a band rating and the progress of all projects will be considered in the context of the programme from 2005 onwards.
State Examinations.
Denis Naughten
Question:205 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science, further to Question No. 401 of 29 September 2004, when the information will be furnished; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30536/04]
On foot of a Government decision, the then Minister for Education and Science formally established the State Examinations Commission on 6 March 2003. The commission now has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the certificate examinations. Accordingly, the Deputy's query of 29 September was passed to the chief executive officer of the commission for direct reply.
I have been advised that a reply was issued to the Deputy at Leinster House on 13 October 2004. The commission is issuing a copy, as the original has not been received.
Schools Funding.
Denis Naughten
Question:206 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans she has to address the discrepancy in the level of funding provided to voluntary second level schools and those in the community and comprehensive sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30537/04]
Brian O'Shea
Question:216 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science her proposals in regard to fair funding for secondary schools (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30607/04]
Jimmy Deenihan
Question:219 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science if her Department will pay the full cost of secretaries in secondary schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30653/04]
Jimmy Deenihan
Question:220 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science if her Department will extend insurance cover, which it provides for comprehensive and community schools, to secondary schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30654/04]
Jimmy Deenihan
Question:221 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science her plans to pay the full cost of cleaning and caretaking in secondary schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30655/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 206, 216, 219 to 221, inclusive, together.
Funding arrangements for voluntary secondary schools reflect the sectoral division of our second level system and is structured mainly on the basis of capitation grants with additional grants for secretarial and caretaking services. There have been significant improvements in the level of funding for voluntary secondary schools. The standard per capita grant now amounts to €274 as against the rate of €224.74 that applied in 1997. I wish to draw the attention of Deputies to my recent announcement, in the context of the 2005 Estimates, to the further increase in this grant to €286 per pupil, with effect from January next. This increase will bring the per capita grant in the case of disadvantaged schools to €324 per pupil.
In addition, under the school services support fund initiative, secondary schools have benefited from further significant increases in the support grant. This grant that was introduced in September 2000 has been increased from €25 per pupil to the current rate of €99 per pupil, and will be further increased to €103 from January next. Funding for voluntary secondary schools has been further enhanced by the introduction of a range of equalisation measures that are designed to reduce the historic anomalies in the funding arrangements for the different school types at second level. Under the terms of recent equalisation measures, the support grant has in the case of voluntary secondary schools been significantly enhanced to €131 per pupil, and from January next will be further increased by €10 per pupil bringing the overall grant for such schools to €145 per pupil. These increases are in addition to the range of equalisation grants of up to €15,554 per school per annum that have also been approved for voluntary secondary schools.
For a secondary school with 500 pupils, this amounts to additional funding of up to €119,000 per annum and annual grants of €255,761, €275,000 in the case of disadvantaged schools, towards general expenses and support services. Schools are afforded considerable flexibility in the use of resources to cater for the needs of their pupils. This is in my view, in general, a preferable approach to putting in place grants for specific cost items, including those referred to by the Deputies.
I was particularly pleased to announce an aggregate increase of €26 per pupil from January next for voluntary secondary schools. Schools have welcomed this increase. These significant increases in the funding of secondary schools is a clear demonstration of my commitment to prioritise available resources to address the needs of schools.
Schools Refurbishment.
Denis Naughten
Question:207 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will approve funding under the amenity section of the summer works scheme for a school (details supplied) in County Galway; if her attention has been drawn to the health and safety implications of the limited grounds available to the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30538/04]
The summer works scheme provides capital grants for necessary small-scale works that can be planned and delivered during the summer months. Applications are considered under the terms and conditions of the scheme.
The management authority of the school to which the Deputy refers has recently made an application for provision of a play area under the summer works scheme 2005. All applications for the 2005 scheme will be considered in school planning section of my Department and it is planned to publish the list of successful applicants early in the new year.
Third Level Fees.
Michael Ring
Question:208 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason persons (details supplied) in County Mayo have to pay college fees for their child. [30542/04]
The main conditions of my Department's free fees initiative are that students must (a) be first-time undergraduates; and (b) hold EU nationality or official refugee status and have been ordinarily resident in an EU member state for at least three of the five years preceding their entry to an approved third level course. If students do not meet these requirements they are liable to pay tuition fees.
I would emphasise the distinction between the criteria that determine eligibility under the free fees initiative and the criteria by which individual third level institutions establish what rates of tuition fees should be charged in cases where a student does not qualify for free fees. Universities are autonomous bodies and, as such, may determine the level of fees to be charged in cases where the free fees initiative does not apply. The classification of a student as an EU or a non-EU applicant is a matter for each institution to determine in this regard.
Schools Refurbishment.
Róisín Shortall
Question:209 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science the details of the grant aid available to schools which have serious vandalism problems and wish to erect security fencing around school grounds; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30562/04]
The scope of works referred to by the Deputy is appropriate for consideration under the summer works scheme. Under this scheme, capital grant aid is provided for necessary small-scale works that can be planned and delivered during the summer months.
The closing date for receipt of applications for the 2005 summer works scheme was 5 November 2004 and I intend to publish the list of successful applicants early in the new year.
Schools Building Projects.
Paul Connaughton
Question:210 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will issue the necessary permission to allow a school (details supplied) to apply to Galway County Council for planning permission to erect proper changing and dressing room facilities at the school; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that whilst the school authorities have persistently sought grant aid for the project and still hope to be successful in this regard, the parents association has begun a fund raising drive to pay for the proposed building but need her permission to seek planning permission; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30563/04]
The management authority of the school to which the Deputy refers has submitted proposals relating to the changing and dressing room facilities at the school. These proposals are under consideration in my Department's school planning section and the management authority will be advised of the outcome as soon as possible.
School Transport.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:211 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a person (details supplied) in County Louth was refused a school transport grant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30565/04]
Transport may be allowed to persons attending programmes such as that referred to by the Deputy on an incidental free basis, subject to accommodation being available on existing school transport services, and provided that no additional costs are incurred. Such persons would not qualify for grants under the terms of the grant schemes.
School Staffing.
Martin Ferris
Question:212 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Education and Science if an extra resource teacher will be provided to a school (details supplied). [30566/04]
I can confirm that my Department has received applications for resource teaching support for three pupils attending the school referred to by the Deputy. The National Educational Psychological Service has recommended 3.5 hours part-time resource teaching support per week for one pupil. The applications for the other two pupils have been examined by NEPS and, based on the documentation provided, it was considered that these pupils needs did not warrant resource teaching support.
My Department notified the school authorities of the outcome of their applications on 23 September 2004 and 8 November 2004, respectively.
Special Educational Needs.
Pat Breen
Question:213 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science when the documentation for a person (details supplied) in County Clare will be processed in order that they can attend the autistic unit at a national school in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30567/04]
An application for special needs assistant support was received in my Department on 28 October 2004 for the pupil in question.
The application is being examined and as soon as the examination is complete, the outcome will be conveyed to the school authorities.
School Staffing.
Pat Carey
Question:214 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science if, in view of the details contained in correspondence, she will examine the staffing allocation at a school (details supplied) in Dublin 9; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30568/04]
The staffing of a primary school for a particular school year is determined by reference to the enrolment in the school on 30 September of the previous school year. This is in accordance with guidelines agreed between my Department and the education partners. The guidelines can be deviated from only where a school experiences rapid growth in its enrolment. In such cases, an additional post, referred to as a developing school post, may be sanctioned provisionally where the projected enrolment at 30 September of the school year in question equals or exceeds a specified figure. If the specified figure is not achieved on 30 September, sanction for the post is withdrawn.
The enrolment in the school referred to by the Deputy on 30 September 2003 was 59 pupils, which warrants a staffing of principal plus two mainstream posts for the 2004-05 school year. On the basis of projected enrolments, a developing school post was approved provisionally. However, the required enrolment figure at 30 September 2004 was not achieved and accordingly sanction for the post was withdrawn.
To ensure openness in the teacher allocation system at primary level, an independent appeals board is now in place to decide on any appeals on mainstream staffing. The staffing of this school for the 2004-05 school year was considered by the appeals board on 21 October 2004. The board, having considered the appeal with regard to the criteria outlined in departmental circular 19/02, was satisfied that a departure from the staffing schedule is not warranted in this case. The board of management of the school was notified of the decision of the appeals board on 21 October 2004.
I am sure the Deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me to intervene in the operation of the independent appeals board.
Inquiry into Child Abuse.
Mary Upton
Question:215 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science the date in 1991 or 1992 on which a complaint was made regarding physical abuse in a facility (details supplied) in Dublin 11; the steps that were taken to investigate the complaint; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30595/04]
It has not been possible to identify a specific complaint as referred to in the question, on the basis of the information supplied by the Deputy. However, I confirm that all relevant documentation held by my Department in relation to the sexual, physical and emotional abuse or neglect of children in the industrial and reformatory schools, including St. Laurence's Industrial School in Finglas, has been forwarded to the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse in compliance with a discovery order from the commission in June 2003.
Question No. 216 answered with QuestionNo. 206.
School Accommodation.
Willie Penrose
Question:217 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science if the commission on school accommodation has received a detailed submission for the development of a school (details supplied) in County Westmeath; if same will be given consideration; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30608/04]
I confirm that the Commission on School Accommodation has received both a written and oral submission from the school referred to by the Deputy. These submissions will be given full consideration. The commission expects to be in a position to make its report to me in the matter concerned early in the new year.
Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme.
Richard Bruton
Question:218 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has made provision for changes in the back to education VTOS scheme in the 2005 Estimates; and the provisions which will apply in 2005. [30652/04]
The vocational training opportunities scheme is funded by my Department and delivered through the vocational education committees. It is a second chance education and training programme which provides courses of up to two years' duration for unemployed people. To be eligible for the scheme, one must be more than 21 years of age, unemployed for at least six months, and in receipt of specific social welfare payments. A participant on a VTOS programme receives free tuition and is paid a training allowance in lieu of an unemployment payment.
I do not envisage any changes to the VTOS scheme for 2005.
The VTOS has a current annual cost of approximately €53 million, which covers teachers' and co-ordinators' pay, training allowances to eligible participants, and overhead costs incurred by VECs.
The provision for 2005 will allow for the continuation of 5,000 places.
Questions Nos. 219 to 221, inclusive, answered with Question No. 206.
School Staffing.
Michael Ring
Question:222 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science when the vacant position of the visiting teacher service for visually impaired children in County Mayo will be filled; if the position will be advertised externally; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30672/04]
It is my intention that existing vacancies in the visiting teacher service will be filled at the earliest possible date. As the first step in the process, my officials are consulting with serving visiting teachers to determine if any of them is interested in transferring to an area in which a vacancy exists, including the area referred to by the Deputy. This procedure will be completed shortly and steps will then be taken to fill thevacant posts.
Defence Forces Equipment.
Tony Gregory
Question:223 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Defence, further to Question No. 256 of the 16 November 2004, the length of time the mast has been in situ at a barracks (details supplied); the number and the type of antennae attached to the mast which are in use now and have been in use in the recent past; the number of the antennae which are for the sole use of Defence Forces communications; the number and type of antennae which belong to commercial mobile phone companies; the date on which the mobile phone antennae were attached to the mast; and if an emissions audit or survey will be carried out on the mast. [30561/04]
The communications mast in question was erected in 1988. All the antennae mounted on the mast, with the exception of a Vodafone GSM system, are State-owned and authorised installations. It is not proposed to specify details of these systems for security reasons.
I am advised by the military authorities that the telecommunications equipment installed on the mast in question complies with the standards set down by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection, ICNIRP, and that, in addition, this equipment complies with the highest international technical standards for safe operation as set out by CENELEC, the European communications electrical standards body, the European Telecommunications Standards Institute, the International Telecommunications Union, and the Federal Communications Commission. These systems and associated antennae are regularly checked and maintained to ensure that they are working within specification and pose no health and safety risk to anyone in the vicinity of the mast. The Vodafone GSM system was installed in June 1998 and comprises a single beam antenna to provide coverage in the Phoenix Park area with an associated microwave link.
I am advised that while there is no statutory requirement for owners or users of communications masts to have electromagnetic field strength tests carried out, the Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg, which is the licensing authority for the use of the radio frequency spectrum in Ireland, has recently completed a large survey of communications facilities on behalf of the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources. The location in question was not selected as one of the sites for survey on this occasion. However, I understand that ComReg may be requested to undertake further measurements next year although a decision in that regard has yet to be made.
Defence Forces Regulations.
Billy Timmins
Question:224 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Defence the position in relation to the case of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; if it will be re-examined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30683/04]
The military authorities advise that the individual in question has not been informed by the military authorities that he is to be discharged from the Permanent Defence Force in 2006 on completion of 12 years' service. The individual accepts that he was never so informed. The individual enlisted in the Permanent Defence Force after 1 January 1994. The conditions under which members of the Permanent Defence Force who enlisted after 1 January 1994 can be extended in service are prescribed by Defence Force Regulations A10. An individual enlists initially for five years. This period of enlistment can be extended to nine years and then to 12 years' service. These regulations also provide for the re-engagement of members of the Permanent Defence Force after 12 years' service to complete 21 years' service subject to fulfilling certain specific criteria.
Special Areas of Conservation.
Olwyn Enright
Question:225 Ms Enright asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the situation relating to an appeal by a person (details supplied) in County Offaly with regard to their land being included as an SAC; the reason Duchas or the OPW did not enter into meaningful negotiations with the person despite a request to do by the SAC appeals board; the way in which a figure of €400 per acre was arrived at; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30552/04]
I understand that the special areas of conservation appeals board met to hear the appeal of the person named but deferred making a recommendation so that negotiations could took place with the person's representative regarding the possible purchase of the lands in question by my Department. My Department's offer in the case of this blanket bog was based on expert valuation advice from the OPW, and, following a request on behalf of the person concerned for OPW to review their figures, the valuation was reconfirmed by OPW. In the absence of evidence of a higher valuation, which it remains open to the landowner to submit to my Department if available, it is not possible for my Department to increase its offer.
Urban Renewal Schemes.
Paul Kehoe
Question:226 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if a premises (details supplied) in County Wexford can also be designated residential to allow for a proposed development to include shops, offices and apartments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30575/04]
The designation of sites and related tax incentives for the purposes of the town renewal scheme was determined having regard to town renewal plans prepared by local authorities in accordance with the Town Renewal Act 2000 and relevant guidelines issued by my Department. These plans contained, or were accompanied by, recommendations for such designations by the relevant county council. An independent expert advisory panel assessed each such plan, and in turn made recommendations to the Minister in this regard. The panel's recommendations were accepted in full, and are the basis on which the town renewal scheme is now being implemented in all areas.
Residential Tenancies Board.
Seán Crowe
Question:227 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the low number of rented properties being registered with the new residential tenancies board in view of the fact that only approximately 5,000 out of an estimated 150,000 have been registered to date. [30572/04]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. N. Ahern)
Statutory responsibility for tenancy registration rests with the private residential tenancies board, which was established under the Residential Tenancies Act 2004. The registration process is under way, but still incomplete. My Department understands that there has been a positive response to registration from landlords generally and that the board is actively assisting landlords to meet their registration responsibilities. Landlords failing to register will be rigorously pursued by the board.
Local Authority Loans.
Richard Bruton
Question:228 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the rate of interest which applied to a local authority loan and the added rate of charge for mortgage protection insurance; the monthly payment which will be required in respect of each on a €100,000 loan. [30646/04]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. N. Ahern)
The current local authority mortgage interest rates are 2.95% variable and 4.45% for fixed, which represent competitive rates of lending. The cost of the mortgage protection plan is met by way of an additional charge, currently 0.598%, to the rate of interest charged on individual loans. This mortgage protection charge would be about €50 in the first month on a loan of €100,000, reducing over the term of the loan, with the average charge being around €30.
The position regarding monthly payments on a €100,000 loan is set out in the table below:
|
Rate |
Over term of: |
|||
|
15 years |
20 years |
25 years |
30 years |
|
|
2.95% variable |
€688 |
€552 |
€472 |
€419 |
Variable mortgage lending rates shown above may change over the term of the loan. The position for a fixed loan is that they are borrowed for a total of 25 years, the first five of which are fixed at 4.45%. After five years, the borrower may convert to variable or re-fix at the fixed rate prevailing at the time.
In such circumstances, the following payment schedule would apply:
|
Rate |
25 year term |
|
€ |
|
|
Fixed for initial 5 years at 4.45% |
553 |
|
If variable thereafter for remaining 20 years at 2.95% |
547 |