Vol. 622 No. 5
10 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the position in relation to the proposed reforms of the United Nations Central Emergency Revolving Fund, aimed at providing United Nations agencies with the means to respond and anticipate crises such as food crises. [25267/06]
Ireland has been strongly supportive of the reforms which have taken place in what was formerly known as the Central Emergency Revolving Fund (CERF).
The new Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) was brought into being by a General Assembly resolution last December. Previously, the CERF was a loan-based mechanism which provided resources to UN agencies from a $50 million reserve, only when the agency had guaranteed funding pledged by a donor.
As part of the Humanitarian Response Review commissioned by the UN and carried out last year, it was recommended that the CERF be enhanced as a grant-based mechanism providing UN agencies and eventually Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) with funding for both sudden-onset emergencies, as well as for so-called forgotten or neglected emergencies. It is intended that the CERF reach $500 million in funds. To date, it has achieved funding of some $300 million. It will be replenished at regular intervals by donors.
When it was first proposed that a standing fund be established, Ireland commissioned a review of the practicalities of reforming the CERF. This review was shared with our UN partners and other Government partners and contributed to the progress towards the reform of the CERF. The new Fund is being managed by the Emergency Relief Coordinator, the UN's top humanitarian official, on behalf of the Secretary-General. In addition, an advisory group has been established to oversee its workings. The CEO of Concern, Mr. Tom Arnold, was appointed as the only NGO representative on the Advisory Group. It will provide advice to the Secretary-General on the use of the Fund.
Already this year, CERF funds have been released for the drought in the Horn of Africa and for humanitarian needs in the initial period of the violence in East Timor in recent weeks. I will continue to closely monitor the progress of this new tool to ensure that it effectively fulfils its intended role of strengthening the system of global humanitarian response.
11 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the recent Israeli attacks on Palestinian civilians which have been increasing in intensity; the steps he is taking to try ensure an end to these attacks. [25199/06]
34 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position of the European Union with regard to developments in the Middle East Peace Process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25133/06]
65 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress which has been made following the conclusion of the General Affairs and External Relations Council of the European Union Meeting in Luxembourg on 3 November 2005 in relation to settlement expansion by Israel, and the Council’s call on Israel to stop settlement expansion and to remove unauthorised outposts. [25254/06]
70 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the quartet partners have held recent negotiations with regard to the Middle East Peace Process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25134/06]
80 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when in recent times, as a principle of balance to its isolation of the Hamas Government in Palestine, the Irish government or the European Union has called on Israel to curtail its illegal settlement policy. [25252/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 11, 34, 65, 70 and 80 together.
The Government shares the widespread concern about the lack of progress in the Middle East Peace Process and the serious situation in the Occupied Territories. The immediate priority is to ensure there is no further escalation of the situation in Gaza. It is essential that all parties exercise restraint over the coming days.
The Government has been consistently active within the EU and the UN in promoting a lasting, peaceful and just settlement of the Israeli — Palestinian conflict. The events and difficulties of recent months serve to confirm that the only way forward is through negotiations between the parties leading to a viable two-State solution. Within the Union, the Government continues to pursue a policy approach aimed at ensuring that the EU remains fully engaged in the process, with a clear and balanced message for the parties. The EU is playing a vital role in the work of the Quartet to create an environment for the earliest possible return to negotiations.
The European Council on 16 June issued a Declaration on the Middle East Peace Process which set out clearly the overall policy and the specific concerns of the European Union. The EU remains firmly committed to a negotiated two-State solution. The Declaration addressed forthrightly the recent deterioration in the security situation in Gaza and the West Bank. It condemned the violence against Palestinian civilians, the firing of rockets at Israeli population centres and the continuing extra-judicial killings. I believe it is particularly important today to underline the European Council's reminder to all parties of their responsibility to protect civilian lives.
Both parties have clear obligations under the Quartet Roadmap, and under international law. The international community has stated very clearly since 30 January that the democratically-elected Government of the Palestinian Authority must commit to the peace process. Regrettably, there has been little sign so far of significant movement in this direction by Hamas. We continue to hope that, through their cooperation with President Mahmoud Abbas and engagement in a Palestinian national dialogue, political progress will prove possible.
We remain concerned about the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the West Bank, and do not believe that the Palestinian people should suffer because of the reluctance of their Government to abide by the basic rules of the peace process. The European Council endorsed the urgent work of the Commission to establish a temporary international mechanism to channel assistance directly to the Palestinian people. Following endorsement by the Quartet on 17 June, the operation of the mechanism will commence in the coming days, based on a funding allocation of €105 million by the Commission. This will bring the total Community aid to the Palestinian people so far this year to €259 million. The European Council also called on Israel to resume the transfer of withheld Palestinian tax and customs revenues, which are essential in averting a crisis in the Palestinian territories.
The Government has continued to raise directly with the Israeli authorities our concerns about the serious humanitarian and economic impact of policies and activities in the Occupied Territories. We have also worked with our partners to ensure that the EU maintains its clear position that Israel must end all activities in the Territories which are contrary to international law and which threaten the viability of a solution based on the co-existence of two States. These include the continued expansion of settlements, the construction of the separation barrier on occupied land, activities in and around East Jerusalem and in the Jordan Valley, and the demolition of Palestinian homes. The European Council Declaration set out the EU position unambiguously, and repeated the commitment of the EU that it will not recognise any change to the pre-1967 borders which is not agreed between the parties.
It is now more urgent than ever that the conditions be established for a return to meaningful negotiations. The European Council called for an early engagement between the Israeli Prime Minister and the President of the Palestinian Authority. Their informal meeting in Jordan last weekend was a small but encouraging step. It is in the interests of the Israeli and the Palestinian people that their dialogue be developed further in the weeks to come.
12 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has had discussions with his Turkish counterpart with regard to the issue of recognition of Cyprus by Turkey; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25114/06]
159 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which the situation in Cyprus has or is being resolved in conjunction with other possible negotiations such as enlargement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25473/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 12 and 159 together.
I last met the Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul in the margins of the UN General Assembly in New York in September 2005 and he used the opportunity to discuss the Cyprus issue. On that occasion he made it clear that while Ireland did not believe recognition of Cyprus by Turkey should be a condition for starting accession negotiations, it will, however, be an absolute requirement for eventual accession by Turkey. Minister Ahern also reiterated Ireland's strong support for the UN process for a resolution of the Cyprus problem and in particular for the UN Secretary-General's Mission of Good Office.
The United Nations has the lead role in the search for a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem. The EU enlargement process provided impetus for efforts towards a settlement, which were undertaken by the UN Secretary-General in the first half of 2004, during Ireland's EU Presidency. As a result of the referendums in Cyprus on 24 April 2004, the accession to the EU of a united Cyprus on 1 May 2004 was not possible. Since 1 May 2004, the Republic of Cyprus has been a Member State of the EU and, in the absence of a comprehensive settlement, the application of the laws and regulations of the Union to the northern part of the island is suspended.
In his most recent report on the UN operation in Cyprus, Secretary-General Annan emphasised the importance for the parties to resume contacts and to begin to think about how to re-engage in the search for a settlement. The Secretary-General's Special Representative, Michael Moeller, has engaged in a process aimed at encouraging renewed contacts. In this regard, the decision by both the Greek and Turkish Cypriot leaders to meet on 3 July next to discuss the missing persons issue is to be welcomed. The Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, Dr. Ibrahim Gambari, will visit Cyprus, Greece and Turkey later in July to assess the political situation and the prospects for a full resumption of negotiations On 29 July 2005, as part of the preparations for the opening of Turkey-EU accession negotiations and in accordance with the conclusions of the December 2004 European Council, Turkey signed the Ankara Agreement Protocol to take account of the accession of the new Member States, including the Republic of Cyprus. At the same time, however, Turkey also issued a Declaration stating that its signature, ratification and implementation of the Protocol did not amount to recognition of the Republic of Cyprus.
In response to the Declaration, on 21 September 2005 the EU issued a Counter-Declaration recalling the status of the Republic of Cyprus as a Member State of the EU. The Counter-Declaration noted that recognition of all Member States, including, of course, Cyprus, is a necessary component of the accession process and underlined the importance the Union attaches to the normalisation of relations between Turkey and all Member States. The European Council, at its meeting on 16 June last, reviewed progress made in the Turkish reform process and welcomed the start of substantive accession negotiations with Turkey. The Council recalled that the pace of the negotiations will depend on Turkey's progress in preparing for accession measured against the requirements set out in the Negotiating Framework. This includes the fulfilment of Turkey's obligations under the Ankara Agreement Protocol. The European Council recalled that the Council will ensure, in the course of 2006, a follow up on the progress made on all the relevant issues included in the Counter-Declaration.
13 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the EU Foreign Ministers’ meeting in June 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25207/06]
24 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs If he will report on the most recent European Union Council of Ministers meeting. [25251/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 13 and 24 together.
I represented Ireland at the General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC) on 12 June.
The Council heard a report by Commissioner Mandelson on the status of the negotiations in the World Trade Organisation. Minister Ahern intervened to underline Ireland's insistence on the need for a balanced outcome to the current round of WTO negotiations which respects the reforms to the Common Agricultural Policy agreed in 2003. The draft conclusions for the European Council, which took place in Brussels later that week, were discussed in some detail. As Deputies will be aware from last Wednesday's statements in the House, the European Council focused largely on the Constitution and the Future of Europe. At the GAERC, Ireland broadly welcomed the Presidency's approach in its preparations for the European Council.
Ministers also agreed the EU Common Position for the Science & Research chapter of the accession negotiations with Turkey. This allowed this particular chapter to be provisionally concluded, which represents a worthwhile step forward in the negotiations with Turkey.
The Council held discussions on the Western Balkans, and approved conclusions which emphasised the importance of improved cooperation by Serbia with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY), and welcomed the signature of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement with Albania. The Council had a separate discussion on Montenegro, and agreed that the EU and its Member States would develop their relations with the Republic of Montenegro as a sovereign, independent State, following the outcome of the recent independence referendum and the subsequent acts by the Montenegrin Parliament.
Ministers were briefed on preparations for the EU-US summit, which subsequently took place in Vienna on 21 June. The Council approved an extension of the common position on Cuba and underlined that constructive engagement and a critical and comprehensive dialogue remained the basis for the EU's policy. Ministers deplored the further deterioration of the human rights situation in Cuba since the last evaluation in June 2005, and again urged the Cuban government to unconditionally release all political prisoners. It was also agreed that work should begin at EU level on a mid-and long-term strategy on Cuba.
Over lunch, the Council discussed Iran, the Middle East Peace Process, and Iraq. Ministers were briefed by High Representative Javier Solana on his visit to Tehran on 6 June when he presented to the Iranian authorities a new proposal for resolving the Iranian nuclear issue through a long-term agreement based on mutual respect and the establishment of international confidence in the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran's programme. Ministers discussed the Middle East peace process on the basis of a presentation by High Representative Solana following his recent visit to the region. Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner informed Ministers on the state of preparations on the establishment of a temporary international mechanism designed to ensure direct delivery and supervision of assistance to the Palestinian people. Ministers discussed the situation in Iraq following the formation of the new national unity government on 20 May, as well as measures to enhance EU-Iraq relations based on Iraqi priorities in the new government's programme. They had an exchange of views in this respect with the foreign minister of the new Iraqi government, Hoshyar Zebari. Finally, under Any Other Business, there was a brief exchange on the current situation in Burma, and in Timor Leste.
14 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps being taken to promote the updating of the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty at international level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25155/06]
15 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has held recent discussions with his European counterparts with regard to reform of the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25154/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 14 and 15 together.
Ireland has a particularly close association with the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), which came into being following an initiative taken by the late Frank Aiken. His pioneering efforts were recognised when Ireland was invited, following the Treaty's negotiation, to be its first signatory in 1968. As the Minister for Foreign Affairs has made clear on a number of previous occasions in this House, support for efforts to strengthen the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty remains our highest priority in the area of disarmament and non-proliferation.
At the last NPT Review Conference in May 2005, there were a number of specific proposals on actions that States Parties might take to meet the challenges confronting the Treaty. Regrettably, the Conference ended without agreement on substantive conclusions and recommendations on how to strengthen the non-proliferation regime.
The next scheduled Review Conference of the NPT will not take place until 2010. It will be preceded by a series of preparatory committee meetings beginning in 2007. The EU has not yet begun its internal deliberations for these meetings but these will be on the basis of the Common Position agreed in April 2005, which remains valid. In the meantime, Ireland is working with like minded countries and with civil society to identify areas where implementation of the Treaty can be strengthened.
On 23-24 May last, for example, together with two of our partners from the New Agenda Coalition, Sweden and New Zealand, Ireland co-funded a seminar on NPT issues organised by the United Nations Institute for Disarmament research (UNIDIR). The Seminar, entitled "Unfinished Business: Building on the NPT 2005 Review Conference" took place in Geneva and brought together relevant Government experts and representatives of civil society to look again at a number of key issues which had been raised at last year's review Conference but on which debate had been curtailed by time constraints.
We are also participating in the Article VI Forum, which is focused on discussion of the nuclear disarmament obligations set out in Article VI of the Treaty and which is being organised by an umbrella group of NGOs, the Middle Powers Initiative. The next meeting of the Forum will be held in Canada at the end of September and will aim at identifying concrete proposals to assist the process of nuclear disarmament. The Chair of the international Commission on Weapons of Mass Destruction, Hans Blix, who has recently released a highly significant and relevant report, is to address the Forum on his findings during the September meeting.
16 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position with regard to the EU3 negotiations on behalf of the Union with Iran regarding nuclear development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25153/06]
89 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the Government’s position in relation to the confrontation between western Governments and Iran in relation to nuclear capacity. [25257/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 16 and 89 together.
The question of Iran's nuclear programme is kept under constant review within the European Union at official level and is also the subject of regular discussions at Ministerial level, most recently at the General Affairs and External Relations Council meeting of 12 -13 June, which Minister Ahern attended. At this meeting Ministers discussed latest developments including the package of incentives that was presented to Iran by High Representative Solana on 6 June.
The package contains a number of significant elements in the areas of nuclear, economic and political cooperation. In the nuclear field, it reaffirms Iran's right to nuclear energy for peaceful purposes and proposes cooperation with Iran to build a modern proliferation-proof nuclear power programme; legally binding guarantees of fuel supply are also proposed. On the economic and political fronts, a number of benefits are proposed, such as dialogue on regional security issues, as well as a strategic energy partnership with the EU.
Some initial Iranian comments have suggested that there may be some elements of the package on which Iran might seek clarification. Last week, High Representative Solana announced that he had spoken with Ali Larijani, Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of Iran, and would be meeting with him in the coming days to explain the package of incentives further. It is important, however, that Iran engage genuinely and substantively as quickly as possible.
The question of Iran's nuclear programme is an issue of concern to the whole international community and not just western Governments. This is clear, inter alia, from the many IAEA Board of Governors resolutions in recent years. Moreover, before the package of incentives was presented to Iran by High Representative Solana, the Foreign Ministers of the EU3 met with their counterparts from the United States, Russia and China. At this meeting the incentives package was endorsed by all of the countries present. Both Russia and the US have also confirmed that they are prepared to enter into negotiations with Iran provided that all enrichment and reprocessing activities are suspended beforehand.
The Government's position on the Iranian nuclear programme is a matter of public record. Ireland remains strongly committed to a diplomatic solution to this issue. Minister Ahern has made clear on several occasions Ireland's full support for the EU3 efforts in this respect. It is now essential for Iran to constructively examine the proposals that have been received. Immediate suspension of enrichment activities will allow for early and substantive discussion on the package and provide an opportunity for any clarification needed of its details. I would urge Iran to respond quickly and take the steps necessary to enable progress towards a diplomatic solution.
17 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the political and security situation in East Timor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25129/06]
68 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the position in East Timor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25249/06]
164 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the situation in East Timor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25478/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 17, 68 and 164 together.
The crisis in Timor-Leste erupted in late April with the dismissal of some 600 soldiers, a third of the armed forces. Ensuing violence cost at least 37 lives and drove some 10-15% of people from their homes into makeshift camps. The security situation in Timor-Leste has been brought under control but the country remains tense. There are continuing sporadic disturbances, now mainly involving disaffected youth. The two Irish staff members in the Irish Representation Office in Dili, who had been temporarily withdrawn to Darwin, have now returned to their posts in Dili.
The political front remains tense and unpredictable. Prime Minister Alkatiri resigned on Monday last, 26 June, after several days of political demonstrations. President Gusmão, who had assumed increasing day-to-day responsibility, had requested the resignation. A meeting of the State Council, a Presidential advisory committee, took place on 27 June to discuss the next steps. The President extended the period of the state of crisis and his responsibility for defence and security matters. He also announced that he would take immediate steps towards forming a new government but did not rule out dissolving parliament and holding elections if this was not possible.
The impact of the recent disturbances on the people of Timor-Leste is a matter of deep concern to the Government. The Timor-Leste Government and the United Nations (UN) have indicated that the priority needs are for food, emergency shelter, water and sanitation facilities, health services and protection of vulnerable groups, particularly, the elderly, women and children. In response to the urgent need for assistance, the Minister of State for Development Cooperation and Human Rights, Mr Conor Lenihan T.D., announced on 23 June emergency funding of €500,000 for humanitarian relief in Timor-Leste. This funding is in addition to our longer term commitment to provide assistance through Irish Aid's development aid programme. It will enable our partner organisations in the UN, the Red Cross and Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) to implement the emergency response on the ground, and assist the displaced populations with food, emergency shelter and basic needs.
A declaration, adopted at the European Council on 16 June, expressed the EU's deep concern over the situation in Timor-Leste, urged all parties to refrain from any further violence and called for the re-establishment of political dialogue, security and public order conducive to a return to normalcy in the country. The declaration also stated the EU's belief that the UN continues to have a leading role to play and that the agreement of a mandate for a new and robust UN Mission, responding to the expectations of the Timorese on the facilitation of political dialogue and reconciliation as well as on the restoration and maintenance of security, would be of major importance in ensuring that the 2007 elections will be peaceful, free and fair.
The UN Security Council (SECCO) held an open meeting on 13 June at which it heard from the UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy, Ian Martin, who ended a 9 day visit to Timor-Leste on 7 June and also from Timor-Leste's Foreign Minister Ramos Horta. SECCO has agreed a short extension of the current residual UN Mission's — UNOTIL — mandate, which had been due to expire on 20 June, to allow time for the SG to prepare a report, in early August, on options for a future UN role. Ian Martin returned to Timor-Leste on 26 June to lead an assessment mission to plan the next stage of UN assistance to Timor-Leste and also to assist in the resolution of the present crisis. In line with our long-standing commitment to Timor-Leste, Ireland fully supports a continued UN role, in the light, of course, of the UN's own assessment.
Ireland's involvement in Timor-Leste began in the period leading to independence. Humanitarian and reconstruction assistance was provided in the aftermath of Indonesian withdrawal in 1999. In March 2003, Timor-Leste was designated as Ireland's first programme country in Asia and a long-term development strategy was put in place, with a focus on nation-building and poverty reduction and on supporting the implementation of Timor-Leste's National Development Plan.
Ireland is committed to supporting the Government and people of Timor-Leste in achieving their long-term development goals. A new Irish Aid development strategy was recently approved for the period 2006-2008 with a budget of over €19 million. It continues the emphasis on support for capacity building, for local development, and for the promotion of human rights and gender equality.
18 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of projects currently funded by Irish Aid in Africa specifically directed towards combating HIV and AIDS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25116/06]
HIV/AIDS presents an enormous challenge to developing countries, especially in Africa. Sub-Saharan Africa is by far the worst-affected region in the world. AIDS is now the leading cause of death in this region. Over 3 million new infections occurred there in 2005, while the disease claimed the lives of over 2 million adults and children in the same year. Women and girls make up almost 57% of those living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa and 11 million children in this region have lost one or both parents to AIDS.
We are totally committed to fighting HIV/AIDS and see our efforts as fundamental to poverty and vulnerability reduction. Between 2001 and the end of this year, we will have expended over €250 million on HIV/AIDS related programmes. Most of these resources are directed at the most affected countries, primarily in sub-Saharan Africa.
Ireland has Embassies and significant aid programmes in Ethiopia, Lesotho, Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia. All these countries are hugely affected by HIV/AIDS and are struggling to control the spread and impact of the pandemic on their socio-economic bases.
Engagement and funding at country level supports a range of projects and programmes implemented by Governments and civil society organisations. These projects and programmes cover interventions that strengthen local institutional capacity to deal with HIV/AIDS; support the planning and delivery of essential HIV prevention, treatment and care services; provide basic needs for children orphaned by AIDS; support organisations and networks of people living with HIV; upgrade health care facilities and train health workers in HIV drug administration and management.
In Mozambique, we are working closely with the Government and the Clinton Foundation in the provision of HIV treatment services. Ireland has contributed to Mozambique's achievement in reaching and in some cases exceeding its HIV related service targets. In Lesotho, we also hope to build a partnership with the Government and the Clinton Foundation to address the HIV/AIDS crisis in that country.
As well as working directly at country level, Ireland also supports international efforts to address HIV/AIDS and its impact. The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria is one such example. By the end of 2006, Ireland will have contributed €60 million to this Fund.
Irish Aid recently produced a report on its response and commitment to HIV/AIDS over the period 2001-2006. The Taoiseach presented this report to the United Nations Secretary General, Kofi Annan, when he met him during the High Level Review on HIV/AIDS held in New York at the end of May. In his address to the UN High Level Review, the Taoiseach pledged that we will spend €100 million per annum on addressing HIV/AIDS and other diseases of poverty.
We will continue to work with Government and civil society partners to ensure a coordinated, accelerated and more focused response to HIV/AIDS which prioritises prevention, particularly among young men and women.
19 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the level of aid being directed to the Middle East by the Government in 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25115/06]
60 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the level of humanitarian aid allocated to the Palestinian Authority in 2005; the level of aid allocated in 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25120/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 19 and 60 together.
Ireland has strongly supported the provision of humanitarian and development assistance to the Palestinian people. The core objective of Ireland's assistance in Palestine has been to alleviate the material consequences of the ongoing conflict by enhancing the capacity of Ireland's partners in Palestine to respond to the crisis and to begin, where possible, to meet the future development needs of the Palestinian people.
In 2005, Ireland delivered in excess of €4 million in humanitarian and development assistance to Palestine. Humanitarian assistance has been channelled through the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), which remains our key partner in the provision of basic services to the Palestinian people. In response to UNRWA's appeal for funding, Ireland provided early funding of €1.5 million to UNRWA in 2006. This was un-earmarked core funding which allows UNRWA to respond flexibly to the emerging challenges. Ireland will continue to respond to changing humanitarian needs in Palestine.
Our development funding has been focused on support for basic education, strengthening local government through local rural development programmes, and support for key United Nations' agencies.
We also provide significant support for civil society organisations in Palestine which work to promote human rights and democratisation and to facilitate community rehabilitation.
The Government is extremely conscious of the need to continue assistance to Palestine in the current difficult political climate. Ireland's programme of assistance in 2006 will include continued support for partner UN Agencies, NGOs and Bethlehem University. We have made clear that we are determined to maintain the overall volume of our assistance to Palestine.
We do not believe that the Palestinian people should face the risk of a humanitarian crisis because of the reluctance of their new Government to respect the peace process. However, there is agreement among all the Member States that the EU cannot maintain its capacity-building support for the Hamas Government under the Oslo process, given that the Government has not committed to the conditions set out by the Quartet and the EU.
This month, the European Council agreed that, as a matter of priority, a Temporary International Mechanism (TIM) should be established to provide for basic needs, including health services. Ireland has been to the fore in the EU in arguing for the widest possible definition of the basic needs to be covered.
I can assure the Deputy that Ireland will, both nationally and in the multilateral framework, do all that is within our capacity to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people and to pursue our development interventions to the extent possible, while being cognisant of the wider political realities.
The Government is also committed to the provision of humanitarian assistance to the Iraqi people. Since 2003, Ireland has delivered over €7 million to meet the immediate emergency humanitarian needs of some of the most vulnerable groups in that country. Funding has been delivered through key non-governmental partners such as Concern, Goal and Trócaire and through UN and international agencies such as the World Food Programme, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) and the Red Cross family. This year I have allocated €0.5 million to the Mines Advisory Group, a partner organisation to Trócaire, for mines clearance activities in northern Iraq. Funding will also be provided this year to support the provision of health services to the Marsh Arab population in Southern Iraq.
20 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the obligation placed on some Irish sports people to carry other than an Irish passport. [21215/06]
81 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the contacts he had with FIFA regarding their initial ruling that all Northern Ireland players travel on British passports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25215/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 20 and 81 together.
I was approached by sporting figures in Northern Ireland who were concerned that the requirements for Northern Ireland players were to change under FIFA regulations. The reported change would have had the effect of obliging all players who want to represent Northern Ireland to carry a British passport. This change, if brought into effect, would directly contravene both the spirit and the letter of the Good Friday Agreement and was, therefore, unacceptable.
On learning of the possibility of a change in FIFA's eligibility criteria, I immediately wrote to the President of UEFA to seek clarification of the issue. I also instructed the Irish Ambassador to Switzerland to make contact with both UEFA and FIFA to ensure that they understood the importance of finding a solution that respected the sensitivities of both the main traditions in Northern Ireland. In light of our serious concern, the Irish Embassy to Switzerland remained in intensive contact with FIFA, which culminated in a meeting, on 29 May, between the Ambassador and the Director of FIFA's legal division. In addition to contact at official level, I discussed our concerns with Secretary of State Hain at the British-Irish Council of 2 June. We agreed to adopt a joint position on this issue.
Subsequent to this, on 19 June, the Irish Football Association issued a statement on this subject. It said that while "the administrative detail of this is being finalised" a "solution has been reached which will allow players holding an Irish Passport to continue to represent Northern Ireland."
I am satisfied that a solution has been reached that respects the terms and the spirit of the Good Friday Agreement, and will allow Irish Passport holders to continue to play for Northern Ireland.
21 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of principal development specialists, currently working with Irish Aid, volunteering to decentralise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25159/06]
72 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of development specialists, currently working with Irish Aid, volunteering to decentralise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25161/06]
119 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of senior development specialist, currently working with Irish Aid, volunteering to decentralise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25160/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 21, 72 and 119 together.
There are 3 categories of Specialists employed by Irish Aid: Principal Development Specialists, Senior Development Specialists, and Development Specialists.
Three Principal Development Specialists serve in Irish Aid headquarters in Dublin. None of the three has applied to decentralise to Limerick.
There are twelve Senior Development Specialists in Irish Aid headquarters. None of the twelve has applied to decentralise to Limerick. Two Senior Development Specialists originally applied to decentralise to Limerick, but subsequently withdrew their applications.
Finally, there are nine Development Specialist posts in headquarters. Five Development Specialists are scheduled to decentralise. Of these, four commenced employment since the announcement of the decentralisation programme in December 2003, and one applied via the Central Applications Facility.
Discussions are on-going with representatives of the Specialists, with their union IMPACT, and with the Department of Finance about the issues involved in decentralisation which also, of course, have a wider Civil Service dimension. It would be my hope that a greater number of Specialists will, in time, volunteer to decentralise to Limerick.
22 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the recent efforts he has made to request the release and restoration to liberty of Aung San Suu Kyi and other political prisoners, the return to democracy in Burma and an end to human rights violations in that country. [25260/06]
56 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the latest contacts that he has had with his European counterparts with regard to Burma and the continued holding of the most visible pro-democracy leader in that country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25146/06]
86 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if there are proposals under consideration within his Department with regard to the extension of diplomatic relations to Burma; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25147/06]
92 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position with regard to the diplomatic links between Ireland and Burma; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25148/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 22, 56, 86 and 92 together.
Ireland takes a consistently strong position on Burma, including in the European Union framework and at the United Nations. Together with our EU partners, we avail of all opportunities to call for the immediate release of Aung San Suu Kyi, to condemn the abuse of human rights and fundamental freedoms and deplore the lack of progress towards democracy in Burma.
The recent visit by UN Under-Secretary-General (UN USG) Gambari to Burma from 18-20 May was the first high-level visit to that country by a UN representative in more than two years. I welcome the fact that he was able to meet with the most senior Burmese leaders as well as with Aung San Suu Kyi and representatives of her party, the National League for Democracy, during the visit. I also welcome the agreement by the Burmese government that the UN should play a role in promoting common ground between the government and the National League for Democracy so that the National Convention, which is due to resume its work in October, can proceed in a more inclusive way. I would appeal to the Burmese authorities to live up to their undertakings in this regard.
While welcoming the above developments, I remain very concerned about the situation. On 26 May, the EU issued a statement which noted with deep concern that the process of democratisation in Burma had recently suffered a worrying setback as the Burmese government stepped up its pressure against ethnic groups and the two main political parties. The statement noted that these actions contradict the professed intention to establish a genuine democratic nation. The statement also urged the Burmese government to accelerate the democratisation process, a process which should engage all political and ethnic forces in the country in a genuine dialogue and lead to the speedy completion of a constitution under civilian rule, which commands popular support and promotes peaceful and sustainable development.
I remain deeply concerned that Aung San Suu Kyi has been detained continuously for three years without charge and, once more, urge the Burmese government to restore fully her freedom and civil liberties. UN USG Gambari's visit generated high hopes that her detention under house arrest, which was up for renewal a few days after he left Burma, might not be renewed by the authorities. This did not happen. On 27 May, the EU issued a further statement which deeply regretted the decision of the Burmese government to extend the house arrest of Aung San Suu Kyi and deplored the fact that international appeals, including that of the EU, had once again gone unheard.
The situation in Burma was most recently discussed at the EU General Affairs and External Council Meeting in Luxembourg on 12 June. On that occasion the Netherlands called for EU support for a possible initiative at the UN Security Council. While I am not aware of any plans for this to happen in the near future it is something I would very much welcome. The EU applies a range of sanctions and restrictive measures against Burma, referred to as the EU Common Position, which had been due to expire on 30 April but which has been renewed for a further year. In the absence of any significant progress in Burma, Ireland strongly supported the renewal.
The Government made an announcement about the establishment of diplomatic relations on a non-resident basis with Burma on 13 February 2004. However, given that the political and human rights progress which had been expected of the Burmese Authorities at that time, most notably the meeting of an open and unhindered National Convention and the release of Aung San Suu Kyi, was not delivered on, the Government decided to put the process in cold storage. Any decision to reactivate the process will have to await positive and significant moves on the above lines by the Burmese Government.
I will continue to raise concerns about Burma on all possible occasions and to call on the Burmese government to assume its responsibilities towards its people and to allow the fullest possible UN involvement in a genuine process of democratisation and reconciliation.
23 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on such progress as has been made by the Mozambique President Chissano in his task as mediator at the initiative of the African Union in encouraging political dialogue in Zimbabwe. [25258/06]
In the aftermath of Operation Murambatsvina launched by the Zimbabwean government in May 2005 and which resulted in an estimated 700,000 people being left homeless or without a livelihood, the former President of Mozambique, Mr. Joaquim Chissano, was requested by the African Union (AU) to act as a Special Envoy and mediate with both the Zimbabwean government and the opposition parties in Zimbabwe in an effort to promote political dialogue. However, the Zimbabwean government has refused to cooperate with this initiative or to engage with former President Chissano in his mediator role. The Zimbabwean government also refused to facilitate the visit in June 2005 of an earlier envoy appointed by the African Union, Mr. Tom Nyanduga, specifically to report on the consequences of Operation Murambatsvina.
I regret the unwillingness to date of the Zimbabwean government to cooperate with AU efforts to promote internal dialogue and mediate in the current difficult situation in Zimbabwe. I would encourage the AU and its member States to continue to use what influence they have to urge the Zimbabwean government to alter its current failed policies and move to a path of internal dialogue and peaceful, democratic change in Zimbabwe. The Government along with our EU partners will continue to work with all those in the international community seeking to promote democratic change in Zimbabwe. Senior officials from my Department availed of recent political consultations with South Africa in Pretoria on 22-23 June to outline the serious concerns which we have regarding Zimbabwe.
I also welcome the increased engagement by the UN Security Council and the efforts of Secretary General Annan and his Humanitarian Coordinator, Jan Egeland, to highlight the serious humanitarian situation in Zimbabwe. I understand that Secretary General Annan may meet with President Mugabe and President Mbeki of South Africa en marge of the forthcoming AU Summit in Banjul, The Gambia on 1-2 July. The AU Summit itself will provide a further valuable opportunity for African leaders to address, and encourage efforts to improve, the serious political, economic and humanitarian situation in Zimbabwe.
25 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of EU accession talks with Turkey; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25171/06]
37 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of Turkey’s bid for EU membership in view of the ongoing failure of Turkey to recognise the economic, maritime and navigational rights of fellow EU Member State Cyprus, and all other Member States trading or communicating with Cyprus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25204/06]
88 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the ongoing failure of Turkey to recognise the economic, maritime and navigational rights of fellow EU Member State Cyprus and of all other Member States trading or communicating with Cyprus; and the steps he has taken to help reverse the situation. [25197/06]
158 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position in regard to EU enlargement negotiations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25472/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 25, 37, 88 and 158 together.
Accession negotiations are underway with two countries — Turkey and Croatia. Negotiations were opened with both countries on 3 October 2005 and an extensive screening process is currently ongoing, which scrutinises the compatibility of Croatian and Turkish legislation with that of the EU. The fact that this screening process is running in parallel with both countries does not mean that the pace of their progress towards membership is linked. Each country will be judged on its own merits.
After a negotiating chapter has been screened the EU can decide, on the basis of a proposal from the Commission, whether the negotiations in that sector can be opened. The June 2006 European Council reviewed progress made to date and welcomed the opening — and provisional closure — of substantive negotiations with both countries on the "Science & Research" chapter. In all, there are 35 chapters that form part of these negotiations.
The European Council reaffirmed the EU's commitment to supporting both countries' efforts to comply with the Union's membership criteria. It encouraged Croatia to continue its reform efforts and to achieve sustainable progress towards the fulfilment of EU standards. It called on Turkey to intensify its reform process, implementing it fully and effectively so as to ensure its irreversibility and sustainability.
The Council recalled the need for Turkey to fulfil its obligations under the Association Agreement and its Additional Protocol, which takes account of the accession of the new Member States, including the Republic of Cyprus. Turkey's progress in fulfilling these obligations, which include the need to recognise the economic, maritime and navigational rights of all EU Member States, as well as its implementation of the revised Accession Partnership, will be evaluated later this year.
The European Council also addressed a number of general questions on enlargement. It reaffirmed that it would honour existing enlargement commitments, while protecting the cohesion and the effectiveness of the Union. The Union's capacity to absorb new members is seen as an important consideration in future enlargement decisions. If EU membership is to be further extended, the Union will need to ensure that it has the economic, political and institutional capacity to make this possible. It is already understood that, as Turkey's accession could have substantial financial consequences, its negotiations can only be concluded after the establishment of the Union's financial framework for the period beyond 2013.
Heads of State and Government undertook to hold a further debate at the December 2006 European Council on all aspects of further enlargement, including the Union's capacity to absorb new members and improving the quality of the enlargement process. The Commission is to prepare a special report on the Union's absorption capacity. This report will also deal with the perception of enlargement by European citizens and the need to explain the enlargement process adequately to the public within the Union.
Ireland has always been supportive of the process of EU enlargement from which we have consistently benefited. It has been our policy to consider each candidate on the basis of its own merits and this principle will continue to underpin our approach to the negotiations with both Croatia and Turkey.
26 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if Bulgaria has dealt with issues relating to judicial reform in order to meet the criteria for accession to the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25126/06]
41 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the accession of Bulgaria to the European Union will take place on 1 January 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25150/06]
83 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the outstanding issues to be dealt with by Bulgaria before that State may become a member of the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25152/06]
97 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the outstanding issues to be dealt with by Romania before that State may become a member of the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25151/06]
101 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the accession of Romania to the European Union will take place on 1 January 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25149/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 26, 41, 83, 97 and 101 together.
The forthcoming accession of Bulgaria and Romania will mark the completion of the Union's 5th enlargement — increasing its membership from 15 to 27 Member States.
The June European Council confirmed that it is the Union's common objective to welcome both countries as members on 1 January 2007. The EU could, however, postpone the accession of either or both countries for up to one year if the Commission considers that either country would be unprepared to meet the requirements of membership in 2007.
On 16 May 2006, Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn presented the Commission's Comprehensive Monitoring Reports on Bulgaria and Romania to the European Parliament. He confirmed that their accession on 1 January 2007 remains an achievable goal for both countries. They need to make progress in addressing the outstanding issues highlighted in the monitoring reports. A final decision on the date of accession will be taken in light of the Commission's next monitoring reports which are due in October.
Some of the problem areas that remain are common to both countries, particularly in relation to putting in place the necessary arrangement for the disbursement of EU funds. In the agricultural area, both countries need to set up a proper, integrated administration and control system.
While both countries need to sustain their efforts in reforming the judiciary and fighting corruption, Bulgaria has been urged to devote special attention to this area. In its most recent report, the Commission stated that "Bulgaria needs to complete the reform of the judiciary, ensure tangible results, and take the additional steps to guarantee its independence". The Bulgarian Government has formulated an Action Plan aimed at addressing the remaining problem areas highlighted in the Commission's report. This includes further measures aimed at improving the independence of the judiciary. Their progress will be further assessed in the next Commission report.
Ireland believes that both Bulgaria and Romania need to make full use of the time available to address the remaining issues so that they can join the Union, as planned, on 1 January 2007. We hope that they will succeed in their efforts. Ireland very much looks forward to working with both countries as partners in a successful Union of 27 Member States.
27 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when Ireland will ratify the Optional Protocol of the United Nations Convention against Torture in view of the departure from equivalence as far as the Good Friday Agreement is concerned. [25239/06]
I refer the Deputy to my response of 10th November, 2005.
On 18 December 2002, the Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Draft Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment (OP-CAT). Ireland, along with other EU partners, fully supported the draft Optional Protocol and worked for its adoption at the UN General Assembly and the Commission on Human Rights.
The object of the Protocol is to establish a system of regular visits undertaken both by an independent international body and by national bodies to places of detention with a view to preventing torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. The international body is to be a subcommittee of the UN Committee against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment. At the national level, States may maintain, designate or establish one or several bodies for the prevention of torture at the domestic level.
As regards our signature of the Optional Protocol, with a view to subsequent ratification, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform informed the Dáil on Tuesday, 8 November, that he is reviewing national legislation to ascertain whether legislative changes would be required before signature and ratification of the Optional Protocol. I understand that he has commenced consultations with other Government Departments and Bodies, including the Department of Health and Children and the Department of Education and Science, in relation to arrangements for the inspection of institutions for which they are responsible.
While it is the case that the UK has already ratified the Optional Protocol, I do not believe that this creates any substantive disparity between the two parts of the island. Significant protection in relation to torture already exists in this jurisdiction. Ireland has ratified the European Convention for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (entered into force for Ireland on 1 February 1989). That Convention establishes a visiting system predating but similar to that established under OP-CAT. We understand that the Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT, the body established under that Convention) has already conducted 3 visits to Ireland in 1993, 1998 and 2002 and is due to visit again this year.
28 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the latest discussions he has held with his European counterparts with regard to the development of new EU battlegroup formations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25137/06]
71 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress which has been made in negotiations to join the Nordic battlegroup; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25205/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 28 and 71 together.
The ambition of the EU to be able to respond quickly to emerging crises has, and continues to be, a key objective of the development of the European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP). An important aspect of ESDP is the development of a standby military rapid response capacity, in the form of Battlegroups. Almost all EU Member States have already made a commitment to contribute to a specific battlegroup formation. Apart from Ireland, the only countries which have not done so are Denmark, which is in a special position due to its opt-out in this area, and Malta. Ireland has indicated to its EU partners a positive disposition to taking part in battlegroups.
As I have previously reported to the House, a delegation consisting of representatives from the Departments of Defence and Foreign Affairs and the Defence Forces met with their Swedish counterparts in Stockholm on 10 March 2006 to discuss possible participation by the Defence Forces in the Nordic battlegroup, which is due to be on standby during the first half of 2008. Our representatives outlined Ireland's position in relation to battlegroup participation and international peacekeeping generally and gave a presentation on the capabilities which Ireland could make available to a battlegroup.
The legal, operational and other issues surrounding participation in battlegroups were considered by an interdepartmental working group established by the Minister for Defence, which included representatives of my own Department. The report of the working group was considered by the Cabinet Committee on European Affairs and, informally, by the Government. Following this report, my colleague the Minister for Defence decided to introduce legislation to amend the Defence Acts. On 20 June 2006, the Government approved the introduction of the Defence (Amendment) Bill 2006, which was debated in the Seanad on 27-28 June and will be debated in the Dáil on 5 July 2006.
Regarding our possible participation in the Nordic Battlegroup, my colleague, the Minister for Defence informed the House on 22 June 2006 that the consultations with Sweden, including technical discussions on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and on the specific nature of our contribution, are continuing. Any decision on a specific contribution to the Nordic, or any other, battlegroup would, of course, be subject to formal Government approval.
29 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position in relation to the draft United Nations proposal in relation to the rights of the disabled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25256/06]
The United Nations has for some time been considering the question of a new international legal instrument aimed at the protection and promotion of the human rights of persons with disabilities. The process formally began on 19 December 2001 when the UN General Assembly established an Ad Hoc Committee (AHC) whose mandate it is to consider proposals for a comprehensive and integral international convention to promote and protect the dignity and rights of persons with disabilities.
To date seven sessions of the AHC have taken place. These sessions have been held in New York twice a year since 2002. Ireland has been represented by officials from several Departments, including the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Justice, Equality & Law Reform. The policy issues being discussed at the AHC are primarily ones on which domestic Government Departments lead, but my Department has a co-ordinating role.
Ireland has participated actively in EU discussions on the proposed Convention and supports the agreed EU common position on the matter. The EU has expressed its support for an international convention anchored by certain fundamental principles, including: non-discrimination, equality of opportunity, autonomy, participation and integration.
Together with our EU partners, Ireland believes that the guiding principle of any new legally-binding instrument in relation to the human rights of persons with disabilities that will emerge from these discussions should be to ensure that persons with disabilities can better enjoy their human rights. We consider that a new legally-binding instrument should facilitate the implementation of existing rights in the specific situations faced by persons with disabilities.
Ireland has also been particularly active in ensuring civil society participation in the drafting process. We have funded participation by disability NGOs. In addition Ireland has pressed the EU to underline the importance of maintaining the unprecedented level of NGO participation in the drafting process.
At the most recent AHC session, in January 2006, the Committee's Chair, drawing on earlier discussions and previous texts, proposed a compromise text which continues to be the subject of discussions.
There is however agreement on large parts of the Chair's text of the draft Convention. The document outlines the general obligations of States in relation to the rights of persons with disabilities. The draft treaty includes references to certain civil and political rights, such as the right to freedom of expression and the right to privacy, and also to certain economic and social rights such as the right to education and the right to health. It specifies that discrimination on the grounds of disability is impermissible, and provides that persons with disabilities be given the equal opportunity to enjoy their human rights.
Questions that remain outstanding include: the inclusion of a definition of disability, monitoring provisions of the Convention, accessibility to the built environment, legal capacity, enforced detention of persons with disability and involuntary treatment.
The 8th session of the AHC will begin on 15 August 2006. The Chair believes agreement on the draft instrument can be reached in August and has expressed his wish to see the draft Convention adopted this autumn at the 61st session of the United Nations General Assembly.
30 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when the new UN Human Rights Council will begin its work; the composition of the new UN Human Rights Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25123/06]
The UN Human Rights Council is at present holding its inaugural session in Geneva. The current session began on 19 June and will continue until the end of this week. The next session will take place in September.
My colleague, Minister of State Noel Treacy T.D., addressed this new body on behalf of the Government on 20 June. He called for the new UN Human Rights Council to make itself fully relevant by confronting the very real and practical human rights challenges which the world faces today. He also presented Ireland's view that there should now be a decisive shift to effective implementation of the standards elaborated by the Council's predecessor, the Commission on Human Rights.
In addition, the Minister argued that some of the best aspects of the Commission must be preserved and, in particular, that the active engagement of the Commission with civil society on human rights issues should continue. He underlined Ireland's commitment to a positive and constructive environment within the Council, but emphasised that the Council must also be frank in addressing wilful neglect and violation of international human rights.
Two significant innovations may contribute to the effectiveness of the new body. It will meet more frequently during the year, thus potentially allowing a greater capacity to deal with human rights violations in real time. Secondly, it will develop a system of universal periodic review of States' human rights records, which may help address the argument of selectivity levelled against its predecessor. Ireland, together with our EU partners, will seek to shape the periodic review mechanism so that it provides a credible and effective oversight process.
In terms of its composition, States are elected to the 47 member Council by the General Assembly on the basis of regional allocation of seats. The first elections to the new UN Human Rights Council took place on 9 May 2006. A table showing those States elected is set out below.
The General Assembly Resolution establishing the Council included a number of provisions aimed at addressing concerns relating to the human rights records of its members. Whereas election to the former Commission on Human Rights was by a simple majority of States present and voting in the General Assembly, members of the Human Rights Council have to receive the support of an absolute majority of the General Assembly. In addition, States are elected by secret ballot.
Prospective members of the Council are also obliged to commit themselves to upholding the highest standards in the promotion and protection of human rights, and they will be the first to be scrutinised under the new universal periodic review mechanism.
A mechanism has also been established to allow for the expulsion of a member of the Council if it is deemed by a two-thirds majority of the General Assembly to be responsible for gross and systematic violations of human rights. In this general regard, Ireland and our European Union partners have undertaken not to vote for any State that is subject to Security Council sanctions for human rights related reasons.
I am confident this new body can represent a fresh start and, in particular, that it has the potential to contribute significantly to the UN's active engagement on human rights issues.
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Countries |
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1. Algeria |
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2. Argentina |
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3. Azerbaijan |
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4. Bahrain |
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5. Bangladesh |
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6. Brazil |
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7. Cameroon |
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8. Canada |
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9. China |
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10. Cuba |
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11. Czech Republic |
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12. Djibouti |
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13. Ecuador |
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14. Finland |
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15. France |
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16. Gabon |
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17. Germany |
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18. Ghana |
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19. Guatemala |
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20. India |
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21. Indonesia |
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22. Japan |
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23. Jordan |
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24. Malaysia |
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25. Mali |
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26. Mauritius |
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27. Mexico |
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28. Morocco |
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29. Netherlands |
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30. Nigeria |
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31. Pakistan |
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32. Peru |
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33. Philippines |
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34. Poland |
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35. Republic of Korea |
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36. Romania |
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37. Russia |
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38. Saudi Arabia |
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39. Senegal |
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40. South Africa |
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41. Sri Lanka |
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42. Switzerland |
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43. Tunisia |
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44. UK |
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45. Ukraine |
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46. Uruguay |
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47. Zambia |
31 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the pro-democracy initiatives which are funded by his Department in different parts of the world; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25124/06]
The Government's programme of assistance to developing countries reflects our longstanding commitment to human rights and fairness in international relations and the recognition that democratisation, good governance and the promotion of human rights are as important as economic policy and reform for reducing poverty and achieving development.
Support to good governance and democratisation is now a major priority area of expenditure in the development cooperation programme, accounting for over €103 million in 2005 — up from €88 million in 2004. This included support for pro-democracy initiatives in twenty-four countries worldwide in the areas of: support for NGO-based pro-democracy initiatives (five countries); support for election monitoring (thirteen countries); and support through the country programme budget of Irish Aid in the priority programme countries (six countries). Support for NGO-based pro-democracy initiatives: Examples of the type of programme supported include: In Sierra Leone, €116,000 was disbursed in 2005 to support democratisation through the "Accountability in Local Government Initiative", which seeks to encourage citizens to take an active role in local development planning, local government meetings and the preparation and monitoring of budgets.
In Peru, €314,342 was provided from 2004 to 2006 for a project which aims to contribute to the human development, democratisation and construction of a culture of peace in indigenous communities affected by the armed conflict.
In The Philippines , €234,439 was granted from 2004 to 2005 for a project aimed at "Strengthening the democratic processes in Local Government".
In South Africa, Ireland supports prominent NGOs such as the Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation, the Human Rights Foundation and the South Africa Institute for Democracy. Support for Election Monitoring: In 2005, 60 monitors participated in 13 international election missions, mainly through the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and the European Union. These missions were to Albania, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Burundi, Ethiopia, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), Liberia, Moldova, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Palestine, Sri Lanka and Venezuela. Expenditure in 2005 was €110,074.
In 2006, 57 election monitors have so far participated in 11 international election missions in Palestine, Ukraine, Uganda, Belarus, Haiti, Fiji, Republic of Montenegro (Serbia & Montenegro), Bolivia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Nicaragua and Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM). Irish Aid support in the bilateral country programmes Good Governance is a key component in all of Irish Aid's bilateral country programmes. In Uganda, €7 million is being provided for assistance for governance initiatives, including support to the Justice, Law and Order Sector, targeted at improving citizens' access to justice, the Uganda Human Rights Commission, and an anti-corruption group. In Mozambique, five main areas are being supported: justice; democratisation; Human Rights; anti-corruption and civil society participation, for a total of €2.75 million. Support to local governance initiatives in Tanzania will total €5.7 million. In Timor-Leste (East Timor), €300,000 was provided in 2005 for governance initiatives including support to government and civil society organisations to promote democracy and human rights. In Vietnam, €950,000 was given in 2005 to support local government, assist in legal development and strengthen the capacity of the National Assembly and People's elected bodies in the interests of increasing transparency and accountability. Governance is a major area of emphasis in Ireland's assistance to Ethiopia. In 2005, €4.5 million supported strengthening of the public sector, civil service reform, Parliamentary institutions, local NGOs active on Human Rights issues and prisoner support organisations.
32 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress of efforts to deal with war, starvation, HIV and AIDS throughout Africa; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25316/06]
154 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which the EU and UN are engaging to alleviate war and starvation in Africa; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25468/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 32 and 154 together.
The complex series of factors which contribute to the enormous needs we encounter in Africa include food insecurity, poverty, environmental degradation, weak governmental capacity and policies, unequal global trading relationships, protracted conflict, severe infrastructural weaknesses, poor governance, debt and the effects of HIV/AIDS.
Addressing Africa's needs, especially the interests of the poorest and most vulnerable, necessitates a comprehensive and coordinated series of actions by the international community and African Governments. In order to measure development progress and to set benchmarks, the United Nations has developed the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), which were endorsed by the leaders of the world in 2000.
While the MDGs are undoubtedly ambitious, they can be reached if all stakeholders, the affected countries themselves, the donor community, the UN and EU work together to ensure that poverty reduction, good governance and sustainable development are the cornerstones of all our efforts in Africa.
For Ireland, Africa is at the heart of the programme of official development assistance and our approach has a number of distinct but complementary elements. As regards the immediate challenges of natural disasters, conflict and food crisis, our humanitarian budget is a key instrument in meeting immediate needs. Our recovery and long-term development programmes seek to assist countries emerging from natural and man-made emergencies and also address the underlying causes of poverty in all its manifestations.
Long-term development is the core of our aid programme in Africa. We have a strong partnership with six countries in sub-Saharan Africa, namely Ethiopia, Lesotho, Mozambique, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia. We are assisting the Governments and peoples of these Programme Countries to address the fundamental causes of poverty through promoting good governance, delivery of essential basic needs, including the fight against HIV/AIDS and promoting economic growth.
In addition, we work in many other African countries, either directly or through our partnerships with the United Nations, the Red Cross family and NGOs such as Concern, Goal, Trócaire, Oxfam and others. In the context of an increasing aid budget, as we approach the UN target of 0.7% of GNP by 2012, these interventions are being further strengthened through enhanced support at the global and country levels.
Ireland's approach to efforts to promote security and stability in Africa includes our contribution to the security and stability of Liberia through the deployment of troops with UNMIL, the UN Mission in Liberia, since 2003. Ireland has also provided assistance to the African Union (AU) Mission in Sudan (AMIS), as part of the EU's joint actions to foster peace and security in Darfur. In addition, we have pledged support to the UN's Peace Building Fund and have been strongly supportive of the establishment of the Peace Building Commission. We are actively seeking ways to support regional organisations in Africa, particularly the AU which represents an important strategic partner for the European Union and the international community generally.
The challenges facing Africa are enormous. But there is some encouraging news. Many African economies are growing. Inflation, now averaging 8% a year, is at its lowest level in many African countries since soon after independence. While there are exceptions such as Somalia, Zimbabwe and others, many African countries now have less violence and civil strife than for many years. There is relative peace in Sierra Leone, Liberia, Angola and southern Sudan. The Democratic Republic of Congo is preparing for elections next month. We must build on progress. We must address continuing needs. Through our growing aid programme, we will continue to make a difference on the ground in Africa and to work with all donors, including the UN and EU, to make a real and lasting difference in the lives of the poorest in Africa.
33 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position of his Department with regarding to the recent Council of Europe report on rendition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25157/06]
53 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his objections to the criticism levied by the Council of Europe on Ireland regarding CIA extraordinary rendition flights and the use of Shannon Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25208/06]
148 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the criticism levied by the Council of Europe on Ireland regarding CIA extraordinary rendition flights and the use of Shannon Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25497/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 33, 53 and 148 together.
I would refer the Deputies to my statement in Dáil Éireann on 13 June 2006, in which I addressed in some detail the most recent Council of Europe report, that of Senator Dick Marty, the rapporteur appointed by the Committee on Legal Affairs of the Parliamentary Assembly.
Despite the pervasive lack of hard evidence contained in Senator Marty's report, it makes for disturbing reading in relation to the details provided of some specific cases in other countries. It confirms why we are right to oppose extraordinary rendition. As regards the specific case of Ireland, however, Senator Marty's report produces absolutely no new evidence which would support allegations that the Government is in any way colluding in the practice.
In addition to the shortcomings of the evidence contained in Senator Marty's report, there is a lack of a clear chain of reasoning: it contains simply some very cursory assertions, including one that Ireland "could be held responsible for collusion" for being a "stopover" for flights involving the unlawful transfer of detainees. I utterly reject this assertion, which seems to be based on a quite implausible and ill-founded analysis of what might conceivably have been possible for us to do.
Moreover, Senator Marty fails to take account of our complete opposition to extraordinary rendition and the categoric assurances we have received that it does not take place through Ireland. To allege collusion without addressing either of those points is quite unfair. I would remind the House that neither Senator Marty, nor anyone acting on his behalf, has approached or addressed a single query in this respect to the Government or to our Permanent Representative to the Council of Europe.
I would reiterate the Government's intention to consider carefully with partners any specific and workable recommendations that may be made by the Council of Europe in this area. I would anticipate that if such recommendations emerge-whether through the Parliamentary Assembly or the Secretary General-they will require coordinated action at a European level if they are to be implemented in an effective manner.
35 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on whether Somalia has been neglected by the international community in the years following its famine; and his further views on recent developments and their human rights implications in that country. [25238/06]
163 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which the situation in Somalia has been resolved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25477/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 35 and 163 together.
The famine of 1991 occurred in the same year as the overthrow of the government of Said Barre. For 15 years, civil war raged and Somalia was widely seen as a 'failed state'. However, in recent years, there have been some positive developments despite current difficulties.
A National Reconciliation Conference, the fourteenth attempt to re-establish central government in the country, began in Kenya in October 2002 with financial support from Ireland and the EU. It resulted in the creation of Transitional Federal Institutions (TFIs) including the Transitional Federal Parliament (TFP) which, in October 2004, elected President Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed. The Transitional Federal Government (TFG) was inaugurated in December 2004. The formal relocation to Somalia of the TFIs began in June 2005. The first session of the TFP on Somali soil was held in Baidoa on 26 February 2006 with about 80 per cent of deputies in attendance. The TFP has continued its work since then and has made progress on some important initiatives including the National Security and Stabilisation Plan.
However, during the spring of 2006, Mogadishu experienced an upturn in violence as conflict escalated between the clan-based warlords who had controlled the city and a grouping called the Union of Islamic Courts. By mid-June, the Union of Islamic Courts had seized control of most of Mogadishu and some of the surrounding region. The TFG responded by sacking those ministers who had been involved in the conflict as warlords and declaring itself ready for dialogue with the Union of Islamic Courts. In its capacity as chair of the Arab League, the Government of Sudan hosted the first high-level talks between the two sides in Khartoum leading to an agreement on mutual recognition on 22 June. It is now likely that future talks will be held in Somalia.
The chairman of the Union of Islamic Courts, Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, has written to the United Nations, the European Union and the United States, calling for the establishment of friendly relations with the international community, based on mutual respect. Ireland, together with its EU partners, will continue to support a political solution as the only way to provide stability to the people of Somalia. I therefore look forward to ongoing dialogue between the TFG and the Union of Islamic Courts. The EU fully supports the efforts of the TFG to extend peace, stability and effective governance based on the rule of law throughout Somalia.
I condemn the murder of Swedish cameraman Martin Adler. I understand he was filming a demonstration in Mogadishu when he was killed on 23 June.
Somalia is one of the countries worst-affected by the drought currently afflicting the Horn of Africa. In many ways this sad situation demonstrates the link between peace and development. Fifteen years of conflict have destroyed infrastructure and livelihoods. In response to the current crisis, the Government has allocated €2.947 million in emergency humanitarian funding to Somalia so far this year. This is in addition to almost €3 million in emergency funding provided to a range of non-governmental organisations and UN agencies for programmes in Somalia in the 2004-2005 period. A further €1 million was apportioned to Concern and Trócaire under the Multi-Annual Programme in 2005.
36 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he or his EU and UN colleagues have monitored the impact and extent of debt write-off to developing countries; if commitments entered into by the IMF or World Bank have been honoured in full; if elements of debt relief promised have failed to materialise; if further arrangements incurring further debt liability have been entered into in the interim. [25315/06]
155 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the countries to which commitments entered into under debt relief or debt write-off have to date been delivered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25469/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 36 and 155 together.
The debt burden is accepted as being a serious factor in retarding the progress of the poorest countries from achieving development. Ireland's principal commitment at present in the area of debt relief and debt cancellation is to the Multilateral Debt Relief Initiative (MDRI) at the World Bank/IDA. The Minister for Finance has pledged €59 million as Ireland's contribution to this programme, which comes into effect on 1 July and will continue until 2044. The total amount of debt relief planned by the World Bank is US$37 billion. Exceptionally, Ireland intends to pay the full amount of its contribution in the present year. This decision not only underlines Ireland's continued support for 100% debt relief for the poorest countries but also helps to ensure that the World Bank/IDA is adequately funded and is enabled to continue providing credit to developing countries.
The MDRI is expected to provide debt relief initially for 17 heavily-indebted poor countries (HIPC) which have already reached completion point in the existing HIPC programme, that is to say they have fulfilled all the conditions of financial and economic management prescribed by the World Bank. Other heavily-indebted countries may qualify in due course.
The HIPC debt relief programme initiated in 1996 was open to 42 countries, of which eighteen have now reached completion point. A number of other countries are still in the process and may reach completion point later. Ireland contributed €30 million to this programme. However, although substantial amounts of debt were cancelled, it became apparent that the programme had not taken sufficient account of the levels of poverty and of other problems such as HIV/AIDS in the participatin g countries. Ireland has taken the view that a country's requirement to repay debt must not prevent it from maintaining an adequate level of expenditure on services such as education, health and water supply.
Under the MDRI now coming into effect, the yearly value of the debts being cancelled could be up to US$700 million. While the impact of debt relief measures taken to date requires further analysis, it is clear that debt relief alone will not solve the problems of poverty and indebtedness. Even if all of the relief in the MDRI programme turned into new money in developing country budgets, it would still be less than one-fiftieth of the increase in annual aid budgets which the World Bank estimates is needed to achieve the internationally agreed Millennium Development Goals.
38 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the implications of the most recent EU-US summit text and in particular the declaration of an intention to intensify their efforts promoting peace, human rights and democracy worldwide and to strengthen co-operation on the issue of confronting global challenges, including security on future foreign policy decisions of this State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25200/06]
103 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the EU-US Summit; the discussions which took place on the issue of CIA extraordinary rendition flights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25206/06]
149 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the EU/US Summit in Vienna; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25336/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 38, 103 and 149 together.
The EU-US Summit, which took place in Vienna on 21 June 2006, provided an opportunity for both sides to underline the strength of the EU-US relationship in terms of trade and investment but also increasingly as partners in handling difficult situations around the globe. The Summit included discussions on, inter alia, foreign policy, energy security, economy and trade. The promotion of democracy was the main theme in the foreign policy discussion with a particular focus on Iran and the Middle East. There was also a substantive exchange of views on Guantánamo. Discussion in relation to extraordinary rendition concentrated on the need to continue a dialogue that is underway between legal experts from the EU Member States and the US on the legal and human rights issues arising from efforts to combat terrorism.
In the Summit Declaration, both the EU and the US agreed to intensify efforts to promote peace, democracy, freedom, the rule of law and respect for human rights in the world to make it more secure, safe and prosperous for all mankind. The EU and US undertook to implement international obligations in respect of global challenges such as measures to combat terrorism, non-proliferation, natural disasters and pandemics, whilst also ensuring that human rights law, refugee law and international humanitarian law are complied with fully.
Ireland was fully involved in negotiations on the Summit Declaration. The broad themes set out in the Declaration represent an implicit consensus between the EU and the US and are fully in line with our national approach. The outcome of the Summit represents the continuing improvement of the transatlantic relationship which has been evident since the Dromoland Castle Summit held under the last Irish Presidency of the EU in June 2004.
39 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs Ireland’s position in relation to Agreement for the Application of the Bolivarian Alternative for the Peoples of Our America, and such correspondence as he may have received in this regard from the signatory countries, or their neighbours. [25268/06]
The Agreement for the Application of the Bolivarian Alternative for the Peoples of Our America was signed between the Governments of Bolivia, Cuba and Venezuela following a meeting of their Presidents in Havana on 28-29 April 2006. The Ambassador of Cuba has forwarded a copy of the Agreement to me, which is the only correspondence I have received regarding it from the signatory countries. The Agreement focuses, inter alia, on developing complementary trade programmes, increasing mutual investment, and developing mutually beneficial financing arrangements. Such an Agreement is a matter for the countries concerned and it is not for the Government to take a position in respect of it.
40 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if Ireland has arrived at a conclusion as to the position it will be adopting as a member of the Nuclear Suppliers’ Group and the expected request for an exception in order to facilitate the US-India Agreement in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25237/06]
51 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on whether the proposed US-India nuclear agreement is not reconcilable with the spirit or the letter of the non-proliferation agreement of the United Nations, of which Ireland was author. [25259/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 40 and 51 together.
Agreement on the basis for US-India civil nuclear cooperation was reached on 2 March 2006 between President Bush and Prime Minister Singh during the former's visit to India. Under the agreement, India has agreed, inter alia, to identify and separate civilian and military nuclear facilities and programmes and to file a declaration regarding its civilian facilities with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). India has agreed to classify 14 of its 22 nuclear power reactors as civilian facilities and voluntarily to place these under IAEA safeguards.
The 45 participating countries of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), including Ireland, have agreed guidelines governing the export of items that are specially designed or prepared for nuclear use and for nuclear related dual-use items and technologies. Under these guidelines the export of such items to India is prohibited and the question has arisen whether the guidelines should be changed or an exemption granted to India. Ireland has been an active participant in discussions on the US-India deal within the NSG. As Minister of State Tracey anticipated in the House on 24 May, the NSG Plenary, which took place in Brasilia from 29 May to 2 June, was not asked to take any decision on the issue. Instead, we received an update on developments since the last NSG discussion in March and agreed to return to the matter in October, when more information might be available.
This Agreement is a complex matter on which our analysis is still continuing. Not all of the details of what precisely is involved are yet clear and we would wish to have the fullest possible information in order to make a considered judgment. We have been active in asking many questions on those aspects where we needed greater clarity in order to assist our own analysis. This is the case, for example, with regard to the safeguards agreement that India has yet to negotiate with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Our final view will ultimately depend on our assessment of the potential impact of the US-India deal on the global non-proliferation regime, and on the approach taken by like-minded countries.
There are differing views, internationally, as to the potential impact of the deal on the global regime and on the NPT, in particular. The recently released report of the Commission on Weapons of Mass Destruction, chaired by Hans Blix, has, for example, concluded that the compatibility, or otherwise, of the US-India deal with the NPT is a matter of judgment. The Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Mohammed El Baradei, has also noted in a recent op-ed piece that this is a complex issue on which intelligent people can disagree and that, ultimately, it comes down to a balance of judgment.
As Minister of State Tracey made clear in the House on 24 May, while we have still to reach a final, considered and informed judgment on the matter, we do have genuine concerns about what appears to be envisaged. We continue to see the NPT as a unique and irreplaceable multilateral instrument for maintaining and reinforcing international peace and security. The Treaty establishes a legal framework both for preventing the further proliferation of nuclear weapons and for the elimination of existing nuclear weapons through the obligation to pursue nuclear disarmament. We will remain committed to the universalisation of the NPT and will continue to call upon all States not party to the Treaty, including India to accede as non nuclear weapon States.
42 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the timeframe for the extension of the EU Constitution period of reflection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25143/06]
64 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the most realistic timescale for the possible ratification of the EU Constitution, following the recent European Council meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25131/06]
79 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the timeline for the ratification of the European Constitution throughout the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25121/06]
118 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position with regard to the proposal that a deadline for the ratification of the EU Constitution by all Member States be imposed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25145/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 42, 64, 79 and 118 together.
The European Council on 15/16 June accepted that more time and further work are needed before firm decisions can be taken on the future of the EU Constitution, which has now been ratified by 15 Member States. The European Council expressed the hope that the ratification process will be completed.
There is no specific deadline for the ratification of the European Constitution, and I do not think that setting a strict deadline would be helpful. Clearly, the original target date of November 2006 for the entry into force of the Constitution will not now be met.
The European Council Conclusions envisage extensive consultations with Member States culminating in a Presidency report in the first half of 2007. The Council Conclusions mention 2008 as the date by which the necessary steps will have been taken to allow the process advance. This represents a shared commitment to take the necessary decisions by that time.
Ratification of the Constitution is a matter for each Member State. In Ireland, ratification will, of course, be by referendum. Following last year's "No" votes in France and the Netherlands, the Government decided that no date would be set for the referendum until the overall situation becomes clearer at the European level.
43 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the visit of the Royal Navy warship, the HMS Ocean to Dublin Port in June 2006; the purpose of this visit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25214/06]
In keeping with the friendly relations between Ireland and the United Kingdom, incoming and outgoing visits by our respective Naval Services are organised from time to time. Proposed visits are examined on a case-by-case basis before diplomatic clearance is granted.
The visit of HMS Ocean to Dublin is non-operational, informal and ‘goodwill' in nature. The ship will dock in Dublin Port from 29 June until its departure on 3 July.
44 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress which has been made in achieving the objectives of NEPAD; and his views on the capital flight from heavily-indebted countries in Africa. [25243/06]
NEPAD, the New Partnership for Africa's Development, is an African-owned and led initiative which is intended to eradicate poverty and promote and achieve sustainable development in Africa in the 21st century. It is based on the recognition that the primary responsibility for Africa's future lies not in the hands of donors or multilateral institutions but in the actions of Africa's governments and peoples. NEPAD has been adopted by the African Union as its socio-economic programme and has also been endorsed by the UN General Assembly which has urged international support for its implementation.
NEPAD is ambitious in its scope, both in seeking to create the conditions for sustainable development in Africa, through promotion of peace and security, democracy and good governance, and in attempting to promote policy reforms and increased investment in key economic sectors, such as agriculture, human development, infrastructure, education and energy. A development plan for the agricultural sector, the CAADP (Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme), has been agreed though implementation to date has been limited.
The major progress achieved to date through NEPAD has been the African Peer Review Mechanism which scrutinises, monitors and reports on progress in good governance (both political and economic) through a forum of Heads of State of participating countries. Twenty-six countries, including Irish Aid's six programme countries in Africa, have so far signed up to the APRM while the first two formal reviews, of Ghana and Rwanda, have now been completed. The report on Ghana was published in April 2006 and the Ghanaian government has now prepared a programme for follow-up implementation. The report on Rwanda will be considered at the next APRM Heads of Government Forum to be held later this year and will hopefully be published thereafter.
Ireland's policy in relation to heavily-indebted poor countries has concentrated on the need to relieve the burden of debt in order to permit adequate public expenditure on necessary services to reduce poverty, including health, education, water and sanitation.
45 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his Department will have a lead role in the Rapid Response Initiative to strengthen Ireland’s ability to respond to emergency and disaster situations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23767/06]
57 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position with regard to the establishment of a voluntary humanitarian corp; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25132/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 45 and 57 together.
The Rapid Response Initiative aims at strengthening Ireland's operational response to humanitarian crises. Ireland already plays a key role in supporting the UN, the International Red Cross family and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) to respond to humanitarian emergencies abroad. The Asian Tsunami of December 2004, the remarkable response of the Irish public to that catastrophe and the UN agenda for humanitarian reform have convinced me that Ireland can and should enhance its humanitarian response.
My Department is leading on the rapid response initiative but is working closely with other Departments, including in particular the Department of Defence. I envisage that this initiative will enable us to work closely with other Departments, including on the release of key skilled people to take part in emergency teams deployed to make rapid needs assessments and assist in the coordination of relief.
The three main components of the initiative are the pre-positioning and transportation of material humanitarian supplies to disaster locations; the creation of a register of highly skilled and experienced individuals for deployment with agencies at short notice; and an overall enhancement of our support to international humanitarian response agencies and mechanisms.
The first element of this initiative will see Ireland pre-positioning humanitarian supplies. The rapid availability and deployment of material supplies such as shelter, food, water and sanitation equipment are key elements for a successful response to an emergency, whether natural or man-made. Recent humanitarian emergencies, such as the Pakistan earthquake, have shown that gaps exist in the surge capacity of the international community to deploy an adequate level of humanitarian supplies quickly.
I am proposing that we help to address this gap by pre-positioning supplies in two specific sectors — shelter and water/sanitation. The exercise is being undertaken in close co-operation with the United Nations, which has the leading role in international emergency response. It is my intention that some of these humanitarian supplies will be stored in Ireland, with the assistance of the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces, and a further stock will be located at an international hub managed by the United Nations.
Following extensive discussions with a range of relevant agencies, we are now putting in place plans for the establishment of the rapid response register. A public advertisement will issue in due course to set out the skills which these discussions have identified as particularly sought after at this time. The international community's humanitarian response has particular gaps in capacity and it is our hope that we can help bridge some of these gaps in certain key sectors. The advertisement will invite applications for inclusion in this targeted register.
Our partner organisations all use, to varying degrees, stand-by arrangements within their own and other organisations to enable them to take on extra staff capacity in the event of a sudden on-set humanitarian emergency. It is our intention that the register will complement these arrangements with the provision of expertise in key sectors of response. In order to ensure a successfully functioning register, it will need to be carefully and professionally managed.
On the enhancement of our partnership with the key humanitarian organisations and mechanisms, proposals have been invited from the UN agencies with whom we have met as well as from our Irish NGOs. While we already provide substantial project-based support to the NGOs for their work in emergencies, I look forward to receiving innovative proposals for support to enhance these organisations' capacity to respond in line with best international practice including working ever more collaboratively in emergency response.
As work on the above progresses, I will provide further updates.
46 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his attendance at the June 2006 EU Council meeting, in particular on developments with the EU Constitution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25212/06]
62 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his recent attendance at the European Council meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25127/06]
102 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his recent attendance at the June 2006 European Council meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25144/06]
I propose to answer Questions Nos. 46, 62 and 102 together.
I attended the European Council on 15/16th June in place of the Taoiseach. The Taoiseach reported to the Dáil on the outcome of the Council on Wednesday 21st June.
The June European Council dealt with a wide range of issues, but its main focus was on the European Constitution. The Council had an extended discussion concerning the fate of the Constitution and the related issue of the Union's future enlargement agenda. There was agreement that more time and further work are needed before firm decisions can be taken on the Constitution.
The European Council did, however, chart the road ahead with regard to the European Constitution. The European Council Conclusions envisage extensive consultations with Member States culminating in a Presidency report in the first half of 2007. It is intended that this report should provide the European Council with the basis for further decisions concerning the European Constitution.
At the same time, the European Council reaffirmed the importance of delivering for the citizen and of pressing ahead with the Union's challenging agenda. That agenda includes the fight against crime and terrorism, dealing with the challenges of energy and climate change and promoting economic growth and job creation under the revitalised Lisbon Agenda.
The European Council supported work already underway to ensure that EU citizens can avail of the consular services of all the Member States around the world. In an important development, the Council agreed to make the way it conducts its business more transparently by doing more of its work in public session. It also welcomed the Commission's recent initiative to improve communication with National Parliaments in relation to legislative and other proposals.
The Council agreed that Slovenia would adopt the euro in January 2007, and commended Lithuania for its progress towards meeting the criteria for membership of the euro group. Slovenia's adoption of the euro is an important illustration of the success of the Union's 5th enlargement.
On enlargement, the Council reaffirmed the Union's intention to honour its existing commitments while, at the same time, ensuring the Union's capacity to continue to function effectively as it enlarges. There is to be a further, in-depth discussion of enlargement at next December's European Council. On the external relations side, the European Council adopted Declarations on the Western Balkans, Iran, Iraq, the Middle East Peace Process, Africa, Lebanon and Timor Leste.
On the Middle East Peace Process, it endorsed the proposed Temporary International Mechanism to channel assistance directly to the Palestinian people, which has been drawn up by the European Commission. The European Community stands ready to contribute a substantial amount to the international mechanism. The European Council urged Iran to give an early positive response to the far-reaching initiative proposed by the EU High Representative, the Foreign Ministers of France, Germany and the UK, China, the Russian Federation and the United States.
47 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if a report in a newspaper (details supplied) is accurate. [25202/06]
52 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the reason the Government has rejected the advice of the Irish Commissioner for Human Rights in relation to inspection of such flights at Shannon Airport as are necessary for full positive compliance with internationally ratified human rights obligations. [25253/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 47 and 52 together.
I would refer Deputies to my statement to Dáil Éireann of 13 June 2006, in which I addressed the question of aircraft inspection comprehensively. This statement sets out my clear and precise views at this time on all aspects of the extraordinary rendition issue.
As was also pointed out in my statement, and as conveyed directly to the Irish Commission on Human Rights, we were the first Government, when rumours of extraordinary rendition emerged, to raise with the US authorities our concerns about the matter. We were also the first Government to demand assurances that our territory would not be used for such purposes. To speak of a failure to act — which is the essence of the reference to positive compliance — against such a background of proactive intervention is not reasonable. As we have repeatedly made clear also, An Garda Síochána has the powers it needs to investigate all allegations of illegal activity. There is no legal bar to the search of civilian aircraft of the type allegedly involved, where there is a basis for doing so.
It remains the Government's position therefore, and we have set this out in detail in ongoing correspondence with the Commission, that we are fully in compliance with our obligations under international law.
48 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the educational initiatives which are funded by his Department; the location of such initiatives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25125/06]
There are a number of programmes within my Department which support educational initiatives. While some of the supported activity takes place within Ireland, most of the monies are expended on educational initiatives overseas, particularly in the developing countries.
The Department's Reconciliation Fund, which supports organisations involved in promoting improved relations between the two communities in Northern Ireland and between both parts of Ireland, has supported a limited number of educational activities focused on achieving enhanced dialogue and mutual understanding. Grantees in the broad area of education have included the Irish School of Ecumenics and the Integrated Education Fund.
In the areas of conflict resolution and democracy building, the Department has supported a number of educational activities, including the scholarship in memory of the late Swedish Foreign Minister, Anna Lindh, and our contribution to the European Humanities University focused on Belarus. The Department's "Communicating Europe Initiative" has also supported a number of educational activities designed to achieve a better understanding of issues relating to the European Union; these included support to the National Adult Literary Centre for an informational publication on the EU and a case study on Enlargement, published in the printed media, which was circulated to all secondary schools.
As part of the promotion of cultural relations with other countries, my Department makes an annual grant (currently amounting to €254,000) to the Ireland — US Fulbright Commission. This programme, jointly funded by the Irish and United States Governments and in operation since 1957, provides awards to enable postgraduate students, post-doctoral scholars and professionals to study, undertake research and lecture at prominent US third-level colleges. In addition, the Department supports a small number of Irish Studies programmes at, and provides book donations to, selected universities abroad.
As part of the Government's Asia Strategy, the Department funds and administers the Shanghai Internship Programme. As well as attending briefings and seminars on political and economic matters, the participants from Shanghai attend an intensive English language course in Ireland.
The support of education provision has always been a focal point of Ireland's official development aid (ODA) programme, delivered by Irish Aid. The Government's forthcoming White Paper on Development Cooperation will reaffirm our ongoing commitment to education in developing countries — in particular, the emphasis on universal primary education; strengthening the capacity of national systems; and ensuring increased participation of girls and women in the education system.
Irish Aid has supported the strengthening of the education sector in its bilateral development programmes in Lesotho, Zambia, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Uganda, Mozambique, South Africa and Palestine. Supporting educational infrastructure is also an important element of the partnership programmes with the major NGOs that are funded by Irish Aid. On the multilateral level, Irish Aid contributes to a number of development programmes that are focused on education; these include UNICEF, the World Bank's Education for All Fast Track Initiative and activities promoted by the European Development Fund. Irish Aid also supports a fellowship programme for postgraduate students from developing countries.
In Ireland, the Department promotes development education to raise awareness and understanding of the rapidly changing, interdependent and unequal world in which we live. Development Education seeks to engage people in analysis, reflection and action for local and global citizenship and participation. The Department's Development Education Unit is currently engaged in developing a "Linking and Immersion Scheme" for second level schools in Ireland and a programme for engagement between Irish Aid and third level education and research institutions. Both schemes should be rolled out in 2007.
Finally, I might mention that the Department provides support through a "Refund of Fees Scheme" to officers who are pursuing, in their own time, educational courses that are accepted as being relevant to their employment in the Civil Service. A total of 45 Departmental officers are currently availing of this Scheme.
If there are specific aspects of the above educational initiatives and activities on which the Deputy would like more detailed information, I would be happy to arrange for its provision.
49 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps he will take to cooperate with other countries in order to combat human trafficking and to support the victims of human trafficking; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25139/06]
66 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps he has taken to date in cooperating with other countries in order to combat human trafficking and to support the victims of human trafficking; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25138/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 49 and 66 together.
As stated to the House, most recently on 24 May 2006, the Government is fully committed to the active promotion of full observance of universal human rights standards, and opposes, and seeks the elimination of, the practice of human trafficking.
The importance of addressing trafficking in persons has been recognised by Ireland and our EU partners. Article 5 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights prohibits trafficking in human beings. In 2004 the EU adopted a Council framework decision on combating trafficking in persons. I understand that my colleague, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, who has responsibility for the issue domestically and also within the EU, is currently preparing legislation which will criminalise trafficking in human beings for the purpose of their sexual and labour exploitation, as provided for in the Framework Decision.
The Council of Europe last year concluded negotiations on a Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings. This Convention, which was opened for signature at the Third Summit of the Council of Europe in Warsaw on 16 May 2005, aims to prevent and combat trafficking in people in all its forms, national or international, whether or not it is linked with organised crime.
The Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), at its Ministerial Meeting in December 2003 in Maastricht, endorsed an Action Plan against Trafficking in Human Beings, and subsequently appointed an OSCE Special Representative, Helga Konrad, whose mandate expired on 9 May 2006. A successor has not yet been appointed.
Europol and the European Police College, CEPOL, organise courses on an EU-wide basis for police forces dealing with investigations into the trafficking of human beings. I understand from my colleague, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, that Garda Officers working in the Garda National Immigration Bureau investigating the trafficking of human beings have attended such courses.
Ireland is also a signatory to the UN Convention on Transnational Organised Crime and its two accompanying protocols on prevention, suppression and punishment of trafficking in persons, especially women and children and smuggling of migrants by land, air or sea. The protocol on trafficking not only provides for measures to suppress trafficking, but also measures to protect the victims of trafficking.
Through its participation at international fora such as the United Nations General Assembly, the UN Commission on Human Rights (CHR), the Council of Europe and the OSCE, Ireland has raised its concerns in cooperation with like-minded countries regarding these issues. As a member of the EU, Ireland coordinates with the other EU Member States in these fora. At the meeting of the CHR in Geneva in 2005, Ireland made a national statement condemning the trafficking of people and welcoming the appointment in 2004 of a Special Rapporteur on Trafficking in Persons. Ireland will continue to support initiatives in this area in the new Human Rights Council which has replaced the Commission on Human Rights.
In addition, my Department has provided over €1.7 million in funding for the ILO and NGO anti-trafficking projects through Irish Aid.
50 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position with regard to a premises to accommodate the decentralisation of Irish Aid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25167/06]
Under the Government's decentralisation programme, the Development Cooperation Directorate of the Department of Foreign Affairs, which is the Headquarters of Irish Aid and currently based in Dublin, will decentralise to Limerick.
The Office of Public Works (OPW) is responsible for the provision of office accommodation for the Directorate in Limerick. The OPW has identified a suitable location on Henry Street in Limerick city centre, and has advised my Department that lease terms have been agreed with the developer. The building is scheduled to be ready for occupation by June 2007.
54 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on whether the right of access to clean water is a fundamental human right; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25247/06]
The Government's programme of development cooperation is based on our commitment to help poor countries achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The MDGs set a number of key, measurable development targets to be reached by 2015. The target of halving the population without access to safe drinking water or basic sanitation is one of the MDGs. This is a phenomenal challenge with 1.1 billion people, one in every six, currently without access to safe water. Additionally 2.4 billion people, two in every five, suffer indignity and disease resulting from poor sanitation.
Irish Aid, the Government's official development programme, recognises adequate water and environmental sanitation both as a fundamental right and as essential for social and economic development. Additionally we believe that they are prerequisites to the achievement of other basic rights, such as the right to health or to the achievement of equal rights for women and children, who currently bear the bulk of the burden associated with the lack of water and sanitation.
In 2005, the Government directly invested some €15 million in improving water and sanitation in sub-Saharan Africa. As the aid programme grows, we will intensify our support for programmes and projects whose objective is the provision of safe water and sanitation.
55 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the latest timetable for the full re-establishment of the Assembly and the Executive in Northern Ireland; the latest meetings he has had with political parties in the North and with the British Government; when he expects to travel to Northern Ireland for his next round of engagements; the plans the two Governments have for the period immediately following the summer 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25265/06]
When the Taoiseach and Prime Minister Blair met at Farmleigh on 26 January, they said that 2006 would be the decisive year for the peace process. On 6 April in Armagh, they set out the Governments' joint strategy for achieving a fully functioning Assembly and Executive this year, announcing that the Assembly would meet from 15 May and that Members would be given until 24 November, at the latest, to form an Executive.
In pursuit of this objective, the Taoiseach and I have been engaged in intensive efforts, in conjunction with the British Government, to bring about fully functioning devolved institutions in Northern Ireland. Throughout this period, I have maintained close ongoing contact with Secretary of State Hain and with the political parties in Northern Ireland. Peter Hain and I met in Dublin on 2 May where we jointly chaired the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference; in London on 2 June at the British-Irish Council Summit and, most recently, in Hillsborough earlier this week on 26 June.
For the first time in over three years, Assembly Members have been engaging with each over the past few weeks at Stormont. I am accompanying the Taoiseach to Stormont today, where the two Governments will meet with all of the parties to take stock of developments, discuss the issues to be addressed and the timeframe for doing so.
We will be stressing that the deadline of 24th November is a firm one and that genuine and frank political engagement between the parties is crucial to addressing any obstacles to power-sharing and making the necessary preparations for government. The parties will need to make good use of the short time available to them so that important decisions affecting the lives of every section of the community can be taken by locally elected politicians. If, despite best efforts, this cannot be achieved, then it would fall to the two Governments to ensure that the Good Friday Agreement is implemented to the fullest possible extent for the benefit of all communities.
Providing all sides are truly committed to working together, I sincerely believe there is no reason why Northern Ireland should not have a First and Deputy First Minister and a power-sharing administration by that date. I hope that parties will continue their discussions over the summer so that the Assembly can quickly conclude work on outstanding issues and finalise their preparations for government in the autumn.
The Government will continue to offer full support to the parties over the coming months, as we have done throughout this process. Secretary of State Hain and I will have an early opportunity to take stock of progress when we meet next month at the British Irish Intergovernmental Conference.
58 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the human rights criteria taken into consideration when he designates countries for the purposes of legislative provisions contained in the Transfer of Execution of Sentences Act 2005. [25203/06]
Section 5 of the Transfer of Execution of Sentences Act 2005 provides that the Minister for Foreign Affairs may, by order, designate for the purposes of that Act a country that has become party to, or has given effect in its laws to, the Additional Protocol to the Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons of 18 December 1997 or the Schengen Convention of 19 June 1990. As the Deputy will be aware, the 2005 Act has not yet come into operation. The designation of any country under Section 5 of the Act has therefore not yet arisen.
However, the action of the Minister for Foreign Affairs in designating a country under Section 5 of the Act would be on the basis that a particular country had become party to, or had given effect in its laws to, one of the two agreements. This would be a factual matter, not requiring a specific assessment of the human rights situation in the country in question.
However, it should be noted that under the Protocol and the Schengen provisions, Parties are not under an obligation to take over the execution of foreign sentences. Even after a country has been designated, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform has discretion in each particular case as to whether or not to proceed.
59 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has raised the issue of the development of a network of nuclear facilities in the United Kingdom with his UK counterpart; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25130/06]
The UK Government is in no doubt as to the Government's views in relation to the risks posed to Ireland by nuclear facilities on the west coast of Great Britain, including Sellafield and Wylfa. Our views in this regard have been expressed strongly and repeatedly.
Together with my colleague, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage & Local Government, I met with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Mr. Peter Hain, at a British — Irish Council meeting in London, on 2 June. We took the opportunity at that meeting to emphasise that the Government would be strongly opposed to the building of any nuclear plant in Northern Ireland. The Northern Secretary has acknowledged the lack of support for any such move.
As the House is aware, the United Kingdom is currently considering its future energy needs and reviewing its capacity to meet them. As part of this review, a consultation document was launched on 23 January 2006 by the UK Minister of State for Energy. Entitled Our Energy Challenge: Securing Clean Affordable Energy for the Long Term , this document states that the review will consider whether nuclear power should continue to be part of the mix of energy supplies for the UK in the future. While the review is not yet complete, Prime Minister Blair has clearly indicated his view that new nuclear builds in the UK should remain very much on the agenda.
The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, in conjunction with the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland, engaged in the consultation process relating to the review. The submission made, which covered a number of issues of concern to Ireland, reiterated the Government's strong opposition to nuclear power in general and to the siting of any nuclear plants on the island of Ireland in particular. We are monitoring the progress of the UK review closely.
63 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the latest report of the Policing Oversight Commissioner in Northern Ireland; if he shares the Commissioner’s concern regarding the proposed primacy of MI5 in certain security matters in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25263/06]
The 16th report of the Policing Oversight Commissioner issued earlier this month was an encouraging reminder of the progress that has been made in the reform of policing in Northern Ireland. Some 124 of the 175 Patten recommendations have been fully implemented. Most importantly, the primary institutions of policing — the Policing Board, the PSNI and the Police Ombudsman — are found to have largely accomplished the implementation of Patten. Of the issues that remain to be resolved, the most important is the issue of full community and political support for the Police.
Referring to the decision of the British Government to transfer primacy for national security matters to MI5 from 2007, the Oversight Commissioner expresses concern that this might diminish the robust accountability mechanisms currently in place and might affect the ability of the Police Service to combat organised crime effectively.
These concerns are shared by the Government. Discussions have taken place between my officials and their British counterparts with a view to ensuring that adequate accountability mechanisms remain in place, and that the Police Ombudsman continues to have jurisdiction over the actions of police officers seconded to MI5. Protocols are currently being agreed between the office of the Ombudsman and the security service to facilitate this.
I also raised this issue with the Secretary of State, Peter Hain MP at the meeting of the British-Irish Inter-Governmental Conference in May. The British Government indicated that it is prepared to discuss further with the political parties in Northern Ireland and with the Irish Government the exact details as to how the new arrangements will work in practice.
The broader issue of how the new arrangements will work in the context of the devolution of Policing and Justice will be a matter requiring discussion involving all of the political parties in Northern Ireland.
67 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the closure of Guantanamo Bay prison camp, which was called for at a recent meeting of European Union Foreign Ministers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25234/06]
82 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position of his Department with regard to the continued use of Guantanamo Bay detention centre by the US administration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25164/06]
147 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has had recent contact with his US counterpart with regard to the continued use of the Guantanamo Bay detainment camp by the US administration; if he has conveyed his concerns to the US administration with regard to the holding of detainees at the camp; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25456/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 67, 82 and 147 together.
I have made it clear that I believe that the Guantánamo Bay camp should be closed as soon as possible. More generally, the Government has raised the issue of the detainees in Guantánamo Bay with the US Authorities on numerous occasions. This was done at the highest level when the Taoiseach, accompanied by myself, raised our concerns with President Bush in Washington on 17 March 2006.
We have always made it clear that we believe that they must be treated in accordance with the requirements of international human rights law and international humanitarian law. This position is shared by the EU as a whole and these views were expressed at the recent EU-US Summit which took place in Vienna on 21 June 2006. The EU side urged that the detainees be either charged or released and that Guantanamo be closed. President Bush stated his intention ultimately to close the facility, which I welcome. I would urge the US administration to move to do so rapidly.
69 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if it proposed to send observers to the forthcoming elections in the Democratic Republic of the Congo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25244/06]
The EU will be deploying a 250-strong Electoral Observation Mission (EOM) to the forthcoming presidential and parliamentary elections scheduled to take place in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) on 30 July 2006. These will be the first multi-party elections in the DRC in over forty years and their successful conduct is absolutely critical to the consolidation of peace and security in the DRC and in the Great Lakes region as a whole.
The EU, including Ireland, is providing the bulk of the financial support towards the cost of the elections with total EU financial support amounting to some €235 million. Ireland has contributed €1.3 million in financial support towards the cost of the elections, including a recent contribution of €800,000 to the South African Independent Electoral Commission which is assisting in the logistical organisation and oversight of the elections.
The observer mission being deployed by the EU to the DRC will constitute the largest EU EOM ever deployed. It will also be by far the largest international election observation mission deployed to the DRC to cover the July 30 elections. Deployment of the mission's core team has already begun and ninety long term observers (LTOs) are due to begin deployment on June 27. The EU EOM will be headed by General Morillon, a Member of the European Parliament. Two observers from Ireland will serve with the mission as long term observers and they are due to deploy to the DRC by mid-July.
73 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the date of the last open competition for recruitment into his Department; the arrangements being made for recruitment to Irish Aid; and the position in relation to future recruitment into his Department. [25241/06]
I presume that the main part of the Deputy's question relates to recruitment to the diplomatic service. Third Secretary is the recruitment grade for the service, and is the first step towards more senior posts in the Department. Competitions for Third Secretary posts are conducted on the Department's behalf by the Public Appointments Service (PAS). The minimum educational requirement is a first or second class honours degree in any faculty. Candidates are also expected to demonstrate a wide range of skills and qualities in the course of the selection process. Detailed information about the Third Secretary competition is available on the PAS website www.publicjobs.ie . The last Third Secretary competition was advertised in January, 2005. I anticipate that the next competition will be launched in the latter part of this year.
The Deputy also asked about recruitment to posts in Irish Aid. There are currently no firm plans to recruit new specialists to the Department's Irish Aid Directorate, which is moving to Limerick as part of the Government's decentralisation programme. Discussions are on-going with representatives of the specialists, with their union IMPACT and with the Department of Finance about the conditions of service that will be applicable to specialists transferring with the Directorate to Limerick, and to those that choose to remain in Dublin. These are issues which, of course, also have a wider Civil Service dimension.
The Department of Foreign Affairs from time-to-time also recruits by open competition to fill some or all vacancies arising in a number of other grades. These include: Accountant/Auditor; Architectural Assistant; Assistant Legal Adviser; Deputy Legal Adviser; Legal Adviser; Clerical Officer; Clerical Officer (temporary); Executive Officer; Librarian; Night Watch Person; Services Officer; Cleaner; Stagiaire; Translator and various ancillary grades at Irish diplomatic, consular and aid missions. With the exception of posts attached to Irish missions, most of the competitions are conducted on the Department's behalf by the Public Appointments Service. If the Deputy would like to specify any areas in which he is particularly interested, I would be happy to provide him with further information.
74 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the European Union cotton regime is consistent with good development aid principles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25242/06]
The EU in recent years has taken a number of important actions to achieve fairer conditions in the international cotton trade, which has been marked by a prolonged decline in prices over the last decade.
The actions include improved access to EU markets for cotton-exporting Least Developed Countries (LDCs) following the Union's 2001 Everything But Arms Initiative. Furthermore, in April 2004, under the Irish Presidency, the Agriculture and Fisheries Council agreed on a substantial reform of its own regime of domestic subsidies in cotton. This decision greatly reduced the trade distorting impact of the EU's cotton support arrangements, and thus helped to improve coherence within the EU's development policy. It paved the way for the adoption by the General Affairs and External Relations Council, later in April 2004, of a proposal for an EU-Africa Partnership in support of cotton sector development, and subsequently the establishment of an EU-Africa Partnership on Cotton at the Forum on Cotton held in Paris on 5-6 July 2004.
The Paris Forum saw agreement on an Action Plan on cotton with seven major areas of focus, including international trade and development of national and regional strategies. The Action Plan, which is implemented through a number of coordination forums and mechanisms, is a cornerstone in the EU-Africa Partnership on Cotton. It has helped to improve the organisation of the African cotton sector and has also led to an intensification of EU development assistance to the cotton sector. Implementation of the Partnership can be expected to receive a significant stimulus over the next year, as EU funding becomes available for operational projects and programmes.
Within the WTO negotiations, the EU is fully committed to deliver on the agreements reached with the LDCs on the cotton issue. Earlier this month, the Union, following consultations with its African partners, tabled a proposal on cotton at the WTO aimed at enhancing trade opportunities for cotton exporting countries.
75 Dr. Twomey asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position with regard to security and defence cooperation at European Union level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25135/06]
113 Mr. English asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the latest discussions he has held with his European counterparts with regard to cooperation in the matter of security and defence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25136/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 75 and 113 together.
The European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP) is an integral part of the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and serves the Union's general objectives of peace and stability. These objectives and the provisions governing ESDP are set out in the Treaties of Amsterdam and of Nice, which were approved by referendum. In this context, the European Union is increasing its ability to contribute to both the civilian and military dimensions of crisis management.
As I have previously emphasised, it is important to distinguish between the ESDP, which continues to develop, and the possibility of a common defence. Any move to a common defence would be for decision by the European Council acting unanimously and in accordance with Member States' constitutional requirements. At present, there are no proposals for such a move. In any event, Ireland's position is clear. The amendment to Art 29 of Bunreacht na hÉireann in October 2002 precludes Ireland from participating in a common defence. As a consequence, the Irish people would have to amend Bunreacht na hÉireann before Ireland could take part in a common defence.
The Union is continuing to develop its capabilities for crisis management, both military and civilian. The objectives which it has set itself are clearly set out in the (military) Headline Goal 2010 and the Civilian Headline Goal 2008. There are ten ESDP crisis management missions currently underway, both civilian and military, some of which combine both military and civilian elements. The civilian missions range from police and rule of law advisory and training missions, assistance to security sector reform, border monitoring missions and ceasefire monitoring missions. The main ongoing military mission has been the peace stabilisation mission in Bosnia-Herzegovina (EUFOR Althea).
Additionally, on 12 June 2006, the EU launched a military crisis management mission, at the request of the UN, to provide support for the UN Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC) during the forthcoming electoral period there. An EU Planning Team has also been deployed to Kosovo in recent weeks to prepare for a possible rule of law advisory mission in that country.
I met my EU counterparts at the General Affairs and External Relations Council on 15-16 May, where we discussed a range of issues including civil military co-ordination, security sector reform in the Western Balkans and emergency and crisis response. I also represented the Taoiseach at the European Council on 15-16 June, where conclusions on improving the EU's emergency and crisis response capabilities were agreed and the Austrian Presidency report on ESDP was endorsed.
76 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on recent developments in relation to the incarceration and trial of opposition members in Ethiopia. [25235/06]
On 23 February 2006, the trial began of a group of 129 people, including members of the Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD), journalists and civil society activists. Several of the CUD members on trial were elected to public office in May 2005. The Ethiopian authorities claim that the group was responsible for launching and organising the June and November 2005 riots, as part of an agenda to overthrow the Government by force. They were charged as a group with treason, genocide and inciting violence. Although the Ethiopian penal code provides that the death sentence may be imposed in cases of treason and genocide, a moratorium on executions has been in operation since 1998 and is expected to continue.
Ireland, along with our EU partners, has underlined to the Ethiopian Prime Minister the need for the trial to be conducted in a transparent, fair and speedy manner in accordance with international standards. We also called for the release of the detainees on bail as a confidence building measure and for better access to detainees by families, lawyers and the international community. These points were reiterated when the Chairman and members of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs met the Prime Minister in Addis Ababa on 4 May 2006. The Oireachtas delegation also visited the prison where the detainees are held and met with two detained members of the CUD leadership and a civil society representative.
The Prime Minister has agreed to an EU request for international observation of the trial and a distinguished international lawyer, Mr Michael Ellmann, is observing the trial on behalf of the EU. EU Embassies in Addis Ababa, including that of Ireland, are also monitoring developments. While bail has not been approved, the Prime Minister has indicated that the Ethiopian authorities will do everything they can to ensure the expeditious completion of the trial. It is anticipated that it may end in December 2006.
On 22 March 2006, all charges were withdrawn against 18 of the detainees, including 9 being tried in absentia, and the prosecutor was instructed by the court to amend the genocide charge to "attempted genocide." The trial of the remaining defendants has continued during June. The prosecution is currently showing video evidence.
I myself will travel to Ethiopia from 5-8 July where I will meet with Prime Minister Meles Zenawi and Foreign Minister Seyoum Mesfin. I plan to also visit the detained CUD leaders and civil society representatives. I will press the Prime Minister to reconsider granting bail to those detained in relation to this case, particularly Mr Daniel Bekele and Mr Netsanet Demissie, both civil society activists, and Ms Serkalem Fasil, a publisher, who recently gave birth to a son in prison. I am also concerned by reports that several detainees are suffering from illness due to their conditions of detention.
77 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has raised with the Chinese Government the Amnesty Report suggesting that China has sold weapons to conflicts in Sudan, Burma and Nepal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25236/06]
I understand that the report, referred to by the Deputy, was only released on 11 June 2006. It is still being studied by my Department. While I could not, therefore, have raised the Report with my Chinese counterpart, Minister Li, when we met on 12 May in Beijing, I did discuss the broader question of the internal conflict in Sudan. Minister Li emphasised China's support for the Darfur Peace Agreement and agreed on the need for all parties to be brought on board as quickly as possible.
Ireland, together with its partners in the EU, fully supports the current UN arms embargo on both government and non-government forces in Darfur.
I also conveyed to the Chinese Foreign Minister the Government's deep concern about the situation in Burma and urged the Chinese Government to use its good offices with the Burmese Authorities, including in relation to the position of Aung San Suu Kyi. I should add that Ireland recently backed the renewal of the EU arms embargo against Burma, which was renewed for a further year.
I welcome recent positive developments in Nepal and trust that they represent an important step towards full democracy and sustainable peace in Nepal. There is, I might add, no arms embargo in place against Nepal.
78 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the political and security situation in Iraq; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25169/06]
On 21 May, the Iraqi Parliament approved the new national unity Government presented by Prime Minister Nuri Al-Maliki. The formation of the Government was completed when the crucial positions of Defence, Interior and National Security Ministers were filled on 8 June. The new Cabinet is very broadly based, and it includes the main parties representing the Sunni community. This is a welcome and significant step forward for Iraq and for its people. It has been warmly welcomed by the European Union. Iraq now has a fully sovereign and democratic Government and Parliament, mandated for four years. The political transition process set out in United Nations Security Council Resolutions has been completed.
There is no doubt that the Iraqi Government now faces major political, economic and security challenges. However, perhaps for the first time in its history, Iraq has a democratic Government representing all of its people, which was freely chosen by them. We recognise this very significant achievement, which required the engagement of all the major political parties in Iraq. The all-party Iraqi delegation which visited Ireland last week provided impressive evidence of the courage and determination of the Iraqi people as they work to rebuild their country following decades of dictatorship and war.
The Government and its EU partners remain firmly committed to supporting the Iraqi people in restoring security and prosperity to their country. Since 2003, the EU has provided over €700 million in assistance for the reconstruction of Iraq. At its meeting on 16 June, the European Council adopted a Declaration on Iraq, which stressed that continuing EU support will be delivered in partnership with the new Government, and in line with its priorities.
The serious campaign of violence which forms the background to this political progress remains a matter of grave concern. Iraqi citizens are being targeted in openly sectarian bomb attacks, kidnappings and shootings, which continue to take a terrible toll of deaths and serious injuries. Despite their refusal to be provoked into large scale civil strife, the evidence is that sectarian retaliation and violence have unfortunately been rising steadily. It appears that, in some areas, minority communities are reacting by moving to areas where they feel more secure. It is probably still too early to form a judgement on whether the death of Abu Musab Al Zarqawi, the leader of Al Qaeda in Iraq, will affect the overall security situation.
The EU is supporting the Iraqi Government in its efforts to establish the rule of law and a culture of respect for human rights. It is also working with the Iraqi authorities, with the United Nations, and with the Arab League to support the national reconciliation process. I hope that the national reconciliation plan which Prime Minister Al-Maliki presented to Parliament on 25 June will mark an important development in this process.
84 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the meetings he has held with his counterparts from EU and non EU Member States to discuss tackling human trafficking; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25122/06]
96 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has discussed the issue of human trafficking with his counterpart Foreign Ministers across the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25140/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 84 and 96 together.
Human trafficking is an important issue for the European Union. It was mentioned in the conclusions of this month's European Council, having previously been discussed at the Justice and Home Affairs Council. The matter came before the General Affairs and External Relations Council, which examined the draft conclusions of the European Council.
My colleague, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform has primary responsibility in this area, as it is first and foremost a criminal justice matter. I see human trafficking as a matter of considerable priority which demands an effective response at EU level and, for that reason, I have raised it with European Union counterparts. I will continue to use relevant bilateral meetings to highlight our concerns on this important issue.
85 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the Government’s views on whether the British and American Governments’ interpretation of UN resolutions which both Governments assert gave UN sanction to military attacks on Iraq were valid interpretations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25213/06]
On the outbreak of the war in Iraq, the Taoiseach moved a motion which was adopted by the Dáil on 20 March 2003, which reaffirmed Ireland's commitment to the United Nations as the guarantor of collective global security and the appropriate forum for the resolution of disputes threatening international peace and security. In his statement to the House, the Taoiseach acknowledged that there was no clear legal consensus on whether there was a mandate for the use of force against Iraq, based on previous Security Council resolutions. He noted that the arguments put forward by the coalition asserting the existence of a mandate were also supported by a number of countries which were not participating in the military action. However, he made clear the Government's position that Ireland would not participate in the military campaign without an explicit further Security Council mandate. This remains the Government's position on the circumstances of the invasion in 2003.
In relation to current military activity, it is clear that the international forces now serving in Iraq are operating under UN mandate, and at the request of the democratically-elected Iraqi Government. The presence of the Multi-National Force in Iraq was authorised by the UN Security Council in Resolution 1511 of October 2003. The authorisation was reaffirmed in Resolution 1546 of June 2004, and was extended to the end of 2006 by Resolution 1637, which was adopted unanimously by the Security Council in November 2005.
87 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the political and security situation in Afghanistan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25168/06]
160 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which the international community is in a position to monitor the situation in Afghanistan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25474/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 87 and 160 together.
The significant progress achieved in Afghanistan over the past four years should be acknowledged, although clearly considerable challenges still remain. The Afghan people have elected a President and Parliament and have a legitimate elected Government which is working to consolidate the progress that has been made. For the first time, issues of national importance are openly debated in Parliament giving the Afghan people, through their elected representatives, the opportunity to make their concerns heard. The reform process is continuing, with the assistance of the international community, across all sectors, including the police service, the Afghan National Army and the judicial system.
In any country, developing the democratic structures, institutions and administrative systems necessary to provide essential public services and ensure a secure environment for all is a process that takes time. Ensuring security in Afghanistan is an especially challenging and complex task, particularly given the presence of violent factions who stand to benefit considerably from a destabilised country. The security situation remains a cause of serious concern. Levels of insurgency-related violence have risen since the beginning of the year and attacks, including suicide bombings, aimed at the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), other international security forces and Afghan security forces, have increased.
The Afghan National Army (ANA) and international security forces have been engaged in heavy fighting with Taliban insurgents in Kandahar, Helmand, Uruzgan and Zabul provinces in the Southern part of the country in recent weeks. Such fighting is expected to continue over the summer months as the ANA and international forces expand their operations into remoter areas in the South. The UN-mandated ISAF, which at present has some 9000 troops providing security assistance in Kabul and the North and West, is currently expanding its operations to Southern Afghanistan. The expansion will involve the deployment of an additional 7000 troops and will assist the Afghan Government in extending its authority across the country. The further expansion of the ISAF will clearly be of assistance to the international community in continuing to closely monitor the situation there.
The illicit narcotics industry remains a major challenge to the long-term security, development and effective governance of Afghanistan. Counter-narcotics was identified as a priority area in the EU-Afghanistan Joint Declaration signed on 16 November 2005. The Afghan Government operates a Counter Narcotics Implementation Plan and a National Drugs Control Strategy in an effort to work towards elimination of the narcotics trade. The UN Office on Drugs and Crime, in its 2006 World Drug Report published this week, has reported that the area under opium poppy cultivation in Afghanistan decreased by 21% from 2004 to 2005.
An Afghanistan Compact was launched at the International Conference on Afghanistan in London on 31 January/1 February and was endorsed by the United Nations Security Council in Resolution 1659 (2006) on 15 February. The Compact will guide the joint efforts of the Afghan Government and the international community in meeting outstanding challenges across three pillars of activity: security; governance; rule of law and human rights, and economic and social development. Counter-narcotics was identified as a cross-cutting priority in the Compact. The Compact notes that Afghanistan's transition to peace and stability is not yet assured and that strong international engagement will be required to address remaining challenges.
I am pleased that Ireland was in a position to pledge €5 million at the launch of the Compact. This new pledge, which will be expended over the next two years, reflects Ireland's continuing commitment to supporting the reconstruction and reform process underway in Afghanistan. Including this new pledge, Ireland has contributed a total of €22 million to reconstruction and recovery programmes in Afghanistan since January 2002.
There are a number of mechanisms in place to facilitate international monitoring of the situation in Afghanistan. Participating countries in ISAF, which includes a small Irish presence of seven Defence Force personnel, are on the ground to discharge their mandate and to monitor the situation. From an EU perspective, an important role is played by the EU Special Representative for Afghanistan, Mr. Francesc Vendrell, whose Office in Kabul provides regular briefings to Member States on developments in the country. The Deputy to the EUSR is an Irish national. The EUSR's Office, together with the European Commission, actively participates in the Joint Coordination and Monitoring Board, a body established by the Afghan Government and the international community to oversee the implementation of the Afghanistan Compact. UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan provides periodic reports to the UN Security Council on the situation in the country. The Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) for Afghanistan, Mr. Tom Koenigs, and the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), also play an important role in monitoring the situation in Afghanistan.
90 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his Department has paid court-imposed bond for an Irish citizen in 2006; the number of Irish people for whom his Department has paid a court-imposed bond since 1997; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25117/06]
105 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his Department has paid a court-imposed bond for an Irish citizen in 2005; the number of Irish people for whom his Department has paid a court-imposed bond since 1997; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25118/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 90 and 105 together.
As I outlined in my reply of 24 May 2006 to a parliamentary question on this issue, consular assistance is provided by the Department of Foreign Affairs in a wide variety of circumstances, with each situation being assessed on a case-by-case basis, having regard to all the factors involved.
Since 1997, an advancement of the funds by the Department in a court bond context occurred in the case of three Irish citizens in Columbia. In this particular consular case, the court judgment permitted the three citizens to be released from prison on payment of a bond. My Department, at the request of the Defence team, and given the on-going consular concerns about the safety of the persons concerned, advanced the funds to facilitate the payment of this bond on the basis of a firm undertaking to repay the sum involved. The funds were repaid in full. The decision to advance funds was taken by the Department in pursuit of its consular responsibilities, and was neither discussed nor taken at political level.
91 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the level of contact between the Government and the regime in Cuba; if he has communicated his concern at human rights abuses in Cuba to the Ambassador of Cuba to Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25128/06]
The EU's policy on Cuba is as set out in the Common Position agreed on 2 December 1996, during the then Irish Presidency. The General Affairs and External Relations Council reaffirmed the Common Position's validity on 12 June 2006. The Council's Conclusions on Cuba, which were also adopted on 12 June 2006, reiterated that constructive engagement remains the basis of the EU's policy with the ultimate aim being to encourage a process of transition to pluralist democracy in Cuba.
Of particular concern has been the staging since July 2005 of several dozens of acts of violent harassment and intimidation, including "acts of repudiation" whereby activists have been maltreated, expelled from their dwellings and beaten up. There are reports that some acts of repudiation are taking place with the collusion of the police and security forces.
Notwithstanding these disappointing actions, Ireland, with our EU partners, will continue to persevere with our policy of constructive engagement with Cuba, with a view ultimately to seeing the aims of the Common Position achieved. The issue of human rights is raised consistently in all our bilateral contacts with the Ambassador of Cuba.
93 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the circumstances surrounding the transporting of a handcuffed US Marine through Shannon Airport without the necessary permission being obtained by the US from the authorities here; the subsequent discussions he has had with the US Authorities regarding this incident; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25209/06]
114 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the latest contacts he has had with the US Ambassador with regard to the transport of a US Marine through Shannon Airport without the correct notification to the Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25156/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 93 and 114 together.
I would refer the Deputy to my statement in Dáil Éireann of 13 June 2006, where I gave the House a detailed account of the matter to which the Deputies' questions refer, and to my reply to today's priority question on the same matter. On the basis of discussions which my officials and I have had with the US authorities, I have no reason to believe that this was other than an isolated incident which arose from an administrative error. At my meeting with him on 12 June, the US Ambassador conveyed his deep regret for the breach of procedures, and confirmed his authorities' determination that the use of Irish airspace and airports by the US be completely transparent and in conformity with Irish law and the wishes of the Government.
Officials from my Department have met with officials from the US Embassy to discuss this matter subsequently, most recently on 20 June 2006. I am awaiting a written report on the matter from the US Embassy. In addition, to ensure that appropriate steps are taken to prevent any recurrence of this incident, we are engaging in further discussion on all aspects of the issue with the US authorities.
As I have previously emphasised, this incident is quite distinct from the question of extraordinary rendition, and I remain confident of the continuing validity and weight of the clear assurances repeatedly given to us by the US authorities in that context.
94 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the reason the decentralisation of Irish Aid will take place on a phased basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25170/06]
99 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the timescale for the decentralisation of divisions within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25158/06]
104 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress which has been made in the decentralisation of his Department’s overseas aid division, Irish Aid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25211/06]
115 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of staff, working with Irish Aid, volunteering to decentralise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25162/06]
122 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the decentralisation of his Department and it’s overseas aid division, Irish Aid; if he will clarify reported remarks that his Department are pursuing a very strong integrationist agenda and that the decentralisation of Irish Aid will take place on a phased basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24945/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 94, 99, 104, 115 and 122 together.
Under the Government's decentralisation programme, the Development Cooperation Directorate of the Department of Foreign Affairs, which is Irish Aid's Headquarters and currently based in Dublin, will decentralise to Limerick. Already, a total of 37 posts in Irish Aid Headquarters, including that of Director General, are filled by officers who have signalled their intention to decentralise to Limerick. A further fifteen officers are expected to take up duty at headquarters by early September and six officers serving elsewhere in the Department, mostly abroad, have also applied to decentralise to Limerick. The above total of 58 represents some 47% of the posts being transferred to Limerick.
It is expected that the move will take place in mid-2007. With any move of 124 staff, management concerns would dictate that the move be carried out in a manner that will minimise disruption. This may mean that there is some phasing of the move over a relatively short period of time.
Irish Aid's development assistance programme will remain an integral part of the foreign policy of the Government of Ireland. Development co-operation policy is rooted in our foreign policy, in particular its objectives of peace and justice and reflects our long-standing commitment to human rights and fairness in international relations and as such is inseparable from Irish foreign policy as a whole.
95 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position in relation to the continuing struggles for independence of the Sahara Arab people; the assistance Ireland has offered or will offer in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25245/06]
The Government has consistently been a strong supporter of the right to self-determination of the Saharawi people. Ireland played a prominent role in seeking a solution to the Western Sahara dispute during its term on the UN Security Council. The Government has remained closely engaged with the issue, particularly in discussions at EU level and at the United Nations.
Although there has been little progress towards its implementation, the Government continues to believe that the Baker II plan, which was recommended to the parties by the UN Security Council in July 2003, represents the best framework yet presented for a negotiated settlement. The plan envisages a preparatory phase under UN supervision, leading to a referendum to determine the future of the territory. It is clear that a genuine exercise of the right of self-determination must include independence as one possible outcome, but the Government has no views on what the outcome should be. This is a matter for the Saharawi people. The Government strongly supports the continuing role of the UN in working to bring the parties towards an agreement, under the Special Representative of the Secretary General, Mr. Peter Van Walsum.
98 Mr. English asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of signatories to the charter of the International Criminal Court; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25165/06]
The Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court entered into force on 1 July 2002 and to date has been ratified or acceded to by 100 states. An additional 43 states have signed the Statute, subject to ratification. The Rome Statute has been ratified by all but one of the EU Member States.
Together with our partners in the European Union, Ireland has been a consistent and strong supporter of the ICC, recognising it as an essential means to combating impunity for the most serious violations of international humanitarian and human rights law. This position has been recognised in the EU Common Position last updated in June 2003.
The 2003 Common Position commits the Union and its Member States to support the effective functioning of the Court, and to advance universal support for it by promoting the widest possible participation in the Rome Statute. In February 2004 a detailed Action Plan on the implementation of the 2003 Common Position was adopted under the auspices of the Irish Presidency of the EU.
Over the past six months the Austrian Presidency, on behalf of the EU, has carried out 19 demarches on the issue of the ICC, raising ratification of the Rome Statute with China, Turkey, Egypt, Morocco, Vietnam and Indonesia, amongst others. In addition to their efforts to promote ratifications, the EU and its Member States have been generous supporters of initiatives to promote the Court in third states, as well as to strengthen the capacity of states to cooperate with the Court. For example, in May of this year, Ireland participated in a two-day conference aimed at promoting ratification of the ICC among members of the Commonwealth of Independent States (an association comprising Russia and 11 other republics that were formerly part of the Soviet Union). The conference, held in Salzburg, Austria, was attended by representatives from the Russian Federation, Belarus, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Moldova, Armenia, and Kyrgyzstan, all of which have yet to ratify the Rome Statute.
100 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the case of a person (details supplied); his views on the incarceration of this person; and if he will ask the United States authorities to release them. [25198/06]
I am aware that Leonard Peltier is a US citizen who was convicted in 1977 of the murders of two FBI Agents and was sentenced to two consecutive terms of life imprisonment. I also understand that a campaign has been mounted over the years seeking to overturn this conviction. I do not propose to make representations on this case.
106 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the efforts being undertaken to support legislative proposals in the United States which would benefit the undocumented Irish; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25166/06]
The Government attaches the highest priority to the welfare of the undocumented Irish in the United States. We emphasise our strong support for measures that would enable the undocumented to regularise their status and have open to them a path to permanent residency in all of our dealings with contacts in the US Administration and Legislature.
The Taoiseach and I raised this issue with President Bush when we met with him on St. Patrick's Day. The President helpfully assured us of his support for a comprehensive approach to immigration which advances reforms, as well as addresses enforcement issues. This is an approach which he has endorsed strongly on a number of occasions since then.
In view of the prominence of immigration reform on the legislative agenda in the US, I returned to Washington D.C. on 23rd and 24th May to reiterate to key legislators the importance which the Government attaches to the welfare of the undocumented Irish.
I also availed of the opportunity of that visit to meet again with the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform (ILIR), an organisation which is proving most effective in representing the views of many Irish people resident there and which the Government has been happy to support financially. ILIR continue to be active on the ground, including in meetings yesterday in Washington D.C. when they were joined by a number of Members of the Oireachtas.
The positive approach to immigration reform which is favoured by President Bush and legislators including Senator Kennedy and Senator McCain received a significant boost on 25th May with the passage through the US Senate of a comprehensive bill on immigration. The bill, proposed by Senators Hagel and Martinez, contains provisions that would provide a path to permanent residency for the majority of the undocumented in the US. In this way, it contains many of the key elements of the Kennedy/McCain bill. It is strongly supported by ILIR and I also warmly welcomed its passage through the Senate.
While we are greatly encouraged by the passing of the Senate bill, the reality remains that achieving further progress on this sensitive and divisive issue will present a very considerable challenge. However, the Deputy can be fully assured that our efforts on behalf of the undocumented Irish will continue to be prioritised in every way possible in the critical period ahead.
107 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the new embassies it is proposed to open during the lifetime of this Government. [25250/06]
153 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if it is planned to open further new embassies; the places where it is planned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25467/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 107 and 153 together.
Ireland has a small diplomatic service and any expansion of its network of resident Missions abroad must be approached on a phased basis, having regard to clear priorities. While there are no plans at present to establish new Embassies, the question of opening further resident Missions abroad is considered by the Government on an ongoing basis.
108 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the issue of supply and sale of arms by European Union Members to conflict zones in Africa has been discussed at the General Council of Foreign Ministers; if the volume of such trade is as estimated; and the conclusions which have been arrived at. [25246/06]
There has been no recent discussion on the sales of arms to Africa at the General Affairs and External Relations Council but the European Council, at its meeting on 15-16 December 2005, adopted an EU Strategy to combat the illicit accumulation and trafficking of small arms and light weapons and their ammunition. While this Strategy has a global geographic scope, it identifies Africa as the continent most affected by the impact of internal conflicts aggravated by the destabilising influx of small arms and light weapons.
There have been various estimates by a number of organisations as to the volume of exports of arms to Africa but there is broad agreement as to its impact. The EU Strategy, for example, notes that besides the humanitarian effects, the consequences of the abundance of small arms and ammunition in terms of development are well documented viz the weakening of State structures, displacement of persons, collapse of health and education services, the spread of pandemics, damage to the social fabric and, in the long term, the reduction or withholding of development aid. It is acknowledged that this trend mainly affects sub-Saharan Africa and is a key factor in limiting development.
At present, the export of all arms from EU countries must conform to the EU Code of Conduct on Arms Exports. Ireland was actively involved in the establishment of this politically binding code, which lists the factors to be taken into account when deciding whether to allow an export of military goods. These include respect for human rights, the internal situation in the country of final destination and the preservation of regional peace, security and stability. Discussions are ongoing in the EU on the possible reinforcement of the Code of Conduct.
The promotion and support of international efforts to secure appropriate safeguards on the sale and transfer of armaments is a key priority of Irish foreign policy. There are too many examples of conflicts which are fuelled by the proliferation of conventional weapons. This is especially an issue of concern in Africa, where the proliferation in particular of small arms and light weapons continues to bring much suffering to societies throughout that continent.
109 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has had meetings with authorities in Northern Ireland and political parties regarding the security situation surrounding the 2006 marching season; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25264/06]
In recent months the Government has had discussions with various parties to the Parades issue, including the leadership of the Loyal Orders, the political parties, residents groups and the relevant British authorities. Our meetings have focused in particular on the small number of areas where there are continuing tensions, including West Belfast, Ardoyne, Short Strand, Dunloy and Portadown. Issues in relation to the appropriate policing of parades have also been discussed through the British-Irish Secretariat in Belfast.
It has been the position of successive Governments that the best solution for disputed parades in Northern Ireland is through dialogue and agreement at local level. In circumstances where agreement cannot be reached all sides should respect the decisions of the Parades Commission. The responsible manner in which the nationalist residents of the Springfield Road responded to the parade on Saturday 24 June was encouraging in this regard.
While we remain confident that the Parades issue is capable of effective resolution, the summer period is inevitably associated with heightened sectarian tension, as events in 2005 in North Antrim and in West Belfast underlined. There is an ongoing need therefore for political leadership from all political parties in Northern Ireland to ensure that the pattern of deteriorating community relations over the summer months is broken. At recent meetings with the parties, including the DUP, the Government has taken the opportunity to emphasise the need for such leadership.
110 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his view on the latest proposals from the British Government for community restorative justice schemes in Northern Ireland; if he has viewed the latest NIO proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25266/06]
The Criminal Justice Review, established pursuant to the Good Friday Agreement, considered the question of community restorative justice schemes in the context of strengthening support for the criminal justice system. It concluded that, in certain circumstances, such schemes had a useful role to play, but emphasised the need to operate within certain well-defined criteria. As part of the implementation of the Review, the British Government undertook to prepare guidelines for the operation of restorative justice schemes, and these were published as a consultative document last December.
In the context of ongoing discussions, we have had an opportunity to discuss this issue with the political parties and with the British Government, as well as with other interests. We are aware of the concerns expressed by various stakeholders, and will wish to ensure that any decisions in this area are consistent with the commitment to a widely-supported policing service. In considering proposals for change, the Government has emphasised its view that any programme should adhere to best international practice, must be human-rights compliant and have acceptable arrangements with regard to the handling of complaints. We have above all emphasised the need to operate in a manner which underpins the new dispensation in policing, and which contributes to the full implementation of the Patten recommendations. Indeed it seems clear that progress on policing is inevitably closely linked with the scope for the development of community restorative justice and related programmes. We will remain in close touch with the political parties and the British Government on this matter.
111 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the reason the Government has rejected the advice of the Irish Commissioner for Human Rights in relation to the ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Protection of all Migrant Workers and their Families. [25255/06]
As indicated to the House, most recently on 24 May 2006, the case for ratification of this Convention has been examined by my Department in conjunction with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, which has lead responsibility on the issue. Both Departments are aware of the advice referred to by the Deputy.
However, as previously indicated, the rights of migrant workers and their families are already protected under existing national legislation and under the Irish Constitution, as well as under EU law. In addition, the rights of migrant workers and their families are also addressed by Ireland's commitments under international human rights instruments to which the State is already a party. These international instruments include, for example, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.
The Convention referred to in the Deputy's question was adopted by the UN General Assembly in December 1990, and it entered into force on 1 July 2003, following ratification by the requisite number of States (20). The Convention has been open for signature and ratification since December 1990. However, to date only 34 States have ratified it. No European Union Member State has as yet signed or ratified the Convention, nor has any indicated an intention to do so.
The position essentially is that, in order for Ireland to ratify the Convention, significant changes would have to be made across a wide range of existing legislation, including legislation addressing employment, social welfare provision, education, taxation and electoral law. These changes would also have implications for our EU commitments. The operation of the Common Travel Area between Ireland and the UK might also possibly be affected.
As with all outstanding ratifications of international human rights instruments, the position regarding the International Convention on the Rights of All Migrant Workers and their Families is kept under review.
112 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position pertaining to the ongoing incarceration of a person (details supplied); and the Government’s views on this ongoing situation. [25270/06]
151 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to a case where a person (details supplied) has been detained without charge and without disclosure of evidence which would back up its alleged security reasons for their detention; if he has raised this practice of administrative detention with the Israeli authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25385/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 112 and 151 together.
I refer the Deputy to my replies of 30 May and 14 June 2006 to Questions on this matter.
I remain concerned about this case, which has been raised with the Israeli authorities by our Embassy in Tel Aviv. The Embassy is continuing to monitor the situation closely, in cooperation with the Embassies of other EU Member States.
The person concerned was arrested on 23 May 2005, and on 16 June 2005 the Israeli authorities ordered his administrative detention for six months. This order was renewed for a further six months in November, but reduced to four months on review in December 2005. On 20 March 2006, the detention was renewed until 20 July. An appeal against the renewal was turned down on 10 May.
The Government, and our EU partners, have serious concerns about the practice of administrative detention in Israel and the Occupied Territories. We are working to ensure that they are addressed in the EU's continuing political dialogue with Israel. Most recently, our concerns about administrative detention were raised at the meeting of the EU-Israel Association Council which took place in Luxembourg on 13 June. In direct contacts with Israel, and in cooperation with its EU partners, the Government continues to raise its concerns about the human rights implications of Israeli security policies and the need to ensure full compliance with international law.
116 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position of the three year plan presented by former chairman of the World Bank (details supplied) for the revitalisation of Gaza. [25261/06]
The Government and our EU partners strongly supported the work of James Wolfensohn during his tenure as Quartet Special Envoy with responsibility for the Israeli disengagement from Gaza. Mr. Wolfensohn stood down from the position on 30 April this year. The Secretary-General of the UN expressed his deep appreciation for Mr Wolfensohn's efforts, a sentiment echoed by the Quartet, which also noted his central role in the conclusion of the Agreement on Movement and Access and the development of an agenda for Palestinian economic recovery.
In advance of the Israeli withdrawal from Gaza in 2005, Mr Wolfensohn put forward a package of security and economic measures with the objective of developing the economy of the area and the prospects for its people. Key to his recommendations were provisions to ensure freedom of movement of both people and goods between Gaza and the outside world including, crucially, between Gaza and the West Bank. One outcome of this package was the transfer of Israeli-run greenhouses to the ownership of Palestinian co-operatives, a measure which was partly financed by Mr Wolfensohn personally. Another outcome was the Agreement on Movement and Access brokered between Israel, the Palestinian Authority (PA) and Egypt in November 2005 which was to ensure the freedom of movement for people and goods, which had been identified as essential to the future economic development of Gaza.
Subsequent developments have not been encouraging and little progress has been made on implementation of either the original recommendations made by Mr. Wolfensohn or the commitments entered into by Israel and the PA in the Agreement on Movement and Access. The Government, together with our partners in the EU, has consistently encouraged the parties to resume work towards such implementation and we will continue to do so.
117 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has made contact with Prime Minister, Milo Djukanovic, following Montenegro’s recent vote for independence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20712/06]
While the Government has in the past had contact with Prime Minister Djukanovic, most notably during the visit which my predecessor Minister Cowen made to the region in May 2003, I have not myself been in direct contact with him.
At its meeting on 20 June 2006 the Government, in line with the common EU position as agreed at the General Affairs and External Relations Council on 12 June, decided to recognise Montenegro as an independent State, and to establish diplomatic relations. Following that decision, I have written to the Foreign Minister of Montenegro, Mr Miodrag Vlahovic, informing him of the Government decision and congratulating him on the peaceful and democratic way in which the people of Montenegro made their decision, and on the achievement of their independence.
120 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if Ireland will ratify and implement the United Nations Convention Against Corruption; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25119/06]
121 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when Ireland will ratify the United Nations Convention against Corruption. [25240/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 120 and 121 together. I refer the Deputies to my answer to a similar Question on 24th May of this year. As indicated on that occasion, the Convention was opened for signature on 9 December 2003 and was signed by Ireland on that date. It entered into force on 14 December, 2005.
My colleague, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, who has lead responsibility in this area, has instructed his officials to examine the Convention with a view to identifying the necessary legislation which will be required to allow Ireland to ratify and implement it. This examination involves consultation also with the Attorney General's Office, and is ongoing. The Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform will indicate when their internal procedures have been completed.
123 Mr. O’Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the proposals she has to provide primary school children requiring speech therapy with the same entitlements to supports as children requiring language therapy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25423/06]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
124 Mr. O’Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when she will announce the terms for private investors in regard to public private partnerships to co-locate private hospitals in the grounds of public hospitals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25427/06]
The Health Services Executive has advertised for expressions of interest for the construction and operation of private hospitals on the campuses of 11 publicly funded hospitals. Interested parties have been invited to express an interest for one or more projects and required to complete and submit a pre-qualification questionnaire before the end of June 2006.
Proposals to build and operate private hospitals on the sites of publicly funded hospitals will be subject to a thorough evaluation by the HSE which will have regard to a detailed assessment of need, and existing and planned capacity on a particular site and within the relevant region. It will also provide for a rigorous value for money assessment of any proposal and will take account of the value of the public site and the cost of any tax expenditure. Any transaction will be on a commercial basis and will fully protect the public interest. In addition, there will be full adherence to public procurement law and best practice.
Persons who invest in such private hospitals may be able to avail of the capital allowance scheme for investment in private hospitals if they meet the terms of the existing legislation on capital allowances.
125 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will investigate the high occurrence of cancers in a small community (details supplied) in Dublin 6; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25339/06]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal, social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to respond directly to the Deputy in relation to the matter raised.
126 Mr. Perry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will intervene with the rehabilitation unit in St. Michael’s Hospital, Dún Laoghaire on behalf of a person (details supplied) in County Sligo and have them admitted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25369/06]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
127 Ms Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on the findings of the National Review of Sexual Assault Treatment Units; the level of funding which has been allocated to each of the four existing SATUs; the measures which are being put in place to prevent the threatened closure of three of the existing four units (details supplied); if measures are being taken to ensure that treatment can be available whether or not the rape has been reported; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25373/06]
The Deputy may wish to note that all existing Sexual Assault Treatment Units are funded by the HSE. Most are funded through the hospital in which they are based. My Department does not directly fund or co-ordinate health and personal social services to victims of abuse. Monies are made available each year, formerly through the health boards, and now through the Health Services Executive, for the provision of services to women victims of violence. In recent years there has been a substantial increase in funding so that now over €12 million is provided annually for the provision of such services. The distribution of this funding is now a matter for the Health Services Executive. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
128 Mr. English asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the positions that remain unfilled within the Health Service Executive in County Meath; the length of time each position has been unfilled; the positions that will be filled by the Health Service Executive; the positions which have been advertised; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25374/06]
Employment information collected by my Department refers to numbers employed rather than to vacancies. As the information requested by the Deputy relates to human resource management issues which are matters for the Health Service Executive, the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive has been asked to respond directly to the Deputy in regard to the information sought.
129 Mr. P. Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if subvention will be increased for a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25394/06]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, the Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
130 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if the case of a person (details supplied) is an acceptable level of care from a private hospital. [25395/06]
The issues outlined in the details supplied relate to a private patient in a private hospital. Such services are provided on the basis of a contract between the patient and the hospital.
I have no function in relation to the day to day running of private hospitals. It is open to the person referred to by the Deputy to make their complaint directly to the management of the private hospital.
131 Mr. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when the repayment of the unlawfully deducted charges in nursing homes will commence; and the length of time it will take to complete the process; and her views on making a further interim payment in view of the delay and the advanced age of many of the recipients. [25396/06]
The Health (Repayment Scheme) Act 2006 was signed by the President on 23 June 2006. This Act provides a clear legal framework for a scheme to repay recoverable health charges for publicly funded long term care.
The Health Service Executive (HSE) have announced the appointment of a preferred service provider, a consortium comprising of KPMG accountancy group and McCann Fitzgerald solicitors, to administer this repayment scheme. The consortium has already commenced its preparatory work and intends to launch the scheme publicly in mid-July. The HSE has indicated that the consortium will, within four weeks of appointment, begin to issue application forms and begin notifying approximately 7,600 living patients of the amount of repayment due to them. The HSE has indicated that the details of these repayments have been prepared in advance of the appointment of the company. On submission of an application and receipt of notification of the calculated amount of repayment due, the applicant will have a period of 28 days in which to appeal or reject the calculated amount of repayment due prior to the issuing of money by the HSE.
Repayments will be made as soon as possible, with priority given to living persons, and provision has been made for repayments to continue up to 2008. It is anticipated that all repayments will have been completed within this period, however if required the cut off date for receipt of applications can be extended.
132 Mr. Gogarty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number and percentage of identified drug addicts living in the Clondalkin, Lucan, Palmerstown, Rathcoole, Newcastle, Saggart and Brittas areas who are actively trying to deal with their addiction but are not on a recognised drug treatment course or on a methadone maintenance programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25458/06]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
133 Mr. Gogarty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason a quota system exists with general practitioners whereby methadone can only be prescribed for a limited number of drug addicts; the length of time this system has been in operation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25459/06]
The Methadone Treatment Protocol governs the prescription and supply of methadone to people who are opiate dependent and has been in operation since 1998. There is a cap on the number of patients who may be treated by Level 1 and Level 2 general practitioners, who have received specialist training in the treatment of patients who are opiate dependent. A Level 1 GP can treat up to a maximum of 15 patients. A level 2 GP can treat up to a maximum of 35 patients or a maximum of 50 in a partnership with 2 or more doctors in their own practice. The cap on numbers is to ensure patient safety and quality of service.
The 2002 Review of the Methadone Treatment Protocol recommended that in certain exceptional circumstances these numbers may be increased. Any increases in numbers would only take place with the approval of The Irish College of General Practitioners/Health Service Executive Review Group following an application from the GP/practice concerned.
134 Mr. Gogarty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the problem whereby some drug addicts who are unable to get methadone via their general practitioners and are unable to get onto a drug treatment programme have to get their supplies via the black market; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25460/06]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
135 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will investigate the alleged comments of the founder of an organisation (details supplied); if she will ensure that these statements are challenged and not given support by, for example, funding either directly or indirectly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25509/06]
A range of family planning and crisis pregnancy counselling services, including the one referred to by the Deputy, are in receipt of public funding in order to increase access for the public to such services. These organisations operate in the Irish legal environment and as such, the manner in which they provide them must be in accordance with the governing statutory framework and the service arrangements made between the parties.
I understand that the person to whom the Deputy refers died approximately 40 years ago; and therefore, the comments attributed to her are not, in my view, relevant to the service arrangements in place for providing family planning and crisis pregnancy counselling services.
136 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Finance the position in relation to a building (details supplied) in Dublin 15 acquired by his Department some years ago; his proposals to use this building; if there are proposals to convert the building into a driver testing centre; the cost to date of the acquisition, maintenance and upkeep of this building; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25368/06]
The building referred to has been allocated to the Department of Transport for use as a Driving Test Centre. Preparations are under way for the submission of a planning application to the Local Authority.
The building was purchased in 2002 for €1.5m, including VAT. Minimal works have been carried out since then to ensure the maintenance and security of the building while it is unoccupied.
137 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Finance if he will introduce a scheme (details supplied) in an effort to boost the number of home computer users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25420/06]
I have no plans to introduce a scheme along the lines suggested by the Deputy.
Taxation policy over recent Budgets has been aimed at reducing the tax burden thereby increasing disposable income for citizens to spend as they see fit.
As prices continue to fall, many people will buy computers anyway without the existence of tax relief. In real terms, the prices of personal computers have reduced substantially in recent years while their power and functionality has increased. In 1994 a personal computer cost in the region of €2,540 (£2,000) and amounted to about 20% of the net annual income of a single person on average earnings. Today, a home personal computer with good functionality may be purchased for about €700 which is under 3% of net average earnings. Inevitably, therefore, there would be likely to be a sizeable deadweight cost associated with any such initiative.
I understand that the Home Computing Initiative referred to by the Deputy was discontinued by the UK Government in the 2006 Budget because it was not effective at targeting those with poorest access to technology such as those not in employment and the elderly.
138 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Finance his views on the legislative and other restrictions on the growth and development of the credit union movement should be removed and in particular his views on whether the restriction on the amounts that can be lent over five years and ten years are severely limiting the operations of credit unions; and if he will introduce the necessary changes as a matter of urgency. [25426/06]
140 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Finance his proposals to make a Ministerial Order under Section 35 of the Credit Union Act 1997 along the lines sought by the League of Credit Unions (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25508/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 138 and 140 together.
Under Section 35 of the Credit Union Act, 1997 loan terms over 5 and 10 years are limited to 20% and 10% respectively of each credit union's loan portfolio overall. These limits may be changed by Ministerial Order under the Act. The Irish League of Credit Unions (ILCU) has highlighted the current restrictions on longer-term lending as an important concern for the credit union movement and is advocating an increase in the lending limits. The Registrar of Credit Unions who is responsible for the regulation of credit unions under the Act does not favour a change in the lending limits at this time. In view of the divergence of views, I have referred this matter to the Credit Union advisory Committee (CUAC), the statutory advisory body on credit union matters under the Credit Union Act, requesting the Committee's advice on whether a review of the current limits on longer-term lending should be carried out. The recommendation of the advisory Committee is expected shortly.
139 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Finance if there is special exemption from stamp duty for persons (details supplied) in County Cork who originally purchased their local authority house and are now selling same and purchasing another house similar in size and value. [25466/06]
From the information provided, it is not clear whether the person is purchasing their new dwelling from the local authority or has entered into any arrangement with the local authority to be provided with an alternative dwelling.
In the event that such situations or arrangements do exist, it is possible that the terms of Section 8 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1992 — No. 18 of 1992 may be applicable in this case and may result in an exemption from Stamp Duty being granted. Section 8 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1992 — No. 18 of 1992 states:
Stamp Duty shall not be chargeable on any instrument giving effect to the conveyance, transfer or lease of a house, building or land by or to a housing authority in connection with any of their functions under the Housing Acts 1966 to 1992.
In the event that the conditions referred to above do not apply in this case, it would appear, from the information provided, that the person may be purchasing a second-hand house and as such would be liable for Stamp Duty at the rate of 3% of the total value of €190,000.00 (i.e. €5,700.00) and it would not appear that any exemption from Stamp Duty would be applicable.
141 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when funding can or will be offered by his Department or through the Dormant Accounts Fund to an organisation (details supplied) in County Kildare for the provision of modern computer equipment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25332/06]
Up to €1 million funding for ICT initiatives, is being made available from the Dormant Accounts Fund in 2006 to support projects helping disadvantaged young people to adapt to information technology.
In this regard, a public call for applications was made on June 7 2006 and the closing date for receipt of completed applications is 5 p.m. on Monday July 31 2006. Pobal (formerly Area Development Management Ltd.) will receive and carry out the initial assessment of applications on behalf of the Department of Community Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs and the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Application Forms and Guidelines are available from Pobal, or are available to download from the Pobal website at www.pobal.ie.
142 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when decisions will be made in regard to the applications for foreshore licences in relation to waste water treatment schemes at locations in County Waterford (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25342/06]
In the case of the application relating to Dunmore East, observations have been received from the Department's expert advisers, and the applicant has been given sanction to proceed to the public notice stage of the process. This will give interested parties an opportunity to give their observations on the proposal to the Department.
Expert reports are awaited in respect of the Ardmore and Stradbally applications and I have instructed the Department to expedite consideration of the issues involved.
143 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the projected cost of construction of the six new MANs announced in June 2006; the persons to whom the principal contract has been awarded;the estimated number of customers that each MANs will reach; when each of the MANs will become operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25417/06]
The networks announced in June 2006 will be built in Castleblayney, Clones, Cootehill, Bailieborough and Ardee and consist of high-speed fibre and wireless masts in the towns. They are to cost an estimated €8.7 million. 90% of the cost of the project is co-funded by my Department and the EU under the National Development Plan 2000-2006. Monaghan, Louth and Cavan County Councils will fund the remaining 10% of €870,000. Monaghan County Council have appointed the works contractor Clarkes and the project managers MDM (McMahon Design and Management). Construction is due to start in July 2006 and will be concluded in summer 2007. Once complete the networks will be handed over to a Management Services Entity whose role will be to manage and operate the networks.
When designing the networks, the local authorities, in cooperation with the IDA, Enterprise Ireland and other relevant development agencies, were required to take account of existing and proposed business parks and areas zoned for industrial development. The route of each MAN incorporates all these elements where economically and technically feasible. The proposals were then evaluated by the technical advisers engaged by my Department, on the Regional Broadband Programme to ensure that the best possible solution was put in place.
These networks are offering these towns opportunities to attract inward investment in advanced technology and knowledge-based enterprises.
144 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the cost of construction of all MANs erected here to date; the person who was the main contractor for the construction of each individual MANs; the turnover for each MANs for the latest accounting period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25418/06]
Please see the following table. Details of turnover on the MANs for the last accounting period are commercially sensitive information and a matter for e-net the Management Services Entity.
|
Local Authority Project |
Project Total To Date (Note 1) |
Project Managers |
Works Contractor |
|
€ |
|||
|
Gweedore |
474,033.18 |
Waterland Technologies |
Bunbeg Constructions Ltd. |
|
Mayo |
4,435,110.06 |
EAP Consulting Ltd. |
Morricom Ireland Ltd. |
|
SERA |
16,231,685.64 |
Waterland Technologies |
Lot A Merrot — Carlow, Kilkenny & WexfordLot B — KN Network Services Ltd. Waterford, Clonmel and Dungarvan |
|
Leitrim |
2,870,799.82 |
J. O’Halloran & Associates |
Gerry McCloskey (Irl.) Ltd. |
|
Donegal |
3,414,768.09 |
MDM (McMahon Design and Management Ltd.) |
P. Clarke and Sons Ltd |
|
Galway |
8,911,164.46 |
EAP Consulting Ltd. |
Ward and Burke, then replaced by P. Clarke and Sons |
|
Midlands |
11,499,257.67 |
MDM (McMahon Design and Management Ltd.) |
P. Clarke and Sons Ltd. |
|
Limerick |
6,705,184.26 |
EAP Consulting Ltd. |
Gerry McCloskey (Irl.) Ltd. |
|
Cork |
12,676,810.80 |
Waterland Technologies |
Morricom Ireland Ltd. |
|
North East |
10,300,640.79 |
MDM (McMahon Design and Management Ltd.) |
P. Clarke and Sons Ltd. |
|
Sligo |
3,418,188.05 |
EAP Consulting Ltd. |
Morricom Ireland Ltd. |
Note 1: The figure excludes some final invoices from Sligo and the North East and retentions held for 12 months (due to be paid in 3rd quarter 2006).
145 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his views on whether the compliance issues relating to the existing licensed areas within Ardgroom Harbour have been resolved; his further views on whether the application by a person (details supplied) for an aquaculture licence lodged in 2004 will be considered; and the steps he will take to ensure the determination of this application without further delays. [25428/06]
At present there is substantial non-compliance by existing operators in respect of a range of issues all of which impact on the efficient and effective use of the harbour generally for aquaculture. Pending a satisfactory resolution of the compliance issues it is considered that the site proposed by the applicant will add to the dangers presented to navigation in the harbour. As the Deputy has already been informed, efforts to resolve the overall situation are ongoing.
146 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the proposals he has to provide funding for the dredging of Dungarvan Harbour, County Waterford in the National Development Plan 2007-2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25429/06]
Dungarvan Harbour is owned by Waterford County Council and responsibility for its repair and maintenance rests with the local authority in the first instance. My Department has not, to date, received any proposals from Waterford County Council in relation to the dredging of Dungarvan Harbour. The financial envelope including funding requirements for the Fishery Harbour Measure under the NDP 2007 to 2013 is currently being formulated.
152 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if, in view of humanitarian work carried out by many Irish groups in providing respite visits to nationals from Belarus since Chernobyl, he has plans to establish an embassy in Minsk to cater for the hundreds of visa applications from that country every year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25450/06]
In 2005, a decision was taken that children travelling from Belarus for recuperation visits under the auspices of various Chernobyl groups would require visas to enter Ireland. This requirement was made effective for most groups as from 1 January 2006 and will apply to all groups from 1 January 2007.
Prior to the visa requirement coming into effect, detailed discussions took place between the Visa Office of the Embassy of Ireland in Moscow and representatives of the various groups in order to ensure that travel by the children would not be disrupted. These arrangements are currently working well and I am satisfied that visas for the various children's groups are being processed speedily by the Embassy in Moscow. In the first five months of this year, 1,065 such visas have been issued.
I am not aware of any disruption of visits by children's groups travelling to Ireland arising from the introduction of the visa requirement. Nevertheless, the Embassy in Moscow will review the operation of the current scheme and will discuss it with the representatives of the various groups involved later this year.
Ireland has a small diplomatic service and any expansion of its network of resident Missions abroad must be approached on a phased basis, having regard to clear priorities. I am satisfied that our existing diplomatic arrangements in Belarus, namely accreditation on a non-resident basis by our Ambassador in Moscow, are sufficient to cover our interests and are working well. There are no plans to open a resident Embassy in Minsk.
156 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the applicant countries currently deemed to have the most serious human rights violations in the past five years; the degree to which the international community is dealing with the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25470/06]
The EU currently has three candidate countries, Croatia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Turkey. Accession negations have begun with both Croatia and Turkey. In line with the conclusions of the European Council meeting in Copenhagen in June 1993, in order to be granted candidate country status, applicant states are expected to have made progress towards meeting the necessary political criteria. These political criteria include the requirement that each has achieved a stability of institutions guaranteeing democracy, the rule of law, human rights and respect for, and protection of, minorities.
The European Council at its meetings in June and December 2004 respectively agreed that Croatia and Turkey sufficiently met the Copenhagen criteria to enable the opening of accession negotiations. The December 2005 European Council welcomed the progress made by the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia towards meeting the Copenhagen criteria and, in recognition of this progress decided to grant candidate country status to the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. At the same time the European Council made it clear that further steps — such as the opening of accession negotiations — will have to be considered in the light of, amongst other considerations, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia's compliance with the Copenhagen political criteria.
In recognition of the need to maintain progress in this regard, the Commission monitors the continued efforts in each of the candidate countries towards compliance with the Copenhagen criteria and meeting the obligations of membership by satisfying the economic and political conditions required. Also, in the cases of Croatia and Turkey, the EU will address the progress on human rights as relevant chapters are considered in the course of the accession negotiations.
157 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the EU and UN will accelerate a programme to combat HIV and AIDS in the African countries most severely affected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25471/06]
The European Union, like Ireland, has a particular focus on communicable diseases including HIV/AIDS. The European Union approach is outlined in the 2005 report entitled "A European Programme for Action to Confront HIV/AIDS, Malaria and Tuberculosis through external action". This report provides for accelerated investment and effort both at European Union level and in conjunction with other global partners. Implementation of the report will see greater emphasis on Research and Development in Europe as well as greater financial and technical support for HIV and AIDS in poorer countries.
Since 1996, the European Union, with the support of Member States, has quadrupled its funding to HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria, the three priority diseases identified in the UN Millennium Development Goals. The European Union is now the second largest donor in this area and has provided over two billion euros for the period 2003-2006.
The United Nations accords exceptional priority to combating HIV and AIDS, as reflected in its General Assembly Special Session (UNGASS) on HIV/AIDS in 2001 and at a further such session in 2006. The Taoiseach took a leading role in both of these sessions. The efforts of the United Nations on HIV/AIDS are coordinated by UNAIDS, which has led an accelerated global response to HIV/AIDS. There has been a 28-fold increase in funding for low and middle income countries from €240 million to €6.6 billion in 2005. UNAIDS has recently launched a new global effort to achieve Universal Access to Prevention, Treatment, and Care and Support by 2010. This has major implications for international and national policy, and financial resources. UNAIDS has also made considerable progress in 'mainstreaming' HIV and AIDS in the plans and strategies of the UN development agencies.
Consolidation and coordination of effort is required if a timely response to the HIV pandemic is to be ensured. UNAIDS offers an opportunity for a wide range of organisations and governments to support such consolidation and coordination. It provides leadership to improve support to low and middle-income countries, in Africa and elsewhere, in scaling-up their responses to HIV/AIDS. This involves harmonising multilateral budgets, work plans, country-level responses, identification of needs and technical frameworks.
In conclusion, I would like to reiterate that Ireland, in its own right, and as a full member of both the European Union and the United Nations is fully committed to playing an important role on the issue of HIV/AIDS, as clearly demonstrated by the Taoiseach's leadership in attending the recent United Nations General Assembly Special Session on HIV/AIDS and his pledge to provide annual funding of €100 million to combat HIV/AIDS and other communicable diseases.
161 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which the situation in Darfur is being resolved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25475/06]
165 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the degree to which the situation in the Sudan is being monitored by the international community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25479/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 161 and 165 together.
On 5 May 2006 the Darfur Peace Agreement (DPA), negotiated under the auspices of the African Union with active support from the EU, UN and US, was signed by the Government of Sudan and Minni Minnawi, leader of the Sudan Liberation Army (SLA) faction with the largest number of fighters on the ground. However, the heads of the Justice and Equality (JEM) rebel group and the Abdelwahid El-Nur SLA faction refused to sign. Despite this, on 8 June thirty representatives from these two groupings signed a declaration of commitment to the DPA.
On 13 June one of the first steps in the implementation of the DPA was taken when the Darfur Ceasefire Commission (CFC) was established at the African Union Monitoring Mission in Sudan (AMIS) Force Headquarter in El Fasher. The CFC is responsible under the DPA for the implementation and monitoring of its ceasefire provisions and of other previous ceasefire agreements. Members of the SLA/Abdelwahid and JEM who are bound by previous ceasefire agreements also attended and pledged their support for peace in Darfur.
Since full and rapid implementation of the Darfur Peace Agreement is a precondition for lasting peace and security in Darfur and an end to the suffering of millions of its people, I call on all parties to fulfil their commitments. In particular, I would be glad to see the early convening of the Darfur-Darfur Dialogue and Consultation process. I understand that the African Union is involved in consultations regarding the nomination of a prominent African to chair the process and would urge that this be finalised quickly. It is imperative that the population of Darfur be given the opportunity to engage in a process of reconciliation and to take ownership of the Peace Agreement. It is also essential that the Sudan Government fulfils its commitment to disarm the Janjaweed.
The international community, particularly the EU, has been actively involved in securing a resolution to the crisis in Darfur. The EU Special Representative for Sudan, Pekka Haavisto, participated actively in the negotiations in Abuja which led to the signing of the Darfur Peace Agreement and subsequently tried hard to bring Abdelwahid El-Nur and his faction on board. Ireland fully supports the Conclusions adopted on Sudan by the General Affairs and External Relations Council at its meetings in May and June 2006 and the Declaration adopted by the European Council on 16 June. The matter has, of course, been a priority on the agenda of the African Union (AU) for some time. The UN Security Council has adopted numerous resolutions on the situation in Sudan and a delegation from the Security Council visited Sudan on 6-8 June. They held talks with President Bashir and visited the Darfur region. They also went to South Sudan where they met with the autonomous regional government. Implementation of the January 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement for Southern Sudan is closely followed by the UN Special Representative for Sudan, Mr. Jan Pronk.
On 22 June, a Technical Assessment Mission jointly led by the UN and the African Union (AU) concluded a two-week mission in Sudan. At the request of the UN Security Council, they carried out an evaluation of requirements for transition to a UN mission and reported to the Council on 27 June. The Mission indicated that, while the situation in Darfur remains very fragile, the Darfur Peace Agreement presents an opportunity which must be seized. The Mission recommended that, because of the fragile situation, a substantial UN force should be in place in Darfur by January 2007. A solid military presence in Western Darfur could also address the issue of cross -border incursions from Chad. Since a UN mission cannot be fielded without the consent of the Government of Sudan, the UN Secretary-General will discuss this matter with the President of Sudan at a meeting sponsored by the African Union on 1 July in an effort to overcome current Sudanese objections.
I will travel to Sudan from 2-5 July. I will meet with representatives of the Government of Sudan as well as with representatives of the UN in Sudan. I will also visit the Darfur region and see for myself the situation on the ground in the internally displaced persons camps.
162 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25476/06]
Presidential and parliamentary elections are now scheduled to take place in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) on 30 July 2006. These will be the first multi-party elections in the DRC in over forty years. A total of 33 candidates will contest the presidency while some 260 political parties and over 9,300 candidates will compete for the 500 legislative seats in the new parliament. Over 25 million people out of an estimated potential electorate of 28 million have registered to vote.
Successfully conducted elections are absolutely critical to the consolidation of peace and security in the DRC and in the Great Lakes Region as a whole. The international community, including Ireland and its EU partners, is investing heavily in ensuring that the forthcoming elections are successful, given the major organisational challenge they represent for a country the size of western Europe with extremely poor basic infrastructure and ongoing security problems. The EU and its Member States alone are contributing some €235 million towards the overall cost of the elections which are estimated at well over $300 million. The EU will also deploy a 250-strong electoral observation mission, including two observers from Ireland, to monitor the elections.
Nationally, Ireland is also actively supporting the electoral process in the DRC. The Government has contributed a total of €1.3 million in support of the DRC elections, including a contribution of €800,000 announced by my Department last month in support of the South African Independent Electoral Commission which is assisting in the logistical organisation and oversight of the elections. The Government has also decided to provide five Permanent Defence Force personnel to serve with the EUFOR RDC mission which the EU is deploying, at UN request, to provide support, if required, to the UN MONUC peace-keeping mission during the electoral period. Ireland also provides three members of the PDF who serve with MONUC while the Government has also contributed over €11 million for emergency and recovery activities in the DRC since 2002, almost €5 million of which has been provided to date in 2006.
The DRC will continue to face considerable challenges in the post-election period and it will be important for the international community to remain engaged in support. Particular challenges will be security sector reform and completing the integration of national armed and police forces. The EU is already offering extensive support in this area though the EUSEC and EUPOL ESDP missions. The successful holding of the second Summit of the Great Lakes Conference, now provisionally scheduled for next December in Nairobi, would also help to underpin security in the DRC and throughout the region. A UN Security Council mission visited the DRC earlier this month and raised some of these themes in its discussions with the DRC government and parties.
166 Mr. McHugh asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position of a person who has been employed for a period of one year and is being dismissed on the basis that the person is too highly qualified for the job; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25411/06]
The Unfair Dismissals Acts 1977 to 2001 protect employees from being unfairly dismissed from their jobs by laying down criteria by which dismissals are to be judged unfair and by providing an adjudication system and redress for an employee whose dismissal has been found to be unfair.
To qualify under the Unfair Dismissals Acts, an employee is normally expected to have at least one year's continuous service with the employer. A claim for redress under the Acts may be submitted initially to either of the adjudicative bodies specified in the Acts i.e. a Rights Commissioner or the Employment Appeals Tribunal within 6 months of the date of dismissal. Either party may appeal a determination of the Employment Appeals Tribunal to the Circuit Court. Redress may take the form of either financial compensation, re-instatement or re-engagement, whichever the relevant adjudicative body considers appropriate having regard to all the circumstances.
Alternatively, it is always open to individuals to seek professional legal advice on the remedies available under the common law in relation to dismissal. However, an individual is not entitled to recover both damages at common law for "wrongful dismissal" and redress under the Unfair Dismissals Acts for "unfair dismissal".
An explanatory booklet on the Unfair Dismissals Acts is available on the Department's website at www.entemp.ie or by contacting the Employment Rights Information Unit of the Department at (01) 631 3131 or on Lo-call 1890 201 615.
167 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if all community employment participants who were made redundant as a result of the three year cap have been reinstated to the community employment scheme; if not, when this will be done; the reason it has not been completed to date; if he will proof the further capping and the existing regulations of the CE scheme to ensure that the cap is not breaching equality legislation through institutional ageism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25412/06]
Community Employment is an active market labour programme designed to provide eligible long-term unemployed people and other disadvantaged persons with an opportunity to engage in training and work experience within their communities on a temporary, fixed-term basis. In this way Community Employment helps unemployed people to re-enter the active workforce by breaking their experience of unemployment through a return to work routine and through availing of training to assist them to develop both their technical and personal skills.
In April 2000 the total amount of time that a person could participate on CE in April 2000 was limited to 3 years. This measure was introduced to facilitate the movement of participants through CE, allowing new participants who may not otherwise have such an opportunity, to avail of the programme. FÁS has some flexibility to re-engage up to 20% of departing participants for a further year, based on certain criteria being met and FÁS has fully utilised this flexibility in recent months.
In November 2004 the participation limit was extended to up to 6 years for people of 55 years and over. This was in recognition of the fact that older participants may find it more difficult to progress into employment.
As regards the participation limit and equality legislation, Section 22 of the Equality Act 2004 states that nothing in Parts 1 or 2 of that Act shall render unlawful measures to ensure full equality in practice between employees including measures to safeguard or promote their integration into the working environment.
168 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress to date in the implementation of the Enterprise Strategy Group report of 28 July 2005; the actions which have been implemented completely and those which remain outstanding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25413/06]
Implementation of the Enterprise Strategy Group Report is ongoing. The implementation process is overseen by the Enterprise Advisory Group (EAG), consisting of representatives of the business community under the chairmanship of Michael Buckley with the participation of Secretaries General from relevant Government Departments. The EAG is currently finalising its first progress report, which will be submitted to me shortly.
I am satisfied that good progress is being made on all the recommendations. I look forward to receiving the Group's Report and their comments on progress made.
169 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the restrictions that apply to recipients of supplementary welfare allowance regarding their access to training courses for the purposes of upskilling, retraining or re-education; the basis for these restrictions; if, in the interests of upskilling and retraining the labour force, he will consider abolishing or easing such restrictions where they prevent and are an impediment to, a person wishing to partake in retraining or further education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25436/06]
The supplementary allowance (SWA) scheme is administered on my behalf by the Community Welfare division of the Health Service Executive (HSE). The scheme provides assistance to any persons in the State whose means are insufficient to meet their needs and those of their dependants, subject to qualifying conditions.
I am very conscious of the need to facilitate persons in receipt of social welfare payments to take up training opportunities and to ensure that the social welfare supports are structured to support this objective. A number of measures have been introduced in recent years to remove disincentives to taking up employment and training opportunities and to assist in the transition from welfare to work. These measures include easing of means tests through income disregards and the tapered withdrawal of benefits as earnings increase.
Where a person has an additional income as a result of participation on a training course the means test now provides for a weekly disregard of up to €60 per week with half of additional income between €60 and €90 also disregarded for means assessment purposes. For those participating in approved training courses, any lunch or travel allowances that are paid may also be disregarded. In addition certain training courses now provide a childcare allowance to participants on certain courses. Budget 2006 provided that these childcare allowances are to be treated in the same manner as a lunch or travel allowance and disregarded.
Under legislation a number of categories are specifically excluded from receiving assistance under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance Scheme. People in full-time education are normally excluded from receipt of rent supplement under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme. However, people participating in approved courses under the back-to-education allowance (BTEA) scheme receive a standard weekly rate of payment equivalent to the maximum rate of their previous social welfare payment and may retain any secondary benefits, such as rent supplements, fuel allowance or diet supplements which had been in payment prior to the commencement of their education course. These special provisions are in place to encourage and facilitate people to improve their skills and qualifications and, therefore, their prospects of returning to the active work force.
The BTEA programme was established to encourage and facilitate people on certain social welfare payments to improve their skills and qualifications and, therefore, their prospects of returning to the active work force. The requirement to be in receipt of a relevant social welfare payment for a minimum period has always been a feature of the scheme and is considered necessary to ensure that limited resources are directed at those most in need.
People already in employment are not considered to be in the target group for the scheme. An applicant must be in receipt of a relevant social welfare payment for at least six months, in the case of people wishing to complete a second level course, or twelve months in the case of people wishing to pursue third level qualifications. The twelve month requirement is reduced to nine in the case of people who wish to attend a third level course and who are participating in the National Employment Action Plan.
In the context of the Budget I announced that time spent in receipt of supplementary welfare allowance can count towards the qualifying period for back to education allowance in circumstances where the person establishes an entitlement to a relevant social welfare payment prior to commencing an approved course of study. This new provision will come into effect from September 2006. At present, to qualify for participation in the BTEA scheme an applicant must be, prior to commencing an approved course of study, at least 21 years of age (18 for people with disabilities).
Overall I consider that the current supplementary welfare allowance provisions ensure that people have a financial incentive to take up education or training opportunities. I would also mention that these arrangements are being considered further in the context of a policy review of the supplementary welfare allowance scheme which is due to be completed shortly.
170 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of estate cases for each of the years 2000 to 2005 where the Pensions Office raised overpayments and where the next of kin claimed that the assets re-assessed were accrued partly or in total from savings from the non-contributory pensions of the person. [25495/06]
The number of estates cases for each of the years 2000 to 2005 where the Pension Services Office of my Department raised overpayments is as follows:
|
Year |
No. of cases where overpayments raised |
|
2000 |
508 |
|
2001 |
474 |
|
2002 |
406 |
|
2003 |
388 |
|
2004 |
335 |
|
2005 |
272 |
My Department does not have statistics on the number of the above cases where the next-of-kin of the deceased pensioners stated that the overpayments arose partly or in total from savings accumulated from non-contributory pensions.
171 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason the unemployment benefit of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo was discontinued in view of the fact that they produced evidence that they were looking for work. [25499/06]
The person concerned was in receipt of unemployment assistance up to 20 June 2006 when, following a review of his claim which took account of all the available evidence, the Deciding Officer disallowed the claim on the basis that he was not genuinely seeking employment.
The person appealed against this decision and in accordance with the statutory requirements the relevant departmental papers and comments of my Department were sent to the Social Welfare Appeals Office. The case has been referred to an Appeals Officer for early consideration.
Under Social Welfare Legislation decisions in relation to claims must be made by Deciding Officers and Appeals Officers. These officers are statutorily appointed and I have no role in regard to making such decision.
172 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Transport the level of funding provided for bus corridors in 2006, particularly for those serving Dublin 15 and the Blanchardstown area; the way in which same is spent; the amount and percentage of such funding drawn down in each of the past five years;the number of bus lane kilometres in Fingal; the different QBCs and the number of pinch points for buses on each route; the percentage of each route where a bus lane exists; if he has satisfied himself in relation to the level of QBC provision in Fingal; the legislative measures he proposes to speed up bus priority measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25371/06]
The development of Quality Bus Corridors in the Greater Dublin Area is funded through the Traffic Management Grants Scheme, administered by the Dublin Transportation Office, and implemented by the local authorities of the Greater Dublin Area through the Quality Bus Network Project Office. This year, I have made almost €38m available for QBC development, €26,442,798 of which will be spent in the current year, and €12,067,440 of which is contractually committed into 2007.
In 2006 allocations totalling €6,662,341 have been made to schemes in the Fingal County Council Area. These are:
|
Scheme Name |
2006 Allocations Sanctioned |
|
€ |
|
|
Swords QBC |
227,000 |
|
Blanchardstown QBC — N3 Inbound |
200,000 |
|
Huntstown Bus Gate |
200,000 |
|
Snugborough Road |
2,189,614 |
|
Blanchardstown Road North & South |
3,845,727 |
Of these €6,435,341 are specific to the Blanchardstown Area.
The funding is being spent on the design and implementation of bus priority measures to help facilitate the passage of buses through congested areas and to help improve bus run-times.
There are currently 11 operational QBCs serving Dublin, covering 139km. Of these, three serve Fingal. They are Swords (21.6km), Blanchardstown (16.4km) and Finglas (6km). Local authority boundaries are not a consideration when trying to implement a corridor treatment of bus priority measures. Details of the 11 QBCs, including the percentage of each route where a bus lane exists, are set out in my reply to PQ21968.06, to Deputy Ruairí Quinn, on 7th June, 2006. Details of expenditure on QBCs in the past five years are also set out in that reply.
On the issue of pinch points, as I said in my answer to PQ21968.06, the annual monitoring exercise undertaken by the DTO shows where bus priority infrastructure continues to require an improvement in performance in terms of protecting bus operations from the effects of traffic congestion. The results of these monitoring exercises are used by the DTO to inform the development of the bus priority scheme programme. I am informed by the DTO that a significant portion of the Quality Bus Network Office's 2006 programme addresses urgent needs such as pinch points. The Deputy may care to examine the reports for Winter 2002, 2003 and 2004, which are available on the DTO website at www.dto.ie/web2006/qbcmon.htm.
Under Transport 21, I have committed to doubling the Quality Bus Network by making €600m available to the Traffic Management Grants scheme over the period 2006-2015. The following QBC schemes are proposed in the short-term for Fingal, subject to the usual statutory process and are part of the DTO Steering Committee-approved work programme for the Quality Bus Network Office:
—Swords QBC Enhancements (Swords to City Centre)
—Blanchardstown QBC (Existing) Enhancements to City Centre
—Blanchardstown QBC — N3 Inbound (Meath County Boundary to Scotts Roundabout)
—Blanchardstown QBC — N3 Outbound (from Scotts Roundabout)
—Huntstown Bus Gate
—Snugborough Road
—Blanchardstown Road North & South
—Blanchardstown Town Centre Interchange
—Blakestown Way
—Blanchardstown Village.
I have no proposals for specific legislative measures in respect of bus priority matters.
173 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Transport his plans to provide a driving test centre in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25372/06]
The Department is currently pursuing the option of opening a new Driving Test Centre in Dublin 15. The location of the proposed new Test Centre is the former AIB premises in Blanchardstown which is now owned by the Commissioners of Public Works in Ireland.
174 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Transport if the new Metro system will be running under schools; and if there are safety concerns in relation to same. [25376/06]
Transport 21 includes two Metro lines — Metro North from St. Stephen's Green to the north of Swords, in the vicinity of Lissenhall, to be completed in 2012 and an orbital line, Metro West, linking Tallaght with Ballymun and serving Clondalkin, Liffey Valley and Blanchardstown which is scheduled for completion, on a phased basis, by 2014.
The Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) is currently undertaking extensive public consultation on the route of Metro North. The response to this has been considerable and very positive. A route for Metro North will only be selected when this consultation has been completed.
Metro West, when completed will provide a high quality public transport alternative for the increasing number of people travelling along the corridor between Tallaght and Dublin Airport and provide an alternative public transport option to the M50. The RPA have commenced alignment studies for this project.
As no specific route alignment has yet been fixed for either of the Metro projects, it is not possible to confirm if the route will be under any schools. However, the Metro will be constructed to the highest technical standards, including safety standards.
175 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the amount of funding provided to date by his Department to plan, design or develop quality bus corridors in Galway city; when such facilities will come into operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25387/06]
It is a matter for the Local Authorities in each regional city to prioritise the most suitable routes for QBCs, and to apply to my Department for funding for appropriate QBCs or other bus priority measures.
My Department initially made funding of €350,000 available for bus priority measures in Galway in 2003, and drawdown of funding began in 2004. My Department provided funding of €546,751 for bus priority measures in Galway in 2004. An allocation of €1,300,000 for bus priority measures was made by my Department to Galway City Council in 2005. In 2006, I have made funding of €1,500,000 available to the City Council for work on bus priority in the City.
The first QBC in Galway, 0.8km on the Dublin Road, was substantially completed during 2004 with funding from my Department, and was officially opened in February 2005. A 2km extension of the existing QBC on the Dublin Road, again with funding from my Department, is currently nearing completion. East of the Corrib, my Department is providing a €100,000 contribution towards the design element of the Seamus Quirke Road/Bishop O'Donnell Road in respect of the provision of bus priority on that route.
As regards future bus priority in Galway, my Department is currently funding a strategic bus study, commissioned by Galway City Council, regarding bus operations in Galway. This study will recommend bus priority measures for implementation in future years. The study is expected to be completed in the coming months. Pending the completion of the Galway bus study, it is not possible to state the exact bus priority measures which will be implemented in the city in the future.
176 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the funding allocated by his Department to local authorities in Galway to develop park and ride facilities for the city; the amount allocated for this purpose over the past five years; the number and location of park and ride facilities in the city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25388/06]
Funding is being made available under Transport 21 for bus priority measures and park and ride in the Regional Cities. It is a matter for the local authorities in each regional city to prioritise the most suitable locations for park and ride and to apply to my Department for funding for the capital cost of appropriate park and ride facilities. Any applications received from local authorities will be considered on a first come first served basis and will be evaluated according to their business cases.
I understand that Galway City Council has been examining the options for park and ride in the city and a process is underway there to identify suitable locations and the options for development. My Department has received one application for funding for park and ride in Galway over the last five years. This was for a temporary Christmas park and ride at Ballybrit for a number of weeks during December 2005. A payment of €50,000 towards the cost of this park and ride was made by my Department to Galway City Council in April 2006.
177 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the number, location and destination of origin of, stage-carriage and rural bus services currently provided by Bus Éireann in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25389/06]
178 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the number of city bus services and the routes serviced by Bus Éireann in Galway City; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25390/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 177 and 178 together.
Bus Éireann has informed me that the company operates approximately 285 stage carriage departures in each direction per week to and from Galway city over approximately 14 routes to all the main towns in the county. They also operate a number of rural services on a regular basis as well as seasonal services. The company operates approximately 2,800 city service departures in each direction per week over 11 routes covering the entire city.
Full details are contained in the BusEireann timetable or from the website at www.buseireann.ie.
179 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the funding which was allocated to rural transport schemes in County Galway in each of the past five years; the corresponding number of transport routes operated in this time; the average number of passengers facilitated by these routes; and the safety and standard guidelines set out by his Department in the operation of these transport routes. [25391/06]
The Rural Transport Initiative (RTI) is a pilot scheme, under which funding is made available to thirty-four community-based organisations across the country, two of which are based in County Galway, to address the transport needs of their rural areas through the provision of local transport services.
Pobal administers the RTI on behalf of the Department of Transport and, together with the individual RTI groups, is responsible for all the operational aspects of the initiative, including the services to be provided. However, I have asked Pobal to forward the information requested to the Deputy.
180 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Transport the acreage of sites held by CIE in Dublin; the figures as regards the sizes of Connolly, Heuston and Pearse Stations and Busaras; the number of bus depots in Dublin; and the sizes of same. [25452/06]
The property affairs of CIE are matters for the Board in accordance with the provisions of the Transport Acts 1950 and 1964.
181 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when funding can or will be offered by his Department or through the Dormant Accounts Fund to an organisation (details supplied) in County Kildare for the provision of modern computer equipment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25333/06]
As the Deputy is aware, following Government approval, I announced details on 4th January 2006 concerning the allocation of €24 million for the purpose of supporting programmes and projects tackling economic and social disadvantage. The roll-out of these measures is well under way and applications are being invited for the specific programmes on a phased basis as the operational arrangements are finalised.
With regard to funding for ICT initiatives, up to €1 million is available on the Vote of the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources from dormant accounts in 2006 to support projects helping disadvantaged young people to adapt to information technology. In this regard a public call for applications was made on June 7th 2006 and the closing date for receipt of completed applications is 5pm on Monday July 31st 2006. Application Forms and Guidelines are available from Pobal (www.pobal.ie), which has been engaged for the initial processing of applications.
182 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the amount of money Waterways Ireland receives for the purpose of cleaning the canals; if he is satisfied that the cleaning of the Grand Canal in Dublin takes place on a regular enough basis to justify the payment of this money; if he has received a recent report regarding the cleanliness of this canal; and the action he intends to take to ensure that this canal is cleaned on a regular basis. [25364/06]
I wish to inform the Deputy that the responsibility for day-to-day maintenance of the canal network lies with Waterways Ireland. The Body was allocated €8.3m approximately in 2006 for the purpose of maintaining the canals, including the Royal Canal, Grand Canal, Barrow Navigation, canalised sections of the Shannon Navigation, and the Shannon Erne Waterway. The maintenance works include weed control (cutting and spraying), dredging, grass cutting, hedge cutting, towpath/bank maintenance and litter collection.
Waterways Ireland informs me that the cleaning of the Grand Canal in the Dublin area is carried out on a regular basis having regard to the resources available. Litter removal and grass cutting work along the canal is generally undertaken by Waterways Ireland staff on a continuous rotating 'section by section' basis. While I am not aware of the report that the Deputy refers to, I am satisfied that the Dublin section of the Grand Canal is cleaned as regularly as possible, having regard to current resources.
I must stress however that if people desisted from throwing things into the canal and along the bank it would reduce the cost of maintaining the canal and free up resources for more productive purposes.
183 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the action he will take to ensure that Waterways Ireland co-operate with Dublin City Council in reinstating the antique lamp standard on Huband Bridge, Percy Place, Dublin 4 as soon as possible. [25365/06]
Waterways Ireland has confirmed that it will contact Dublin City Council to examine the options for the reinstatement of the antique lamp standard on Huband Bridge, Percy Place, Dublin 4.
184 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if the community development projects which have operated in disadvantaged areas under recent community support frameworks will be renewed; and when will agencies running these receive a financial envelope in order to frame new multi-annual plans. [25398/06]
The Community Support Frameworks referred to by the Deputy represent the agreements concluded between the Irish Government and the European Commission on how Structural Funds are committed and managed. The Community Support Framework for Ireland 2000-2006 does not include the Community Development Programme which is funded by my Department. The Programme is delivered by 182 locally based projects.
While the current Community Development Programme expires at the end of 2006, I have proposed its continuation under the new National Development Plan for 2007 to 2013. I intend that the new programme will build on the successes of the current programme.
185 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if additional funding will be allocated to Leader companies to meet commitments under village enhancement and other schemes, in view of the fact that much of the Leader related projects depend on matching or a portion of Leader funding; if he will make this necessary funding available; the reason for not making such funding available immediately; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25439/06]
No additional funds have been allocated, as yet, to Leader companies to fund the Leader element of projects such as village enhancement and other schemes in the extended CLÁR areas. Some companies may, however, be in a position to fund such projects from their existing resources. Consideration will be given to allocating further funding to Leader companies as the year progresses.
186 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his plans post Leader; if another Leader related programme will be embarked upon post 2006; the discussions his Department have had with Leader companies regarding continuing the Leader programme past 2006; the discussions his Department have had at EU level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25440/06]
Ireland's Rural Development National Strategy Plan 2007-2013, which is currently with the European Commission, strongly endorses the Leader approach to delivering measures to the wider rural economy. My Department officials have met with the Commission and are awaiting agreement on the Strategy.
Following on from the imminent adoption of the overall National Strategy, a detailed National Rural Development Programme will be formulated and implemented from 2007. Stakeholders, including the Leader companies, were consulted during the preparation of the National Strategy Plan and will be consulted again on the potential content of the more detailed Programme.
In any event, the Deputy should note that the Programme will contain a dedicated chapter or axis devoted to mainstreaming the Leader approach in implementing rural development policy going forward.
187 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the reason for delays in payment of a grant to a group (details supplied) in County Tipperary; when payment will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25441/06]
The Programme of Grants for Locally-Based Community and Voluntary Organisations is funded by my Department and operates throughout the country, supporting the activities of local voluntary and community groups who are addressing disadvantage in their community.
The 2005 Programme made funds available to community and voluntary groups for small scale refurbishment of premises, for the purchase of essential equipment, including I.T. equipment, and for education, training and research. The maximum grant for refurbishment was €40,000; for equipment was €10,000; and for training, education and research was also €10,000.
The group in question made an application under the 2005 Scheme and were approved for funding in the sum of €47,818.38 for Refurbishment and Equipment and in the sum of €6,000 for Education and Training, subject to the group accounting for the previous funding they received in 2003. I am informed that Pobal, who administer the Scheme on behalf of my Department, are in the process of reviewing documentation received from this group and, subject to the satisfactory completion of this process, payment will issue to the group
188 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food further to Parliamentary Question No. 295 of 9 May 2006, if officials from her Department have contacted a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; the outcome of same; if a review of entitlements is underway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25408/06]
Further to Parliamentary Question No. 295 of 9 May 2006 an official of my Department on 10 May 2006 contacted the person named. The person named was informed that no request for a review of his entitlements had been received in my Department. To date, this position remains unchanged. If the person now submits a written application for review to my Department, his case will be examined.
189 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when payment under the REP scheme will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [25409/06]
This application was received in my Department on 23rd May 2006 and is being processed. Once processed, payment will issue within the timeframes agreed for the Scheme.
190 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will make a statement in relation to a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and when her Department will make the transfer. [25410/06]
An application under the Single Payment Scheme was received from the person named on 5 May 2005. Under the EU regulations, an applicant must declare an eligible hectare to accompany each entitlement in order to draw down the full Single Payment. The person named had established 27.76 entitlements, to which a further 18.93 entitlements were added following the acceptance of his Private Contract Clause application. However, the person named only declared 27.89 hectares on his 2005 Single Payment application. Payment, which issued in December 2005, was in respect of 27.89 entitlements. As the 27.76 entitlements established by the person named were of a greater value than those added by Private Contract Clause, his payment was based on these 27.76 entitlements plus 0.13 of his Private Contract Clause entitlements. The person named should be aware that any payment entitlements which have not been used for a period of three years shall be allocated to the National Reserve.
191 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the proposals she has to provide grant aid for honey production, in view of the fact that substantial amounts of honey are being imported from outside the EU into Ireland and that other EU Member States provide such grant aid; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25424/06]
Last year 1,775 tonnes of honey was imported into Ireland, compared to an estimated 250 tonnes produced by Irish beekeepers. The scheme for capital investment in the commercial horticulture sector, which is operated by my Department and funded under the National Development Plan, is intended to assist in the development of the horticulture sector, including beekeeping, by grant aiding capital investments in specialised plant and equipment.
A minimum investment of €2,000 in the case of beekeeping was required in order to be considered for grant aid and two beekeepers have been approved for grant aid under the current round of the scheme.
192 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the State assistance which has been provided for beekeepers who suffered major set backs since the arrival of the Varroa mite here in 1998; the proposals she has in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25425/06]
When Varroa was first identified in Ireland in 1998, infected stocks and those in surrounding areas were destroyed in an effort to contain and eradicate the disease. In 1998 and 1999 a total of €30,000 was paid in compensation to affected beekeepers by my Department. However, Varroa has become widespread throughout the country since then and a policy of continuous monitoring, control and treatment is now recommended to beekeepers.
It has been decided that the best approach to funding the control of this disease is through ongoing research aimed at devising an integrated management strategy involving the use of chemical and biotechnical methods and the deployment of Varroa resistant bees. This research project comprises the main element of our national apiculture programme 2005/07, proposed by the Federation of Irish Beekeepers' Associations and is co-funded by the EU under Council Regulation (EC) No 797/2004 of 26 April 2004.
There are no funds currently available to assist beekeepers with the cost of restocking following the loss of bees and equipment to Varroa disease.
193 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if a person (details supplied) in County Mayo has received all the payments they are due for the years 2001, 2002 and 2005, including area based payments, premia and SPS; the number of entitlements this person has; and the value of same. [25505/06]
The Single Payment of each individual farmer consists on the average number of animals on which Livestock Premia and, where appropriate Arable Aid and Dairy Premium, payments were made in the 2000 to 2002 reference years. However, as the person named received no livestock premia during that period, he established no entitlements under the Single Payment Scheme. The person named submitted an application for an allocation of entitlements from the Single Payment Scheme National Reserve under Category B.
Category B caters for farmers who, between 1 January 2000 and 19 October 2003, made an investment in production capacity in a farming sector for which a direct payment under Livestock Premia and/or Arable Aid schemes would have been payable during the reference period 2000-2002. Investments can include purchase or long-term lease of land, purchase of suckler and/or ewe quota or other investments.
A formal letter setting out my Department's decision has issued to the person named and he has been notified that if he is dissatisfied with my Department's decision in relation to the National Reserve he now has the opportunity to appeal this decision to the Independent Payment Appeals Committee. An appeals applicationform is available from any of my Department'soffices or on the Department website at www.agriculture.gov.ie. The person named also submitted an application to the National Reserve under the Hill Farmers Scheme, which caters for farmers with commonage land who were prevented from expanding their sheep production prior to or during the 2000-2002 reference period pending publication of the Commonage Framework Plans in 2002. This application has not yet been fully processed by my Department. A decision will issue to the applicant as soon as processing is completed.
The person named received payments due to him under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme in 2001, 2002 and 2005, but, these payments are do not constitute part of the Single Payment Scheme.
194 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will estimate the value of the black market trade in methadone here. [25461/06]
Due to the clandestine nature of the drugs trade, it is not possible to accurately estimate the value of the illicit drug market in methadone in Ireland. However, I am informed by the Garda authorities that the level of seizures of the drug remains low.
The following table shows details of methadone seizures made by An Garda Síochána for the years 2001 to 2005, inclusive:
|
Year |
Quantity |
Estimated Street Value |
|
€ |
||
|
2001 |
647 tablets 5,677 millilitres |
7,604 |
|
2002 |
252 tablets 6,966 millilitres |
3,913 |
|
2003 |
370 tablets 3,392 millilitres |
4,378 |
|
2004 |
26 tablets |
260 |
|
2005 |
1,758 millilitres |
351 |
195 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if it is intended to remove or reform the visa requirements for Romanian citizens seeking entry to Ireland prior to accession date for that country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25141/06]
196 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if it is intended to remove or reform the visa requirements for Bulgarian citizens seeking entry to Ireland prior to accession date for that country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25142/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 195 and 196 together.
As the Deputy will be aware, on 16 May the EU Enlargement Commissioner, Mr. Ollie Rehn, presented the European Commission's comprehensive monitoring reports to the European Parliament. He announced that the Commission's final recommendation on the dates of accession for Bulgaria and Romania will not be made until this autumn. The Government is currently considering all the issues pertaining to the accession of Bulgaria and Romania to the EU. A decision on the visa requirement for nationals of Bulgaria and Romania will be made in due course.
197 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, in view of the anti-social behaviour referred to in correspondence (details supplied) and the concerns of residents, the Gardaí will object to further special exemption licences at the premises. [25335/06]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that local Garda management is aware of complaints of anti-social behaviour and the concerns of local residents in the vicinity of the licensed premises. The licensed premises, which has a full restaurant and public dancing licence, makes applications on a monthly basis for special exemptions. The premises have been subjected to inspections by Gardaí on five occasions to date in 2006. Gardaí have cautioned the licensee in respect of complaints of anti-social behaviour received from the local residents. He has been advised that an application will be made to restrict any applications for special exemptions to weekly applications to allow him to tackle the issues complained of and for the Gardaí to monitor the situation.
I am further informed that local Garda management will attend court and advise of complaints received and if necessary request residents to attend in the event that the problems continue. Gardaí will continue to monitor the situation and give regular and ongoing attention from both mobile and foot patrols.
198 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 185 of 21 June 2006 the person who sent the report requested by his Department. [25366/06]
I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the information requested by the Deputy is not readily available and is currently being researched. I will contact the Deputy again when the information is to hand.
199 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to an application for a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25367/06]
The person concerned arrived in the State on 14 March, 2003 and applied for asylum. His application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Office of the Refugee Appeals Tribunal. Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999, as amended, he was informed by letter dated 16 February, 2005, that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State; leaving the State before an order is made or consenting to the making of a deportation order, in respect of him.
Representations have been received on behalf of the person concerned. His case file, including all representations submitted, will be considered under Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999, as amended, and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (Prohibition of Refoulement). I expect the files to be passed to me for decision in due course.
200 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the case of persons (details supplied) in County Galway; and if they will be supported. [25377/06]
I would refer the Deputy to the reply I gave to Parliamentary Question No. 325 of 9 May 2006. I assume the Deputy is referring to the person referred to in his previous question. The position is as previously stated. On 28 February, 2006, the person in question consented in writing to the making of a deportation order in respect of her and her children. A decision in this case will issue in due course.
201 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of on-the-spot fines issued for speeding offences in 2005, giving details for each of the different types of speed limits and the total revenue received for these fines. [25419/06]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that statistics are not compiled in such a way as to distinguish between fixed charge notices issued for the various speed limits zones. I am further informed that in 2005 a total of 143,651 fixed charge notices were issues for speeding. Where a speed offence is alleged a fixed charge notice is issued. The recipient may pay the fixed charge of €80 within 28 days of the date of issue of the notice, or a fixed charge of €120 within 29 to 56 days. Where the fixed charge is not paid a prosecution will ensue. On conviction a Court may impose a fine of up to €1,500.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that in 2005 a total amount of €14,283,000 was collected through the Garda Vote for offences committed under the Road Traffic Acts. This covers all offences under the Road Traffic Acts for which fines were collected. It is not possible to state precisely the exact amount collected in speeding fines as the fines collected are not categorised according to the type of offence committed.
I am further informed that a total of €7,526,000 was collected through the Courts Vote for offences committed under the Road Traffic Acts. This is made up of moneys collected for speeding cases prosecuted through the Courts. As the 2005 Accounts are still being audited, these figures are provisional pending completion of the Appropriation Account Audit. All monies received are surrendered to the Exchequer as extra exchequer receipts and are accounted for in the Appropriation Accounts.
202 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the internal Garda review of the witness security programme was completed; and the steps he now proposes by way of external review and by way of providing a statutory basis for the programme. [25430/06]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the recommendations proposed in a review of the Witness Security Programme, which was conducted by an Assistant Commissioner, remain under consideration by senior Garda management. Accordingly, the final product of internal Garda considerations is not yet available. I can assure the Deputy that I will give full consideration to the final recommendations when they are received.
203 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will confirm that the Gardaí allocated to a person’s home (details supplied) have been freed to resume ordinary duties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25444/06]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that for operational reasons it is not the Garda policy to disclose details relating to the security arrangements effected by an Garda Síochána in respect of any person(s), places or events. However, I am further informed that the security arrangements in place in respect of the location referred to by the Deputy are currently under review.
204 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the changes in holiday visa requirements for citizens from Belarus since January 2006; the reason for any changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25445/06]
205 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, in view of the humanitarian work carried out by many Irish groups in providing respite visits to nationals from Belarus since Chernobyl, his attention has been drawn to a restriction placed on the number of adults travelling with groups of young people to Ireland for respite breaks and other medical treatment; if his attention has further been drawn to such limits on the number of adults is putting severe strain on many locally based voluntary groups who arrange such visits; if he will review the situation and undertake a wide consultation with groups to establish their concerns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25446/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 204 and 205 together.
A number of years ago my Department introduced a scheme whereby the requirement to hold a valid visa prior to entering the State was waived for certain persons travelling from Belarus with the Chernobyl Children's Organisation for the purposes of visiting Ireland for a period of rest and/or recuperation. The groups involved were, at the time, limited in number and were well known to my Department. The number of groups seeking such visa exemptions has increased significantly and there are now between 35 and 40 groups.
This practice worked well in the past but we found it necessary to re-evaluate the system for a number of reasons. First, the introduction of the Children Act 2001 has placed extra obligations on all parties involved in the establishment of private foster care arrangements. Some, but not necessarily all, of the arrangements entered into between host families, the Chernobyl groups and the parents of the children involved, fall into the category "private foster care arrangements" as defined by the Department of Health and Children. Indeed, officials of my Department met with officials of the Department of Health and Children on this matter to ensure consistency and agreement on the revised practices. Second, the introduction of Carrier's Liability under Section 2.1 of the Immigration Act 2003 means that visa waiver letters are no longer an acceptable alternative to visa endorsements on passports. Third, there are, unfortunately, indications that in certain cases children have not returned to Belarus on the agreed date.
While my Department may not be directly responsible for the welfare of these children as such, we have an obligation to put into place a system that guarantees, in as much as it is possible, their safety. Were we to continue the practice of issuing visa waiver letters we could be in breach of the relevant legislation.
We now have a dedicated visa office in the Irish Embassy in Moscow which can process these applications and officials of my Department have informed the Chernobyl Groups that such applications will be prioritised by that office. Ultimately our aim is to ensure the safety and welfare of the children who arrive into the care of this State and we are satisfied that the "one person, one visa" system for all is the best way forward in this regard.
I would emphasise that the safety of the children concerned is the primary reason for the introduction of these revised practices. A more serious breach of visa regulations involves a number of adults who sought to accompany children and who did not return to Belarus. This has resulted in tighter controls and checking of such application types. Such persons are circumventing immigration controls by using a vulnerable group to assist with their entry to the State and further have taken advantage of the good nature of their Irish hosts in certain circumstances. Adults who meet the necessary criteria will of course be granted a visa.
The new arrangements were notified well in advance to the groups involved and I have no plans at this time to undertake further consultations or discussions with them.
206 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the decision to deport will be deferred in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25480/06]
I would refer the Deputy to the Reply I gave to his Dáil Question No. 696 of Tuesday 21 March 2006. The position in the State of the persons concerned remains as set out in that Reply.
207 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the full extent of residency here in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25481/06]
Section 15 of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended, provides that applicants for naturalisation, other than spouses of Irish citizens, must have been resident in the State for five years of the nine year period prior to the date of application. Residence in this context means residence for which the applicant had the permission of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform and where such permission was not for the purpose of study or seeking asylum. Generally speaking, reckonable residence is calculated from stamps in applicants' passports and from Departmental and Garda records.
The person in question arrived in the State in June 1998 and applied for asylum. His application was refused in November 1998 and an appeal against this decision was refused in March 1999. He subsequently applied for permission to remain in the State on foot of his marriage to a refugee and this was granted in April 2002.
My Department's records indicate that the person in question had permission to remain in the State continuously between April 2002 and November 2005. He has also been granted permission to remain from June 2006 to May 2007. There is no record that he obtained permission to remain for the period December 2005 to May 2006 and, consequently, this period is not reckonable for naturalisation.
According to my officials calculations, the earliest that the person in question will meet the above mentioned residency requirement is September 2007, provided, of course, he maintains his permission between now and then without any gaps.
208 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if self-catering accommodation in the Dublin area will be offered to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25482/06]
The Reception and Integration Agency received a transfer request from the person mentioned in the question with supporting medical documentation requesting that she be transferred to an accommodation centre in Dublin in order to facilitate her attendance at the Rotunda Hospital. No reference was made in the supporting medical documentation to any medical requirements for the woman concerned to be accommodated in self-catering accommodation.
On the 24th of May, 2006, the Reception and Integration Agency offered the woman concerned a transfer to Newlight House, St Margaret's Road, Dublin 11. This offer of accommodation was refused. On the 2nd June, 2006, the Reception and Integration Agency made a further offer of accommodation at Balseskin Centre, St. Margaret's Road, Finglas, Dublin 11 to the woman. As previously outlined in previous questions to the house, there is a free and frequent bus service for Balseskin residents to the Rotunda Hospital and Dublin City Centre. She elected to decline this offer of accommodation also.
As this woman has been in direct provision for a period of over two years, she can be considered for placement in self-catering accommodation. However, the Reception and Integration has a limited supply of self-catering accommodation in its portfolio and there are currently a number of lone parents with children and families, who have been in direct provision for a period longer than her, awaiting placement at such centres. Accordingly the Reception and Integration Agency will contact her when a suitable vacancy becomes available.
The Reception and Integration Agency has also forwarded the medical documentation submitted in relation to this case to an independent medical referee who will assess whether there is a medical requirement for the woman concerned to be accommodated in self-catering accommodation. The Reception and Integration Agency will contact her when it has received the findings of the medical referee.
209 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if residency to date will suffice in an application for naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 24; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25483/06]
Section 15 of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended, provides that applicants for naturalisation, other than spouses of Irish citizens, must have been resident in the State for five years of the nine year period prior to the date of application. Residence in this context means residence for which the applicant had the permission of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform and where such permission was not for the purpose of study or seeking asylum. Generally speaking, reckonable residence is calculated from stamps in applicants' passports and from Departmental and Garda records.
The person in question arrived in the State in February 1997 and applied for asylum. Her application was refused in June 1998 and an appeal against this decision was refused in April 1999. She subsequently applied for permission to remain in the State on foot of her marriage to a refugee. This application was refused in June 2002. Temporary leave to remain as an exceptional measure was granted to the person concerned in November 2004.
My Department's records indicate that the person in question had permission to remain in the State continuously between November 2004 and November 2005. She has also been granted permission to remain from February 2006 until November 2006. There is no record that she has had permission to remain for the period December 2005 and January 2006 and, consequently, this period is not reckonable for naturalisation.
According to my officials' calculations, the earliest that the person in question will meet the above mentioned residency requirement is January 2010, provided, of course, she maintains her permission to remain in the State between now and then without any gaps.
210 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will grant extended residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25484/06]
The person concerned arrived in the State on 25 May, 2004 and applied for asylum. His application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal. Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999, as amended, he was informed by letter dated 22 June, 2006, that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State; leaving the State before an order is made or consenting to the making of a deportation order. This person's case file, including all representations submitted, will be considered under Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999, as amended, and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (Prohibition of Refoulement). I expect the file to be passed to me for decision in due course.
211 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if leave to remain in the State will be granted in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25485/06]
The person concerned arrived in the State on 20 June, 2000 and applied for asylum. His application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal. Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999, as amended, he was informed by letter dated 15 November, 2001, that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State; leaving the State before an order is made or consenting to the making of a deportation order. Representations have been received on behalf of the person concerned. This person's case file, including all representations submitted, will be considered under Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999, as amended, and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (Prohibition of Refoulement). I expect the file to be passed to me for decision in due course.
212 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a temporary or holiday visa will be offered to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25486/06]
There is no current application on record in respect of the person in question. The person in question is advised to submit a visa application for consideration to her nearest Irish Embassy or Consulate. Should there be no diplomatic representation in her country of origin the application may be submitted to the Visa Office in Dublin. Comprehensive information on making a visa application is available on my Department's website (www.justice.ie).
213 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a green card will issue in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 24; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25487/06]
The person concerned arrived in the State on 28 November, 2001 and applied for asylum. His application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal. Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999, as amended, he was informed by letter dated 23 April, 2003, that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State; leaving the State before an order is made or consenting to the making of a deportation order. Representations have been received on behalf of the person concerned. This person's case file, including all representations submitted, will be considered under Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999, as amended, and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (Prohibition of Refoulement). I expect the file to be passed to me for decision in due course.
214 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Education and Science if the work to refurbish a school (details supplied) in Dublin 7 will include a school hall. [25334/06]
The extension project for the school referred to by the Deputy, consists of eight new classrooms, a special needs room, library, general purpose room and associated stores and toilets.
215 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Education and Science if, in view of her response to Parliamentary Question Nos. 261 and 262 of 25 May 2006 and the information on her Department’s website, of 5 October 2005 (details supplied), she will sanction the 2006 summer work scheme without a local contribution in the relevant school; her views on whether her website makes clear that the cap on local contributions within a five-year period has been in operation since 2004, or 2005 at latest; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25345/06]
As stated in my reply of 25th May, the projects approved for 2006 under the Summer Works Scheme are being treated as year one of the 5 year period for local contribution purposes. Therefore schools that have projects approved under the 2007 Summer Works Scheme will be advised of how this will apply in the case of their own application for that year and the history of their applications.
Each Summer Works Scheme is governed by a separate Circular Letter which is published each year. There is no reference to a cap on local contributions over a rolling five year period in the Circular Letters governing the 2004 and 2005 Schemes. Therefore, I am satisfied that it is clear that it does not relate to those years.
216 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science if a school (details supplied) in County Mayo will be included in Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools on consideration of their review application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25346/06]
218 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science if a school (details supplied) in County Mayo will be included in the Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools on consideration of their review application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25348/06]
220 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science if a primary school (details supplied) in County Mayo will be allowed to retain their rural co-ordinator post 2007; and if this school will be reviewed under DEIS to ensure that they are allocated adequate resources. [25350/06]
221 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will review the loss of disadvantage status post 2007 for a primary school (details supplied) in County Mayo based on revised figures submitted by the school. [25351/06]
222 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will review the loss of disadvantaged status to a cluster of schools (details supplied) in County Mayo in view of the negative effect this decision will have on the schools and the future educational development of their pupils; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25352/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 216, 218 and 220 to 222, inclusive, together.
DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools), the action plan for educational inclusion, provides for a standardised system for identifying levels of disadvantage and a new integrated School Support Programme (SSP). The School Support Programme will bring together, and build upon, a number of existing interventions in schools with a concentrated level of disadvantage. The process of identifying primary and second-level schools for participation in the SSP was managed by the Educational Research Centre (ERC) on behalf of my Department and supported by quality assurance work co-ordinated through the Department's regional offices and the Inspectorate.
As a result of the identification process, 840 schools were invited to participate in the SSP. These comprised 640 primary schools (320 urban/town schools and 320 rural schools) and 200 second-level schools. I am delighted to say that 833 of the schools invited to join the new programme accepted the invitation. Schools that did not qualify for the new programme will keep the extra resources they are getting under existing schemes for the 2006/07 school year and after that they will continue to get support in line with the level of disadvantage among their pupils.
My Department is currently considering the arrangements to be made regarding the clustering of the 320 rural schools under the School Support Programme and other rural schools retaining their entitlements under previous programmes for 2006-07. Schools will be notified of the proposed arrangements in early September.
A review mechanism has been put in place to address the concerns of schools that did not qualify for inclusion in the School Support Programme but regard themselves as having a level of disadvantage which is of a scale sufficient to warrant their inclusion in the programme. The review process will operate under the direction of an independent person, charged with ensuring that all relevant identification processes and procedures were properly followed in the case of schools applying for a review. All the schools to which the Deputy refers have submitted review applications. The review process is currently underway and it is intended that it will be completed by the end of the current school year.
217 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science when capital funding will be available for additional accommodation that is necessary at a primary school (details supplied) in County Mayo in view of the fact that they submitted the application five years ago and enrolment numbers have increased significantly since then; the position of this application; if the school’s long term accommodation needs have been examined; if this school will be approved funding in the school building and modernisation programme 2005 to 2009; and when they can expect to receive approval for same. [25347/06]
The school referred to by the Deputy has made an application for capital funding towards the provision of additional classroom and ancillary accommodation. My officials are nearing completion of an examination of the overall accommodation needs of the school in light of projected enrolments for the coming years and will be in contact with the school authority in this regard. As soon as this is finalised a decision will be made on the appropriate level of accommodation to be provided and the project will be considered in the context of the School Building and Modernisation programme 2006-2010.
219 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to an extension to a secondary school (details supplied) in County Mayo; the stage it is at; when it is expected to progress to the next stage; the action his Department is taking in relation to the health and safety risk at the moment at that school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25349/06]
The building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is at an early stage of architectural planning. My Department is currently awaiting a revised Stage 1/2 submission to address issues raised at the Planning Development Meeting held between officials of my Department, the school and its Design Team on 12 June, 2006. Once the revised stage is received and the issues raised are addressed, my Department will be in a position to allow this project to progress to the next stage of architectural planning (Stage 3 Developed Sketch Scheme). The project will be allowed to progress up to and including Stage 5, the Bill of Quantities. This is the final stage before the invitation of tenders.
A decision on which school building projects will advance to tender and construction will be considered later in the year in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme 2006-2010. My Department has no record of having received an application to fund emergency works under health and safety. However, should such an application be submitted it will be reviewed as soon as possible and the school notified of the outcome.
223 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Education and Science the outcome of the review of the closed school rule; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25353/06]
My Department is reviewing the closed school rule. This will involve consultation with relevant interested parties, having regard to other urgent priorities within the school transport area.
224 Mr. Blaney asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress which has been made regarding the application for an extension to a school (details supplied) in County Donegal since 4 April 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25375/06]
The proposed extension project for the school referred to by the Deputy is at an early stage of architectural planning and is one of the 124 schools that I announced in April of 2005 to progress through the architectural planning process. Following an increase in the long-term projected enrolments at the School, my Department's officials visited the School in question in February of this year and completed revised schedules of suggested future use of the existing along with a schedule of residual accommodation to take account of the increase.
The school authorities were subsequently requested to forward a revised Stage 1 report (site analysis and building options) to reflect the impact of the revised schedules in the design and to also look at the option of a new build. A revised Stage 1 has recently been received in my Department and when this has been examined my Officials will be in further contact with the School Authorities as to the next steps involved in progressing this project.
225 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will confirm that a special home tutor approved in respect of a child (details supplied) in County Cork under the special education scheme can continue work throughout the month of July; and if she will arrange to have payment issued in respect of this tutor on time as the parents are not in a position to meet the payment, which is made after every ten hour teaching period. [25379/06]
I am pleased to advise the Deputy that my Department will write to the family in the coming days confirming sanction of a home tuition grant for a home based education programme during July. An application form for payment of the grant will accompany the letter. It will be a matter for the child's family to complete and return this form when the tuition is completed. The payment claim will be processed as quickly as possible following receipt.
226 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the fact that a secondary school (details supplied) in County Kildare is demanding that parents pay a registration fee in order to secure a school place for their children in the forthcoming year and is withholding items such as book lists until the fee has been paid; if her attention has further been drawn to the fact that the same school is charging a fee for students who have elected to undertake a transition year and those without the capacity to pay this sum are not eligible to enrol in transition year; if such school policies are standard throughout schools funded by her Department; if, there are any instances where parents would be entitled to exemption from such fees; her views on the fact that such policies could be seen as infringing on the ability of children to access free secondary school education; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25380/06]
It is a fundamental principle of the free post-primary education scheme that no charge is made in respect of: instruction in any subject of my Department's programme for secondary schools; recreation or study facilities where all the pupils are expected to avail themselves of these as part of the school programme; and any other activities in which all pupils are required to take part.
Schools are allowed to charge a booking fee when considering new applicants for enrolment, provided this is refundable following a decision on enrolment. Booking fees are sometimes required by schools in order to avoid "double booking" of pupils in schools which could result in the loss of teaching posts.
Voluntary contributions by parents or charges for optional extras over and above what is provided for in the general school programme are permissible under the scheme, provided it is made absolutely clear to parents that there is no question of compulsion to pay, and that in making a contribution, they are doing so of their own volition. I have asked my officials to contact the school authorities to clarify the nature of the transition year contribution.
227 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the situation in a school (details supplied) in Dublin 24 in which the two prefabs have been found to be rat infested and have been deemed unfit by a health and safety official; and if she will make a statement on funding which may be allocated to the school in view of its plight. [25381/06]
As outlined to the Deputy in my response to his Parliamentary Question dated 28 June 2006, the school to which he refers applied for additional accommodation to cater for increased enrolments. This application was refused on the grounds that my Department is satisfied that there is considerable spare capacity in neighbouring schools. My Department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking school places. While this may result in pupils not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice, this approach ensures that the use of existing accommodation is maximised and that the development and support of one school over others does not occur.
If there are problems with the standard of accommodation which might require replacement this is a different matter and my Department will be in contact with the school about this issue. With regard to a leaking roof, my Department has not been appraised of this situation. The scope of the works, however, is appropriate for consideration under the summer works scheme. It is noted that the school has never made an application for funds under this scheme. The 2007 summer works scheme was recently published. The closing date for the receipt of applications is 29 September next. The governing circular letter and the application form are available on my Department's website www.education.ie.
228 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the location of the proposed new second level school for Castaheany, Ongar and Littlepace; the specification of the site; the number of acres in the site; if the site has been acquired from the developers either by her Department or by Fingal County Council or by her Department and Fingal County Council jointly; when the school will be open; the number of students it is expected the school will accommodate; when will enrolments be provided for the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25382/06]
As the Deputy will be aware, my Department is planning the development of a new post primary school in Phibblestown to serve the growing population of the Dublin 15 area. It is intended to progress the provision of the school as a design build project. My Department advertised in the Official Journal of the European Union for design build teams and the short-listing of these teams is currently being undertaken. A project manager has also been appointed to manage the delivery of this project.
It is intended that the school will cater for 1,000 pupils. It is not possible to say at this early stage when the new school will open, however the acquisition process for the site is at an advanced stage. Due to the commercial sensitivities of site acquisitions, I am not in a position to provide further details in relation to the site at this time.
229 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the figures for the enrolment for each of the past three years for second level schools (details supplied) in the Dublin 15 area; the payments made in each of the past three years by her Department in respect of each of the schools for teachers and other staffing costs, for capitation or other assistance to the overall running of the school and capital expenditure for each school for each of the past three years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25383/06]
The enrolments for the second levels schools referred to by the Deputy are as follows. The remainder of the information requested is not readily available but will be compiled and forwarded to the Deputy.
|
School Name |
Year |
Total Enrolled |
|
Blakestown Community School |
2002/03 |
648 |
|
(Roll Number 91316Q) |
2003/04 |
545 |
|
2004/05 |
540 |
|
|
Coolmine Community School |
2002/03 |
1,050 |
|
(Roll Number 91315O) |
2003/04 |
1,100 |
|
2004/05 |
1,112 |
|
|
Castleknock Community College |
2002/03 |
1,080 |
|
(Roll Number 76062B) |
2003/04 |
1,133 |
|
2004/05 |
1,144 |
|
|
Castleknock College |
2002/03 |
560 |
|
(Roll No. 60100Q) |
2003/04 |
578 |
|
2004/05 |
575 |
|
|
Hartstown Community School |
2002/03 |
1,003 |
|
(Roll No. 91339F) |
2003/04 |
1,036 |
|
2004/05 |
1,025 |
|
|
Riversdale Community School |
2002/03 |
481 |
|
(Roll No. 70081V) |
2003/04 |
434 |
|
2004/05 |
452 |
|
|
Mount Sackville |
2002/03 |
635 |
|
(Roll No. 60120W) |
2003/04 |
627 |
|
2004/05 |
630 |
230 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science her Department’s policy in relation to second level school sizes and the maximum appropriate size for second level schools; if her Department has made approaches to schools (details supplied) with a view to increasing the number of pupils in each school; the position in relation to further growth in school numbers given the huge demand for second level school places in the Dublin 15 area; if her Department has commissioned work in relation to planning for second level school numbers in the Dublin 15 area in view of the growth of house building in the area and the growth in population; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25384/06]
In general my Department seeks to maximise the use of school sites at primary and post primary level to cater for demand presenting in any particular area. To this end, where site conditions allow and with the agreement of the trustees, post primary schools to cater for up to 1,000 pupils are provided in areas where the population profile justifies this level of accommodation.
The enrolment at the specific schools to which the Deputy refers slightly exceeds 1,000 pupils. No approach has been made by my Department to either of these schools regarding further expansion. With regard to post primary provision in the Dublin 15 area, the Deputy will be aware that plans for a new post primary school in the Phibblestown area are at an advanced stage and, in view of the expanding population, the provision of a further post primary school in the area is currently under consideration.
231 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will instruct vocational educational committees to increase the child care grants to VTOS participants to a more realistic amount. [25392/06]
My Department provides funding to VECs to assist towards the child care expenses of participants in certain further education programmes in order to facilitate the enrolment on these programmes of people for whom they were designed but who had been unable to enrol on them because of child care responsibilities. These are the Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS), Youthreach and Senior Traveller Training Centre programmes.
The amount of grant that each VEC receives is determined by reference to the numbers of students it has enrolled on these programmes and the total amount provided to the Department for this purpose. The administration and disbursement of these grants are matters for each VEC. Students in the relevant programmes who feel entitled to such grants should apply to their VECs.
The funds provide for: direct provision of creche facilities in centres or in rented premises, including staff, equipment/refurbishment, rental, insurance and other overheads; the purchase of places in existing community or commercial creches (this is subject to payment of a maximum of €63.50 per week per child for a full-day session, with pro-rata adjustments for sessions of lesser duration); the payment of childminders, subject to a maximum of €63.50 per child per week for a full session, with pro-rata adjustments for part-time sessions.
The grant is intended as a contribution to costs. VECs determine the level of child care provision and have the discretion to bridge any gap between the Department's grant and actual costs they approve.
232 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Education and Science if the application for a gymnasium from a school (details supplied) is in eighth position on the gym school building list. [25414/06]
There is no separate gym school building list nor are projects assigned numbers on a list in the manner suggested by the Deputy. Applications for the provision of PE or sports facilities in schools are considered in the context of all other applications on hand for capital investment e.g. applications for new schools; refurbishment projects; extensions; new sites; remediation programmes. All applications are considered in the context of available resources and the published criteria for prioritising school building projects.
233 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on correspondence (details supplied); if her officials will provide the school with direction as requested in respect of an application for major capital works; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25415/06]
An application for capital funding towards the provision of an extension has been received from the school referred to by the Deputy. The application has been assessed and the long term projected staffing, on which the accommodation needs will be based, has been determined and notified to the school authority. In order to determine how best to provide for the school's accommodation needs into the future, it will be necessary to have a technical assessment of existing buildings carried out by my Department. Officials from the school planning section, who have recently met with the school authority, will be in further contact with the school authority in order to arrange a technical visit.
234 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Education and Science when a final response will issue from the school transport section to a person (details supplied). [25416/06]
My Department has requested the transport liaison officer for the relevant county to submit a report on the situation referred to by the Deputy. When the report is received and considered, my Department will be in touch with the family concerned.
235 Mr. Walsh asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will sanction the commencement of work on a gaelscoil (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25421/06]
The school referred to by the Deputy has submitted an application to my Department for a new school. While a suitable site has been identified by the Property Management Section of the Office of Public Works, the acquisition is not yet finalised. Once the site has been acquired, the building project required to address the school's accommodation needs will be considered in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme 2006-2010.
236 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science the proposals she has to provide 10 hours’ special needs assistant support and four hours’ resource teaching as recommended by the National Educational Psychological Service psychologist for persons (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25422/06]
As the Deputy is aware, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is now operational. A specific function of the NCSE, through its network of local special educational needs organisers (SENOs), is to identify appropriate educational placements for all children with special educational needs. The SENO is a focal point of contact for parents and schools. My officials have liaised with the NCSE in the context of the children in question and I can confirm that the local SENO is currently examining an application for special educational needs supports for the children. The SENO will convey a decision on the application to the school authorities as soon as this process has been completed.
237 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of children living here who attend primary school in the Six Counties, both overall and by county of residence; and the number of children living here who attend secondary school in the Six Counties. [25447/06]
The details requested by the Deputy are not available in my Department.
238 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of children living in the Six Counties who attend primary school here; and the number of children living in the Six Counties who attend secondary school here. [25448/06]
Details of the number of children living in Northern Ireland who attend primary school in the Republic of Ireland are not available in my Department.
According to my Department's records, there are 56 students with addresses in Northern Ireland enrolled in secondary schools here.
239 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will confirm that consideration is being afforded to the application for additional accommodation at schools (details supplied) in Dublin 24; if her attention has been drawn to the challenges faced by the schools in respect of the international community in the school and the further housing developments in the area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25465/06]
The school to which the Deputy refers made an application to my Department for additional accommodation for September 2006. However, this application was refused on the basis that my Department is satisfied that there is considerable spare capacity in neighbouring schools. My Department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking school places. While, this may result in pupils not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice, this approach ensures that the use of existing accommodation is maximised and that the development and support of one school over others does not occur.
240 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science if there are proposals to review catchment boundaries taking into account the anomalies arising in the provision of school transport and otherwise, due to boundaries which were established over 40 years ago and which take no account of new schools and changes of demographic patterns. [25506/06]
Catchment boundaries have their origins in the establishment of free post-primary education in the late 1960's and were determined following consultation with local educational interests. For planning purposes the country was divided into geographic districts each with several primary schools feeding into a post-primary centre with one or more post-primary schools. The intention was and continues to be that these defined districts facilitate the orderly planning of school provision and accommodation needs.
A number of reviews have been carried out over the years where, for example, a new post-primary school is established in an area where previously there was none or, conversely, where a "sole provider" school closes due to declining enrolments. The Area Development Planning initiative, involving an extensive consultative process carried out by the Commission on School Accommodation, will also inform future revisions to catchment areas. An Area Development Plan takes account of demographic changes and projects future enrolments for existing schools and new schools if required. Catchment boundary changes will be made where the implementation of the recommendations in an Area Development Plan requires such adjustments. In the circumstances, I do not propose to have a general countrywide review of catchment boundaries.
241 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to introduce special protection areas for hen harriers; the activities he intends to ban or regulate in proposed SPA areas; the estimates for expected compensation payouts to farmers affected in the areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25443/06]
Under the EU Birds Directive, Ireland, like other Member States, is required to maintain the population of the Hen Harrier, and to designate Special Protection Areas (SPAs) as required for the species.
In 2002, based on the then available information, nine possible SPA catchments were identified for Hen Harriers in the State. Since then, my Department has thoroughly reviewed the research and information on the Hen Harrier, including the results of a second national survey in 2005. Based on this work a significant reduction in the number and extent of SPAs is now envisaged.
In general, it is not anticipated that the designation of a site for Hen Harriers will have effects on existing farming, existing forestry, or other ongoing activities. Neither should designation of a Hen Harrier SPA result in any restrictions on future rural housing development, on the intensification of grassland management nor on the reseeding of rough grass fields in the area.
The main activities likely to require regulation would be land reclamation/habitat destruction; commercial turf extraction; scrub, gorse or hedgerow removal; and to intensive use of off-road vehicles, other than by farmers.
Any proposed windfarm developments will continue to be assessed through the planning process and planning authorities will assess each proposal on a case-by-case basis. I am today publishing Guidelines for planning authorities on wind energy development. These Guidelines point out there is huge potential to avoid or reduce negative environmental impacts, including those on the natural heritage, in designing wind energy projects.
Regarding the issue of further afforestation in the Hen Harrier SPAs, a Working Group of relevant interests both farming and forestry and my Department has been established to examine the issue with a view to developing a practical management regime for further forestry in the proposed SPAs.
Designation of SPAs does not, of itself, give rise to an entitlement to compensation. However Article 20 of the European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations 1997 provides that where consent to a specified operation or activity is refused the owner or occupier or user as the case may be paid by way of compensation, an amount equal to the loss suffered by the depreciation of an interest in the land to which he or she is entitled. In order to qualify for such compensation payments, it will generally be necessary to show that restrictions have been placed on activities which were practised for a period prior to the designation of the site in question. Compensation would be determined by reference to the predesignation and post-designation values of the land in question. The value of any amounts received under the Rural Environment Protection Scheme may also be taken into account is determining any compensation.
242 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the supports which are available to a local authority to enable communities in rural and urban settings to clean up their areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25340/06]
Primary responsibility for developing and implementing responses to litter problems lies with local authorities. Each local authority determines its level of expenditure on individual local services, including assistance for clean-up operations, as part of its annual estimates process. Such expenditure is funded from a range of sources such as commercial rates, fees, charges and the general purpose grants from the Local Government Fund.
My Department provides financial support for a number of initiatives, which, inter alia, help foster local action against litter. These initiatives include The Irish Business Against Litter National Litter League, the Green Schools programme and the National Spring Clean campaign. In addition, my Department provides grants to local authorities for public education and awareness initiatives against litter.
243 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of litter prosecutions which have been made in a county (details supplied). [25341/06]
Local authorities are responsible for enforcement of the Litter Pollution Acts 1997 to 2003 and submit data to my Department every six months on anti-litter enforcement action including the number of prosecutions taken. This data is available in the Oireachtas Library.
The most recent returns, in respect of the six months ending on 31 December 2005, show that in that period no prosecutions were taken for litter offences by local authorities in the county concerned.
Every opportunity will continue to be taken to urge local authorities to enforce the litter laws as rigorously as possible.
244 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his proposals to progress the waste water treatment scheme for seven towns and villages in County Waterford (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25343/06]
The Waterford Grouped Towns and Villages Sewerage Scheme is included in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2005-2007 as a scheme to start construction next year at an estimated cost of almost €47 million.
Waterford County Council are advancing the scheme on the basis of there being separate contracts for the collection systems for each location and all wastewater treatment plants being procured under a single Design Build and Operate contract. I understand that the Council is currently preparing contract documents for all elements of the scheme and these will be dealt with as quickly as possible following receipt in my Department. However, I also understand that an application has been made to the Courts for a judicial review of the Part 8 planning approval for the Ardmore wastewater treatment plant element of the scheme. This issue will need to be resolved before this particular element of the project will be able to advance to the tender stage.
245 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding a project (details supplied) in County Mayo; the stages that this project has gone through; when Mayo County Council made an application for funding; the position regarding the project; and when he expects that funding will be provided for same. [25356/06]
I refer to the reply to Question No. 259 of 22 March 2006.
Mayo County Council's Contract and Tender Documents for the scheme are being considered by my Department on foot of the additional information received from the Council in the meantime.
246 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding a water scheme (details supplied) in County Mayo. [25357/06]
The Kilmaine and Shrule Water Supply Scheme is approved for construction in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2005-2007 at an estimated cost of €5.4 million.
Mayo County Council's Contract Documents for the scheme are being examined in my Department and are being dealt with as quickly as possible. Approval of the contract documents will allow the Council to proceed with the invitation of tenders.
247 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position with regard to a water scheme (details supplied) in County Mayo; the stage same is at; when the scheme will commence; if funding has been provided for it; and the expected completion date. [25358/06]
The extension of the Lough Mask Regional Water Supply Scheme from Shrah to Westport is approved for construction in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2005-2007 at an estimated cost of almost €13m.
Further consideration will be given to Mayo County Council's Contract Documents for the scheme on receipt of information recently requested from the Council. Approval of the Contract Documents will allow the Council to proceed with the invitation of tenders.
248 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the conditions that circuses are required to meet before being given permission to open here, with special reference to the circumstances under which the animals are kept; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25359/06]
My Department has no function in relation to the granting of permission for the opening of circuses. Issues of animal welfare are covered by the Protection of Animal Acts, which are the responsibility of the Minister for Agriculture and Food.
249 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding a project (details supplied) in County Mayo; the stage this project is at; the funding which has been allocated to same to date; the estimated funding to complete the project; and when it is expected that this matter will be complete. [25360/06]
I refer to the reply to Question No. 611 of 30 May 2006. The additional information requested from the Council in respect of the Belmullet Sewerage Scheme is awaited in my Department.
250 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding a project (details supplied) in County Mayo; the stage same is at; the breakdown of each stage to date; and when this project will commence construction. [25361/06]
I refer to the reply to Question No. 180 of 27 April 2006. Additional information submitted by Mayo County Council in the meantime is being examined in my Department and a response will issue to the Council as soon as possible.
251 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will sanction funding for an extension to a sewerage scheme (details supplied) in County Mayo. [25362/06]
I refer to the reply to Question No. 990 of 25 April 2006.
252 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the stage of a project (details supplied) in County Mayo; when the construction phase will commence; and when he expects the centre to open. [25363/06]
Some €3.81 million has been allocated by my Department under the National Development Plan 2000-2006 for the construction of a new Visitor Centre to serve Ballycroy National Park, County Mayo, and a site has been acquired in the village of Ballycroy. Planning permission had been obtained by the Office of Public Works for the construction of the Centre. As it was not possible to proceed with the access envisaged in the original planning application, a revised planning application for an alternative site entrance through my Department's lands was recently submitted to Mayo County Council. The Office of Public Works have completed the pre-qualification process for the tendering of building, mechanical and electrical works and are in a position to advance the tendering process assuming a favourable decision on the revised planning application.
253 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will reconsider his decision not to provide North and South Tipperary County Councils with additional funds to recruit additional staff to enable them to meet the increasing demands placed on them by the rising number of planning applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25405/06]
I refer to the reply to Question Nos. 955 and 957 of 25 April 2006. The position is unchanged.
254 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of third party planning submissions or observations made in each planning authority for each year since 2000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25406/06]
The information requested is not available in my Department.
255 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will make funding available for a sewerage scheme (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [25407/06]
The Freshford/Johnstown/Goresbridge Sewerage Scheme is included in my Department's Water Service Investment Programme 2005-2007 as a scheme to advance through planning at an estimated cost of €3.2 million. My Department is awaiting a Preliminary Report for the scheme from Kilkenny County Council.
256 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the guidelines or regulations that he has issued or intends to issue regarding erection of mobile telecommunication masts and the siting of antenna on these masts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25431/06]
In July 1996 my Department issued Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Telecommunications Antennae and Support Structures. Their purpose was to assist planning authorities, An Bord Pleanála, operators of mobile telecommunications services and the general public by providing guidance on dealing with telecommunications masts and base stations within the planning system. The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources reported in June 2005 on Non-ionising radiation from mobile phone handsets and masts. The Report made 11 recommendations, including a recommendation that planning guidelines and planning exemptions be examined with a view to ensuring that no equipment emitting electromagnetic or radio frequency emissions should be permitted to be sited near health centres, schools or other sensitive sites such as playgrounds or pitches etc. Following the report of the Joint Committee, the Government, in September 2005, approved the establishment of an inter-departmental advisory committee and an expert group, working to the committee, on the health effects of electromagnetic fields. The committee, on which my Department is represented, will provide advice to the Government on the appropriate action to be taken on foot of the recommendations contained in the report. The work of the committee and expert group is in train and I understand that the committee expects to report to the Government before the end of 2006. In the interim, it is not proposed to amend the current Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Telecommunications Antennae and Support Structures.
257 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will contact the individual local authorities in relation to Question No. 524 of 20 June 2006 in order that this question will be answered and the information supplied directly to this Deputy. [25432/06]
As indicated in reply to Question 524 of 20 June 2006, this information is not co-ordinated centrally nor is it proposed to commit the resources of my Department and local authorities to this purpose.
258 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position in relation to a sewerage scheme (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25433/06]
The Malin Town Sewerage Scheme has been approved for funding in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2005-2007 under the Rural Towns and Villages Initiative at an estimated cost of €1.6 million. My Department approved the Preliminary Report for this scheme in June 2004, subject to a review by Donegal County Council of the proposed phasing of the scheme and of the Water Pricing Policy Report. The review has been satisfactorily completed and, in accordance with the new streamlined procurement procedures for schemes costing up to €5 million, the Council may now proceed to tender and construction without further reference to my Department.
259 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason for the lack of progress with the County Tipperary North-West Regional Water Supply Scheme; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that all planning applications and housing developments are stalled as a result; if he will expedite the project funding application through the various stages within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25434/06]
The Tipperary North West Regional Water Supply Scheme is included in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2005-2007 as a scheme to commence construction in 2007 at an estimated cost of €15.3 million. My Department approved North Tipperary County Council's brief for the appointment of consultants to prepare a Preliminary Report for the scheme in June 2005. Revised proposals from the Council in relation to the consultants' fees and the planning stage budget for the scheme were submitted by the Council last month and are being dealt with as quickly as possible in my Department.
260 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the status of applications with his Department (details supplied); when he expects the project to begin; if the project will be completed before 2007 as planned; if swift approval will be given for all stages of the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25435/06]
The information requested is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
261 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of applicants accommodated under the long-term accommodation initiative for rent supplement tenants by county in 2004, 2005 and to date in 2006; if this scheme is proving beneficial to both the State and the tenants; the savings to the State from the reduction in rent supplement payments for these same time periods; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25463/06]
The key objectives of the Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS) are to eliminate dependence on SWA rent supplement scheme by persons assessed as needing housing assistance on a long term basis; enhance the response of local authorities in meeting long-term housing need; provide an additional source of good quality accommodation for eligible persons and potentially provide more effective utilisation of resources for housing assistance. The initial project to transfer rent supplement recipients of 18 months or more continuous duration is due to be completed by the end of 2008.
Good progress has been made in setting up the management and financial systems, legal forms and administrative arrangements for the implementation of the scheme. Roll out commenced in an initial group of lead authorities in 2005 and the first transfers to the scheme were made in September of that year. The authorities now actively operating the scheme cover over 85% of the transferable cases and from mid-year it is expected that all authorities will have commenced work on the scheme. All of the relevant agencies are co-operating actively to ensure that by the end of 2006, effectively the first year of operation, 5,000 households will have transferred.
I am satisfied at this early stage that good progress is being made in meeting all the objectives for the Rental Accommodation Scheme including making savings where these can be achieved. In terms of achieving the objectives of the scheme, the indications from local authorities have been positive to date with over 1,200 cases transferred to RAS accommodation. A further 770 households who were recipients of Rent Supplement have been provided with local authority housing. A breakdown of the number of transfers to date by county from Rent Supplement to RAS is provided in the table below. A full review of the operation of the scheme, including an assessment of the financial costs and benefits, will be undertaken before the end of the implementation period in 2008. Initial indications are that there have been savings on rents on about a third of the transfers to private accommodation to date. The following table outlines the Number of Rent Supplement Cases transferred to the Rental Accommodation Scheme — it should be noted that Transfers from Rent Supplement to the Rental Accommodation Scheme commenced in 2005 — in 2004, 2005 and 2006 to the end of May, by county:
|
County |
Cases transferred in 2005 |
Cases transferred in 2006 |
Total number of cases transferred |
|
Clare |
44 |
3 |
47 |
|
Cork |
50 |
142 |
192 |
|
Donegal |
53 |
4 |
57 |
|
Dublin |
225 |
171 |
396 |
|
Galway |
62 |
33 |
95 |
|
Kilkenny |
0 |
70 |
70 |
|
Limerick |
42 |
1 |
43 |
|
Louth |
15 |
8 |
23 |
|
Monaghan |
0 |
19 |
19 |
|
Tipperary |
0 |
43 |
43 |
|
Offaly |
6 |
28 |
34 |
|
Waterford |
0 |
160 |
160 |
|
Westmeath |
8 |
23 |
31 |
|
Totals |
505 |
705 |
1,210 |
